Any little-known must-sees in Milan or Bologna?

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Heading to northern Italy next week for the first time and would love to hear of some of the lesser known must-dos.

Not talking about the Duomo or Piazza Maggiore as they’re definitely in the list, but do you have any “hidden gems” (hate that term!) that you can let me in on?

Years ago I went to the university museum in Bologna. A random collection of ancient maps, 18th century obstetric models and others. Not necessarily a must see but if the weather was bad a good place to go.

The Ducati Museum, if you like motorbikes… 🏍️😬

Is the opera season up and running at La Scala? I got great cheap tickets there years ago.

Bologna: the university museum is good but mostly I'd just sit still and eat. A lot. The cheap places are as good as, often better than the expensive ones. Not exactly a hidden gem but tortellini bolognese in the food hall/market just off the main square is so good.

Not so much as a hidden gem but we had some lovely pastries at Pappare' Bologna!

I love how quickly this thread has veered towards food 😂

I’m fully committed to trying all the pastries, pastas, and pizzas 🐷

Do it! It's where Italians go to eat. And it's all about pasta, arancini, pastries, coffee - not so much of a pizza town.

The excavations below the library in Bologna. Iirc there is the old university building with a dissection lecture theatre.

Tortellini in brodo in Bologna, and wander through the food market/shops area, and visit the Mercato delle erbe. I've never had a pizza in Bologna - but you must try the gnocchi fritti with mortadella and with lardo.

i did the food and ferrari tour when in Bologna, whilst I'm not fussed about the Ferrari side of it, the food aspect was incredible!
We visited 3 small family businesses, making balsamic viniger, cheese and hams, then an amazing place for lunch - i still remember what I ate 6 years ago it was that good!!!
Bologna is just amazing for food and wandering :)

We took the train to see the Ferrari museum; it was DH's birthday, but even I found it interesting.

Museum of Archeology in Bologna is great, only air-conditioning downstairs with the mummies tho.

My favourite museum in Bologna is tiny but free and has quite a random selection of exhibits - Davia Bargellini. I also like going up to San Luca - and up to the rooftop of San Luca for excellent views but only go on a clear day or it is not worth it. Best ice cream imo is in Via Galliera (number 49).

Villa Necchi in Milan is a lovely house run by the Italian equivalent of the National Trust. They have English tours. The restaurant is a cut above NT cafes!

Not a hidden gem but the rooftop route of Milan cathedral was amazing and sells out.

book!

The canal area in Milan - have forgotten its name. A local friend recommended it for a wander and a drink and it was great!

Another one for Bologna - there are lots of really good cinemas in Bologna showing films in the original language. Last year Modernissimo was reopened after extensive renovation and it is a gorgeous 1930s cinema right in the centre of town. Even better - you cant take snacks in with you which makes for a much more pleasant experience!

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