We have 2 days before heading back to N America and can fly back from
Munich or Milan???
which would be better for 1 real day of sightseeing/shopping
as it's November

Milan. Loved Milan.

what did you do and how long where you there?
any suggestions for place to stay

I was in Milan for a couple of days. I walked around the main Piazza, visited the Duomo Cathedral (just the pic with the Cathedral as background was worth the stop in Milan!), visited Santa Maria delle Grazie church where da Vinci painted his major masterpiece – 'Last Supper', visited the Castello Sforzesco (where DaVinci worked for many years). Also, I walked around the fashion district. I loved Milan. I happened to also love Munich, but if I had to picked btwn the two, it would be a no brainer to me: Milan.

I stayed at Hotel Aosta, right across from the main train station (Milano Centrale); $90/two twin beds, included breakfast.

Milan at any time! And if you like to shop, then more so. If you want to go and see Da Vinci's 'Last Supper' book in advance here: www.milan-museum.com

I love both cities and have been to each 4-5 times. We are headed back to Munich this holiday season. We generally go in late November as the holiday season there is VERY festive with lots of markets and celebration.

Munich is a lot of fun, easy to get around and has more going on in a central area than Milan - IMO and IMO. I stay near the main station and have easy access by food to Marienplatz and beyond, and there is a wide range of dining, shopping and some nightlife as well.

In Milan, I have stayed near the Duomo and the station both. Both are pretty quiet areas in the evenings. We have to go father in Milan to find the restaurants, etc, that we enjoy.

As far as value, Munich is a clear winner in both hotel and meal cost.

I vote for Munich.

" have easy access by food"

Should say easy access by foot...sorry!

Milan!

MUNICH....Milan is depressing!

PP....you probably have not seen Munich in November....now THAT is depressing!

Hmmm, I have been in Munich 4 times in late November - early December. Streets are full of Christmas markets, skating rinks are open and serving gluhwein, everything is decorated - hardly what I call depressing.

I've been to Munich 40+ times in late November, very depressing. The skating rink only exists since quite recent and the Glühwein mugs are infested with herpes

Sorry, been to Munich early AND Mid November-- that is one gray, depressing town.

Either bury your head in work or flee for some sunnier place.

logos999, guess we won't be running into this November in Munich then - darn

How did a request for sightseeing and shopping get translated into a request for sun?

To the OP, Munich has the better airport.

The sun and light during the day is what is missing I'll either be working or I'm off to Australia. Guess what I'd prefer.