In October 2012 I went to Milan for a Flying Colors concert. I was there just for that reason. I was told that Milan is not a place to visit, but I liked it so much more than Venice.
It’s real city, a living city versus Venice which is more a tourist destination, which is fine, but not my cuppa tea, sort to say.
Having only one choice of the two Venice or Milan – I would choose Milan to visit again.