This is a favorite place for a beer at any time of the year and while it’s quite cozy inside now with the weather picking up (slowly) you can also drink by the canal.

It’s a little different from the usual bars in the Navigli area which can focus more on the Happy hour trade and cocktails and can lack a bit of atmosphere. They don’t do the normal happy hour buffet but you can order fantastic value cheese and salami platters if you’re feeling a little peckish.

Another cute thing is that they serve the beer in kitcsh ceramic beer mugs. They serve a good Italian brewed favorite Menebrea and the Prague favorite from Staropramen.

They don’t do the normal happy hour buffet but you can order fantastic value cheese and salami platters if you’re feeling a little peckish. It’s easy to find, just at the start of the Naviglio Pavese. The first canal if you are walking from the city centre. If you get there early you should have no problem finding a seat, later in the night after 22:00, could be more difficult.

Probably each single woman in Milan has got at least one pair of shoes by Mauro Leone. If you are a woman, and you love shoes (ever found a woman who disliked them ?) -this is the place you want to go.

Mauro sells mainly “last trend” shoes at affordable prices and this is probably why it is always so packed. The shop is very small, there is always music on and beautiful shoes displayed everywhere.

They do not accept credit cards, however in front of the shop there is an ATM machine, so remember to fill your wallet if you are planning to buy more then one pair (and if you are not from Milan and just visiting, I bet you will)

Remember: If you have the chance, do not go there on Saturday afternoon, the shop is very little and you will risk not finding enough space to get in.

The Locanda Greca is situated in a classic Milanese courtyard, a great example of old style Milanese housing, “Vecchia Milano”, nice in summer and winter.

The menu is classic Greek, dips, feta, moussaka, feta, kebabs, feta and feta! They also have some Greek wine but I can’t say it was anything special but the price is honest.

The Navigli area is a popular bar area but this is a nice place to stop for a bite to eat. Of course, afterwards to digest your meal you can take a “passeggiata” (walk, stroll) like a typical Italian along the canal, plus it’s a mini fashion show at the same time!

This bio-natural restaurant is in the inner court of a modern building just opposite the Navigli. It is a great place to go to if you are curious to discover what vegan food is, i.e. the food with no meat, no fish, no egg, no cheese, no milk … you would imagine you can only have salad but believe me, it’s an entire new world of ingredients and tastes to explore. Not only tofu and seitan but also hummus, wakame, kamut, soya, cereals and many others.

I suggest to try Mudra for lunch and to get the menu degustazione (sampling menu): for just € 9.00 (€ 15.00 for dinner) you have a single dish with 1st and 2nd course + side order. Also the aperitivo is a nice experience: you can order your glass of biological wine or beer and peck from the buffet but if you want to try something different, you can get a 20 minutes ayurvedic massage with it (€ 18.00 instead of € 8.00)

At the 1st floor there are often courses (dance, massage, yoga…).

Afer 21:30 you need to press the entry phone to get in the inner court.

Ok I must admint that “navigli”, is probably the most touristic area in town. Probably because, especially in summer, the atmosphere here is very relaxed and the water adds the “holiday feeling”. However if you follow my simple tips you’ll have the chance to experience one of the most romantic parts of the city.

Navigli in Milan is the name for canal. Originally it was built to connect Milan with the lakes and with Switzerland.

The are two main Navigli: Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese: they are both nice but it depends on what you are looking for.

Naviglio Grande is more on the bohemian side. There are many restaurants, cafes and second hand shops. Here, each last Sunday of the month, a big Antiques Market is held (Mercatone Naviglio Grande). You’ll find furniture, items for the home, old books, jewelry etc. In my opinion is perfect for a pleasant walk on a Sunday morning in spring/autumn or to have a drink in the afternoon.

In Naviglio Pavese (just beside the other Naviglio) the atmosphere is younger. I recommend to come here at night in autumn or in winter, for a romantic walk. Unless you are looking for a party atmosphere, then come here on a Saturday night for a drink or two.