Milan once used to be a little Venice with a 150km long network of canals, connecting the city with the rivers and lakes around. Unfortunately, most of them have been covered over time and are no longer visible but one of the remaining ones, the Naviglio Grande, is all the more special today. Starting from port Darsena, the Navigli Grande starts off with one of the most popular restaurant and bar strips in Milan. During any night of the week, this part of the Navigli becomes the place to be.
My favorite part though is during the day, when it's less busy, to bike along the canal past San Cristoforo (check my San Cristoforo Church article) until, well, until wherever you want to go really. If you don't have your own bike, take a day pass from the bike sharing service provided by the city.
Just a few minutes out of the "known" part of the Navigli, you quickly feel very far from the big city, cycling through neighboring villages that preserved the charm of the old days. A bit further, you can see the abandoned Olympic park that is now home to graffiti and skaters.
Recommended starting point: Port Darsena
Tip: if you should want to cross the Naviglio Grande, don't be picky with the bridges as there might be long strips where your only possibility to get to the other side is to swim.
Alzaia Naviglio Grande
€
no-price
Find your way with 185 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
One of the most interesting in the city, founded in 1576, it has the same structure as some Roman-Greek circular temples, "tholos" in ancient Greek.
by
It was built in the V century around a stone, which beneath it had the relics of four Christian martyrs who were brutally tortured and then killed...
by
Alda Merini was one of the most interesting people in the city and was always wandering around Navigli, so anybody could go and meet her in that district.
by
Villa Invernizzi is an impressive Milan mansion with its own covey of pink flamingos. They spend their quiet lives in the garden, used to the attention.
by
Though Pinocchio's statue is easy to overlook, it serves as a reminder of Milan’s deep connection to Italian culture, inviting us to see beyond the surface
by
On Saint'Eustorgio square stands the statue of Saint Peter of Verona, the crual Inquisitor of Milan and Como, overseeing trials for witchcraft and sorcery.
by
AOC's charm is not just in the goods but in the story behind them, shared passionately by the founder’s son and his wife, who now run the store.
by
These fountains, both historic and functional, are reminders of Milan’s longstanding connection with mineral water—an overlooked aspect of the city’s past.
by
Casa 770 striking facade was built to bring a piece of Brooklyn’s spirit to Milan, it’s the only one in Europe, and now it serves as a cultural hub.
by
Locals say via Bagnera is haunted, with the wind carrying whispers of a gruesome legacy. Pause and imagine Milan’s hidden history in this quiet corner.
by
Backdoor43 in Milan is life experienced through a whiskey glass. This is the smallest bar in the world. 3 people maximum for each session, booked in advance.
by
"Tenoha Milano" has Nippon minimalism. No fluffy puff, no chichi, no HelloKitty. This place oozes craftsmanship, period. You'll wanna come back asap.
by
185 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 185 Insider Tips