Darsena Milan

Milan's ancient harbour

Matteo from Milan

About me I’m in the founding team at ProntoPro.it, where I work as Product Manager. I like travelling, movies and underground electronic music, in this order. Keyword: safari Why Milan Because it’s not an openly beautiful city, it blossoms only after a while; here you can go clubbing and rest in secret gardens, witness beautiful buildings and be e...
""Darsena" Milan is what used to be the city's harbor, now a cozy site where people like to gather to sit and enjoy the weather in good company..."

"La Darsena" use to be the City's harbor, in the past years it certainly wasn't a fancy, nor a cosy, nor a nice spot even, but since Expo 2015 came into play, it will be one of the sites to leave quite a positive legacy and impact on Milan. Its redevelopment carried out by architects Edoardo Guazzoni, Paolo Rizzatto, Sandro Rossi and Studio Bodin&Associés, aimed at renovating and making the banks of the Darsena attractive again. I can assure you they made it.

A new little garden, sculptures and tree-lined pedestrian areas grew along with new green areas and nice walkways together with Piazza 24 Maggio, making the Navigli area even more pleasant and attractive than before and connecting it with Colonne, one of the throbbing veins of Milan.

I've heard many people walking by saying it looks like Paris, now I'm not saying it is nothing more than Paris, nor anything less...but these kinds of exclamations might be a little farfetched for my taste. The fact remains that it is definitely worth passing and stopping by, for a picnic, a beer or just to chill a bit and lay down on the grass, letting your legs swing over the waters, hanging from the banks.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

Buy one, Give one!

Share your 💚 this December

*on all products

Milan Spotter Matteo

About me I’m in the founding team at ProntoPro.it, where I work as Product Manager. I like travelling, movies and underground electronic music, in this order. Keyword: safari Why Milan Because it’s not an openly beautiful city, it blossoms only after a while; here you can go clubbing and rest in secret gardens, witness beautiful buildings and be exposed to quite a few cultural diversities, unlike some years ago. Plus, this city is getting more active and attractive by the year, ask the young “Milanesi” what they think, chances are...

About this spot

Darsena

Waterfront:

free

Dec 4, 2025

Our Milan City Guide

Find your way with 195 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Milan guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Milan

Living Liqueurs & Delights

Fashion and aperitivo

"Living Liqueurs & Delights": one of my favorite aperitivo spots in Milan and its first real vodka bar. It has a beautiful bar ambiance & a nice lounge...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Ivan

Kalinov

Dec 4, 2025

DOU

Dim Sum paradise

"DOU" was the first (Asian) restauarant I bumped into in Milan, and it remains one of my favorites in the city. What I like is the selection of cuisines...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Ivan

Kalinov

Dec 4, 2025

Terrazza 12 Bar

Back to the '50s

"Terrazza 12 Bar" is reminiscent of Tokyo, in that sometimes you have to look up to find the gems. So in Milan - it's on the top floor of Bryan & Barry...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Ivan

Kalinov

Dec 4, 2025

Wasabi Bar

Williamsburg in Milan

"Wasabi Bar" is one of the greatest bars in Milan. Why? Because it's great! It's actually tiny, but don't be misled: the drink selection & design are...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Ivan

Kalinov

Dec 4, 2025

Via Solferino

Independent shopping

"Via Solferino" is a central Milan street, yet far away from the crowds. I go there to just look around the shop and I'm sure I can always find I...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Ivan

Kalinov

Dec 4, 2025

Al Fresco

A meeting place with food and dining

"Al Fresco" is my Milan cafe/restaurant I'd never visited because it was just next door to my place! Let me tell you, that was a mistake, if only for...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Ivan

Kalinov

Dec 4, 2025

Scalo Farini

Great aperitivo

"Scalo Farini" in Milan is a bar recommended to me by an Isola local as the best aperitivo in town. I can say that I haven't tried any better than this.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Ivan

Kalinov

Dec 4, 2025

Straf Bar

Unexpectedly cool

"Straf Bar" Milan is a peculiar place - even though it's next to Duomo, it's one of the coolest spots in town. Protip: grab one of the "benches" outside...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Ivan

Kalinov

Dec 4, 2025

QC Terme Milano

Total relax in the city

"QC Terme Milano" is the place for you if you're just a bit tired. Honestly, I wouldn't have expected to find a spa like this in the city...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Ivan

Kalinov

Dec 4, 2025

Frida

Chilling in alternative & hip Isola

"Frida" Milan is one of the places that for me defines the spirit of Isola. It's a great bar with affordable drinks, a great terrace and cool people...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Ivan

Kalinov

Dec 4, 2025

San Cristoforo Church

Old Milan

"San Cristoforo Church" is one of Milan's corners that can really take you back through time. Protip: take a walk along Naviglio Grande in the evening...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Ivan

Kalinov

Dec 4, 2025

Ajoblanco

Hip aperitivo & dinner alternative

"Ajoblanco" is the perfect restaurant to enjoy Spanish tapa in Milan. The ambience & decor? Trendy and traditional. Protip: better enjoyed with friends!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Ivan

Kalinov

Dec 4, 2025

Heading to Milan?

195 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Milan app Home
Milan app Home
Milan app Map
Milan app Home

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

195 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Milan

Our team loves Milan

Get to know our other Spotters from Milan

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
28
Made with the 💚 of 498 Spotters.
Filters