"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.
Darsena
Waterfront:
€
free
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