The Navigli area of Milan, important in the past for commercial river traffic, is a beautiful area of the city with many clubs and shops. Near Porta Ticinese there is the Darsena artificial basin which can be easily reached by tram and subway. A few steps from the Darsena, we recommend visiting the Cloisters of Sant'Eustorgio.

It's always a magical dive on the canals. I'm no longer twenty years old but I found the beloved "old places", still the same, which aroused memories and emotions in me. This does not take away space for new proposals always in line with the Mood of the canal of Milan but captivating and worth discovering. It is a place always to be discovered.

The canal is a great place to go after wandering around the city. We went there for 2 nights. You can go on a boat up and down but we didn’t bother. Was nice to drink aperitifs and just chill. We were there very late and it felt safe. Metro nearby and some lovely restaurants for all budgets.

By taking part in a trip organized by an agency I was able to take a tour on a boat on the Navigli. It is a different and captivating Milan, above all carefree, romantic, and full of clubs, it represents one of the places of nightlife in the city. I liked it a lot the atmosphere and the place even if a little chaotic. Definitely recommended.

Only a 20 minute walk from the centre, the area was lovely. Canals lined with shops, restaurants, bars and cafes and some street sellers selling souvenirs. It was nice to sit outside with a drink and people watch, then grab lunch and people watch some more - all whilst in the March sunshine.

Beauty of place in total boom do not fail to know it Very good options for dinner or lunch. Full of tourists and also a very safe place, we arrived walking from the duomo although it is 40 minutes. I recommend it

Very easy to get to via Milan metro system. We got off the Porta Genova FS station, pretty much just walked straight down to reach the canal. There were two bridges spanning the canal for some great photographs. We strolled both sides of the canal before settling at a nice restaurant for dinner. Did a loop "bridge to bridge". There are a ton of selections. Cafes and bars too. Many souvenir stalls to browse through. We did not see all the graffiti people posted about. It is a lovely neighborhood, definitely worth the time to us. Stayed at nightfall for some fantastic reflections in the water. Instagram photo opportunities.

A short distance from the centre are these famous canals. There is even a tram directly from the square by the duo. Here you can stroll and enjoy car-free zones along the water. Often there is live music too. Generally speaking, it is cheaper here than in the city centre, so take the opportunity to drink and eat something here.

The interconnected 5 canals date back from middle ages. We found a cool vacation ambiente here, plenty of al fresco drinking&dining. Most of the places along the Navigli look the same, but watch out! Some tourist traps are waiting for you! Check prices before sitting down! Great for a pit stop and people watching. Once a month, the last Sunday of each month, you can enjoy a huge flea market along the canal (Mercato dell'Antiquariato sul Naviglio Grande) .

Navigli is a charming area in the heart of Milan, known for its network of canals. However, don’t set your expectations on a Venetian experience—you’d be disappointed. Instead, think of it as a vibrant neighborhood about a 15-minute walk from the Duomo, blissfully free from the throngs of tourists that flood the city center. Navigli has its own unique appeal, with lively bars and restaurants that truly come alive later in the evening. It’s a bit like discovering a suburb of Milan that hasn’t succumbed to the usual tourist hype, offering a more authentic slice of local life. The atmosphere is relaxed, the vibe is energetic, and it’s a refreshing change of pace from the busy streets around the Duomo. My only word of caution is to prepare for mosquitoes, especially in the height of summer. With the canals’ stagnant water, it’s practically a mosquito haven. But don’t let that deter you—if you’re in the center of Milan, a walk to Navigli after dark is well worth it. It’s a safe and intriguing way to experience a different side of this fabulous city. And if you’re looking for a place to stay, there are some excellent hotel choices in the area. I highly recommend checking out my review of Aethos Hotel, which perfectly captures the vibrant yet cozy essence of Navigli.