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Navigli

Landmark

Navigli

  • Milan
  • 2–3 hours
  • 2 experiences to book

Milan's canal quarter: the Darsena harbour, the Naviglio Grande and Pavese, old wash troughs and aperitivo bars.

Things to do at Navigli

Guided tours · 2

About Navigli

For centuries the Navigli tied Milan to the rivers and lakes of Lombardy. The Naviglio Grande, dug from the 12th century, carried the Candoglia marble that built the Duomo, and boats unloaded at the Darsena, the city's old harbour, rebuilt for Expo 2015.

Today the towpaths along the Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese are lined with bars, studios and old courtyard houses. Look for Vicolo dei Lavandai, where stone wash troughs still sit under a wooden roof, then join the city for aperitivo as the lights come on along the water.

Know before you go

  • From late September to late March the canals are drained for maintenance outside the city; Milan's basins keep water, but boat trips can be limited.
  • Towpaths are cobbled in places and run right beside the water.
  • Evenings get crowded; keep bags zipped and close to you.
  • Aperitivo usually starts around 18:00, and a drink often comes with snacks.