Navigli
The two canals laid out by Leonardo, lined with bars and workshops.
Duration
1 hr 30 min – 3 hrs
Best time
At aperitivo time
Open
Every day
Entry price
Free
Milan had a network of navigable canals linking it to the Ticino and Lake Maggiore, and Leonardo da Vinci worked on their locks at the end of the fifteenth century — the mitre-gate lock is partly credited to him. The Duomo's marble arrived along these canals.
Most were covered over in the 1930s. Two survive, the Naviglio Grande and the Naviglio Pavese, lined with galleried houses and old workshops. The district is where the Milanese aperitivo happens, and a flea market is held there on the last Sunday of the month.
Getting there
Metro line 2, Porta Genova station, five minutes on foot. Both canals lead off the Darsena, the dock basin.
What to bring
- Swimsuit
Rules on site
The Milanese aperitivo includes a buffet with the drink: the price of the glass looks high but it covers dinner. The district is very loud at weekends and residents have won restrictions on hours.