Canals in Milan: 5 Fun Facts About the Navigli

When it comes to canals in Italy, Venice isn’t your only option! Milan’s Navigli neighborhood is famed for the Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese canals. With its great bars and boutiques, the Navigli is one of our favorite areas in Milan. Not to mention one of the most historic! Learn more about this Navigli district and how you can enjoy the canals in Milan as much if not more than it´s counterparts in Venice.

5 Fun Facts about the Canals in Milan

Milan’s canals were built because of the Duomo

Milan’s canals aren’t only beautiful, but functional: They were constructed to transport goods from the nearby lakes. One of the most important deliveries? Precious marble from Candoglia, which was used to construct Milan’s cathedral, the Duomo. The canals are no longer used for shipping, but you may see some tour boats floating by for sightseeing tours in the summer.

Visit the Duomo in Milan, built from the precious marble, transported from Candoglia by canal.

Da Vinci might be the designer behind the canals

Renaissance genius Leonardo Da Vinci was called to Milan in 1482 by Ludovico il Moro, Duke of Milan, to improve the city with his talents and ideas. The Last Supper is among da Vinci’s most famous contributions to Milan, but legend has it that he also helped plan the renovation of the canals in Milan.

The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. Photo via Wikicommons

The canals once made Milan look like Venice

With five active canals, this neighborhood once was connected by waterways. People built country homes and even castles here, some of which you still can see today. And to get from one location to another, the Milanese often went by boat. In fact, historians note that, for these reasons, this part of the city once resembled Venice!

A boat on Milan’s canal in 1886

The Navigli district is an art lover’s haven

Love art? Then don’t miss exploring the many galleries along the canals in Milan! You’ll see signs pointing into the courtyards for collections of local artist’s work. And the galleries aren’t just fun to browse; the art on offer makes a great souvenir to bring home, too!

As well as galleries, you’ll find design showrooms and temporary outdoor photography and art exhibits, especially during Salone del Mobile – Milan’s design week.

An art gallery at the Naviglio Grande. Photo by Walter Saporiti

Head to the canals, and you’ll feel like you’ve left Milan for the countryside

Want an escape from the city? Head off the beaten path toward Milan’s suburbs along the Naviglio della Martesana (also know as Naviglio Piccolo, or “small canal,” opposed to the Naviglio Grande).

There, it’s easy to enjoy a picturesque walk or a bike ride along the beautiful, tree-lined paths of the canals of Milan.

Naviglio della Martesana. Photo by Ian Spackman

FAQs – Visiting Navigli/Canals in Milan

When is the best time to visit the Navigli district?

Evenings are the most atmospheric, especially in spring and summer when the bars and restaurants spill out onto the canal banks. Weekends can be crowded, so visiting on a weekday offers a more relaxed experience for strolling, dining, or taking photos.

Milan’s Navigli neighborhood has several bars with terraces along the river.

Is the area easy to reach from central Milan?

Yes, Navigli is very accessible. You can take the M2 metro to Porta Genova, hop on several tram lines, or enjoy a pleasant 20 to 30 minute walk from the Duomo. The district is compact, making it easy to explore on foot once you arrive.

What should I know before dining or shopping along the canals?

Canal-side restaurants and bars can fill up quickly, especially during aperitivo hours. It’s a good idea to book ahead for dinner, and expect slightly higher prices in prime waterfront locations on the canals of Milan. Many boutiques and galleries close for a mid-afternoon break, so plan your visit around typical Italian opening hours.

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Ready to experience Milan like a true insider?
Whether you’re passionate about art and history, a foodie eager to sample Milan’s culinary scene, or simply want to see the city’s most iconic sights with expert local guides, there’s a Walks of Italy tour waiting for you.

Choose from immersive sightseeing adventures that bring Duomo, Leonardo’s masterpieces, and hidden gems to life; food and wine experiences that introduce you to authentic Milanese flavours; and exclusive access tours that let you skip the lines and enjoy VIP moments you won’t find on your own!