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Naviglio Grande

Naviglio Grande: Our most recommended tours and activities

Milan: Navigli District Canal Boat Tour with Aperitivo

1. Milan: Navigli District Canal Boat Tour with Aperitivo

Explore the Navigli district, famous for its canals and vibrant evening life, on a boat cruise. Cruise along the Naviglio Grande and enjoy a glass of wine or Aperol spritz, with some tasty snacks. After you set off on the canal, enjoy the sights of typical Milanese railing houses, which represent the Milan of the past, now home to numerous bars and restaurants. Gently cruising upstream you will pass one of the oldest churches in the city: the Church of San Cristoforo. See the historic headquarters of Canottieri Milano Olona and the famous alley of the launderers, an architectural jewel that takes its name from the residents who washed their laundry there, all in complete relaxation and in a convivial atmosphere. If you want, you can also listen to the audio guide to learn a bit more about the district and sights you will see. Or simply enjoy the navigation while chatting with your friends over a glass of wine or Aperol spritz, a favorite local beverage.

Private Navigli Walking Tour

2. Private Navigli Walking Tour

Your 1.5-hour walking tour begins in Piazza Sant’Eustorgio, in front of the basilica that was founded in the early Christian era. Your walk will take you to the Darsena, site of an ancient inner harbor built during the Spanish era and active until the 1970s for the regional trade. During the tour you’ll learn about the history of the canal from the 12th century, and how Leonardo later improved the system of locks. Hear about the tradition of ancient trades and the people who lived along the waterways. Cross the Triumph Bridge and walk along the Naviglio Pavese, crossing picturesque alleys as you continue to the Naviglio Grande, Milan’s main canal. After reaching the canal you’ll walk with your guide until you come to Vicolo dei Lavandai, a corner that has been kept intact. After the tour you may want to stay to enjoy an aperitivo at one of the bars lining the banks of the canals, or enjoy a meal at a traditional Milanese trattoria.

Milan: Navigli Walking Tour with Art Historian Guide

3. Milan: Navigli Walking Tour with Art Historian Guide

Visit in 2 hours the wonderful Navigli of Milan in the company of a local guide and art historian. Discover their millenary history, and take a walk to discover "the Milan city of water" of the past with ancient glimpses suspended in time, the historic shops, the courtyards of great charm and the lively and varied nightlife. Let yourself be captivated by the curious stories and anecdotes that make this area of Milan still alive and unique, among railing houses and the famous Vicolo dei Lavandai in a suggestive path immersed in an atmosphere of great charm.

Milan: Courtyards and Terraces Walking Tour of Navigli

4. Milan: Courtyards and Terraces Walking Tour of Navigli

Follow your guide through the picturesque streets of the Navigli district in Milan on this group tour. See green courtyards and flowered balconies. Stroll on the banks of the Alzaia Naviglio Grande.  Meet your guide and begin your tour of the courtyards in Navigli. Wander through the the Milanese railing houses to discover blooming balconies and lush vegetation. Learn more about Milan and its canals from your local guide. Find old streets where time seems to have stopped. Cross the threshold of a typical council house in Corso San Gottardo. Explore the ancient Milanese port of Darsena. Hear some of the the verses of Alda Merini, the poetess of the Navigli. See a magical courtyard at Associazione Naviglio Grande. Experience hidden gems between Via Vigevano and Alzaia Naviglio Grande. Finally, stop at the courtyard of the Engraving Center, where artists still learn this ancient craft.

Other Sightseeing Options in Naviglio Grande

Want to discover all there is to do in Naviglio Grande? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Naviglio Grande

Overall rating

3.7 / 5

based on 100 reviews

Well organised very relaxed no guide but there was an app if you wanted to download But frankly sitting watching the world go by with a sundowner was enough for us

It’s no Venice but there’s a few cute photo ops, and doing it right at sunset provides for gorgeous pictures.

A very positive experience, I would never have thought that Milan offered these wonders. totally recommended

Very good experience, sunset cruise with appetizer and drink of choice.

Was very enjoyable for a couple especially during sunset