1. Home
  2. Travel Guides
  3. Milan
  4. Naviglio Grande
  5. Naviglio Grande

Naviglio Grande: Milan's historic canal

Tourists who make the short trip from the city centre to the Naviglio Grande will discover a picturesque canal brimming with life, history and a host of excellent bars, restaurants and shops

The NH Housekeeper’s Tips

Canal history

Naviglio Grande translates into English as "big canal". Established some 850 years ago, this major man-made river route has served important trade and transport purposes within the city. Historically associated with the city’s artists and creative types, the Naviglio Grande now plays a social role in the city. Locals and tourists enjoy romantic strolls filled with stores, galleries, bars and markets aplenty, plus the opportunity for a memorable boat trip. Lying slightly off the beaten track, the thriving Naviglio Grande is right at the top of alternative lists of things to do in Milan.

Getting to the Naviglio and when to visit

The Naviglio Grande is easy to reach from the centre of Milan, taking around 20 minutes via public transport or 35 minutes on foot. Transport via bus or metro is regular, swift and inexpensive – certainly the easiest way to get to the Naviglio Grande. The best time to visit is from late afternoon onwards into the night. This is when the canal's bars and restaurants come to life – with a famously electric atmosphere – and also when live music and other entertainment begins. However, don’t necessarily skip the Naviglio Grande if you can’t make it in the evening. The many brunch and lunch spots and flea markets mean it is brimming with activity around the clock.

Eating and drinking on the Naviglio Grande

The Naviglio Grande is noted for the range of fine eateries and bars that line the canal. If you’re a fan of seafood then check out the Langosteria10 Bistrot, one of the best places for fresh seafood in the city. Meat lovers will enjoy Joe Cipolla, with its friendly staff and perfectly prepared steaks. The night doesn’t need to end after you’ve finished your meal. With a host of superb cocktail bars and laid-back pubs on offer, the night is still young. Ugo is the district’s premier cocktail bar, delivering a great atmosphere and even better cocktails to the busy crowd. Of course, you have to sample the wine while visiting Italy. La Vineria and Il Vinaccio are two of the best places near the Naviglio Grande, both offering a quintessential Milano experience.

What to do around the Naviglio Grande

Not everything around the Naviglio is connected with eating and drinking (though there wouldn't be anything wrong with that!). A weekly market also brings plenty of visitors to the area. The Mercatone dell’Antiquariato takes place every last Sunday on the banks of the canal and features more than 350 stands selling a wide variety of items. You don't just have to experience the Naviglio Grande from the streets, however. There are hour-long canal cruises available to take passengers past historic Milan buildings and up through the old docks.

La Darsena

The Naviglio Grande flows into La Darsena, the historic Milan docks which were built in the early 1600s. The docks were redeveloped as part of the Milan World Expo, which took place in 2015. Today, it is a relaxing space with wide, tree-lined pedestrian streets and bags of history from centuries past. It is also home to La Fiera di Sinigaglia, a year-round weekly market which sells everything from gifts and books to crafts, collectibles and much more.

Planning your trip to Milan? Check out our best city center hotels in Milan.

Where to stay in Milan

See all hotels in Milan
nhow
nhow Milano
Via Tortona 35. 20144 Milan
Reviews
2023 Certificate of Excellence

Right in the heart of Milan’s fashionable Via Tortona, the nhow Milano is a designer hotel, providing an artistic, cosmopolitan home-from-home, great for exploring all the Design District has to offer.

  • 2.79km Duomo - Cathedral of Milan (City Center)
  • 2.88km Piazza alla Scala
  • 2.53km Castle Sforza
  • 4.27km Piazza Gae Aulenti
  • wifi
    Free Wi-Fi
  • parking
    Parking
  • gym
    Gym
  • nonSmoking
    100%
  • airConditioner
    Air conditioning - Climate Control
  • pool
    Pool
  • eco-friendly
    Eco-friendly
  • pets
    Pets
  • accessibility
    Accessibility
  • celebrations
    Celebrations
  • meetings
    Meetings
  • numberRooms
    Rooms
nh-hotels
NH Milano Congress Centre
Strada 2a, Milanofiori,. 20057 Milan
Reviews
2023 Certificate of Excellence

The NH Milano Congress Centre hotel, formerly known as NH Milanofiori, was entirely refurbished in 2015 and gives you easy access to the shops, restaurants. The nightlife of Milan’s bustling Navigli area is only 4 metro stops away. Located in Assago, just outside the city, it includes one of the largest conference centers in Milan, and it’s also just a short walk from the Milan Assago Forum with its international concerts and shows. The city center is only 15 minutes away by metro.

  • 7.79km Duomo - Cathedral of Milan (City Center)
  • 8.0km Piazza alla Scala
  • 7.96km Castle Sforza
  • 6.15km Navigli Area
  • wifi
    Free Wi-Fi
  • parking
    Parking
  • gym
    Gym
  • nonSmoking
    100%
  • airConditioner
    Air conditioning - Climate Control
  • pets
    Pets
  • celebrations
    Celebrations
  • meetings
    Meetings
  • numberRooms
    Rooms
nh-collection
NH Collection Milano President
Largo Augusto, 10,. 20122 Milan
Reviews
2023 Certificate of Excellence

The 5 star NH Collection Milano President hotel is in the center of Milan, close to all the city’s major attractions. Partly renovated in 2017, the hotel combines charm, elegance, and design. This, as well as the fact that it's a 5-minute walk from Duomo Square, as well as the Scala Theater and the fashion district, make it the ideal place to stay for both shopping and exploring the city.

  • 0.73km Theater Alla Scala
  • 0.66km Galleria Vittorio Emanuele
  • 1.47km Castle Sforza
  • 2.13km Cenacolo Vinciano
  • wifi
    Free Wi-Fi
  • parking
    Parking
  • gym
    Gym
  • nonSmoking
    100%
  • airConditioner
    Air conditioning - Climate Control
  • eco-friendly
    Eco-friendly
  • pets
    Pets
  • accessibility
    Accessibility
  • celebrations
    Celebrations
  • meetings
    Meetings
  • numberRooms
    Rooms
 of 3

Other articles

Enjoy a Memorable Wine Tasting Experience in Milan

With an ingrained culture of style and excellence, Milan is a great city in which to enjoy wine tasting. Be guided by a sommelier as you indulge in the delectable tastes of Northern Italian wine and cuisine.

Things to do in Milan

Milan is a modern city that manages to retain its history through well preserved architecture and informative museums. Visitors planning a quick trip to the city will find there are plenty of things to discover.

Follow us