I Navigli

I Navigli is the canal district known for its restaurants, bars and splendid nightlife. This part of Milan is the most active in the evening and at night as the locals flock to the bars after work. You can stroll along the bank of the canal or enjoy a boat trip through the canal, too.

Navigli is the Italian word for canals. Here, you can enjoy a fine aperitivo with locals and order a drink that accompanies a small plate of complimentary food. 
Milan used to have water transport as its primary form of transport historically and had a complex network of water channels—the Navigli of Milan. This system was the ingenuity of Leonardo da Vinci who devised it near the end of the 15th century. The I Navigli area is what remains of that network. The district comes alive after dusk and looks dazzling as the many lights reflect in the water canal. However, you can also enjoy shopping in the various boutiques and visit art galleries in the morning. In addition, an antique market is organised here on the last Sunday of every month. Lastly, visit the Vicolo dei Lavandai, the washerwomen’s valley—a well-preserved 20th-century laundry room. See the stones worn by being used to scrub clothes with water from the canal. It’s a pretty area offering picturesque sights.