The Navigli at Aperitivo Hour
A self-guided walk in Milan.
1h15. 1.1 miles. From Colonne di San Lorenzo to Rita & Cocktails.
Follow Milan's old canals from the Roman columns of San Lorenzo to the Darsena basin, ending among the cocktail bars of the Naviglio Grande.
The local move
Start at the Colonne at dusk, when students fill the piazza with drinks from the bars across the street.
Best time to go
Early evening, from six o'clock, when aperitivo starts
When to avoid it
The last Sunday of the month if you dislike crowds: the antiques market fills the towpath
The stops
Colonne di San Lorenzo
Sixteen Roman columns stand in front of one of Milan's oldest churches.
Tip: Look back at the basilica's domes from the columns' side of the street.
Basilica di Sant'Eustorgio
A quiet basilica with the Portinari Chapel, one of the purest Renaissance rooms in Lombardy.
Tip: The chapel is reached through the museum; it is worth the ticket.
Darsena
The old city port, restored in 2015, where the Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese meet.
Tip: Walk the waterfront to see where the two canals branch off.
Vicolo dei Lavandai
A tiny lane where the stone washing troughs of the old laundresses still line the canal.
Tip: Come before dark to see the troughs and the wooden roof properly.
Rebelot
Cross to the bar-lined bank for cocktails built around Italian bitters and small plates.
Tip: Book at weekends; walk-ins work early in the week.
Rita & Cocktails
Finish at one of the bars that made the Navigli a serious cocktail destination.
Tip: It fills fast after nine; arrive early or late.
About these walks
Explore our self-guided routes by city, with useful stops and practical notes from Chic Trip. Explore the destinations we plan.
