Staying in Milan

Where to stay in the Navigli: the area guide

Written by people who live here

The Navigli are one of the most sought-after areas for visitors to Milan: the canals, the bars, the small shops and the centre within walking distance. Here is what to expect from the area, where it is quietest to sleep and how to choose where to stay, with the tips we give our guests.

Why stay in the Navigli

In the evening it is one of the liveliest neighbourhoods in the city: aperitifs by the water, trattorias, bars along the canals. By day there are craft shops, galleries, the antiques market and the Darsena, Milan's old harbour. And the centre is not far: from the Via Meda area the Duomo is about 20 minutes on foot.

The Navigli areas: where it is quietest

Darsena and Naviglio Grande

The heart of the nightlife, wonderful to experience. If you sleep right on the water, expect music and voices until late, especially at weekends.

Naviglio Pavese

Quieter than the Grande, with bars and walks along the canal but fewer crowds in the evening.

The side streets: Ticinese, Via Meda, Corso San Gottardo

A few minutes' walk from the canals, but quiet at night. The best choice if you travel with children or want a good night's sleep, without giving up an aperitif round the corner.

Getting around from the Navigli

• Metro M2 Porta GenovaTo Central Station and to Cadorna, where the Malpensa Express leaves from. From Central Station it takes about 30 minutes in all.10 minutes' walk from Via Meda
• Tram 3Runs along Corso San Gottardo towards the centre and the Duomo.Passes the front door
• On footThe best way to see the neighbourhood: Corso San Gottardo, the Colonne di San Lorenzo, Via Torino and Piazza del Duomo.About 20 minutes

From the airports: about 35 minutes from Linate on metro M4 and about 1 hour 20 from Malpensa. All the details are in getting to the Navigli.

Hotel, B&B or holiday home?

Hotel

Reception, services and daily cleaning. Handy for a one-night stopover; rooms, however, are often small and arrival and departure times rigid.

B&B

Breakfast is included and the atmosphere is homely. Rooms are often in the owners' home, with shared spaces.

Holiday home

A whole apartment just for you, with a kitchen and more space: the most practical choice for families, groups of friends and stays of several nights. Check-in is often self-service, at any time.

When to book

At weekends, during the Salone del Mobile and Fuorisalone and in fashion weeks Milan fills up: for those dates it is worth booking well in advance. For Design Week we have written a separate guide: Fuorisalone, where to stay.

FAQ

Is the Navigli area noisy at night?

Along the Naviglio Grande and in the Darsena, yes, especially at weekends. The side streets, such as Via Meda, are quiet while still being a few minutes from the canals.

How long does it take from the Navigli to the Duomo?

From the Via Meda area about 20 minutes on foot, via Corso San Gottardo, the Colonne di San Lorenzo and Via Torino, or a few minutes by tram.

Is Central Station easy to reach from the Navigli?

Yes: on metro M2 from Porta Genova it takes about 30 minutes in all.

Hotel or holiday home in the Navigli?

For a one-night stopover a hotel is fine. For a weekend, a family or several nights, a holiday home gives you more space, a kitchen and more flexible times.

What to do once you are here: our Navigli guide.