How can one city district evoke the traditional tranquility of one famous Italian city while still offering the exuberant liveliness of another? The answer lies in Navigli in
Milan. Famous for its namesake canal, the place looks straight out of Venice with its waterside appeal. You can't look at this neighborhood at first glance and not think of Venice! At the same time, Navigli has become famous for its popular hotspots and vibrant nightlife. You won't ever forget that you're still in Milan when you go here, a city known for its glamour and excitement. This unique combination alone makes Navigli worth getting to know!
Where is Navigli in Milan?
Though Navigli is located in the southwestern part of Milan, it's still within the ring of the city center. Hence, it's undoubtedly one of
Milan's central neighborhoods. The place looks and feels so different from the rest of the main districts that it's easy to think that Navigli is along the outskirts or even in a different city entirely. Nevertheless, it remains one of the most popular parts of Milan, especially with how it beautifully contrasts the equally well-known but more urban neigborhoods. It also helps that Navigli is only 4 kilometers from Centro Storico, the city center.
Is it Safe in Navigli in Milan?
Despite how high
Milan's crime rates tend to get, Navigli will remain one of the city's safest neighborhoods. Is it the the safest part of town? Not necessarily. The outer suburbs might have Navigli beat. With that said, however, the area is still generally safe despite how popular and frequently lively it is. It does tend to get rowdy at night since it's a beloved nightlife hub, but overall, the place is fairly peaceful and secure. It's undoubtedly one of the quieter central neighborhoods in Milan, so it's also much safer than the city's more popular neighborhoods.
What's The Vibe in Navigli, Milan?
Lively, fun, exciting, and bright. These all perfectly describe the vibe at Navigli, Milan. While it's easy to think that canal-side neighborhoods will be more peaceful, this neighborhood is the complete opposite. Navigli turned the banks of its canals into the best nightlife spots in the city. While other districts boast cool clubs and trendy bars, the pubs, diners, and cafes here offer a more relaxed sort of fun. These are the types of places where you can hang out with friends, eat & drink, and have the time of your lives. What's not to love?
Is it Expensive in Navigli, Milan?
Despite how popular of a district it is and how high
Milan's living costs are, Navigli is generally one of the more affordable parts of town. Though it may also have some of the most popular places to eat in Milan, the places here are considerably cheaper compared to the rest of the city. For one thing, it's easy enough to eat in Navigli for only €10.00 to €25.00 per person, while the cheapest meals in places like Brera or Centro Storico will already cost you €30.00. The shopping here isn't that expensive either, with more indie boutiques and vintage shops than luxury stores.
What to See in Navigli, Milan
There's no doubt that the canals are the best things to see in Navigli, Milan. They're what the neighborhood is known for, after all, and they're all picturesque. It's almost as if the entire district is a lovely slice of Venice within Milan, allowing you to see two famous Italian cities in one. How mind-blowing is that? Don't miss Vicolo dei Lavandai, too, which is a rural-like street tucked away in the quieter parts of Navigli. Its provincial-like charms make it a lovely little slice of the
Italian countryside in one of Italy's biggest cities.
What to Do in Navigli, Milan
You know the famous saying “Live, Laugh, Love,” right? Well, that's exactly what you'll want to do in Navigli in Milan! You can add eat, drink, and dance too, since the hotspots that line the district's scenic canals were built for exactly that! Though there are many other nightlife hotspots in other parts of the city, the ones along the Navigli canals are the best for simply hanging out and having fun. The more peaceful corners are also perfect for taking a break within the bustling metropolis. These are areas where you can truly hide from the rest of the city.
The Best Restaurants in Navigli, Milan
As already mentioned, eating and drinking are some of the best things to do in Navigli, Milan. Does this mean the neighborhood's culinary scene is just that good? Well, yes! While you might not exactly find some of the most upscale of
Milan's Michelin-starred restaurants, the more relaxed hotspots here are still worth checking out. There's Il Mannarino Navigli along Alzaia Naviglio Grande, for example, which specializes in rich meats and hearty Italian cuisine. There's no doubt that this and many of Navigli's other excellent restaurants listed below will satisfy you to no end!
- Asso Di Fiori Osteria Dei Formaggi along Alzaia Naviglio Grande
- Il Mannarino Navigli along Alzaia Naviglio Grande
- NAVIGLIO 48 along Alzaia Naviglio Grande
- Officina 12 along Alzaia Naviglio Grande
- Vetusta Insigna along Alzaia Naviglio Grande
- Osteria del Gnocco Fritto on Via Pasquale Paoli
- Il Principe dei Navigli on Via Giovanni Enrico Pestalozzi
- Ristorante Belé Navigli on Via Angelo Fumagalli
- Le Striatelle di Nonna Mafalda Milano on Via Vigevano
- The Brisket along Ripa di Porta Ticinese
What to Know About Navigli, Milan Apartments for Rent
Remember how Navigli is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Milan? This rings especially true when it comes to renting here. For one thing, the average rent in Navigli, Milan, is about €1,250.00 to €2,000.00 per month. It's not too far from the city-wide average, and there are a lot of the lower-priced
luxury apartments to rent in Milan here. Navigli's diverse real estate market allows for those looking for a place to find and get some of the smaller but more affordable rentals in the area. What more could you ask for?
You truly won't find a place quite like Navigli in Milan. This canal-side neighborhood is scenic and tranquil during the day but lights up with a vibrant nightlife scene come nightfall. It's one of the most exciting parts of the city.
