Naviglio Grande

Like its smaller cousin (the Pavese), the Naviglio Grande is a man-​made canal, joining downtown Milano to the Ticino River. It is little less than 50 km long and it runs sputh of Milan towards Tornavento (Sesto Calende).
It was used to facilitate the navigation of the marble needed to build the Duomo Gothic church (which was started on march 13^th 1386).
Though the Naviglio is no longer used as a mean to reach the Darsena (the port of the city of Milan), it is currently being used by ducks as a source of life and pleasure.
The main Naviglio is the ever so pulsing heart of the nightlife of the city. Many are the bars, pubs, restaurants that offer entertainment and good ways of sipping on drinks and eating during happy hours.
Worth mentioning the «Vicolo dei Lavandai», one of the rare examples of how the old Milan can still be on display in the ever busy modern life.

Not nearly half as nice as how the photos portray the canals. More than half contains no water and is dried up, quite filthy. Nothing really goes on during the day here though they’re known for their late night bar scene. Lots of well dressed fashionistas frolicking the streets of both sexes.
Personally, I would mainly come here for one of the most amazing bakeries I’ve come across, Il Forno dei Navigli which is situated at the end of the canal.

This is by far, our favorite neighborhood in Milano. Monthly weekend flower, art, and antique markets along the beautiful canals are fun to experience but at night, any night, is when the place truly comes alive…
Start early, around 6 or 7pm by taking a relaxing stroll and drop by your favorite spot for a few drinks along with a massive appertivo spread. Only in Navigli can you buy a wonderfully made cocktail for a few precious Euros and enjoy all the incredible Italian food and appetizers you can imagine. Fresh homemade pasta, sliced salami, crunchy sliced fennel with olive oil, wilted spinaci with grated Parmesan, blanched cauliflower with pesto, and more. Take your time. Enjoy the lounge or deep house music subtly playing while you partake. Decide to pay when you are done as no bill is likely to be presented, to avoid giving the impression of rushing you. Nothing is fast nor hurried in Navigli.
Then, when you are fully relaxed, take another stroll and stop in for dinner. Perhaps you will have the finest pizza of your life, made by craftsman whose family perfected this cooking art 1000+ years ago. Or, perhaps you will have a five course meal! Who cares! It will take all night but it is definitely worth it.
Navigli. This is the place to be.

One of my 2 favourite neighbourhoods in Milan! It’s an area I could picture myself living in. I mean it’s got an old world feel but not really.
It has a canal that surrounded by bars, restaurants, and lounges. It has art stores and clothing stores by local artists and possibly designers. Did I mention all this surrounds a canal? ;)
The Navigli has quick access to major streets, subways and parks.
At night the bars and lounges spread onto the streets and the beautiful people start crawling into the Navigli to get their drink on as well as some apertivo into their bellies!
The neighbourhood has a lot of character!