Neighbourhood guide
Navigli guide: what to see and where to eat
Updated October 2026 · written by people who live here
The Navigli are the historic canals of south-west Milan: the Naviglio Grande and the Naviglio Pavese, which both start from the Darsena, the city's old harbour. By day there are workshops and markets; in the evening it is one of the liveliest areas for an aperitivo and dinner. These are the places we recommend to our guests, all within walking distance of Via Giuseppe Meda 6.
Things to see
The Darsena
Milan's old harbour, where the two Navigli meet. Today it is a square on the water, with a covered market and steps where you can sit at sunset. It is about 10 minutes' walk from Stay Navigli.
Naviglio Grande and Vicolo dei Lavandai
The most famous canal, lined with old tenement houses, art galleries, bars and restaurants on both banks. Along the bank is the Vicolo dei Lavandai, with the old wash house where clothes were once washed in the canal water. On the last Sunday of the month the banks fill with the stalls of the antiques market.
Naviglio Pavese
The canal closest to us, 5 minutes' walk away: quieter than the Grande, perfect for an early-morning stroll or an aperitivo without the crowds.
Colonne di San Lorenzo and Sant'Eustorgio
On the way into the centre: the sixteen Roman columns in front of the Basilica di San Lorenzo are where the Milanese meet in the evening. Not far away is the Basilica di Sant'Eustorgio, one of the oldest churches in the city.
Zona Tortona and the Fuorisalone
The design district, beyond Porta Genova. In spring, during Salone del Mobile week, it hosts the Fuorisalone events: it is the busiest week of the year in Milan, so it pays to book well in advance.
Where to have breakfast
- Pasticceria CaravaggioHistoric pastry shop: bread, brioches and coffee. A few steps from the front door.Via Giuseppe Meda 14
- BGoodInternational brunch, with vegetarian and vegan dishes.Via Tantardini 8
- Ora ZeroRelaxed atmosphere and quality ingredients.Corso San Gottardo 51
Where to eat
- Osteria La ConchettaTraditional Milanese cooking in a stylish setting.Via Conchetta 8
- NebbiaA contemporary, minimalist restaurant with seasonal dishes.Via Torricelli 15
- Haruka SushiQuality Japanese cuisine in an elegant setting.Corso San Gottardo 49
On foot to the Duomo
It takes about 30 minutes, and it is the best way to see the neighbourhood:
- Corso San Gottardo: neighbourhood shops and workshops.
- Colonne di San Lorenzo: the archaeological site and the basilica.
- Via Torino: the shopping street.
- Piazza del Duomo.
Useful addresses
- Farmacia TibaldiLarge, well-stocked pharmacy, 3 minutes' walk away.Viale Tibaldi 15
- Farmacia San GottardoPharmacy at the start of Corso San Gottardo, opposite the Conad supermarket.Via Pavia 1
- TaxiTaxi rank 10 minutes' walk away. Radio Taxi +39 02 8585, or the FreeNow app.Piazza XXIV Maggio
- Public transport ticketsTobacconist and newsstand right by the building, or a contactless card at the gates.Via Meda 5 · corner of Via Spaventa
Stay Navigli
Live the Navigli from the inside
An apartment for 4 at Via Meda 6, check-in 9 AM and check-out 7 PM included. From €120 a night.
Still on your way? Getting here from airports and stations.