Home › Milan Guide › Sightseeing
Sightseeing
Milan’s canals, from the Darsena to the Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese: artisan shops, alleyways, sunsets and the city’s most famous aperitivo.
From the suite: M2 green line from Loreto to Porta Genova, about 20 minutes with no changes
Time needed: half a day, ideally from afternoon into evening
Don’t miss: the market on the last Sunday of the month
The Darsena was once Milan’s port: today it’s a waterside square with the covered municipal market and steps where you can sit and watch the sunset. From here run the Naviglio Grande, the liveliest, and the Naviglio Pavese, which is quieter. You can walk along the old towpaths, crossing the little iron bridges.
On the last Sunday of the month the Naviglio Grande fills with stalls selling antiques, vintage design, books and vinyl for almost two kilometres. Arrive early in the morning to find the best pieces and beat the crowds.
From 6 pm the bars along the canals come to life: it’s the classic place for a spritz or a Negroni Sbagliato with a view of the water. It gets very busy at weekends, so it’s best to book for dinner. For something quieter, head to the Naviglio Pavese.
The M2 from Porta Genova takes you back to Loreto in about 20 minutes; the metro closes around 12:30 am, after which there are night buses or taxis.
Stay just steps away
Mercadante Suite: two suites at Via Saverio Mercadante 10, 10 minutes from Milano Centrale station. Book on our website and pay 20% less.
