Navigli walking tour: The Bohemian District on the Canals

• Private Tour
• Instantly Confirmed
• Carbon Neutral

Salga de los caminos trillados, lejos de las multitudes de turistas, y vea el lado real de Milán. En este tour privado, vaya más allá de la ruta clásica y explore Navigli, donde experimentará un Milán diferente, ¡como un local con un local a su lado!

Destination

Milan, Italy

Category

Off The Beaten Track

Duration

2.5 horas

Transport mode

Walking tour

Available languages

English, Italiano, Español, Français, Português

Included

• Private Guide
• All Withlocals Tours are Carbon Neutral

Excluded

• Entrance to attractions

What you can expect

Choose your local

Get to know these 6 passionate locals, each bringing unique perspectives and talents. Choose your favorite, check their availability, and book to create an unforgettable adventure tailored to you.

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with the host of your choice.

1. Meeting point

   Meet at Corso di Porta Ticinese, 26, 20123 Milano MI Next to the Constantine Statue - Milan to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. Fuera de los caminos

   ¿Has terminado con los aspectos más destacados de Milán? Echa un vistazo a Navigli. Explore una parte menos conocida de la ciudad que le dará una sensación más auténtica de Milán. ¡Visita el Vicolo dei Lavandai, la Basílica de San Lorenzo Maggiore y más!

4. El trato real

   Deje que un experto local en el área que visitará le muestre su Milán desde una perspectiva diferente, lejos de las trampas para turistas. ¡Vea arte callejero, lugares de interés cultural, vendedores locales, lugares de reunión y gemas históricas, y disfrute del ambiente!

5. Recomendaciones personalizadas

   ¿Quiere explorar más de la zona después del recorrido? Tu anfitrión estará encantado de recomendarte sus restaurantes favoritos y dónde tomar un descanso mientras paseas por esta vibrante zona.

6. Plan Único

   Dependiendo de su anfitrión, este recorrido se experimentará en función de su conocimiento, pasión y experiencia. ¡Elige un anfitrión que coincida con tus intereses y mira su ciudad a través de sus ojos!

7. Make it yours

   Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

   Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

   Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

MARIA🇬🇷 Greece

(About local Francesco)

1 julio 2025

We are a family of four and we visited Milan in June 2025. Our boys are 11 years old and we wanted to organise a tour around Milan and the Navigli area that would be interesting to them and fun. Francesco rose to the challenge. On an extremely hot day, he managed to take us around the city and give us a very interesting aspect of the sights adjusting the content to his audience. He is a very knowledgeable guide that extends beyond the history to the details and stories behind the scenes that make all the difference. Our tour ended at an amazing trattoria that he had booked for us to have lunch which we would never have found out on our own. Thank you! A refreshing adventure on a very hot day

David

(About local Isa)

4 junio 2025

Enjoyed the afternoon with Isa who was very knowledgeable, personable and energetic. She introduced us to some locals , sat down with us (at our request) for Aperitivo and has a love for the Naviglio District. A Great experience!

Felix

(About local Francesca)

2 junio 2025

Wir waren 14 Erwachsene und sie hat unseren Abend in Navigli Quartier sehr gut organisiert. Mit viel Liebe und Herzblut ist sie bei der Sache und konnte uns einige spannende Dinge erzählen. Als Steinliebhaberin hat sie bei uns „Ein Stein im Brett“ FelixFrancesca liebt ihren Job

Annette🇳🇱 Netherlands

(About local Salvatore)

26 abril 2025

Despite Salvatores good knowledge about the city and places we visited it was not what we expected or booked. We booked a Navigli tour to get to know the area we were staying in but Navigli only was a very small part of the tour and it felt like Salvatore wasn’t really into the area, only telling us what we could have found online. The restaurant he recommended didn’t meet the expectations at all, felt like a tourist trap. Salvatore was very eager to visit a part of town we didn’t especially liked nor wanted to visit. It would have been better if he discussed the change of plans properly before the tour started. Not what I booked for

Mark🇺🇸 United States

(About local Francesca)

16 abril 2025

My wife and I had a lovely tour with Francesca! Having toured parts of Milan on a previous visit, we decided to take her "Off the Beaten Path" tour and explore the Navigli district. She was flexible to meet us at a convenient location and provided such an insightful and informative tour. We met some wonderful local artisans that with which Francesca has a warm relationship, which made for a special and insightful tour. Charming and Knowledgeable Guide!

Anne-Mette Fangel

(About local Francesco)

31 marzo 2025

Francesco arrived 20 minutes lastes and he ended the tour after 1 hour and 20 minutes (we had payed for 2,5 hours) He was kind, but the tour was mostly about the history of Milan, which we could have read in the guide book. We expected a more local perspective and some ‘secret spots’ since the name of the tour was ‘Navigli area off the beaten track’ I must admit, we were quite dissppointed Not informative or off-the-beaten-track

Stefan🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Francesca)

22 marzo 2025

We booked two tours with Francesca ("Full Coverage" and "Off the Beaten Track"). It was wonderful. Francesca knows Milan very well, has a high level of historical and cultural knowledge, and conveys it excellently. She was very flexible, and especially during the "Off the Beaten Track" tour, we saw places in Milan that we wouldn't have found otherwise. We highly recommend Francesca. Thank you!It was a blast with Francesca

Kirsten🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Francesca)

13 marzo 2025

We had a wonderful walk around the Navigli area with Francesca. Francesca is very sweet, super flexible with regards to meating point and in providing the information that we sought. We have visited the area many times before, but never focused on the historic and cultural aspects of Navigli. Now more enlightened, we look forward to returning another time. Would definitely recommend joining Francesca for at stroll around the area. Tour of Navigli with Francesca

Seyi

(About local Salvatore)

24 febrero 2025

I had an amazing experience with him, very patient and detailed , and made sure you do not miss out on any details, offered tips to help make the stay in the city better.Excellent.

Elaine🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Francesca)

8 enero 2025

Great to be shown around by someone passionate about the people, history and politics of the subjects of her tour. We thoroughly enjoyed our time seeking out their stories. We glimpsed the behind the scenes of past lives and occupations as well as modern Milan. Thanks so much, Francesca for a wonderful tour.The unexpected

Shannon🇺🇸 United States

(About local Francesco)

6 enero 2025

We took a Milan Food tasting tour and Hidden Gems of Milan with Francesco and must say it was our favorite tour of our trip! His sense of humor, knowledge and personality made the tour a family favorite. The 4 restaurants he took us to was by far the best food we had while visiting Milan. We can’t say enough good things about Francesco and his companion. By the end, not only had we had a great tour and full belly, but also a good friend!Dont think about it! DO IT!

Claudia🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Salvatore)

25 octubre 2024

We had an excellent sightseeing tour in Milan! Salvatore was incredibly knowledgeable, providing insights far beyond the usual “standard” information. Each stop felt enriching as they shared in-depth historical and cultural details, making the experience truly unique and memorable. We left with a much deeper appreciation of Milan. Highly recommended!Great sightseeing tour in Milano

Wendy🇺🇸 United States

(About local Salvatore)

17 octubre 2024

We had an amazing time with Salvatore. He is an expert guide with great insight to the hidden treasures of Milan. After the cathedrals and museums it was fun to see a different side of Milan in the Navigli neighborhood. He took us all over town and showed us sights we would never have experienced without him. We had so much fun! It was exactly the type of tour we were looking for. It is a “not to miss” experience!Off the beaten track Milan

Catherine🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Francesco)

5 octubre 2024

This evening was a highlight of my stay in Milan. Francesca and her sister Alessandra hosted a delightful, relaxed evening at their home just a few minutes walk from the centre of the city. We developed the menu together when I booked, and I enjoyed a delicious three course meal of home made pumpkin ravioli, Osso buco and home made flourless chocolate cake. Francesca was very keen to make a meal I enjoyed. We had a lovely evening and I got to experience a genuine Milanese home, learn more about the lifestyle here, and meet two really interesting, warm people. Highly recommended ! Warm hospitality and a delicious meal

h76dy5nr9z🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Salvatore)

25 julio 2024

First off, I will say Salvatore took us to a few interesting sites which we may not have seen without the tour. He gave us some useful information as well about the sites. So why the bad rating/review? From the time that we met this tour guide until the conclusion of the tour, Salvatore came across, to everyone in our 5 person group, as angry and frustrated and disgusted with his job. My nephew called him an energy vampire . Salvatore would not speak to anyone in the group in between specified tour sites . Halfway through the tour of Navigli, Salvatore told us that we were going to take the metro to a different site: I hadn’t planned on this, but agreed and we did go , during the metro ride, It was very awkward because he avoided eye contact, ignored our tour group altogether and “adjusted himself”; the second site involved a stair climb of about 100 stairs, ok no problem, But that is information I would’ve liked prior to the tour because two persons in our group suffer from asthma. All in all, had he would have spoken louder, more clearly, acted in at least a moderately cheerful manner, interacted even a little with our group, and didn’t make so many disparaging comments about Italy, the tour could’ve been good. Not a Good Experience.

Caroline

(About local Salvatore)

27 mayo 2024

Thank you Salvatore for the wonderful tour last weekend. I can highly recommend it as we had the chance to see some of the hidden gems of Milano.Very special tour, off the beaten track

Michele🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Saara)

24 mayo 2024

Saara was great. Very knowledgeable and interesting. Really enjoyed my afternoon. Highly recommend Terrific visit

C

(About local Saara)

4 mayo 2024

For a tour of the real Milan with consideration given to your own tour preference, Saara is a perfect choice. We took this tour on our first day in Milan and in addition to the tour itself, we gained valuable local insight on how to choose authentic Milan food, how to stay safe in Milan and how best to use the Milan subway system, to name a few!Our Navigli Milan Tour Experience

Jonathan🇳🇱 Netherlands

(About local Salvatore)

2 abril 2024

Salvatore is a knowledgeable and entertaining guide to the history and culture of Milan. We walked through the Navigli district and then through the Porta Nuova area. He has a dry sense of humour and adapts well to the group in front of him. The 2 1/2 hours flew by!entertaining walk through Milan

Maria🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Salvatore)

26 marzo 2024

Gracias a Salvatore conocimos la verdadera Milán, con sus barrios tan diferentes y atractivos. Fue una experiencia q merece la pena. Descubrimos rincones preciosos tanto en los barrios antiguos como en los modernos Enamorados de Milan

Phung🇺🇸 United States

(About local Salvatore)

29 noviembre 2023

Our first time in Milan, so we booked to Salvatore to give us some insights. He did a great job, not only from various historical perspectives, but also cool neighborhoods to visit. Beyond the Navigli area, we also went to Porta Nuova to see new architectures which we also loved. Great local guide for Milan

Linda🇺🇸 United States

(About local Salvatore)

13 septiembre 2023

We lost the paper where to meet and without Wi-Fi could not view the tour. Salvatore was very kind and came and found us at the wrong location. He did not let it ruin the tour but instead we carried on snd had a great tour of a very interesting part of Milan with Roman influence, canals, nightlife etc. I recommend this tour and Salvatore very highly.Interesting area. Definately worthwhile

maritza765🇺🇸 United States

(About local Francesca)

13 septiembre 2023

Thank you Francesca for a wonderful afternoon exploring Navigli and it’s history. We really enjoyed our time with you.

Eveline🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Francesca)

15 agosto 2023

We really enjoyed seeing behind the scenes of Milan and get an impression of how people live. We leaerned a lot about the people, the architecture and the history. In fact we came back later to have a fabulous dinner in the area. Francesca made the tour personal and respected our interests. The tour is highly recommendable.Behind the Scene

Schara🇺🇸 United States

(About local Salvatore)

23 julio 2023

Very quiet tour guide had nothing to say. We had to ask questions. He look NOTHING like the person we booked with. He was tall. blond haired/blue eyed. Person we booked with was a “wine specialist and history expert” and short with brown hair and brown eyes. Big difference in their ages as well. Really uninteresting and lacking in information Not what we signed up for. Not good

Tania🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Salvatore)

24 junio 2023

Fabulous two hours with Salvatore He is very knowledgeable and found some interesting things for us to see including fashion, food, architecture and history. Salvatore was able to adapt and modify the plan on the day when circumstances requiredGreat insight to Milan

Anna🇺🇸 United States

(About local Salvatore)

23 mayo 2023

Salvatore was wonderful. We visited the canals and the futuristic city—both a must when in Milan. Walking these areas gave me a great perspective as to where we were in the city, and frankly, I really wish I had done this tour in the beginning of my visit. We also rode the subway together, again a nice learning experience. He was talkative, but not hyper—a nice leisurely stroll with lots of history and information. Excellent overview of Milan

Michel🇧🇪 Belgium

(About local Francesca)

2 abril 2023

Really nice and diversified tour from a very attentive guide! Really nice and easy in communicationReally nice and fun!

David🇺🇸 United States

(About local Francesca)

31 enero 2023

Francesca knows her history and Milan well. She is friendly and her English is excellent. Knowledgeable

Heike🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Elisa)

27 noviembre 2022

Elisa war ein sehr sympathischer und auch kompetenter Tourguide. Es war so interessant ihr zuzuhören, sie hatte auch Anschauungsmaterial dabei und Elisa zeigte uns viele tolle Plätze, die wir allein nicht entdeckt hätten. Ganz zu schweigen von den vielen Tipps für Restaurants, Bars und Einkaufsmöglichkeiten. Elisa ging ganz flexibel auf unsere Wünsche ein und wir hatten einen richtig tollen und Interessenten Nachmittag im Navigli Viertel. Dass sie dabei hin und wieder von Deutsch ins Englisch switchte, machte uns gar nichts aus. Danke, Elisa, für die interessante Führung und dieses schöne Erlebnis in MailandTolle Führung im Navigli Viertel

Lisa🇳🇱 Netherlands

(About local Elisa)

29 octubre 2022

She was a nice woman. Eliza knew a lot of history and took us past nice places.

gabriel🇺🇸 United States

(About local Alice)

3 octubre 2022

We had our 13 yr. old grandson along with us this time. Being a baseball player it was his title. The canal tour showed definitely one area that was a major part in the history of Milan. Alice brought this to life for us with little tidbits now and then, while keeping my grandson interested. Second tour in 3 days with Alice and she delivered again. ANOTHER HOMERUN...

Malin🇸🇪 Sweden

(About local Francesca)

24 septiembre 2022

Francesca is very friendly, engaged and able to well adjust to the group or circumstanses besides knowing a lot about Milan! We are so glad to have had the possibility to do this tour with her and seen a side of Milan we otherwise would never had seen. Highly recommend Francesca!Lovely tour!

Derin🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Francesca)

7 septiembre 2022

I had The lovely Francesca as my guide for 2 days in Milan and I'd suggest anyone coming to Milan to contact her immediately. You'd be lucky to book her as she's very much in demand. I had the luck of having her guide me. Francesca of course is very knowledgeable about the city abd showed me the key highlights and then some. what makes it more special is her passion, her intuition and wonderful humour which made the experience so much more. I loved spending time with her. Yhank you Francesca for a lovely 2 days. xxThe best introduction to Milan

Celia🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Salvatore)

2 agosto 2022

Wir haben die Tour mit Salvatore sehr genossen, er hat sehr viel Wissen und insider-Information bereit. Und er hat uns so viele interessante und schöne Stellen gezeigt! Vielen dank dafür!Super Tour mit Salvatore!

Vanessa🇮🇹 Italy

(About local Salvatore)

16 junio 2022

Our tour with Salvatore was great! He is really knowledgeable of the city and it’s history. He was patient with me as I couldn’t walk very fast that day. Additionally, he taught us how to use the subway like locals which helped us to continue exploring Milan well after our tour was over. Such a splendid tour, we highly recommend.

Petra🇦🇹 Austria

(About local Saara)

22 mayo 2022

We had a very interesting afternoon with Saara. She has very good knowledge of the history of the city and of Italy in general. We visited a lot of places off the usual tourist track. Saara’s focus in the tour is definitely on churches and their architecture. She is a lovely person caring very much for our well-being during the tour and gave us a lot of tips how to spend following days in Milan and where to find the best restaurants and shopping.

Unknown

(About local Salvatore)

25 abril 2022

Salvatore was pleasant and knowledgeable. Unfortunately it was Easter Monday and it appeared that a lot of unique store were not open. It would have been nice to see more secret streets etc. Good Food recommendation at the Procuitto Bar.Navigli tour

Hagit & Avi🇮🇱 Israel

(About local Salvatore)

13 noviembre 2021

Salvatore in a pleasant person and a knowledgeable guide. He took us to Navigli, the castle and the newly built neighborhood Porta Nuova and the lovely Bosch Verticale. It was a nice tour and we would recommend it.Interesting Milano tour

Shayna🇺🇸 United States

(About local Salvatore)

22 octubre 2021

It was our first day in Milan and we got to explore Navigli and other parts of the city in a well paced and authentic way thanks to Salvatore. He informed us of other places to explore and places to avoid due to "tourist traps". We also got comfortable with the trains and trams with his help..Thanks for helping us start our trip off well!

Cheryl🇺🇸 United States

(About local Salvatore)

10 septiembre 2021

Salvatore was a great guide who took us off the beaten path of Milan. You will not be disappointed.

Юлия

(About local Alice)

26 enero 2020

Very good excursion with Alisa: funny, interesting, showed hidden places. It was good and very positive 2,5 hours experience! Ready to adopt upon request.

Sheila 🇺🇸 United States

(About local Salvatore)

5 noviembre 2019

Salvatore was great !I’ve been to Milan many times for work and decided to do this your with my husband . Salvatore met us at our hotel and started the tour right away . He was friendly ,knowledgeable and spoke perfect English. Showed us the Navagli pointed out some good restaurants and bars to go to also. Would definitely recommend this tour. Hidden gems of milsn

Rosemarie🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Alice)

23 octubre 2019

Alisa is charming and personable, and immediately established a good rapport with us. She showed us aspects of Milan we hadn’t discovered ourselves on previous visits. It was very special and enjoyable to get an insider’s view.New insights

Kai🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Francesco)

14 julio 2019

We had a great time with Francesco who guided us for the Discover Navigli tour. It was really easy going and he took the time to discover at our pace, we never felt rushed. The tour did not make us feel like tourists but more like a friend showing us around in his neighbourhood and giving good insight about the city. We enjoyed the experience, time went by quickly and we can highly recommend Francesco !Time flies when you are having fun

Loren🇺🇸 United States

(About local Isa)

1 julio 2025

Isa led a customized private Milano family tour including a 7 year old. She arrived ready with many facts about the city, but also a tailored scavenger hunt making Milano come alive. She also adjusted the tour to both our jet lag and the weather. We so appreciate our time and highly recommend Isa as a guide!Isa created a magical visit to Milano

Jody🇺🇸 United States

(About local Salvatore)

29 junio 2025

We had a wonderful time in learned great things about Milan10

Lori & Jeff🇺🇸 United States

(About local Francesca)

28 junio 2025

We had a wonderful experience in Milan with Francesca as our guide! She is extremely knowledgeable, very friendly, and full of energy. Francesca took us to see so many different places within the city that we would never have discovered for ourselves. She answered all of our questions and went out of her way to help us with our self-guided plans. Thank you for an amazing tour, Francesca!The Best of Milan

Ryan🇺🇸 United States

(About local Sara)

28 junio 2025

Our time in Milan was limited and Sara was the perfect guide to give us a feel for many points of interest and provide the history and cultural significance of each stop along our tour. Sara was engaging and spoke passionately about her experiences in Milan. She gave us a great recommendation for lunch and happy hour. We would absolutely recommend Sara be your guide to Milan.Perfect Orientation to Milan

Manny🇺🇸 United States

(About local Isa)

17 junio 2025

We are so happy we came across Isa's profile when searching for a guide. As per her profile description, she is well educated in all things DaVinci. It was interesting getting her interpretation of parts of the city impacted by him. We would have loved to spend an entire day with her.24 Hours in Milan, so we had to do a tour!