Travel snapshot – Milan’s Naviglio Grande

Milan wouldn’t be Milan if it weren’t for thousands of years of the Navigli waterways. For a long time, important goods were shipped on them with the help of draught animals running on the side. The oldest of these canals – the Naviglio Grande – was over 50 km long and served as a transport route to Lake Maggiore. Transport traffic has been suspended for several decades now. Where workers and craftsmen once lived, there are now rows of pretty restaurants, artists’ studios and original shops. As soon as the day draws to a close, the alleys around the Naviglio Grande are transformed into a colourful scene.

I got the tip to go looking for a restaurant along the Navigli from a dear Milanese colleague – and this tip was great. The selection of authentic Italian restaurants is almost inexhaustible and what looks slightly shabby (but quite exciting) through the day turns into a unique place with a touch of romance after dark.

Here we dined:Lunchtime: Luca e Andrea Cafe-Bar / Alzaia Naviglio Grande 34
Evening:
Officina 12 / Alzaia Naviglio Grande 12