The Historic Canals of Navigli
The Navigli canal system dates back to the 12th century, designed for irrigation and transport. Leonardo da Vinci even contributed to its innovative lock system, making Milan a major inland port.
Private & personalized tours - just for you!
The best stories aren’t found in guidebooks. Skip the crowds and unlock the hidden gems of Navigli with a private, personalized experience led by a local.




Make your stay in milan complete with these things to do






Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"We totally enjoyed our tour with Salvatore. We wanted to see parts of Milan that were not the tourist hotspots and Salvatore met our expectations. We started with the very old buildings and history, wandered through the canal district and ended with the next level of modern at the beautiful new area with the Tree Villa Park. Salvatore took time to answer all of our questions and helped us understand Milan. A useful bonus was taking the underground with him and learning how to navigate the trains. We high recommend Salvatore and Withlocals. "
"Salvatore guided us through some of the city’s lesser-known spots. We were three friends enjoying a private tour at our own pace, discovering charming historical and modern corners that most tourists on a one-time visit would likely miss. Highly recommended to book such a tour on your first day in the city, so you can later return to the places you marked as worth exploring, revisiting, or tasting. Warmly recommended! "
"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! "
Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore milan with locals







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Dreaming of a sunset stroll along historic canals, a spritz in hand? Welcome to the Navigli district! Unlock the soul of this vibrant neighborhood with a private Navigli tour. Your unforgettable Milan story starts here.
The Navigli canal system dates back to the 12th century, designed for irrigation and transport. Leonardo da Vinci even contributed to its innovative lock system, making Milan a major inland port.
Navigli is the heart of Milan's famous aperitivo culture. As evening falls, locals flock to canalside bars for a spritz and delicious snacks. It's the quintessential Milanese experience.
Explore Vicolo dei Lavandai, or 'Washerwomen's Alley.' This charming corner of Navigli is where locals washed their clothes until the 1950s, offering a perfectly preserved snapshot of old Milan.
On the last Sunday of each month, the Naviglio Grande hosts a massive antique market. It's a treasure hunter's dream with hundreds of stalls selling vintage finds, furniture, and unique collectibles.
Beyond the bustling bars, the Navigli district is a hub for creativity. Discover hidden courtyards, independent art galleries, and quirky vintage shops that showcase Milan's artistic soul.
Why just see Navigli when you can truly experience it? Your private tour is waiting. Let a local guide show you the secret alleys and best aperitivo spots. Skip the tourist traps. Book your personalized Navigli tour now and create memories that last a lifetime!
Always private. It’s just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.
"We had a wonderful time in Milan exploring the Navigli area with Isa .She kept us well engaged with her passion and great knowledge . We also discovered lovely hidden corners that only locals know about . Would really recommend one of Isa 's tours. "
"As it was my first time visiting Milan, I thought a local guide would be good fun. I was on my own, so booked a private tour. I met Paola as agreed and we spent two and a half hours walking around the city. Paola was a great company, and her knowledge was extensive. She gave me a great introduction to the city with plenty of stories/history. Highly recommended "
"Very enjoyable experience! A leisurely stroll through the Naviglia neighborhood of Milan. Walked along the canal and stopped at many points of historic interest. The tour culminated with a delicious dinner. John was gracious and excellent and even walked us back to our hotel after dinner! "
"This was a great walking tour and John was very knowledgeable! John even took pic of our family at various sites. Note to those interested…we spent all day walking in Milan and then did this tour. It was great but we were exhausted! "
"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. "
"Sehr aufmerksam, sattelfest in der Geschichte von Mailand und Italien, und überraschend mit Anekdoten und Tips. Herzliche Empfehlung unsererseits - auch von unseren Teenager-Töchtern, die es spannend fanden. "



Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.