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.
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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.




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Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"Francesca’s guided tour along Milan’s canal district on January 30, 2026 was absolutely outstanding. She is deeply knowledgeable and brought Milan’s history to life with fresh, unexpected angles that tied beautifully into current affairs. The route was perfectly curated, taking us into charming art galleries, boutique shops, and wonderful cafés we never would have found on our own. What really set Francesca apart was her ability to share stories and insights you simply won’t find in guidebooks or online. She was warm, engaging, and genuinely fascinating to listen to throughout the walk. The pace was relaxed yet rich with content, making the experience both informative and enjoyable. This tour felt personal, authentic, and thoughtfully designed. If you want to truly understand Milan beyond the surface, Francesca is the guide you’re looking for."
"My husband and I really enjoyed our tour with Sara. Sara is a true local with so much historical and interesting knowledge about Milan. She helped us see things we wouldn't have seen without her. We would love to do another tour with Sara sometime. "
"Had a wonderful tour of the Navigli area with Isa. Everything about it was great - the pace was nice, we stopped at a variety of places showcasing different aspects of the area, with multiple 'hidden secrets' that we would not have found on our own. The tour was carefully curated and the historical stories were interesting and informative. I enjoyed how we touched on multiple topics and periods of history, from Roman times through the present and how things are related. It was all around a highlight of the trip and I would tour another part of town with Isa - highly recommend this tour!"
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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.


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"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 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! "
"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.