Visit Navigli

Aperitivo in Navigli!



The oldest canal Naviglio Grande takes it’s water from the Ticino river. The canal was constructed from 1177 to 1257 and is about 50 km long. In the past it was used as transporting way of goods, particularly for the blocks of marble that were used for building the Cathedral.
In the olden days one can find the typical old Milan houses, old wash-houses with wooden beamed roofs and craftsmen’s workshops. Today what you can find are boutiques and ateliers of artist of Milan, cafes, restaurants and old moored barges fitted out as bars for meeting the typical atmosphere and the young Milan people.

Most importantly, it is one of the best places to have an aperitivo!

What is an aperitivo?

“Aperitivo,” is like “Happy Hour,” and is a Milanese tradition of pre-dinner drinks accompanied by complimentary “stuzzichini,” or appetizers. Derived from the Latin “aperitivus,” or, “to open,” aperitivo is meant to （开胃） or enhance your appetite before dinner.

The typical spread can be something as modest as olives, cheeses and potato chips to something as overwhelming and awe-inspiring as pasta dishes, pizza slices, bruschetta, meats, sautéed vegetables and fruit salad. Unlike the American happy hour, drinks are the regular price or slightly more but the food bar is buffet style. 

Source: http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/tag/milano

The usual aperitivo starts at 6 or 7 PM and lasts until 9. And if you are in budget, you can discreetly settle your dinner at the cost of one alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink.

How to go: Take Metro to Porta Genova FS. Walk away from the railway station into the streets on the left of all the tram tracks.  You should be walking towards this building. Turn right at the corner and walk straight along the streets. You will find a few bars along the way. Pick any one where you find the prices resonable.