Local Food & Drink Tastings • 3 hours 5.0 (6)

Like a Local: Aperitivo on Milan’s Iconic Navigli Canal

Experience Milan’s aperitivo tradition in the vibrant Navigli district, where locals gather to drink, dine, and enjoy this cherished cultural ritual.

Don't forget to bring a compact umbrella as it can quickly turn from a blue-sky morning to a rainy, drizzly afternoon with little warning.

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • Join a local host for an unforgettable Milanese aperitivo experience in the very city where this cherished tradition began!
  • Wander through Navigli, Milan’s most iconic aperitivo district, alive with energy and charm. Picture yourself at a cozy outdoor bar along the scenic canal, or tucked away in a historic piazza brimming with character—your host knows all the best spots
  • Indulge in a delightful spread of Milanese delicacies, from bruschetta to perfectly cured meats, paired with small, flavorful bites that showcase the region’s culinary flair.
  • As you sip a classic spritz, a handcrafted cocktail, or a glass of local wine, feel the rhythm of Milan’s vibrant culture come to life. This is your moment to unwind, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy aperitivo just as the locals do.
  • Come hungry, come curious, and let this Milanese tradition captivate your senses!

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Private and personalized experience
3 hours with a Host
2 glasses of wine, beer or soft drinks
A selection of aperitivo, chosen by yourself with recommendations by your local
Start when you like, although we recommend in the early evening - the later the better if you want to keep up with the locals!
Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

What’s not included

Food and drinks in addition to those stated above
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Your hotel/apartment or any other central location

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

No trip to Milan is complete without embracing the city’s beloved aperitivo tradition, and with a local host by your side, you’ll experience it in its most authentic form. In the chic Navigli district, where historic canals meet the buzz of modern Milanese life, you’ll explore some of the city’s most iconic bars and hidden gems.

Stroll along the vibrant canals as the sun sets, painting the water in shimmering shades of orange and silver. Pause at Darsena, the picturesque harbor where two of Navigli’s canals meet, before venturing into the neighborhood’s lively heart. Your host will guide you to the perfect spot—or spots!—to enjoy this cherished ritual.

Perhaps you’ll settle at Manhattan, a laid-back local haunt with a sprawling buffet of pizza, cheeses, and olives, or savor the famous charcuteries at La Prosciutteria. Feeling adventurous? Sip a crafted cocktail at Mag Café or UGO, or stick with a classic spritz or a glass of wine, just as the Milanese do. With every bite of bruschetta and sip of your drink, you’ll immerse yourself in a tradition that’s as delicious as it is social.

This isn’t just aperitivo—it’s Milan’s spirit in a glass, served with a side of timeless charm. Let the Navigli district enchant you as you toast to a true taste of Milanese culture!

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

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What travelers think of this experience

Dominique, Aug 2022

Thais was and are fantastic! I wish we could have hired her for the entire trip!

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Elena, Feb 2020

Alessandro is the best of personal host. He made us to like Milan. With him we saw hidden gems of the city.

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Elena, Feb 2020

Alessandro is wonderful host. He made us like Milan and with him we saw hidden gems of the city. Very interesting person, easy going, knowledgeable, young professional. Very advisable to start knowing Milan with him.

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Andy, Mar 2018

It was an pleasure to be shows around Milan by Marco. Nothing seemed too much of a problem. I especially enjoyed his attention to detail, with the winding back streets emerging into hidden churches and courtyards was such fun. I appreciated the inclusion of a couple of record shops I had asked asked if he could fit into the itinerary ! A Highly recommended local.

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Janice, Feb 2025

Excellent experience. Alex is a fantastic guide. Friendly and full of interesting insights. He curated our tour personally. Showed us all the sights we had hoped to see and more.

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Yvonne, Feb 2025

We had a great day with Giulia. She knew very much about Milan but also about other countries. She has travelled a lot so she could easily compare to other countries or moments in history. It was a very nice tour that she had figured out and it all went too quick. She showed us several parts of Milan and we are sure we will be back to enjoy more of this beautiful city. Thank you so much Giulia for a day well spend with one of the best guides we ever met.

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