What to Do on a Sunday in Milan Beyond the Landmarks

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What Not to Do in Milan on a Sunday

Sundays in Milan are a mixed bag when it comes to activity planning. Many local businesses, including small shops and family-run restaurants, close their doors making it harder to enjoy an authentic Milanese experience. What remains open are shops and restaurants aimed at tourists.

While most museums and unmissable landmarks also stay open, the most popular tourist spots—like the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Teatro Alla Scala—tend to be overrun with visitors. Crowds and long lines can sap the joy out of your day, especially if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience.

Instead of jostling for space in the usual hotspots, why not explore an area that offers a slower, more local pace of life?

What to Do in Milan on a Sunday: Discover the Navigli District

Why Spend Your Sunday in Navigli?

Navigli is the perfect escape for anyone looking to enjoy Milan at a slower pace, away from the crowds and chaos of the city center.

I won’t fool you—there are still crowds, but most of them are locals, as this is where they love to spend their weekends.

Navigli feels like a world apart from the Milan city centre, making it a good reason to visit here.

A Brief History of Navigli

Navigli, Milan’s historic canal district, dates back to the 12th century when the canals were engineered to transport goods and connect the city to nearby rivers and lakes.

Over time, they played a crucial role in shaping Milan’s economy and culture, even aiding in the construction of the Duomo by transporting marble.

Getting There

Reaching Navigli is straightforward and convenient.

The M2 metro line stops at Porta Genova, a short walk from the district, while trams and buses offer additional options. It’s also a short walk from the main city centre.

Once there, you’ll find the area easy to navigate, with most attractions clustered around the Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese canals.

Sunday Things to Do in Navigli District

Strolling Along the Canals

A walk along Navigli’s canals is the perfect way to soak in the district’s charm. I recommend you start at Naviglio Grande, where cobblestone streets and colourful facades make for stunning photos.

Don’t miss the Vicolo dei Lavandai, a historic spot once used by local washerwomen. For a quieter vibe, head to Naviglio Pavese, where you’ll find fewer crowds and serene views ideal for a much quieter stroll.

Visiting the Antique Market

The Sunday antique market, also known as the Mercatone dell’Antiquariato, takes place every last Sunday of the month along Naviglio Grande.

I timed my visit to Milan perfectly to catch the Navigli Antique Market. With over 400 stalls offering a wide variety of antiques and vintage items, from furniture and jewellery to books and collectibles.

Arrive early to beat the crowds and score the best finds. Remember to bring cash, as some vendors may not accept cards, and don’t hesitate to negotiate for a better deal.

Watch for designer fakes, if the price seems too good to be true, then it’s likely not the real deal. I have a small collection of Hermes pieces and was tempted to add a few new items, but in the end, I decided not to make the splurge.

Enjoying Local Cuisine

Navigli is home to some of Milan’s best restaurants and cafes. For a taste of traditional Milanese cuisine, I highly recommend trying the delicious risotto alla Milanese paired with a glass of local wine at either 28 Prosti or El Brellin—both are favourites where I dined.

Art and Culture in Navigli

Navigli’s has a fantastic art community evident in its many galleries and studios. I recommend visiting Atelier di pittura di Pisati da Milano to explore works from various contemporary artists or take a stroll through the side streets leading to hidden courtyards where you’ll find even more gems. The artists I met were eager to share their stories and art.

Aperitivo Culture

Aperitivo is a cherished Milanese tradition, and Navigli is the ideal place to experience it.

This pre-dinner happy hour ritual involves sipping drinks like Negroni or Aperol Spritz, accompanied by small bites. Rita & Cocktails and Mag Cafè are popular spots for a relaxed aperitivo with views of the canal. I recommend you arrive early to secure a good seat by the water.

Experience the Vibrant Nightlife

Navigli’s nightlife is the perfect way to cap off your Sunday. After your aperitivos at one of the many canal-side bars indulge in a late-night dinner at La Ringhiera or Al Pont de Ferr, where you can savour Italian classics with a view of the canals.

For music lovers, venues like Spirit de Milan and The Club Milano often feature live performances ranging from jazz to acoustic sets, creating a lively yet laid-back vibe.

Tips for Timing Your Visit

To make the most of your Sunday in Navigli, timing is everything. Arrive early, around 9 AM, to enjoy a quiet stroll along the canals before the antique market buzz picks up.

Mid-morning is ideal for browsing the market, while lunchtime offers a chance to settle into a quiet trattoria. Follow your lunch by browsing the local shops and galleries. Late afternoon, the crowds thin out, making it perfect for a canal-side aperitivo.

Where I Stayed in This District

I stayed at the charming Boutique suite sul Naviglio Grande, a boutique studio apartment right along the Naviglio Grande. My cozy room and canal views made it the ideal base for exploring Navigli.

Alternative Suggestions for What to Do on a Sunday in Milan

Here are some more recommendations I have for how you can spend your Sunday in Milan that steer clear of the crowds and tourist traps.

1. Explore the Brera District: Wander through Brera’s charming cobbled streets, filled with art galleries, quaint cafes, and boutique shops. Don’t miss the peaceful Orto Botanico, a hidden botanical garden.
2. Relax at Parco Sempione: Enjoy a leisurely walk or picnic at this beautiful park located behind Sforza Castle. It’s where the locals like to come and gather as a family on the weekends.
3. Stroll through the Modern Art Galleries: Head to the Galleria d’Arte Moderna or the Pirelli Hangar Bicocca for a quieter art experience, showcasing Milan’s impressive modern art scene.
4. Explore the Ortica District: This lesser-known neighbourhood is full of charm. Stroll through its streets and window shop at the many local artisan storefronts.
5. Check Out Local Markets: Spend your Sunday browsing through one of Milan’s vibrant markets, like the Porta Genova Market, where you can find everything from vintage clothing to handmade crafts and discover unique souvenirs.
6. Enjoy a Milanese Brunch: Skip the traditional lunch and opt for a delicious brunch at local spots like The Bakery or Caffè del Lupo. You’ll find many locals spending hours together enjoying brunch.
7. Discover Milan’s Hidden Courtyards: Seek out some of Milan’s secret courtyards, such as the Cortile del Belvedere and Cortile della Fondazione Riccardo Catella, perfect for stolen moments away from the crowds.