Swoon your way through the artsy Navigli district, one of the most unique and romantic areas in Milan.

A few blocks southwest of the city’s historic centre, the neighbourhood is named for the navigli, canals that were once used as an alternative and efficient mode of transportation for both goods and people. Today, gondolas no longer float on the streets of the Navigli; instead, you’ll see couples strolling hand in hand between the area’s many charming cafes, restaurants, and aperitivo bars. Art is the highlight of this lovely neighbourhood; hole-in-the-wall galleries and funky studios dot the streets, and Milan’s New Academy of Fine Arts attracts creative students from around the country.

If you’re looking for a more established art scene, the area boasts several highly-regarded museums, including the Museo Diocesano, a collection of rare religious artwork and illumination from the Middle Ages.