Navigli: The Heartbeat of Milan's Waterways

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryScusi/Mi dispiace
  [skoo-zee/mee dees-pyah-cheh]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stai]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [non kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menù, per favore
  [vohr-reh-ee veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [non mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-reh-ee pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vah-ee vee-ah]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kyah-mah lah poh-lee-tsya]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un medico!
  [kyah-mah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-noh pehr-soh]
• I'm illSto male
  [stoh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-reh-ee kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwahr-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh trohp-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwah-ee ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ore sono?
  [keh oh-reh soh-noh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Mezza (dieci)
  [mehts-sah (dyeh-chee)]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [ohd-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Due
  [doo-eh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [seh-ee]
• 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oh-ttoh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dyeh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è un/il...?
  [doh-veh oon/eel]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-ree-tsoh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (nella mappa)?
  [pwah-ee mohs-tahr-mee (nehl-lah mahp-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-shee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon beel-lyet-toh (pehr)]

The Navigli district is named after its system of canals, which dates back to the 12th century. Originally constructed to facilitate the transportation of goods, the canals played a crucial role in Milan's economic development. The Naviglio Grande, the oldest and most significant of these canals, was completed in 1257 and connected Milan to the Ticino River, allowing for the transport of marble and other materials for the construction of the Duomo.

During the Renaissance, the Navigli area became a vibrant hub for artists and intellectuals. The canals served not only as trade routes but also as scenic pathways for pleasure boats. Notable figures such as Leonardo da Vinci and Bramante frequented the region, contributing to its cultural richness. The construction of the Naviglio Pavese in the 18th century further expanded the canal system, enhancing trade routes and connecting the city to the agricultural lands of the Po Valley.

The 19th century brought significant changes to the Navigli area with the onset of industrialization. Factories and warehouses sprang up along the canals, transforming the landscape and the local economy. While this era saw economic growth, it also led to environmental degradation, prompting a decline in the use of the canals for transportation by the early 20th century. Many of the waterways fell into disrepair, and the area became less desirable.

After World War II, the Navigli district underwent a revival as artists, bohemians, and young professionals moved into the area, drawn by its unique charm and affordable housing. The canals, once neglected, began to see new life as bars, restaurants, and art studios opened along their banks. The annual Navigli Canal Festival, celebrating the area's history and culture, was established during this time, further embedding the district into Milan's cultural fabric.

Today, Navigli is recognized as one of Milan's most vibrant neighborhoods, known for its lively nightlife, art galleries, and traditional markets. The canals have been restored, attracting tourists and locals alike. Events like the Navigli Vintage Market and the design-focused Milan Design Week highlight the area's artistic spirit. Navigli serves as a testament to Milan's ability to blend its rich history with contemporary culture, making it a dynamic part of the city's identity.

Navigli is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Milan. From the central train station (Milano Centrale), you can take the M2 Metro line towards Assago Forum and get off at the Porta Genova station, which is a short walk to the Navigli district. Alternatively, trams 2 and 3 connect to Navigli, and buses 47 and 59 also serve the area. If you're coming from the Duomo, the M3 Metro line to Duomo station followed by a short walk or a tram ride on line 3 can get you there quickly.

Navigli is a compact area, making it ideal for exploration on foot. However, bicycles are a popular option, with several bike rental services available. The district is well-served by public transport, including trams and buses. Tram line 3 runs through Navigli and connects to other parts of the city. Taxis and rideshare services are also available for more convenience, particularly at night.

Navigli is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists, but as with any urban area, it's essential to stay alert. Be cautious in less crowded areas, especially at night. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, particularly near popular tourist spots and crowded bars. Areas around the Darsena can be lively and sometimes rowdy at night, so remain vigilant. It’s advisable to avoid poorly lit streets after dark.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or ambulance services in Italy. The nearest hospital to Navigli is Ospedale San Paolo. It’s also advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor ailments, pharmacies are widely available throughout the neighborhood, many of which have English-speaking staff.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking and dress appropriately for the weather. Don’t wear overly casual clothing when dining in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs when visiting churches; cover shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don’t speak loudly or disturb other passengers. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Buongiorno' during the day. Don’t forget to say 'Grazie' when receiving service. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local aperitivo culture, where drinks come with complimentary snacks. Don’t rush your meal; dining is a leisurely affair.

To experience Navigli like a local, visit the vibrant markets, such as the Sunday antique market along Naviglio Grande. Join the locals for aperitivo at one of the many canal-side bars where you can enjoy a drink and a small buffet of snacks. Explore the hidden gems of art galleries and artisan shops that line the canals. If you're interested in photography, the golden hour near sunset offers stunning views of the canals. Lastly, consider renting a kayak to see the canals from a unique perspective.