Milan Navigli: Sunset Food & Drinks Walking Tour

Summary

Evening strolls along Milan’s canals tasting cocktails wines & street food

You’ll wander Milan’s Navigli at sunset with a local guide, tasting cocktails and regional wines in cozy bars before trying creative street food and finishing with real Italian gelato by the canal. Expect laughter, new flavors (maybe even new friends), and an evening that feels more like joining locals than following a tour group.

What’s the experience like?

I was barely five minutes into the Navigli district when our guide, Marco, handed me a glass that smelled like orange peel and something herbal—he called it a “Milanese classic.” I tried to pronounce it (badly), and he just grinned. The sun was sliding down behind those old canal houses, and you could hear that low hum of people settling in for aperitivo hour. I didn’t expect the first stop to be so… lively? Locals were already crowding the tiny bar, laughing, clinking glasses. It felt like we’d crashed someone’s regular Thursday night.

We wandered along the canal after that, past bikes rattling over cobblestones and couples arguing softly in Italian (or maybe just debating pizza toppings). At a little wine shop tucked behind some graffiti shutters, Marco poured us reds from vineyards outside Milan—said his uncle always argued about which region did it best. The cheese plate was simple but sharp; I still remember how the gorgonzola hit after the wine. Someone’s dog kept nosing my ankle under the table. It was that kind of place.

Later there were these stuffed potatoes—way better than they sound, trust me—crispy outside, creamy inside, topped with things I couldn’t pronounce (and didn’t need to). The street got busier as we walked; you could smell fried dough from somewhere nearby and hear bits of music leaking out of open windows. We finished with gelato by the water—mine was pistachio, cold enough to make my teeth ache but worth it. Marco asked if we wanted another round or just to sit and watch the lights on the canal for a while. So yeah, we did both.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Milan Navigli Food and Drinks Tour

• Meet guide at meeting point
• Taste classic Milan cocktails
• Enjoy Italian wine tasting
• Walk along Naviglio Grande canals
• Eat gourmet stuffed potatoes
• Try Milan street food dish
• Have authentic Italian gelato

Top questions

How long does this Milan Navigli food & drinks tour last?

The tour is an evening walking experience around Navigli and Porta Ticinese; exact duration isn’t specified but expect several hours including multiple stops.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or special diets?

The itinerary includes varied tastings; specific dietary needs should be mentioned when booking to check availability.

Are drinks included on this Milan sunset food tour?

Yes, alcoholic beverages such as cocktails and wine tastings are included along with other refreshments.

Is there hotel pickup for this Navigli walking tour?

No hotel pickup; you meet your guide at a designated meeting point in Milan’s Navigli area.

What languages is the tour offered in?

The tour is always run in English and Italian; other languages may be available upon request.

Are children allowed on this food & drinks tour?

Infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed and specialized infant seats are available.

How big are the groups on this Milan food tour?

The groups are kept small to focus on genuine exchange and personal attention from your local guide.

What’s included

Your evening includes all tastings—cocktails crafted with local spirits, regional wine sampling at a cozy shop near Gallerie d’Italia Milan, gourmet stuffed potatoes, creative street food bites, authentic gelato by the canal—and plenty of stories from your local guide. Bottled water is provided too before you head off into Milan’s night on your own.