No trip to Milan would be complete without experiencing the city’s most important tradition – aperitivo – and with a local host leading the way, you’ll know for a fact that your experience will be as authentic as it gets. In the stylish Navigli neighborhood, a hub of buzzing bars built along a centuries-old canal, you’ll pick the bar (or bars!) that speaks to you. Will it be Manhattan, a laid-back local haunt with a sprawling buffet of pizza, salads, cheeses, olives, and bread? Or maybe La Prosciutteria’s famous salamis and charcuteries are calling your name. When it comes to drinks, Mag Cafe and UGO Cocktail Bar boast an incredible selection of craft cocktails – but a glass of wine or a simple spritz is the true Milanese way.

In southwest Milan is one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods, Navigli, which was built around a network of five canals constructed between 1179 and the 16th century. Then, the canals were used to transport marble from Candoglia, which was used to construct the iconic Duomo di Milano cathedral; but now, they form a sparkling backdrop for some of the city’s most popular restaurants, bars, and cafes. At dusk, when the water turns a thousand shades of silver and orange, you’ll follow your host past locals enjoying a canalside glass of wine, first exploring the beautiful harbor – Darsena – where the Naviglio Pavese and Naviglio Grande canals meet, then choosing a location to indulge in the delicious tradition of aperitivo.