Milan Cruises: Book Tickets Now

Glide along Milan’s canals or head out onto Lake Como and Lake Lugano by boat.

Lugano and Bellagio: Day Trip from Como + Boat Cruise

From 82.68 €

Milan: Navigli and Darsena Boat Tour

From 20.33 €

Milan isn’t an obvious boating city, but its old canals still run through the Navigli district, and the lakes of Como and Lugano are an easy day away. Whether you want an hour on the water in the city or a full day out, there’s a boat for it.

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Boat Tours on the Navigli and Darsena

Milan was once criss-crossed by canals, and the Navigli district is where they survive. The Naviglio Grande and the Darsena basin, which served as the city’s inland port, were built to move goods, marble for the Duomo among them. Most of the other canals were covered over in the 20th century, which makes the stretch that remains feel like a different Milan.

Today the banks are lined with bars and restaurants, and seeing it from the water is a good way to get a feel for the area before you stop for an aperitivo.

Lake Como Cruises and Bellagio

Lake Como is shaped like an upside-down Y, and Bellagio sits right at the fork where the two arms meet. A boat is the best way to see why people come here, with villas, small harbours and wooded hillsides sliding past as you cross the water. Once ashore, Bellagio is a village of stepped lanes and lakeside cafés that is easy to explore on foot.

Como itself, at the southern end, is the usual starting point for a day on the lake.

Lake Lugano and a Day Across the Border

Lugano sits on its own lake in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, and it pairs well with a day on Lake Como. The town has a lakeside promenade and a compact old centre, with mountains rising straight behind it. It is a different mood from the Italian lakes, calmer and more polished.

Because it’s in Switzerland, remember your passport or ID.

Good to Know Before Booking Cruises in Milan

Boat services on the canals and lakes can change with weather and water conditions, so stay flexible on the day.

Bring your passport or a valid ID for the Lugano trip, since the town is in Switzerland.

Boats leave to a schedule, so arrive at your meeting point a little early.

It is often breezier on the water than on land, so a light layer and sun protection are worth packing.

The Navigli area gets busy on evenings and weekends, so allow extra time to get there.

Bellagio has steps and slopes, so comfortable shoes make exploring easier.

Lake services usually run more often between spring and early autumn, so those months give you the most choice.

Access on boats and docks can vary, so it's worth checking your needs before you book.

Milan Cruises - Gallery

Milan's Top 5 Picks

Pinacoteca Ambrosiana

A 17th-century gallery housing Leonardo da Vinci’s Portrait of a Musician, Caravaggio’s Basket of Fruit, and Raphael’s cartoon for The School of Athens.

Cripta di San Sepolcro

An atmospheric underground Romanesque crypt beneath Piazza San Sepolcro, built on the site of Milan’s ancient Roman forum.

Leonardo3 Museum

An interactive museum bringing Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions and codices to life through working models and digital reconstructions.

Duomo di Milano

Milan’s monumental Gothic cathedral, crowned by a forest of spires and a rooftop terrace with sweeping city views.

The Last Supper

Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic mural in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece.

FAQs about Cruises in Milan

Can you take a boat tour in Milan?

Yes, boat tours run along the historic canals of the Navigli district and the Darsena basin.

Why does Milan have canals?

They were built centuries ago to move goods, including marble for the Duomo, and most of them were covered over in the 20th century.

What is the Darsena?

It is the old port basin at the start of the Naviglio Grande, now lined with bars and restaurants.

Is Lake Como close to Milan?

Yes, it is roughly an hour away, which makes it an easy day trip.

What is Bellagio known for?

It is a lakeside village at the point where Lake Como splits in two, known for its stepped lanes and views over the water.

Is Lugano in Italy?

No, Lugano is in Switzerland, in the Italian-speaking part of the country.

Do I need a passport for the Lugano day trip?

Yes, bring your passport or a valid ID.

How long is a day trip to Lake Como and Lugano?

Expect it to take most of the day, from morning until evening.

When is the best time for a lake cruise?

Late spring to early autumn is usually best, when the weather suits time on the water.

Can boat services be affected by the weather?

Yes, services on lakes and canals can change with weather and water conditions, so it helps to stay flexible.