Planning a trip to Lake Como? Explore 12 of the best things to see and do, discover practical travel tips, and watch our video guide for an inspiring journey around the lake.

Few places in Italy combine breathtaking mountain scenery, elegant historic villas, charming lakeside villages, and unforgettable experiences quite like Lake Como.

Located in Lombardy in northern Italy, Lake Como is famous for its distinctive inverted-Y shape, dramatic Alpine landscape, beautiful waterfront towns, and sophisticated atmosphere. From the historic streets of Como to the romantic villages of Bellagio and Varenna, there is something here for every type of traveler.

But with so many places to visit, planning your first trip to Lake Como can be overwhelming.

So, what are the best things to see and do on Lake Como?

In this guide, we explore 12 of the best Lake Como attractions and experiences, along with practical advice on transportation, day trips, hiking, boat travel, and the best time to visit.

1. Explore the Historic Center of Como

For many visitors, the best place to start a Lake Como trip is the city of Como.

The city combines a beautiful historic center with lively cafés, restaurants, elegant squares, and impressive architecture. Take time to walk through the narrow streets and discover the city’s main landmarks, including Como Cathedral and the Broletto.

The waterfront promenade is another excellent place for a relaxing walk, especially around sunset.

Como is also one of the most convenient bases for exploring the lake because it has excellent train connections with Milan.

Travel tip: If you are visiting Lake Como for the first time and don’t want to rent a car, staying in Como can be a practical option.

2. Take the Funicular from Como to Brunate

One of the easiest ways to enjoy spectacular views of Lake Como is to take the historic Como–Brunate funicular.

The short journey takes you uphill from Como to the small town of Brunate, often called the “Balcony of the Alps.”

Once you arrive, you can enjoy panoramic views over Como, the lake, and the surrounding mountains.

Brunate is also a good starting point for walks and hiking trails. For travelers who love photography, this is one of the easiest ways to find a memorable viewpoint without committing to a difficult mountain hike.

Don’t miss: Try to visit around golden hour for particularly beautiful lake views.

3. Discover the Orrido di Bellano

On the eastern shore of Lake Como, the small town of Bellano hides one of the area’s most fascinating natural attractions: the Orrido di Bellano.

This spectacular gorge was created over thousands of years by the Pioverna River. Walkways allow visitors to enter the canyon and admire waterfalls, rock formations, narrow passages, and rushing water.

Bellano is also a pleasant alternative to some of the busier destinations around the lake.

The town can be reached by train, making it particularly convenient for travelers exploring Lake Como without a car.

Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, and travelers looking for something beyond the classic lakeside villages.

4. Visit Bellagio, the Pearl of Lake Como

No Lake Como itinerary would be complete without Bellagio.

Located where the lake’s three branches meet, Bellagio is arguably the most famous village on Lake Como. Its steep cobbled lanes, colorful buildings, elegant shops, restaurants, gardens, and lake views make it one of the most popular destinations in northern Italy.

Spend some time wandering through the historic center before heading toward the waterfront.

Bellagio is also an excellent base for exploring the lake by boat because ferry connections link it with other major destinations.

Travel tip: Bellagio can become very busy during peak summer hours. Arriving early in the morning or visiting during the shoulder seasons can provide a more relaxed experience.

5. Explore Varenna

If Bellagio is famous for its glamorous atmosphere, Varenna offers a more intimate and romantic experience.

This small village on the eastern shore of Lake Como is known for its colorful waterfront, narrow streets, stone stairways, and beautiful views across the lake.

Walk along the lakeside promenade, explore the historic center, and consider visiting the nearby Castello di Vezio for panoramic views.

Varenna is also connected by both train and ferry, making it one of the easiest Lake Como destinations to include in an itinerary without a car.

Best for: Couples, photographers, slow travelers, and anyone looking for a picturesque Italian village.

6. Spend Time in Menaggio

On the western shore of the lake, Menaggio offers a different atmosphere from Bellagio and Varenna.

The town has an attractive lakeside promenade, a pleasant historic center, restaurants, cafés, and easy access to hiking trails.

Menaggio is also strategically located for exploring the central part of Lake Como and can be combined with Bellagio and Varenna on the same day using the lake’s ferry network.

For travelers who want beautiful scenery without staying directly in one of the most expensive tourist hotspots, Menaggio can also be worth considering as a base.

7. Visit Lake Como’s Historic Villas

The magnificent villas surrounding Lake Como are an essential part of its identity.

Among the most famous is Villa del Balbianello, dramatically positioned on a wooded peninsula and surrounded by spectacular gardens.

Another important attraction is Villa Carlotta, known for its historic interiors and extensive botanical gardens.

These villas offer a glimpse into the aristocratic history of the region while also providing some of the most beautiful gardens and lake views in Italy.

Travel tip: Check opening days and ticket arrangements before visiting, especially outside the main tourist season.

8. Hike the Sentiero del Viandante

Lake Como is not only about boat rides, luxury villas, and picturesque villages.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Sentiero del Viandante is one of the region’s most rewarding hiking experiences.

This historic trail follows sections of the eastern side of Lake Como and offers spectacular views over the water and surrounding mountains.

Different sections can be approached according to your available time and fitness level.

The trail provides a completely different perspective of the lake and is an excellent choice for travelers who want to escape the busiest tourist areas.

Best for: Hiking, nature, photography, and travelers looking for a more active Lake Como experience.

9. Rent a Boat and Explore Lake Como from the Water

One of the best ways to appreciate Lake Como is from the lake itself.

While public ferries are an excellent way to move between major towns, renting a boat can provide a more independent experience.

From the water, you can admire historic villas, dramatic mountains, elegant waterfront properties, and small stretches of shoreline that are difficult to appreciate from the road.

A private boat experience can also be a memorable option for couples, families, or small groups.

Important: Always check the rental requirements, local regulations, insurance conditions, and weather before setting out.

10. Enjoy the Mountain Views at Piani dei Resinelli

If you want to experience the mountains surrounding Lake Como, consider heading toward Piani dei Resinelli.

Located above the lake near the Grigna mountain area, this mountain plateau offers hiking opportunities and spectacular panoramic viewpoints.

It is particularly appealing to travelers who want to combine a Lake Como vacation with a taste of the Lombardy Alps.

A car is generally the most convenient option for reaching some of the mountain areas around the lake.

11. Take a Day Trip to Valtellina

If you have extra time, consider extending your Lake Como adventure with a day trip toward Valtellina.

This Alpine valley is famous for its mountain landscapes, traditional cuisine, vineyards, and historic villages.

The experience is quite different from the elegant lakeside atmosphere of Bellagio or Como. Here, the focus shifts toward mountains, local food, wine traditions, and outdoor activities.

Because public transportation can be less convenient in some areas, having a car can make exploring Valtellina considerably easier.

Best for: Food lovers, wine enthusiasts, mountain lovers, and travelers with extra time.

12. Enjoy Lake Como’s Most Beautiful Viewpoints

Finally, don’t underestimate the simple pleasure of stopping to admire the scenery.

Lake Como is full of spectacular viewpoints, from elevated mountain villages to lakeside promenades and ferry routes.

Some of the most memorable views can be found around:

• Brunate
• Bellagio
• Varenna
• Menaggio
• The eastern shore hiking trails
• Piani dei Resinelli
• The central lake area

Rather than trying to see everything in a single day, allow some time simply to enjoy the landscape.

After all, the scenery is one of the main reasons travelers come to Lake Como.

How to Get Around Lake Como

Transportation can make a huge difference to your experience.

Although renting a car can be useful for mountain destinations and remote areas, driving around the main lakeside towns isn’t always the easiest option.

Roads can be narrow, parking can be limited, and traffic can become heavy during the busiest periods.

For many visitors, a combination of trains, ferries, buses, and walking is a better solution.

Traveling by Ferry

Ferries are one of the most enjoyable ways to move around central Lake Como.

They connect several important destinations, including Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio, while allowing you to enjoy the scenery during the journey.

The boat trip itself becomes part of the experience.

Visiting Lake Como Without a Car

Yes, you can absolutely visit Lake Como without a car.

In fact, for a first trip focused on Como, Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio, avoiding a car can make the journey easier.

A practical strategy is to use:

• Trains for longer journeys along the lake
• Ferries between major lakeside towns
• Buses for selected inland routes
• Walking within villages and historic centers

A car becomes more useful when you want to explore mountain areas, remote villages, or destinations outside the main tourist routes.

How Many Days Do You Need for Lake Como?

Lake Como in 1 Day

With only one day, focus on the central lake area.

A possible itinerary is:

Como → Bellagio → Varenna

Alternatively, stay around Como and visit Brunate.

Lake Como in 2 Days

With two days, you can slow down and add Menaggio, Bellano, or one of the historic villas.

Lake Como in 3 Days

Three days allows you to explore more comfortably and include hiking, villas, boat trips, and one of the less-touristy areas.

If you love nature, consider dedicating part of a day to the Sentiero del Viandante.

Where to Stay on Lake Como

The best place to stay depends on the type of trip you want.

Como is convenient for transportation, restaurants, shopping, and day trips to Milan.

Bellagio is ideal if you want a glamorous and romantic lakeside experience.

Varenna is perfect for travelers looking for a smaller, picturesque village with excellent ferry and train connections.

Menaggio offers a relaxed atmosphere and a strategic location on the western shore.

If your priority is convenience and budget, don’t automatically choose the most famous village. Staying in a less expensive town and using ferries and trains can provide a much better overall experience.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Lake Como?

The best time to visit Lake Como depends on what you want to do.

Spring offers mild temperatures, blooming gardens, and fewer visitors than the peak summer months.

Summer brings warm weather and the liveliest atmosphere, but it is also the busiest period.

Early autumn can be an excellent compromise, with pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery.

Winter is much quieter, although some attractions and seasonal services may have reduced opening schedules.

For a balance between good weather and manageable crowds, late spring and early autumn are particularly attractive.

Is Lake Como Expensive?

Lake Como has a reputation as a luxury destination, and some of its most famous towns can indeed be expensive.

Hotels, restaurants, boat experiences, and accommodation in destinations such as Bellagio can cost significantly more during peak periods.

However, visiting Lake Como doesn’t necessarily have to be a luxury vacation.

You can reduce costs by:

• Staying outside the most expensive villages
• Using public transportation
• Traveling during shoulder season
• Choosing local restaurants away from the busiest waterfront areas
• Planning attractions in advance
• Combining free viewpoints and walks with paid attractions

The Best Lake Como Experience: Slow Down

The biggest mistake you can make on a Lake Como trip is trying to see everything too quickly.

Yes, Bellagio is beautiful. Varenna is spectacular. Como is fascinating. The villas are impressive and the mountains are unforgettable.

But Lake Como is best experienced slowly.

Take a ferry without rushing. Stop for an espresso. Walk along the lake. Explore a quiet side street. Sit on a terrace and watch the boats cross the water.

These simple moments are often what make the trip memorable.

Final Thoughts

Lake Como is much more than a collection of beautiful villages.

It is a destination where nature, history, culture, food, hiking, architecture, and Italian lifestyle come together around one spectacular Alpine lake.

From the historic center of Como and the panoramic funicular to Brunate, to the villages of Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio, there are countless ways to experience the region.

Add the Orrido di Bellano, historic villas, the Sentiero del Viandante, mountain viewpoints, and a boat ride across the lake, and you have all the ingredients for an unforgettable Italian adventure.

Whether you have one day, a long weekend, or an entire week, Lake Como rewards travelers who take the time to explore beyond the obvious.

Planning a trip to Italy? Keep exploring ItalyRewind.com for more travel guides, hidden gems, itineraries, and practical tips for discovering Italy.