LAKE COMO
My Go-To Spots in Lake Como
13 Best Things to Do in
Lake Como, Italy
So… Lake Como. Let’s just say I get the hype now. Between dreamy villages, boat rides that made me feel like I was in a movie, and pasta with a view, this place seriously delivered.
In this travel guide, I’ll take you through the best places to visit in Lake Como, Italy. These are spots I personally explored and genuinely loved. You’ll find what’s actually worth your time, along with a few travel tips I wish I’d known before going. Whether you’re planning a trip or just need a little travel daydream fuel, this one’s for you.
Menaggio, Bellagio, and Varenna
The Triangle of Lake Como
These three towns form the popular central triangle of Lake Como. Ferries run frequently between them, and you can easily start from any one of the three and explore the others in a loop. So if you’re doing a day trip or staying in one town, the order really doesn’t matter, they are all connected.
Menaggio
VARENNA
Varenna is often described as the most romantic of the three, with its pastel-colored waterfront houses, peaceful streets, and calm, relaxing vibe. It’s well known for its beautiful historic villas and stunning gardens that perfectly complement the tranquil lakeside setting.
Varenna – Villa Cipressi
Varenna – Villa Monastero
Villa Cipressi
Villa Monastero
1. Villa Cipressi
A historic villa turned into a hotel, known for its terraced botanical gardens overlooking the lake. Wander through lush paths lined with cypress trees and colorful blooms, offering peaceful views and timeless charm.
Opening hours & Entry fee
Open daily from late March to early November, usually 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM in peak season, with shorter hours in spring and autumn. Entry to the botanical garden costs €10 / USD 11. Combined tickets with Villa Monastero are available.
Varenna – Villa Cipressi
2. Villa Monastero
Once a monastery, now a museum with historic interiors. Stroll through its romantic gardens filled with terraces, fountains, and rare plants, offering a glimpse into Lake Como’s elegant past. The garden is surprisingly big, it stretches along the lake for almost 2 kilometers! We walked around for super long. It’s such a peaceful place to soak in the beauty around you.
Opening hours & Entry fee
Open daily from late March to early November. Make sure to check the website for seasonal opening hours, as they may change throughout the year. Entry costs €13 / USD 14. Combined tickets with Villa Cipressi are available.
Varenna – Villa Monastero
3. Charming old town
Stroll through narrow lanes and colorful waterfront houses. The town’s timeless beauty, with its cobbled alleys and old stone archways, offers a glimpse into Lake Como’s rich history and local life.
Varenna – Old Town
4. Passeggiata degli Innamorati
Also known as the Walk of Lovers, this scenic lakeside promenade in Varenna connects the ferry terminal to the town center. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic sunset stroll.
Varenna – Villa Cipressi
Varenna – Villa Monastero
Villa Cipressi
Villa Monastero
You can definitely explore Menaggio, Bellagio, and Varenna in one day! It’s a classic Lake Como day trip. Just start early, hop on the ferries between towns, and enjoy strolling, grabbing a coffee or gelato, and soaking in the views. We chose to spend a full day in each to take it all in more slowly.
BELLAGIO
Often called the “Pearl of Lake Como”, Bellagio is the most popular and polished of the three. It’s known for its grand villas, manicured gardens, and stylish boutiques. Expect steep cobbled stairways, luxury hotels, and plenty of visitors soaking up the charm. Bellagio feels the most upscale and touristy, perfect for those who enjoy classic elegance and a lively atmosphere.
5. Historic center
Explore cobblestone streets filled with boutiques, cafés, and traditional restaurants. The heart of Bellagio is full of charm, with colorful buildings, lively piazzas, and scenic staircases.
Bellagio – Historic Center
6. Villa Melzi
Stroll through the vibrant gardens of Villa Melzi, filled with blooming hydrangeas, fountains, and a peaceful Japanese garden. Visit the former orangery, now a small museum with historic artifacts. As one of Bellagio’s top sights, it’s best to visit early or late in the day to avoid the crowds.
Opening hours & Entry fee
Open daily from March to October, typically from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, with the last entry at 6:30 PM. Entry to the botanical gardens costs €10 / USD 11 per person.
Bellagio – Villa Melzi
7. Salita Serbelloni
Bellagio’s most iconic staircase! Lined with shops, cafés, and flower-filled balconies. As you walk down toward the lake, you’ll pass one of the most famous viewpoints in town.
Bellagio – Salita Serbelloni
8. Waterfront Promenade
Stroll along the lakeside pathway for beautiful views and a relaxed ambiance. It’s one of those places where you just want to slow down and maybe grab a gelato along the way. We ended up sitting on a bench for a while, just watching the boats and soaking up the vibe.
Bellagio – Waterfront Promenade
Bellagio – Waterfront Promenade
Waterfront Promenade
Waterfront Promenade
9. Punta Spartivento
This is where the lake splits, and the views are just beautiful. There’s also a lovely green park right there, perfect for a little break in the shade or just lying on the grass with that nice panorama in front of you.
Punta Spartivento
Punta Spartivento
Bellagio – Punta Spartivento
Bellagio – Punta Spartivento
10. Lido di Bellagio
A nice spot to relax by the water at the beach club, especially on a sunny afternoon. We actually wanted to hang out there for a few hours to enjoy the rest of our day, but it was completely full and they weren’t taking anyone else in… so we had to leave. Bit of a bummer, but now we know for next time – always reserve ahead if you want a spot!
The famous Triangle — Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio — is well connected by frequent ferries, making boat travel the most scenic and convenient way to explore the area. Most hotels have the ferry schedules available at the reception.
MENAGGIO
Definitely the most local and relaxed of all three. It has a spacious lakeside promenade, family-run cafés, and an authentic Italian town feel. It’s less touristy than Bellagio and Varenna, making it a great base if you’re seeking a quieter stay or planning a road trip into the surrounding mountains.
Menaggio – Lakeside Promenade
11. Piazza Garibaldi
Relax at this lively central square, featuring cafés, restaurants, and occasional live music events. It’s a perfect spot to soak up local life and watch the world go by, all under the watchful eye of the historic bell tower nearby.
Menaggio – Piazza Garibaldi
12. Villa Balbianello
Visit this stunning historic villa perched on a wooded peninsula with breathtaking lake views. Famous for its beautiful gardens and elegant terraces, it’s also a popular filming location, offering a peaceful and picturesque escape. It’s a 30-minute ride by bus or 15-minute ride by car/taxi.
Opening hours & Entry fee
Open daily from mid-March and closes at the end of November. Open every day except Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Self-guided garden tour: €11 / USD 12. Guided tour of villa and gardens (45 min): €22 / USD 24 — booking required.
Villa Balbianello
13. Lakeside Promenade
Stroll along the scenic lakefront and take in stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s really peaceful and not too crowded, which I loved. We just wandered slowly, grabbed a gelato, and enjoyed the peaceful vibes by the water.
Menaggio – Lakeside Promenade
Menaggio – Piazza Garibaldi
Menaggio
If you’re craving a slower pace and a more local feel, Menaggio is your spot. Grab a gelato, stroll along the peaceful lakeside promenade, and watch the ferries glide by with the Alps in the distance.
Top Places to Stay
Where to Stay in Lake Como
Lake Como has several beautiful towns to choose from, each offering a different vibe. Bellagio is the most iconic – full of charm but also quite touristy and expensive.
I decided to stay in Menaggio and it was the perfect choice. It felt more authentic, had a relaxed atmosphere, and still gave me easy ferry access to explore Bellagio and Varenna.
Another big plus: prices in Menaggio were noticeably lower when it came to accommodation and food, which made the whole experience more budget-friendly without missing out on the beauty of the lake.
My Top Picks
Lake Como has a range of great places to stay, from charming lakeside hotels to luxurious resorts. Here are a few of my top picks:
Hotel Bellavista
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Hotel XXX
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Where to Eat & Sip
Best Cafés & Restaurants Lake Como
Whether you’re into fancy lakeside dining or casual local spots, Lake Como has so many amazing places to eat. From elegant restaurants with next-level views to cozy family-run trattorias serving up huge plates of homemade pasta – there’s something for every vibe and budget.
Fresh lake fish, creamy risottos, rich pastas, and way too many good desserts… trust me, you won’t go hungry here!
Varenna
Varenna - Ristorante Borgovino
Varenna Cafè Bistrot
- Varenna - Ristorante Borgovino
- Varenna Cafè Bistrot
Belaggio
Dai Viga Bellagio
Gelateria del Borg
Dai Viga Bellagio
Gelateria del Borgo
Expect higher prices in Bellagio & Varenna, you're paying for the view. Locals say look for places with osteria or trattoria in the name for more authentic cuisine.
Menaggio
Transportation
How to Get Around Lake Como
Getting around Lake Como is easier than you might think – and honestly, part of the adventure. Whether you’re hopping on a ferry between dreamy lakeside towns, riding the scenic trains, or exploring by car, each option offers a different perspective of this stunning Italian region.
Ferry
Menaggio
Ferry
Menaggio
By Ferry (Best Option!)
The ferry is by far the most scenic and efficient way to get around Lake Como, especially when exploring the famous “Centro Lago” triangle which are Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio.
Ferries run regularly between these towns and offer two main types of service: the passenger-only ferry, which is fast, frequent, and ideal for day-trippers, and the car ferry (traghetto), which is perfect if you're traveling with a rental car. Keep in mind that timetables vary by season, so it’s always best to check the latest schedule!
Planning to hop between towns in one day? Grab a day pass for unlimited rides within the central lake area, It’s super convenient and saves money too!
On Foot (In Towns)
All three towns are very walkable, with charming alleys, lakeside promenades, and scenic viewpoints. Bring comfortable shoes because Bellagio and Varenna have steep stone stairways!
By Rental Car
Driving around Lake Como gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. While the views are breathtaking, be prepared for narrow, winding roads and limited parking in popular spots like Bellagio and Varenna.
We had a car and always found parking in Menaggio. During our three days at Lake Como, we left the car parked there and used the ferry to get around the triangle towns.
By Bus or Train
Buses are a budget-friendly way to get around, though less frequent and slower than ferries. Towns like Menaggio and Como city are well connected by regional bus routes, and you can also reach smaller places like Nesso from Bellagio or Como via the C30 bus.
Exploring Lake Como by train is a convenient and scenic way to experience the region. Trains are frequent, comfortable, and offer beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
However, schedules can be limited on weekends or in low season, so it's best to check ahead and plan accordingly.
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TRAVEL SMARTER
Lake Como Travel Tips
Piazza Garibaldi
Menaggio
- Piazza Garibaldi
- Menaggio
THE WEATHER
Best Time to Visit Lake Como
The most popular time to visit Lake Como is from June to August, when the weather is warm and perfect for swimming, boat rides, and dining by the lake, but that also means higher prices and bigger crowds.
If you prefer a quieter vibe, April to early June and September to October are ideal. You’ll still get pleasant weather, but with fewer tourists and better deals on stays and tours.
Don’t Miss These Two:
Nesso & Como City
Everyone talks about Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio (and for good reason), but if you’ve got a bit more time around the lake, add Nesso and Como city to your list too! I didn’t get the chance to explore them properly on this trip, but they’re high on my list for next time.
Nesso
A small, dreamy village known for its iconic stone bridge and waterfall (Ponte della Civera). It's supposed to look like something straight out of a fairytale.
Como City
On the southern tip of the lake, has way more going on: shopping streets, lively piazzas, restaurants, and even a funicular that takes you up to epic viewpoints. If you’ve got an extra day or two, I'm sure these spots are totally worth checking out!
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