Visiting Como: Plan Your Trip

Getting to know Como

At the southwestern tip of Lake Como, the city of Como pairs a compact old town with a landscape that opens almost immediately onto the water and mountains. Its historic centre is easy to explore on foot, with lively squares, stone façades and shops, while the waterfront invites you to slow down. Como is more than a gateway to the lake’s villas and villages: it has enough monuments, cafés and local life to merit a proper stop.

The city has a more urban feel than the small lakeside towns. It has shopping streets, markets on certain days, restaurants frequented by locals and rail links to Milan. Yet within minutes, the scenery changes: boats on the lake, shady gardens and wooded slopes create a holiday setting. This combination suits travellers who want to alternate cultural visits with excursions without changing accommodation every night.

Como is in Italy, near the Swiss border, and can also fit into a wider itinerary through Lombardy or Ticino. The city is pleasant year-round, but its pace varies noticeably with the season: fine weather draws more visitors and makes lake crossings especially appealing, while quieter periods reveal a more tranquil everyday atmosphere. Allow at least a day for the centre, and longer if you want to explore the lake.

Main sights to discover

Start at Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral, in the heart of the historic centre. Its late Gothic façade, sculptures and spacious interior reflect centuries of construction and alterations. The square around it is a good starting point for understanding the city: narrow streets open onto broader spaces, and the terraces look out over a particularly lively architectural ensemble. Nearby, the Basilica of San Fedele has an older Romanesque character and a small square that makes a pleasant place to pause away from the waterfront.

The Tempio Voltiano, dedicated to Alessandro Volta, the scientist born in Como, stands in a neoclassical building near the lake. It adds a scientific dimension to a visit and fits naturally into a walk towards the public gardens and waterfront. Not far away, the Monumento ai Caduti, a slender stone tower designed by Giuseppe Terragni, recalls 20th-century architecture. Even without going into every museum, these stops show how the city is more than just a lakeside resort.

To gain some height, take the funicular from Como to Brunate, a village perched above the city. The journey itself is an experience, and views over the lake basin can be remarkable when visibility is good. Leave time to wander around Brunate rather than heading straight back. At the water’s edge, the boat piers offer a chance to admire the villas, hills and shores from the lake: choosing a crossing for the scenery is a useful complement to a day spent in the streets.

Choosing a neighbourhood and atmosphere

The historic centre is the most convenient choice for a first stay. Its pedestrian streets, squares and main monuments are within walking distance, and it is easy to reach the waterfront and railway stations. The area is lively during the day, with cafés and shops, then grows quieter in the evening in lanes away from the squares. If you like going out without having to plan every journey, look for accommodation in or near this area, but check access arrangements if you are travelling by car.

The lakeside area suits those who prioritise walks and boat departures. It offers lovely views over the water, although crowds can build near the piers during busy periods. Further west, towards Villa Olmo, the atmosphere becomes greener and more residential: it is quieter and more spacious, at the cost of a walk or an extra journey to reach the old town. This part of the city appeals to travellers who want to combine sightseeing with time by the water.

The area around the railway stations is practical for a short stop, a late arrival or a trip without a car. It makes journeys to Milan and connections easier, but is less picturesque than the central lanes. Brunate, on the other side of the funicular, has the feel of a village at altitude and offers fine panoramas, but you will need to factor the funicular or road into your daily journeys. When choosing, focus above all on proximity to the boats, station and restaurants you plan to visit.

Where to stay for your style of trip

For a first visit, a hotel or guesthouse in the historic centre makes everything simpler: sightseeing, meals and evening walks can all be done on foot. This location is particularly suitable for a short stay without a car. Older buildings may, however, have rooms of varying sizes, stairs or different levels of sound insulation from those in newer properties. Before booking, check the facilities, access to upper floors and arrival arrangements carefully instead of relying on the charm of the photos alone.

Accommodation near the lake appeals to couples and travellers looking for views or a more restful stay. Depending on its location, it may be some distance from the stations or shopping centre, so check walking distances and transport options, especially if you have luggage. Apartments can be a good option for families or stays of several nights, offering more space and sometimes a kitchen, but make sure you clarify how keys are handed over and which services are actually included.

Brunate may suit those seeking quiet and views over the lake, while the station area makes early departures and trips to Milan easier. If you are travelling by car, parking availability and restrictions on driving in the centre matter more than distance from the cathedral alone. Compare the location, cancellation terms, breakfast and access to transport before choosing. In high season, booking accommodation in advance generally gives you more choice of neighbourhood and room type.

What to eat and how to choose a restaurant

The region’s cuisine brings together Lombard traditions and lake produce. Look out for freshwater fish dishes, which vary from one restaurant to another, as well as risotto and polenta, common accompaniments in local restaurants. Fish specialities may depend on the catch and the season: ask what is on offer that day rather than assuming a particular dish will always be on the menu. Menus displayed outside often give an initial sense of the restaurant’s style and formality.

In the centre, the streets around the squares and smaller pedestrian lanes are lined with cafés, gelaterias and restaurants. The waterfront makes a pleasant setting for a meal with a view, but being close to the water does not guarantee that the food will suit you. Compare menus, daily specials and the emphasis placed on local produce. For a simple break, coffee with a pastry or a gelato lets you enjoy the city without interrupting a walk for long.

Lunch can be an opportunity to enjoy a more substantial meal, while an aperitif at the end of the day goes well with a lakeside walk. If you have dietary preferences, check options directly with the restaurant you choose, and do not assume every recipe can be adapted. On busy evenings, especially at weekends and in summer, booking can be useful for sought-after tables. Also leave time to explore the streets a little away from the busiest routes, where the atmosphere is often more everyday.

Getting to Como and getting around

Como does not have a major commercial airport within the city. Travellers generally arrive via Milan’s airports, particularly Malpensa or Linate, then continue by train, coach, rental car or pre-booked transfer. The best option depends on the airport, arrival time, amount of luggage and your final destination on the lake. A private transfer can simplify the journey for a group or with bulky suitcases, while public transport avoids driving and looking for parking in the city centre.

Como is connected to Milan by train, with routes and connections varying by service and station. Check which station you will arrive at in Como and how far it is from your accommodation: the different railway stations are not exactly in the same location. If you come by car, it is useful for exploring areas with less convenient public transport, but can be a burden in the old centre, where narrow streets and parking require care. Renting a car is often more useful for a regional itinerary than for visiting Como itself.

The centre and much of the waterfront are easy to explore on foot. Boats connect Como with other towns, with services and journey times varying by route and season; check transport information when planning your day, especially if you want to make several stops. The funicular serves Brunate and avoids the uphill walk. For an airport transfer, compare the door-to-door journey with the train option and its connections rather than choosing solely on the basis of the advertised travel time.

Lake experiences and nearby excursions

A boat trip is one of the best ways to take in the geography of the lake: mountains close in around the water, villas appear between the trees and villages seem to follow one another along the shores. You can use a crossing as transport or set aside more time for a scenic excursion. Routes do not all serve the same stops, and frequencies vary, so plan around the available connections rather than trying to make too many stops without allowing for delays.

Brunate is an easy outing from the centre, thanks to the funicular and its walking paths. On the shore, Cernobbio is close to Como and offers a pleasant change of scene, while more distant places such as Bellagio or Varenna take longer to reach. These are destinations on the lake, not neighbourhoods of Como: an excursion can take up a good part of the day, especially if you plan connections or several crossings.

Walking tours can shed light on the city’s history and architecture, while boat tours offer a different view of the villas and shores. For an independent day out, choose one or two destinations rather than rushing from pier to pier. Travellers who want to explore the hills can choose a hike suited to their experience, wear appropriate shoes and check local conditions. Como can also serve as a base for a trip to Milan, but the contrast between a major city and the lake makes it worth setting aside separate days for each.

Planning a smooth trip

If you have one day, spend the morning in the historic centre, taking in the cathedral, San Fedele and the shopping lanes. After lunch, head to the waterfront and the Tempio Voltiano, then take the funicular to Brunate if visibility and time allow. With two days, add a boat trip or a visit to Villa Olmo and its surroundings. If you have more nights, choose a lakeside town and give yourself proper time to explore it rather than stacking up journeys.

Spring and early autumn often offer good conditions for walks, while summer brings long days and plenty of activity along the waterfront and on the boats. Weather can affect the views, so have a city-based alternative in mind if the peaks disappear into the clouds. During busy periods, accommodation and some visits may require more advance planning. As lake services are seasonal or vary by route, check transport information before setting an excursion with several stops.

First book accommodation in a location that suits how you plan to get around, then organise airport transfers and excursions that require you to meet a timetable or reserve a place. Leave some flexibility for other visits: Como is well suited to detours and breaks by the water. Allow time to get between the stations, piers and your accommodation, and avoid relying on a car to navigate the central lanes. A balanced itinerary combines monuments, the lake and time without a fixed plan.

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