Lake Como attracts over 1.4 million visitors annually, including celebrities like George Clooney who call its shores home.
Trust me, there’s a good reason why this stunning Italian destination has been captivating travelers since Roman times!
Whether you’re a history buff, adventure seeker, foodie, or just someone who appreciates jaw-dropping scenery (aren’t we all?)Lake Como offers something special for every type of traveler.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through some absolute best things to do in Lake Como in 2025, with insider tips that’ll help you avoid tourist traps and experience this Italian paradise like a local. Let’s dive in!
Explore Historic Villas
Villa del Balbianello: I’ll never forget the first time I wandered through Villa del Balbianello’s perfectly manicured gardens. The late afternoon sunlight filtering through ancient trees created the most magical atmosphere I’ve ever experienced! No wonder it was chosen as a filming location for both Star Wars and James Bond movies.
Villa CarlottaE: Villa hunting became my obsession during my time at Lake Como. Each historic estate tells its own unique story through architecture, art collections, and botanical wonders. Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo completely blew me away with its 70,000 square meters of botanical gardens – the azalea and rhododendron flowering in spring created a color explosion that had me filling up my phone’s memory with photos!
Villa Melzi: My personal favorite might be Villa Melzi in Bellagio. It’s slightly less crowded than the others, which gave me space to truly appreciate its Egyptian sculptures and exotic plant species. The Japanese garden section transported me halfway around the world without leaving Italy’s borders.
Take a Scenic Boat Tour Around the Lake
I’ve tried pretty much every boat option available over the years.
The public ferries are fantastic for getting around and surprisingly scenic, costing just a fraction of private tours.
That said, splurging on a private wooden boat tour was one of my best travel decisions ever!
Morning and late afternoon boat trips offer the best lighting for photos – I learned this after a midday excursion left me squinting into harsh sunlight for every shot!
The golden hour just before sunset is absolutely magical, with the mountains casting long shadows and the lakeside villages glowing in warm light. Worth every euro!
One trip, I almost missed seeing Villa La Cassinella, one of the most exclusive properties on the lake, because it’s only visible from the water. Our boat captain pointed it out, explaining it rents for over €100,000 per week! These little insights completely transformed my understanding of Lake Como’s luxury appeal.
If you’re visiting between April and October, book your boat experiences in advance, especially private tours. I once spent a gorgeous Saturday desperately calling boat companies because everything was booked solid!
The perspective you get from the water – seeing how the villages are nestled into the mountainsides, discovering hidden waterfalls that cascade directly into the lake, admiring gardens that aren’t accessible by land – gives you an appreciation for Lake Como that’s impossible any other way. It’s hands down the best €30-100 you’ll spend during your entire Italian vacation!
Visit the Charming Towns of Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio
Bellagio
Bellagio sits right at the junction where Lake Como splits into two branches, giving it those spectacular panoramic views that simply don’t quit.
I learned quickly that the crowds thin out significantly if you wander just a few streets back from the waterfront.
Some of my favorite memories are just sitting at a tiny café away from the main drag, watching locals go about their day while sipping the best espresso of my life.
Nothing prepared me for the charm overload of Bellagio! They call it the “Pearl of Lake Como” for good reason.
I still remember getting lost in its steep, narrow streets lined with shops and cafés, each turn revealing another Instagram-worthy scene. The first time I climbed those flower-draped stone steps of Salita Serbelloni, I literally gasped out loud – and I wasn’t the only one!
Varenna
Then there’s Varenna, which stole my heart in a completely different way.
It’s a bit less polished than Bellagio, and that’s precisely its charm!
The lakeside walkway they call “Lovers’ Lane” (Passeggiata degli Innamorati) hugs the coastline and provided some of my most treasured Lake Como moments.
I accidentally discovered a tiny beach near the ferry dock that became my go-to spot for afternoon swims.
Varenna’s colorful fishermen’s houses create this perfect backdrop that literally makes every photo look like a painting.
Menaggio
Menaggio gave me a completely different vibe – more relaxed and spacious, with that gorgeous promenade that’s perfect for evening strolls.
The central piazza with its outdoor cafés became my favorite people-watching spot. I’d order a Campari spritz and watch the fascinating mix of locals and tourists for hours.
The elegant Liberty-style villas along the waterfront tell stories of Menaggio’s golden age as a retreat for European aristocracy.
Journey plan
If I could offer one piece of advice: don’t rush between towns checking sites off a list.
Pick one town per day, arrive early, and really soak it in.
My best discoveries happened when I had no plan at all – like stumbling upon an incredible local art gallery in Menaggio or finding that perfect bench in Varenna’s Villa Monastero gardens where I spent an hour just watching boats criss-cross the lake.
Each town has its specialty shops too!
The shopkeepers often have amazing stories if you take time to chat – Maria in Bellagio told me her family has been making leather goods for four generations!
Sample Authentic Italian Cuisine at Local Restaurants
Lake Como has its own unique culinary identity that blends Alpine influences with traditional Italian cuisine.
Don’t miss trying missoltini – sun-dried lake fish served with polenta – it’s a true local specialty that’s been prepared the same way for centuries. I was skeptical at first (dried fish sounds strange), but paired with a glass of local white wine, it was a revelation!
Speaking of wine, the nearby Valtellina region produces some incredible reds that perfectly complement the hearty northern Italian cuisine.
I’m no wine expert, but I could even appreciate how the Nebbiolo-based Sforzato transformed a simple meal into something special.
Many restaurants offer wine by the glass, so you can try different varieties without committing to a whole bottle.
Budget-friendly eating tip I discovered: many cafés offer aperitivo in the early evening – you order a drink and get access to a buffet of small bites. Some places are more generous than others, but I found a spot in Como city where €10 got me a spritz and enough delicious snacks to count as dinner!
The gelato situation around Lake Como deserves its own paragraph! After extensive “research” (someone had to do it!), I crowned Gelateria del Borgo in Bellagio as my personal champion.
Their pistachio flavor uses real Bronte pistachios from Sicily – no artificial flavors or colors – and the difference is mind-blowing. I may have gone back every single day of my stay. No regrets!
Hike the Surrounding Mountains for Breathtaking Views
A Tough First Climb – and a Lesson Learned
I’ll never forget huffing and puffing my way up the Greenway del Lago when I realized – this is where the REAL magic of Lake Como reveals itself!
Sure, the lakeside views are spectacular, but getting above it all?
Completely different ballgame.
My first Lake Como hiking experience was a bit of a disaster, if I’m being honest. I underestimated both the summer heat and the steepness of these trails!
Ended up red-faced and dehydrated, having to borrow water from a kind Italian hiker who probably thought I was the typical unprepared tourist.
Lesson learned – I now always carry twice as much water as I think I’ll need and start early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun.
Discovering the Sentiero del Viandante
The Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer’s Path) became my absolute favorite multi-day trek.
This historic route hugs the eastern shore of the lake, connecting villages through olive groves, chestnut forests, and ancient stone paths.
What blew me away were the ruins of castles and churches along the way – some dating back to medieval times!
Standing in these ancient spots with Lake Como glistening below feels like stepping into a Renaissance painting.
Easy Access to Stunning Views
For those looking for something less challenging, I discovered that the Monte San Primo funicular takes you most of the way up, leaving just a gentle 30-minute climb to reach stunning viewpoints.
The day I went, clouds were floating below us, creating this surreal feeling of walking above the sky while glimpsing patches of the blue lake underneath. Magical doesn’t even begin to describe it!
Hiking Smart: Layers and Preparation
I learned to always pack layers, even in summer. The temperature difference between the lakeside and the mountains caught me off guard more than once.
Nothing worse than freezing at a summit when you’ve worked up a sweat getting there! A light windbreaker became my constant hiking companion.
Safety tip I wish someone had told me earlier: download the trail maps offline before setting out. Cell service is spotty in the mountains, and the trail markings can sometimes be confusing. The AllTrails app saved me from taking some serious wrong turns!
Relax at Lake Como’s Beautiful Beaches
When most people think of Lake Como, beaches aren’t usually the first thing that comes to mind.
That was my mistake during my first visit! I spent days admiring the lake from afar before discovering that getting in the water is one of the best experiences here.
The crystal-clear Alpine water is surprisingly comfortable for swimming from June through September.
My Favorite Spot: Lido di Lenno
Lido di Lenno quickly became my favorite public beach after I stumbled upon it during a particularly hot afternoon.
The well-maintained facilities, rentable sun loungers, and that jaw-dropping view of Villa del Balbianello across the bay made it worth every euro of the small entrance fee.
I spent an entire day alternating between swimming in the refreshingly cool water and dozing under an umbrella with a good book.
Hidden Gem: Spiaggia di Onno
For those looking for a more natural experience, I fell in love with the small pebbly beach at Spiaggia di Onno.
It’s much less crowded than the popular lidos, and the lack of facilities means it attracts more locals than tourists.
The smooth stones were actually more comfortable than I expected – though I definitely recommend bringing water shoes!
I learned this the hard way after an awkward barefoot hobble across hot pebbles had nearby Italian families hiding their smiles.
Sunrise Serenity at Riva Bianca Beach
One magical morning, I arrived at Riva Bianca Beach in Lierna just after sunrise.
Having the place almost entirely to myself, watching the early light change the colors of the mountains while floating in the perfectly still water… I’m not usually a morning person, but that experience alone was worth the early alarm!
Don’t expect wide sandy expanses like you’d find on the coast – Lake Como’s beaches tend to be smaller, often pebbly rather than sandy, and sometimes accessed via steep paths.
But what they lack in classic beach attributes, they more than make up for with scenery that will have your Instagram followers green with envy.
Family-Friendly Fun at Lido di Bellagio
If you’re visiting with kids like I did one summer, check out Lido di Bellagio.
The shallow entry point is perfect for little ones, and the adjacent playground kept my nieces entertained when they needed a break from swimming.
Ride the Funicular to Brunate
“You HAVE to take the funicular to Brunate!”
Brunate itself is a charming little village that’s worth exploring before hitting the viewpoints and hiking trails.
This historic cable railway has been carrying passengers up the steep mountainside since 1894, and the experience is both charming and slightly terrifying in the best possible way.
The ride itself only takes about 7 minutes, but in that short time, you climb nearly 500 meters above Lake Como.
The wooden seats and vintage atmosphere of the funicular car made me feel like I’d stepped back in time.
What nobody properly prepared me for was the absolutely BREATHTAKING view waiting at the top! The moment I stepped out of the station in Brunate, I audibly gasped.
The entire lake spread out before me like a blue jewel, with the Alps creating a magnificent backdrop.
Time-saving tip I learned from a local: buy your return funicular ticket when you purchase your ascent ticket. The line to buy tickets at the top can get surprisingly long, especially in the late afternoon when everyone’s trying to head back down. I smugly walked past a 20-minute queue because I already had my return ticket in hand!
Explore Como’s Historic City Center
I’ll admit it – on my first Lake Como trip, I treated the city of Como simply as the place where the train arrived before rushing off to the lakeside villages.
What a mistake! When I finally dedicated a full day to exploring Como’s historic center on a subsequent visit, I discovered it’s a destination worthy of attention in its own right.
The Awe-Inspiring Duomo di Como
Como Cathedral absolutely blew me away.
The façade alone had me standing there gawking like an obvious tourist for a good ten minutes!
This magnificent marble structure took nearly four centuries to complete, resulting in a fascinating blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles.
Inside, the soaring ceiling and intricate artwork created an atmosphere that was both peaceful and awe-inspiring.
I happened to visit during an organ practice session, and the music echoing through the vast space gave me actual goosebumps!
Cobblestone Streets
What surprised me most about Como was how the medieval street plan has remained largely intact.
Wandering through the narrow cobblestone alleys of the old town, passing under ancient arches and discovering tiny piazzas, I felt transported back in time.
Just steps from tourist hotspots, I found myself alone in quiet lanes where locals hang laundry from windows just as they’ve done for generations.
A City of Silk and Craftsmanship
Como’s connection to silk production fascinated me.
I had no idea this was once the center of Europe’s silk industry!
The elegant shops selling silk scarves and ties aren’t just tourist traps – they’re part of a centuries-old tradition.
I treated myself to a handmade scarf from a family-run workshop, where the owner proudly showed me how each piece is screen-printed by hand.
It’s now my favorite souvenir.
Climbing the Walls for a View from the Top
The ancient city walls and towers offer both history and amazing views.
Climbing Porta Torre (the main medieval gateway) gave me a stunning perspective over the red-tiled rooftops of the old town.
I’m slightly afraid of heights, so the ancient stone stairs made my knees wobble—but the view was totally worth it.
Piazza Cavour: Como’s Elegant Lakeside Heart
Don’t miss Piazza Cavour, the elegant square facing the lake.
I found the perfect café with outdoor seating where I could sip a cappuccino while watching the ferries come and go.
The people-watching was top-notch—a stylish blend of locals and travelers soaking up the magic of Lake Como.
A Modern Twist: Rationalist Architecture
One unexpected highlight was discovering the rationalist architecture scattered throughout Como.
The Casa del Fascio, designed by Giuseppe Terragni in the 1930s, stands out dramatically against the city’s older architecture.
Whether you love the style or not, the contrast between ultra-modern and ancient is a fascinating part of Como’s charm.
Visit Lake Como’s Museums and Cultural Sites
I’ve never considered myself a “museum person” – typically preferring active outdoor experiences – but Lake Como’s museums completely changed my perspective!.
Alessandro Volta at Tempio Voltiano
The Tempio Voltiano in Como city became my unexpected favorite.
This temple-like museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta (the inventor of the electrical battery and Como’s most famous son) makes scientific history genuinely fascinating.
The interactive displays let me recreate some of Volta’s groundbreaking experiments – and yes, I got way too excited when I successfully generated electricity using replicas of his original equipment!
Discovering Como’s Silk Legacy
Como’s silk-making heritage comes alive at the Museo Didattico della Seta (Silk Museum).
I walked in expecting to be bored within minutes and ended up spending two captivated hours!
Watching ancient looms in operation, learning how silkworms were raised in local homes, and seeing the evolution of silk design gave me a whole new appreciation for the scarves I’d seen in local shops.
The museum is run by former silk workers, whose stories made the experience incredibly authentic.
Art and Elegance at Villa Olmo
Villa Olmo isn’t just another beautiful lakeside mansion – it hosts some of the region’s most prestigious temporary art exhibitions.
I was lucky to catch a collection of Impressionist paintings that complemented the villa’s neoclassical architecture perfectly.
Even without a special exhibition, the gardens alone are worth visiting – and they’re free!
Motorcycles and History in Mandello del Lario
For something completely different, I visited the Moto Guzzi Motorcycle Museum in Mandello del Lario.
Even as someone who knows nothing about motorcycles, I found the evolution of these beautiful machines against the backdrop of Italian history genuinely interesting.
The working factory is right next door – if you time your visit right, you can even take a tour of the production facilities (unfortunately, I missed it!).
Artistic Inspiration at Palazzo Volpi
Art lovers should make time for the Gallery of Modern Art housed in Palazzo Volpi. The collection highlights local artists inspired by Lake Como’s landscapes. I kept returning to one painting of the lake at sunset – the artist captured the light exactly as I’d been trying (unsuccessfully) to photograph.
Bellagio’s Churches
My cultural explorations weren’t limited to traditional museums.
I spent a memorable afternoon visiting tiny churches in Bellagio, each holding artistic treasures and layers of history.
The Church of San Giorgio, with frescoes surviving from the 14th century, especially moved me.
Imagining generations of eyes gazing on those walls over 700 years was deeply humbling.
Experience Lake Como’s Nightlife
When the sun sets over Lake Como, a whole different side of this elegant destination emerges.
I expected sleepy evenings with everything shutting down early – but I was completely wrong.
The Magic of the Passeggiata
My favorite evening ritual quickly became the passeggiata – the traditional Italian evening stroll.
Around 6pm, entire towns would emerge to walk leisurely along the lakefront promenades.
In Bellagio, I found myself slowing my pace, pausing to admire the changing colors on the lake as the sun dipped behind the mountains.
It’s a simple, beautiful tradition that made me feel deeply connected to the place.
Lakeside Lounging at Lido di Bellagio
If you’re craving something livelier, Lido di Bellagio transforms from beach club by day to evening hotspot.
Chill house music, craft cocktails, and stylish locals mingling under string lights made it feel straight out of a magazine.
I felt a bit underdressed, but was welcomed just the same.
Festivals and Local Celebrations
Summer evenings around the lake bring an abundance of local events.
I lucked into a traditional festival in Varenna, complete with food, wine, music, and tables stretched along the waterfront.
A proud local producer shared some homemade limoncello, and let’s just say that may explain why my memories of dancing to the folk band are slightly fuzzy!
Shop for Local Products and Souvenirs
Shopping wasn’t high on my Lake Como agenda initially – until I discovered the incredible range of authentic local products that make for meaningful souvenirs.
These aren’t your typical tourist trinkets; they’re high-quality items with genuine connections to the region’s heritage and traditions.
I spent a fascinating morning exploring the silk district in Como city, where I found everything from elegant scarves and ties to home furnishings in stunning patterns and colors.
What made the experience special was meeting the artisans – at one small workshop, the owner proudly showed me how they still use traditional screen-printing methods that have remained unchanged for generations.
Yes, silk products are pricey (quality scarves start around €60), but watching the craftsmanship that goes into creating them made me understand their value.
Final Thought about Things to do in Lake Como
From its elegant historic villas and crystal-clear waters to charming towns, mountain trails, and world-class cuisine, Lake Como offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, culture, and relaxation.
Whether you’re exploring its artistic heritage, savoring local flavors, or simply soaking in the serene views, there’s no shortage of memorable things to do in Lake Como.
As you plan your visit, consider traveling responsibly—supporting local businesses, respecting the environment, and embracing the region’s rich traditions. Lake Como isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Ready to create your own Lake Como story? Share your favorite moments and tips with fellow travelers!