15 Best Things to See in Como (Italy)

The current population of Como, a commune in northern Italy, is 84,000. Como is considered one of Lombardy’s most attractive and stunning locations, and the commune itself is frequently overshadowed by the magnificent Lake Como, which extends from the city’s northern boundary. Celtic tribes have lived in Como since the Bronze Age, and in the first century BC, it joined the Roman Empire. The city has long been significant in Lombardy and was a hub of trade and business during the Middle Ages because of its location on the margin of the enormous Lake Como. A defensive network, comprising of watch towers, was built during this period of development; one of the towers can still be seen today (The Baradello). Como was eventually included in the Kingdom of Italy in 1859 following invasions by the French and the Austrians. Today, Como is a well-known tourist destination where tens of thousands of visitors come to experience the magnificent Lake Como and its natural surroundings. Numerous historic structures, upscale dining establishments, and significant museums can be found throughout the city. Additionally, several stunning cities and villages surround the lake, including Cernobbio, Menaggio, and Bellagio. The top 15 things to do in and around Como are listed below:

Como Cathedral

The cathedral in Como, which is recognised for its exquisite architecture, is without a doubt the most spectacular structure in the city. This church, which honours the Blessed Virgin Mary, was built in the fourteenth century. It has a Gothic style, and it wasn’t completely finished until the 18th century. The front façade is covered with numerous beautiful stone carvings, figures made of stone, and little decorative towers. The central dome, which is covered in gold artwork and other exquisite adornments, is one of the main characteristics of the opulently furnished interior. Additionally, the inside is huge and features numerous beautiful arches, columns, and naves. A visit to this wonderful building is required when in Como.

Take a boat ride on Lake Como

Taking a boat ride from Como itself is arguably the best way to see Lake Como and take in the stunning scenery that surrounds this body of water. There are numerous travel agencies and boat businesses that offer excursions on the lake. You may either take a picturesque boat ride that simply travels on the lake while a guide points out various sights and discusses the history of this area, or you can take one-way boat rides from Como to visit some of the coastal villages like Cernobbio and Bellagio. Regardless of the ride you select, Lake Como’s magnificence will be seen to you up close.

Try your hand at Rock Climbing

Why not try rock climbing instead, if you don’t like canyoning? There are numerous options for rock climbing in the hilly area around Lake Como, and there are a variety of amazing routes for climbers of all ability levels, from beginners to specialists. Rock climbing excursions are offered by businesses like Lake Como Adventures, starting with a straightforward afternoon spent seeing places like Grimsel and Furkapass. Explore some of Lake Como’s most beautiful areas by climbing on a variety of surfaces, including granite and limestone.

Museo Storico Giuseppe Garibaldi

This lovely museum is situated on the same Piazza Medaglie as the Archaeological Museum and is similarly built within a former palace. A number of lavishly adorned chambers that have been renovated to depict typical Italian life from various centuries may be found in the historical museum of Giuseppe Garibaldi. The museum also houses a wide variety of artefacts from Como and the surrounding area, including furniture, lace, and apparel. Together with the Archaeological Museum, this collection and the renovated rooms paint an excellent picture of Como.

Villa Balbianello

A point called Punta Balbianello protrudes into Lake Como not far from Lenno. This promontory is accessible via a lovely trail that runs from Lenno Bay through some lovely woodland; this trek is a highlight and is ideal for hikers. The Baroque villa complex known as Villa Balbianello, which is situated on the Punta, was built over the foundation of a monastery in the 18th century. The many terraces of this estate open out onto Lake Como, and you can see for miles over to the opposite coast and the cities of Vergonese and Bellagio. The views from this villa are breathtaking. In addition to the stunning vistas, the home itself has incredible architecture and is a fascinating complex to explore.

Enjoy a meal at Trattoria La Costa

This stunning eatery is situated in Albate, a tiny town in the southern region of Como. The proprietors of this restaurant are incredibly welcoming and will make sure that your meal is one you won’t soon forget. The interior has a traditional aesthetic and is exquisitely designed. You can pick from a choice of traditional Italian dishes, all of which are made with, if possible, ingredients sourced locally. Additionally, if you like wine, Trattoria La Costa’s customers will accompany you to their wine cellar so you may choose your own bottle!

Visit the town of Cernobbio

On the western bank of Lake Como, not far from the city of Como, is a settlement called Cernobbio. One of the bigger towns on the lake, it is home to the magnificent Villa d’Este, which was initially constructed for an English Queen. The Cernobbio Lido and the Piazza Risorgimento are located close to the lake’s coast, where you can view some lovely fishing and sailing vessels and have a meal at one of the upscale cafes or restaurants. The 1310-meter route that goes to the summit of the mountain and provides sweeping views of the surrounding area begins at Cernobbio, which is also known as the starting place of the Monte Bisbino pilgrimage.

Try your hand at Canyoning at Porlezza or Lenno

Extreme sports can be practised on Lake Como’s diverse terrain and in the surrounding area. Companies like Lake Como Adventures provide a variety of sports and outdoor activities for anyone who wants to challenge themselves and try something new. Canyoning is an activity that is specifically offered by Lake Como Adventures and involves abseiling, jumping, and slinding through a number of gorges and cliffs to reach the land or water below. This is a great way to discover Lake Como, and you can come across some absolutely breathtaking landscapes, such as the gorges at Porlezza and Lenno.

Take the Funicular up to Brunate

A little village called Brunate is situated in the highlands above Lake Como. You may ride a magnificent funicular railway that climbs the mountain and stops at Brunate if you travel to the eastern edge of the lake, close to the city of Como. The views from this town, which are truly beautiful once you get to the top, allow you to take in both the splendour of the lake and the city of Como. You can relax and breathe in the crisp mountain air on one of the many patios and restaurants that provide breathtaking views. For those who are feeling really daring, a two-hour climb will take them to Mount Boletto’s summit, where they will have even more breathtaking views of this enchanted locale.

Visit the town of Bellagio

It is simple to understand why Bellagio is recognized as one of the most picturesque and lovely villages on Lake Como. This town is situated where the three Lake Como arms converge, so the views are unmatched — you can see every nook and cranny of the enormous lake — and the promenade at La Punta offers some of the best photo opportunities in the region. There are several high-end stores, lovely parks, and outstanding restaurants located within the town itself. Consider visiting Bellagio by boat, strolling the promenades, and taking in this picture-perfect location.

Basilica di Sant’Abbondio

Although it is a gorgeous church a little outside the city centre, the Basilica of Saint Addondio is worth a visit. The current Romanesque church was built over the ancient church, which was built in the 11th century by the Benedictines. The church’s front is somewhat plain, with simple stonework and a sizable main entryway. As an alternative, the inside has a row of enormous stone columns and a grand altar with elaborate decorations. A wonderful blue and gold decorative ceiling and a lovely series of coloured frescoes depicting various religious characters may be found on the altar.

Visit the town of Menaggio

On the western bank of Lake Como, just above Bellagio, sits Menaggio, another lovely village. Menaggio, like the other towns on the banks of Lake Como, has some breathtaking views, and the ferry terminal in particular has a big open area that’s ideal for taking pictures of the lake and the Alps. In fact, Menaggio has a tunnel that runs the whole length of the community and serves as a bypass for drivers wishing to travel farther away. There are many wonderful restaurants in Menaggio that have lake views, and for the more daring, there is also a boat rental option.

Como Archaeological Museum

The lovely Como Archaeological Museum may be found not far from the church. This museum, which is actually housed in the Palazzo Giovio, contains an amazing variety of artefacts that were discovered all throughout the Como region. These artefacts and finds date as far back as ancient Greek times and present a truly interesting look at the history of Como and its inhabitants throughout the years. A variety of pottery, jewellery, stonework, agricultural equipment, and other items are to be expected. Each display is carefully constructed and includes a wealth of useful details about the object and its past.

Villa Serbelloni

The magnificent Villa Serbelloni is a must-see while in Bellagio. The Sfondrati Family used this mansion, one of the numerous medieval complexes on Lake Como, as an opulent hideaway during the 16th century. It is simple to understand why this estate was built in this location. Situated at the top of the promontory on which the town of Bellagio is perched, this complex offers breathtaking views of Lake Como and the distant Alps. The enormous Italian gardens, which include a rose garden and other lovely forested areas, are open to the public even though the home itself is not. Guided tours are also available.

Enjoy a coffee at Caffe Mazzini

You might want to unwind in a peaceful café while visiting Como and indulge in a fine coffee and a snack or light bite. One such place is Cafe Mazzini, which is situated in the Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini close to the Como harbour. In addition to a wide variety of delectable sweets and drinks, this café offers a superb selection of Italian cuisine and light snacks. If you visit this café in the evening, you may also sample a variety of delectable cocktails, and occasionally they even host a happy hour!