Wondering if it is possible to explore Lake Como in ONE DAY? The answer is yes! This small city is easy to explore and there are plenty of things to see and do. In this post, I'll share my top tips on how to make the most of your Lake Como day trip.
You might also like: Bellagio, Italy: The Perfect Travel Guide or The Most Beautiful Towns on the Amalfi Coast
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Jump To
- Where is Lake Como?
- How to Get to Lake Como from Milan
- How Many Days Do You Need in Lake Como?
- What to do in Lake Como (day trip)
- 7) Get Gelato
- 8) Rent a chair and umbrella along the lake
- 9) Take a Ferry to Bellagio or Varenna
- 10) Go shopping
- 11) Get aperitivo
- Tours you can book:
- Where to Eat in Lake Como
- Where to Stay in Lake Como
- Hidden Gems and Local Tips
- Lake Como One Day Itinerary
- Travel Tips for Lake Como
- Tours You Can Book
- FAQ'S
- other posts like this:
I have been visiting Lake Como for over 15 years, and every single time I arrive I feel the same rush of excitement. This lake is genuinely one of the most beautiful places in all of Italy, and the fact that it is just 30 to 40 minutes from Milan makes it incredibly easy to visit as a day trip.
You do NOT need a full week here to fall in love with it. One well-planned day is enough to visit a stunning cathedral, ride a century-old funicular into the mountains, wander the medieval walled city, and still have time for gelato by the water.
In this guide I am sharing everything I know about doing a Lake Como day trip the right way: how to get there, the exact order to see things, where to eat, and which nearby towns are worth the ferry ride. Whether you are coming from Milan or just passing through northern Italy, this is the practical guide you need.
Where is Lake Como?
Lake Como is set along the southern banks of the Alps in northern Italy and is Italy's third largest lake and stretches from Piedmont to Lombardy and the Veneto, Lake Como consists of about 24 towns and villages.
Pliny the Younger, an ancient Roman writer, was one of the first to enjoy Lake Como and owned two villas there. Lake Como is well-loved by the rich and famous (George Clooney has a villa on the lake!) and it is easy to access from Milan. It's no wonder the Milanese choose Lake Como to get away whenever they can!
How to Get to Lake Como from Milan
By Train (Recommended)
The easiest and most affordable option is the regional train from Milano Centrale directly to Como San Giovanni station. The journey takes about 37 minutes and tickets cost between 5 and 12 euros each way.
Trains run frequently throughout the day so you do not need to book far in advance. Once you arrive at Como San Giovanni, the historic center is a short walk away and everything is very easy to navigate on foot.
Tip: Buy your return ticket when you arrive so you do not need to think about it later.
By Car
If you are flying into Malpensa airport, the Pedemontana highway brings you directly to Como in about 30 minutes. It is a straightforward drive and parking is available near the historic center, though it fills up quickly on weekends in summer.
Tip: If you are driving from central Milan, expect closer to 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. The train is often faster and stress-free.
How Many Days Do You Need in Lake Como?
One full day is genuinely enough to see the city of Como and get a feel for the lake. You can fit in the main sights, the funicular, a ferry ride, lunch, and aperitivo all in one day without feeling rushed.
If you want to slow down and explore multiple towns like Bellagio, Varenna, and Tremezzo more deeply, two to three days would give you a much more relaxed experience. But for a day trip? One day is perfect.
What to do in Lake Como (day trip)
1) Visit the Duomo di Como
Start your morning at the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, known as the Duomo di Como. It took over 350 years to build and blends Gothic and Renaissance architecture in the most stunning way.
Inside you will find incredible tapestries and paintings dating back centuries. The exterior alone is worth several minutes of your time. Entry is free and it opens early, which is perfect for beating the crowds.
2) Visit the San Fedele
Another cathedral not to miss is San Fedele (Romanesque), built in the tenth century. Be sure to see the Porta Torre in the Piazza Vittoria (it's 40 meters high) on the edge of the historic center.
3) Go to the Pinacoteca art gallery
Make the time to visit art gallery Pinacoteca. Also to see is the nine-hundred-year-old gateway, Torre di Porta Vittoria, and the Romanesque church Sant'Abbondio. It's worth paying a visit to the Casa del Fascio (it's free to visit!), a 1930's geometric work by the rationalist architect Giuseppe Terragni.
4) Take the funicular up the mountain
If you still have time after visiting some of these places, take the funicular to capture spectacular views of the lake from the village of Brunate. It takes about 7 minutes to ride 750 meters above sea level. It is super fast and I 100% recommend going. You can see the entire panorama of the lake, so enjoy the views and get that perfect Instagram shot!
5) Wander the Citta' Murata
Not interested in taking the funicular (or not into heights??)? No problem! You could stay around la Citta' Murata (the walled city)and wander around. During Medieval times, Como was an entirely walled city. It's such a pleasure to stroll along the narrow via's.
Some of the streets are cobbled and are lined with different shops, café's and gelaterie. Don't miss photographing some of the old windows and flowered balconies.
6) Try the Beretta Bakery
What do we think is really NOT to be MISSED?!? A visit to the Beretta bakery. It is worth a trip to buy La Nuvola. It is a loaf of paradise! It is more than I would normally pay for a sweet bread (I believe it was about 10 Euros), but it is just incredible! I even attempted to make a bread similar one time, and it was a great bread, but not the same!
7) Get Gelato
If you are spending more than one day in Como and have seen all the sites, do as the Italians do and enjoy the people watching in a piazza! Take the time to enjoy a GELATO! The gelato in Como is something you have to try, there are so many gelatarias to choose from. My favorite one is located right across the lake near the piazza, you can't miss it.
If you are visiting Piazza Cavour, which is right across from the lakeside, you will find plenty of benches to catch the locals passionately discussing politics. Head over to an outdoor café' in Piazza Duomo to have a drink or a coffee and relax.
8) Rent a chair and umbrella along the lake
Have the budget and time to spend, why not rent a chair on the lake? It's usually around €15 per person (with an umbrella) for a whole day. The best part is that you can just relax in the sunshine and soak up the view of Lake Como from the shore.
9) Take a Ferry to Bellagio or Varenna
If you have a full day, a ferry ride to Bellagio or Varenna adds an incredible dimension to your trip. The boat ride itself is beautiful as you glide past grand lakeside villas and mountain panoramas.
Bellagio is the most famous of the lake towns with charming stepped streets and excellent restaurants. Varenna is quieter, more romantic, and has beautiful waterside promenades. Both are about a 20 to 45 minute ferry ride from Como.
Note: Ferry tickets vary but budget around 5 to 15 euros per leg depending on the route. Book or arrive early in summer as ferries fill up fast.
10) Go shopping
From designer boutiques and local artisan shops to outdoor markets and vintage stores- there are so many charming stores. If you're looking for souvenirs or gifts, I recommend strolling through the Italian vias because there are many shops to choose from.
11) Get aperitivo
for something more fun- Aperitivo! Most bars serve aperitivo from 6pm to 8pm, it's the Italian way of having dinner. All you need to do is buy one drink and they'll send you little snacks to munch on.
Tours you can book:
Where to Eat in Lake Como
Como has an excellent food scene beyond the tourist traps near the lake. Here are my honest recommendations for every budget.
Osteria del Gallo
A local favorite tucked into the historic center. This is the kind of trattoria where you will find Milanese businesspeople eating alongside travelers who stumbled upon it by accident. Order the local lake fish or the risotto.
Ristorante Sociale
One of Como's most beloved casual restaurants, serving honest northern Italian cooking at fair prices. Perfect for a long, leisurely lunch in the middle of your day trip.
Beretta Bakery
I already mentioned it under things to do, but I am listing it again here because it deserves two mentions. Get the La Nuvola. Go early because it sells out.
Piazza Duomo Cafes
For a coffee or a light lunch, any of the outdoor cafes on Piazza Duomo are lovely. The setting alone makes everything taste better. Sit, order a cappuccino, and watch the world go by.
Where to Stay in Lake Como
If you decide to extend your trip beyond a day, the city of Como is the most practical base. It has the best transport links and is easy to explore on foot. For a more romantic, lakeside-village feel, Bellagio or Varenna are worth considering.
Here are the best options at every price point:
Luxury
Villa d'Este, Cernobbio
One of the most famous luxury hotels in all of Italy, Villa d'Este sits directly on the lake with its own private park, floating pool, and an atmosphere that has welcomed royalty and celebrities for over 150 years. If you are celebrating something special, this is the place.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Set directly on the lake in the town of Tremezzo with views straight across to Bellagio, this Art Nouveau masterpiece is one of the most photographed hotels on Lake Como. The floating pool on the lake is an iconic image you will recognize instantly.
Book here: Grand Hotel Tremezzo on Booking.com
Mid-range
Hotel Barchetta Excelsior, Como
Perfectly located right on Piazza Cavour facing the lake, this classic hotel has comfortable rooms, friendly staff, and the kind of position you cannot beat for a one day visit. It is excellent value for how central and convenient it is.
Book here: Hotel Barchetta Excelsior on Booking.com
Budget
B&B Hotel Como
A clean, modern, no-frills option close to the station and the historic center. Rooms are simple but comfortable and the location makes it very easy to get around. Perfect if you are spending most of your time out exploring.
Book here: B&B Hotel Como on Booking.com
Ostello Bello Lake Como
A fun, social hostel with a fantastic atmosphere and an unbeatable location right on the lake. Great for solo travelers or anyone who wants to meet fellow adventurers. The views from the common areas are genuinely stunning.
Book here: Ostello Bello Lake Como on Booking.com
Hidden Gems and Local Tips
- Arrive before 9am. The difference between Como before and after the day-trip crowds arrive is enormous. The early morning light on the lake is also spectacular.
- Walk to Sant'Abbondio. This Romanesque church on the edge of the historic center is nearly 900 years old and almost always empty. It is one of the most serene spots in Como.
- Free WiFi on the promenade. The promenade area offers free public WiFi, useful if you need to check ferry times or make a reservation on the go.
- Skip the tourist gelato shops near the water. Walk one block inland and prices drop immediately. The quality is usually better too.
- Take the ferry in the late afternoon. The light on the lake in the late afternoon is extraordinary. If you are going to Bellagio or Varenna, aim for a 3pm or 4pm departure for the best photos.
- Visit Orrido di Bellano. If you are near Varenna, the Orrido di Bellano is a dramatic narrow gorge carved by rushing water where you walk along elevated paths above the current. Unique and totally off most tourist itineraries.
Lake Como One Day Itinerary
Here is how I would structure a perfect single day in Lake Como, arriving by the first morning train from Milan:
8:00am: Arrive at Como San Giovanni station and walk to the Duomo di Como. The cathedral is almost empty this early and you can really appreciate the interior in peace.
9:00am: Walk the Citta Murata. Wander the medieval streets, photograph the old towers, and stop into San Fedele church.
9:45am: Stop at Beretta Bakery for La Nuvola and a coffee. This is non-negotiable.
10:30am: Take the funicular up to Brunate. Allow 45 minutes total: the 7 minute ride each way plus time to walk around and enjoy the views.
12:00pm: Lunch at Ristorante Sociale or Osteria del Gallo. Take your time, this is Italy.
1:30pm: Take the ferry to Bellagio (about 45 minutes). Walk the steep stepped streets, browse the shops, and have a gelato by the waterfront.
3:30pm: Ferry back to Como. Relax lakeside or rent a chair and umbrella for the afternoon.
5:30pm: Head to the Piazza Duomo area for aperitivo as the sun goes down. Order a Campari Spritz and enjoy the fact that you just had an incredible day.
7:00pm: Train back to Milan from Como San Giovanni.
Travel Tips for Lake Como
- Wear comfortable shoes. The historic center has cobblestone streets and the funicular village of Brunate involves some walking on uneven ground.
- Book ferry tickets in advance in summer. Ferries sell out and queues can be very long in July and August. Check the Navigazione Laghi website ahead of time.
- Bring cash. Many smaller restaurants, bakeries, and market stalls in Como are cash only.
- Check the promenade situation. The Como lakeside promenade has been undergoing renovation work on and off for years. Views from some angles can be partially obscured so explore a few spots to find the best vantage point.
- The lake is swimmable. If you visit in early fall when most tourists have left, the water can still be warm enough to swim. Some spots along the shoreline allow access.
- Sunscreen is essential. The lake reflects sunlight intensely and you will burn faster than you expect, especially on the ferry or by the water.
Tours You Can Book
If you prefer a guided experience, these are the tours most worth considering for a Lake Como day trip:
- Milan to Lake Como and Bellagio Private Boat Tour (includes a private boat ride to Bellagio, highly rated)
- Bellagio: Wine Tasting Experience
Guided tours are especially useful if you only have a short window and want someone else to handle logistics and ferry timing.
FAQ'S
Yes! There is a direct train.
The train ride is about 37-45 minutes.
The train costs about 6 euros
The train is a little bit scenic.
Yes. There is a comprehensive network of buses, ferries, funicular services and cable cars that can take you around the city and even other towns.
One day is just for Lake Como, but if you'd like to visit other villages around the lake, then 3 days is perfect.
100% yes! Lake Como is definitely worth visiting.
Now these are merely some suggestions and we don't say you should rush and do all of them at once. I've had the chance to spend period of time in and around Como these last 15 years and these are places that simply wonderful. But there is so much more I didn't include! Look for more posts coming up soon!
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WE are going to Lake Como in September for 2 weeks. Staying at the Grand Hotel. You sight has provided so much valuable information. Thank you!
You are going to LOVE Lake Como. So happy that you are enjoying our articles 🙂