Como Town Lake Como: 11 Experiences That Will Surprise You
Last Updated on December 29, 2025 by spritzience
Como Town Lake Como is often treated as a quick day trip from Milan—somewhere you pass through on the way to Bellagio or Varenna. But if you give it a bit more attention, it can easily stand on its own.
I live in Milan, and I’ve done this trip more times than I can count. I go with an explorer’s mindset, and it keeps surprising me the more I explore—whether it’s a café I hadn’t noticed before, a better aperitivo spot, or just a different way of seeing the lake.
This is where mountain air meets Italian style, where you can wander cobblestoned piazzas one minute and be on a boat to a lakeside villa the next. You’ve got historic streets, cafés around the Duomo, and some genuinely great lidos where you can spend a full afternoon by the water.
Whether you come for a ferry ride, the food, or a few hours by the lake, these are the experiences that might surprise you—and make Como Town worth more than a quick stop.
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But First, A Little History of Como Town Lake Como
Before it became a celebrity hideaway and day-trip darling, Como Town Lake Como was a powerhouse of trade, textiles, and timeless craftsmanship. Its story stretches back over 2,000 years — the ancient Romans called it Novum Comum, and Julius Caesar himself ordered its fortification around 59 BC. The town’s strategic lakeside position made it a bustling hub for merchants moving goods between Italy and the Alps.
By the 15th century, Como Town Lake Como had earned its wealth and fame through silk. Its skilled artisans spun and dyed fabric that clothed Europe’s elite, transforming the area into one of the continent’s premier silk-weaving centers. You can still see traces of that prosperity in its grand villas and in the Silk Museum, where the machines, dyes, and looms tell stories of artistry and ambition.
The 19th century brought railway connections to Milan, making Como one of Italy’s first fashionable getaways. Artists, poets, and nobles came for the light, the lakeside promenades, and the promise of restorative mountain air. That mix of sophistication and serenity still defines Como Town Lake Como today — a place where centuries of beauty are stitched into every piazza and reflection on the water.
Where to Stay in Como Town Lake Como
If you’re considering staying overnight in Como Town, it’s worth it—especially if you want to experience the lake once the day-trippers leave. The atmosphere shifts, and it feels far more relaxed in the evening.
Here are a few stays I’d recommend, depending on what you’re looking for:
- Plinius Lifestyle Hotel – Set a couple of blocks back from the lake, this is a great mid-range option that gets the details right. The design leans modern, but parquet floors and warmer touches give it a softer, more inviting feel. The beds are comfortable, and the bathrooms are updated—which, at this price point around Lake Como, is not always a given.
- Palazzo Venezia – If you’re in the mood to splurge, this five-star stay pairs lake views with a strong sense of design. You’ll find terrazzo mosaic floors, sweeping staircases, and a mix of historic character with more modern finishes. The rooftop restaurant is worth planning around—there’s a small alcove that’s perfect for aperitivo at sunset.
- Albergo Terminus – Right across from the ferry and close to the bus stop, this one is all about location. The outdoor restaurant faces the lake, and the interiors lean more traditional, with warm tones and comfortable rooms. The bathrooms are a bit dated, but everything else makes it a very easy and well-placed base—especially if you plan to move around the lake.
If you’re comparing Como Town to other bases around the lake, I break that down in my full guide to where to stay on Lake Como.
1. Start Your Morning In Piazza Duomo
Every good day in Como Town Lake Como starts in Piazza Duomo. It’s the heartbeat of the town — a graceful square lined with cafés, gelaterias, and shopfronts polished just so.
I like to begin my morning with a quick walk around to get my bearings, listening to the clinking of coffee cups and the soft hum of conversation. Pick a café with a view of the Duomo, order a cappuccino (never after 11 a.m., you know the rule), and just be.
From this square, you can feel Como waking up — the bells tolling, the mountains catching the first light — it’s pure Italy in motion.
2. Step Inside The Magnificent Duomo
The Cathedral of Como, or Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta, is the star attraction of Como Town Lake Como. Built in stages between 1396 and 1744, it’s a fascinating mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles.
Don’t be fooled by the quiet entrance — the interior is stunning. The high vaulted ceilings are covered in frescoes that shimmer in the filtered light, and the marble columns rise like a forest of stone.
Entry is free (a rarity in Italy these days), though you’ll see a woman sitting beside a donation box — feel free to toss in a few euros to help with upkeep.
If you’re really into churches, there’s an extra ticket for a guided visit that lets you access the transept, sacristies, and balconies. Standing on those upper levels gives you a new perspective — both architectural and spiritual — over Como Town Lake Como.
3. Discover Como’s Silk Story At The Silk Museum
A surprising fact about Como Town Lake Como: it owes its prosperity not to tourism, but to silk. For centuries, Como was one of Europe’s great centers of silk production, exporting fabric to the most fashionable capitals of the world.
The Museo Didattico della Seta (Silk Museum) is about a 20-minute walk from the center, but it’s worth every step. Inside, you’ll find the story of silk told from cocoon to couture.
You’ll learn about the silkworms, the farms where they were raised, and the complex dyeing processes. My favorite part? The little historical tidbits — like how silk dyers were considered quite the catch because the dyes stained their hands, marking them as well-paid craftsmen.
You can even touch samples of silk and see the vintage looms in motion. For me, it’s one of the most fascinating museums in Como Town Lake Como — tactile, authentic, and surprisingly romantic.
4. Ride a Vintage Wooden Boat on Lake Como
There are plenty of boat tours advertised around Como Town, but not all of them feel the same. If you want to elevate the experience, this is where the details matter—choosing a wooden boat makes a noticeable difference.
This private tour aboard a vintage MAS 28 gives you that more polished, classic feel. The boat itself has history behind it—it’s modeled after the Italian motor torpedo boats used during World War I, even sailed by poet Gabriele D’Annunzio—but today it’s been reimagined as a beautifully restored wooden boat for a much more relaxed kind of outing.
You set off from Como Town and cruise past some of the lake’s most iconic villas, seeing the shoreline from a quieter, more intimate perspective than you get on a ferry or larger tour. There’s Prosecco on board, space to swim if you want to stop, and room for up to five people, which keeps it feeling personal.
If you’re going to do a boat tour on Lake Como, this is one of those small choices that changes the entire experience.
5. Visit Tempio Voltiano
Next, stroll along the lakefront to the Tempio Voltiano, a neoclassical temple-museum built in 1927 to honor Alessandro Volta, the Como-born inventor of the electric battery.
Inside, you’ll find scientific instruments, letters, and experiments that changed how we think about electricity. Even if science isn’t your thing, the building’s symmetry and lakeside setting make it a beautiful stop.
6. Ride The Historic Funicular To Brunate
For the best views in Como Town Lake Como, ride the historic Funicolare Como–Brunate, which has been climbing that steep hillside since 1894.
The ride is short but thrilling — you’ll tilt skyward as terracotta rooftops shrink below and the lake begins to sparkle like a film set. At the top, Brunate is small and quiet, but the panoramic view is the prize.
You’ll see the full sweep of Lake Como’s western branch, framed by Alpine peaks. It’s the kind of view that makes you want to linger — ideally with gelato in hand.
7. Relax At A Lido
If the sun’s out, Como Town Lake Como is the perfect place to do absolutely nothing — stylishly, of course. Head to a Lido, which is Italy’s version of a beach club.
Two of the best are Lido Villa Olmo, with its pool and loungers by the water, and Lido di Giulietta, which has a chic restaurant and lake access for swimming.
You can rent a chair by the hour, half day, or full day — and while the locals tan effortlessly, I’m usually hiding under an umbrella, pretending I’m in an Italian Vogue editorial.
8. Stroll The Passeggiata GELPI
For something leisurely, take a walk along the Passeggiata Gelpi, a flower-lined promenade that hugs the lake. It’s flat, scenic, and peppered with historical villas.
You can’t go inside most of them, but you can admire their stories: the Villa Saporiti, a neoclassical beauty from 1790 that once hosted Napoleon and Tsar Alexander I, and Villa Gallia, built in 1615 for the Duke of Alvito.
If you love entering villas as much as I do, check out my post with itineraries for visiting the Lake Como Villas. They’re not simply beautiful buildings; they’re layered worlds of art, ambition, and design — each with its own atmosphere and story to tellIn this guide, I’m sharing my favorite villa-pair itineraries, all easily done from Milan by train and ferry.
This walk perfectly captures the essence of Como Town Lake Como — a blend of history, architecture, and elegance, all unfolding beside the water.
9. Watch Seaplanes At Aero Club Como
One of the most unique experiences in Como Town Lake Como is visiting Aero Club Como, the world’s oldest seaplane flight school still in operation.
You can book a 30-, 60-, or 90-minute seaplane flight over the lake — soaring above Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio for a view that feels straight out of an old Italian film. Prices start around €400 for two people, which I consider the very definition of affordable luxury — a once-in-a-lifetime indulgence that’s both refined and unforgettable.
If you prefer to stay lakeside, there is an “airport cafe”. It’s quite basic, but you can order a drink, settle into a chair, and watch the seaplanes take off and land against the backdrop of glittering water and mountain peaks. I’ve spent entire afternoons here — it’s one of those rare places where time seems to drift as gracefully as the planes themselves.
10. Take A Ferry Lunch To Torno
No visit to Como Town Lake Como is complete without time on the water. The ferries are part of the town’s rhythm — gliding between villas and hillside villages that seem to spill toward the lake’s edge.
If you want something more refined and local, take a short ferry ride to Torno — one of the prettiest and most peaceful towns along the lake. It’s one of my favorite not-so-touristy escapes, where you can enjoy a long, elegant lunch without tourists tripping over each other for selfies. The atmosphere feels authentic and relaxed — more conversations than cameras, more flavor than fuss.
From Como, the ride to Torno is scenic and serene, passing grand estates and manicured gardens framed by the Alps. Once there, two very different but equally irresistible lunch options await:
- Albergo Ristorante Vapore – A family-run gem where time seems to pause. With terrazzo floors, carved-wood ceilings, and a terrace that feels like it floats above the lake, it’s effortlessly charming and completely unpretentious.
- Il Sereno Hotel – About a 10-minute stroll away, this design-forward five-star retreat defines lakeside chic. Think modern minimalism, impeccable service, and a hint of flash — after all, guests arrive in a fleet of Maseratis or by one of the hotel’s two custom-built Riva boats. The terrace is made for long lunches that melt into golden-hour cocktails.
If you’re tempted to go full James Bond, classic wooden boat rentals are available too — though they’ll set you back about €600 for two hours for up to eight people. I usually stick with the public ferry, which costs just a few euros and comes with the same stunning views.
Insider tip: buy your ferry ticket online if possible. Even off-season, the queue can be nearly 100 people long at 11 a.m. on a random Thursday in October. I can’t imagine the chaos in July. In peak season weekends, it’s not uncommon for the ferry to sell out.
11. Aperitivo With A View
Now for my favorite moment — the Spritzience part of the day.
After exploring Como Town Lake Como, there’s no better finale than an aperitivo with a view. My go-to spot? The rooftop bar at Vista Palazzo Venezia Lago di Como, a discreet five-star hotel perched just off the main square.
It’s elegant without trying too hard — the kind of place where every cocktail feels like an occasion. There are only a few outdoor bar stools carved into the terrace, so if you snag one, consider yourself lucky. As the sun dips behind the hills, the lake turns molten gold, and you can watch the reflections shimmer while sipping something fizzy and fabulous.
It’s the perfect closing scene for your Como Town Lake Como day trip — a gentle toast to beauty, stillness, and that distinctly Italian way of making every moment feel intentional.
How To Get To Como Town Lake Como From Milan
Here’s the good news: Como Town Lake Como is one of the easiest (and most scenic) day trips from Milan. You’ve got two great train routes to choose from — and they each have their perks.
🚆 Option 1: Milano Cadorna → Como Lago
This is my personal favorite — and it’s pure magic at the end.
The regional Trenord train leaves from Milano Cadorna and takes just under an hour. The last few minutes feel almost cinematic: the train slows, you’ll pass behind the Duomo as the train trundles through town, and you’ll swear for a second it’s about to drive straight into the water.
When you step off at Como Lago station, you’re right in the heart of the action. The tiny station opens directly onto the waterfront — 100 feet to the left you’ll find the ferry terminal, and about 50 feet to the right is the bus station.
It’s all wonderfully compact — within minutes, you’re breathing in lake air, surrounded by palms, with ferries bobbing just steps away.
🚆 Option 2: Milano Centrale → Como San Giovanni
The Como San Giovanni line from Milano Centrale takes about the same amount of time but drops you slightly uphill and a 10-minute walk from the lake. It’s a pleasant stroll down into town (you’ll pass through leafy neighborhoods and get a lovely first glimpse of the water), but remember: you’ll be walking up that hill at the end of your day.
If you don’t mind the climb, it’s an easy and scenic route. But for pure convenience — and that “train almost into the lake” moment — Como Lago wins every time.
Flying to Lake Como: What to Know Before You Book
Flying to Lake Como is easier than it looks, but choosing the right airport can make a noticeable difference in how smoothly your trip begins. Depending on where you’re flying from, your luggage situation, and whether Lake Como is your only stop or part of a longer itinerary, the Closest Airport to Lake Como isn’t always the one that appears nearest on a map.
Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, and Bergamo all work well in different scenarios, and there are also smart reasons to pair Lake Como with cities like Zurich, Venice, or Florence by flying in one direction and out another. I break down the real-world trade-offs — trains, transfers, drive times, and luggage logistics — in this guide to Flying to Lake Como, so you can arrive feeling relaxed rather than rushed.
Logistics Tips For Visiting Como Town Lake Como
Even though Como Town Lake Como feels charmingly old-world, getting around is surprisingly simple — once you know a few local tricks.
Buses vs. Ferries
If you’re short on time, the buses are faster than the ferries for hopping between towns on the lake. The bus station sits directly across from the Como Lago train station, making transfers easy and intuitive. At the terminal, there’s a helpful teller who accepts both cash and credit cards — and usually speaks English and Italian — ready to guide you to the right bus and departure gate.
Insider Seating Tip
- Heading up the eastern shore (toward Bellano, Varenna, or Nesso)? Sit on the left side of the bus for the best lake views.
- Going toward the western shore (Cernobbio, Menaggio, or Tremezzo)? Grab a right-side seat for perfect villa panoramas.
Quick Refresh Stop
Just beside the bus station and Como Lago train station, you’ll spot a Carrefour Express supermarket — a small but well-stocked shop that’s perfect for grabbing a bottle of water, a soda, or even a snack before you start exploring Como Town Lake Como. Prices are local (not touristy), and it’s a smart little pit stop before boarding the bus or ferry.
Why I Still Love the Ferry
Yes, buses are faster — but the ferry remains one of the most beautiful ways to experience Como Town Lake Como. There’s something cinematic about gliding across the water, sunlight skipping off the waves, villas peeking through gardens. My favorite combo? Take the bus one way and the ferry back, for two very different but equally charming views of the lake.
Tickets & Timing
Bus tickets can be purchased at the teller inside the station (or often on the bus if you’re tight for time), while ferry tickets are best booked online ahead of time to skip the queue (which can stretch 90 people deep, even off-season). Buses run later into the evening, while ferries are more seasonal, so check timetables if you’re returning late.
Bonus Tip
If you arrive at Como Lago station, you’ll find everything you need within 100 feet —
- Left: ferry terminal and ticket windows
- Right: bus station and ticket counter
- Nearby: Carrefour supermarket for your day-trip essentials
It’s the kind of setup that makes a trip to Como Town Lake Como effortless — you step off the train, stock up on snacks, grab your ticket, and you’re ready to roll into one of Italy’s most beautiful corners.
FAQs About Visiting Como Town Lake Como
Is Como Town Lake Como worth visiting?
Absolutely — Como Town Lake Como is one of those rare places that feels both glamorous and grounded. It’s where you can spend the morning admiring Gothic architecture, the afternoon floating past pastel villas, and sunset sipping a spritz at a lido beach club. Whether you’re here for history, food, or a quick city escape, Como delivers pure Italian magic in just one day.
How long do you need in Como Town Lake Como?
If you’re coming from Milan, one full day is perfect. You can wander the Piazza Duomo, visit the cathedral, take the funicular, walk the lakefront promenade, and enjoy lunch or an aperitivo with time to spare. If you love slow travel (and who doesn’t?), spend a night — evenings in Como Town Lake Como are peaceful and full of locals strolling the waterfront.
How do you get to Como Town Lake Como from Milan?
Take the Trenord train from Milano Cadorna — it’s about 55 minutes and ends right by the lake at Como Lago station. The final stretch feels cinematic: you glide past the water and half expect the train to drive straight into the lake.
When you step off, you’ll find the ferry terminal to the left, the bus station to the right, and even a Carrefour Express nearby for drinks and snacks. It’s the most scenic and convenient way to start your Como Town Lake Como adventure.
Is it better to take the ferry or bus around Como Town Lake Como?
Both have their charm. The ferries offer stunning lake views and that slow, cinematic feeling — perfect for sightseeing. But if you’re short on time, the buses are faster and surprisingly easy to use.
The station is right across from the Como Lago train stop, and the staff speak English and Italian. Sit on the left side if you’re going up the eastern shore (Varenna, Bellano), or on the right for the western side (Cernobbio, Menaggio) to enjoy the best lake views.
What’s the best time to visit Como Town Lake Como?
The best months are May through September, when ferries and lidos are fully running and the weather is warm enough for lake swims. Personally, I love visiting in early October — the crowds thin out, the light softens, and you can still enjoy a sunny afternoon spritz without a reservation. Como Town Lake Como has a gentler charm in shoulder season.
Can you swim in Como Town Lake Como?
Yes — head to the local lidos (Italian beach clubs). Lido Villa Olmo and Lido di Giulietta both rent loungers by the lake, and Villa Olmo even has a pool. It’s the chicest way to soak up the sun with a view.
What are some unique things to do in Como Town Lake Como?
Beyond the usual Duomo and ferry ride, try visiting the Silk Museum to see the town’s textile heritage, or watch seaplanes take off from the Aero Club Como — the world’s oldest seaplane flight school still operating. And of course, end your day with a sunset cocktail at Vista Palazzo Lago di Como. Because in Como Town Lake Como, every moment feels a little more golden with a spritz in hand.
More Great Day Trips From Milan
Como Town Lake Como captures everything I love about living in Italy — it’s an easy day trip from Milan that somehow feels indulgent, cultural, and spontaneous all at once. This is what Spritzience is all about: cultural travel that blends architecture and history with a hunt for the next unforgettable meal or lakeside spritz.
That same balance is what makes hiking the Lake Como Greenway such a rewarding Milan day trip. Instead of focusing on busy promenades or ferry hops, the walk moves through small villages, stone paths, and quieter stretches of the lake, offering a more lived-in way to experience Lake Como over the course of a single, well-paced day.
From UNESCO heritage towns like Vicenza to tasting chocolate in the elegant boulevards of Turin, the sun-drenched shores of Lake Garda (Desenzano, Sirmione, and Bardolino), and the romantic charm and great things to do in Verona, my 20 Spectacular Day Trips From Milan guide is packed with ideas for your next adventure. Each one offers that same irresistible mix of beauty, flavor, and curiosity that makes Como Town Lake Como such a perfect place to start – with more inspiration from my favorite spots on Lake Como, including Varenna and Bellagio.
Have a favorite day trip from Milan? I’d love to hear it — share your go-to getaway (and your favorite spritz spot!) in the comments below.
