What to do and see in Lake Como, Lombardy: The Best Sights & Landmarks

August 12, 2021 Janette Largent

A gorgeous spot that’s a convenient day trip from Milan, Lake Como recently earned fame as home to Hollywood star George Clooney. But celeb-spotting aside, it’s known for jaw-dropping natural beauty, elegant old villas—and the scenic towns surrounding the lake. Check out Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio, which offer great views, historic churches, and water-based activities such as ferries and passenger-only boats.
Restaurants in Lake Como

1. Villa del Balbianello

Via Guido Monzino 1 Località Lenno, 22016, Tremezzina Italy +39 0344 56110 [email protected] http://www.fondoambiente.it/luoghi/villa-del-balbianello?utm_source=social&utm_medium=tripadvisor&utm_campaign=balbianello
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
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2%
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5.0 based on 3,348 reviews

Villa del Balbianello

Built in the late 16th century, this magnificent Villa is known for its picturesque gardens, which exclusively feature flowers and trees the colors of the Italian flag: green, white and red. ATTENTION ALL VISITORS In implementation of the Decree issued by the Ministry of Health on 8th March 2020, we would like to inform you that Villa del Balbianello shall remain closed to the public until April 3rd, in order to contain the diffusion of COVID-19 virus. Updates shall be published on Social Media and on the FAI's Official Website.

Reviewed By Mairwen1

This was absolutely our best day at Lake Como. The area is not short of beautiful historic villas and gardens so you will have probably find yourself having to choose which one to visit. For my money, this is the one. HIGHLIGHTS * James Bond Casino Royale & Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones chose this villa for filming – that alone tells you how outstanding it is * gardens and lake views are breathtaking – it’s a paradise for photographs * unlike some villas, both the gardens and the house are open to the public (house tour is included in ticket price) * It has the best story of any of the grand villas. The villa passed into the hands of Guido Monzino, heir to a vast fortune who knew how to burn through the family money. Monzino funded explorations to Everest, the North Pole, Greenland & the Sahara and amassed huge collections of artefacts, antiquities, books, maps etc. They all ended up here. * it is crammed with books, maps and collections and everything is exactly the same as when the owner died so it feels like a ‘living history’. * There are secret passages, hidden panel and escape routes in the house (he was a bit paranoid) TIPS * It is closed on Mon & Wed. Closed over winter & opens mid-March – mid-Nov. * Make sure to do both the gardens and villa (€10 for gardens only, €20 for both). It is a little pricier than some other villas but so worth it * Villa tours are also offered in English. The ticket desk can tell you what time the English tours start. * Afterwards, we walked back Lenno and had lunch at Hotel Plinio, on the waterfront. A great finish to a magical day. GETTING THERE Take the ferry to Lenno. We walked from the ferry. Most people do so it’s easy to follow others. It’s a 20 min walk along the lake, across a park and up the long driveway. There’s also a taxi boat if you don’t want to walk.

2. I Giardini di Villa Melzi

Lungolario Manzoni, 22021 Bellagio Italy +39 333 487 7427 [email protected] http://www.giardinidivillamelzi.it
Excellent
62%
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30%
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4.5 based on 2,327 reviews

I Giardini di Villa Melzi

National Monument and Private Gardens This magnificent villa, built in 1808 for the Duke Francesco Melzi d'Eril, assistant to General Napoleon, is one of the most emblematic examples of neo-classicism in Lombardy.....The Gardens Are visitable March to October every day 9.30 am to' 6.30 pm

Reviewed By armankun - Athens, Greece

A definitely place to visit if you like gardens, trees, nature and walking, beautiful garden, very well cared.

3. Menaggio

Italy http://www.menaggio.com/home.php
Excellent
50%
Good
36%
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10%
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4.5 based on 277 reviews

Menaggio

This attractive resort, located on the western shore of Lake Como, is a joy for outdoor enthusiasts who may be tempted by wind surfing and water-skiing on the lake, as well as golf and horseback riding in the countryside.

Reviewed By lakecomolakeview - Acquaseria, Italy

From our apartment in Acquaseria we took the beautiful walk along the lake to Menaggio (3.5 km). In the charming town of Menaggio we visited some nice shops, went to the tourist office and sat on a terrace overlooking the lake where we saw the Ferry arrive and depart. We really like that Menaggio is so close to Acquaseria.

4. Moltrasio

Italy
Excellent
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45%
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4.5 based on 22 reviews

Moltrasio

Relatively undiscovered as a tourist destination, this enchanting village is built on a mountain side offering panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding area.

5. Villa Carlotta

Via Regina 2, 22016, Tremezzina Italy +39 0344 40405 [email protected] http://www.villacarlotta.it
Excellent
66%
Good
29%
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4%
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4.5 based on 3,254 reviews

Villa Carlotta

Villa Carlotta welcomes you with its magnificent botanic garden and art masterpieces in over 70.000 square metres of gardens and museum. The beautiful villa was built at the end of XVII century by the Milanese marquis Giorgio Clerici in a natural basin between lake and mountains, facing the dolomite Grignas and the peninsula of Bellagio.

Reviewed By 53Upp - East Midlands, United Kingdom

Beautifully maintained gardens. Plenty of plant details. Slightly hilly paths, but easily accessible. Signage good, different routes depending on how much time visitors have, which gives times to completion of visit. Toilets round site and good cafe. House visit also included in the entrance fee. Villa entrance opposite the ferry service.

6. Cathedral of Como (Duomo)

Piazza Duomo, 22100, Como Italy +39 031 331 2275 [email protected] http://www.cattedraledicomo.it/
Excellent
59%
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35%
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6%
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4.5 based on 3,125 reviews

Cathedral of Como (Duomo)

Diocesi's chief Church, Bishop Cathedral, was erected since 1396 and works ended in 1740. Many famous artist, during 300 years operated in it harmonizing their own typical age's styles.

Reviewed By ClaudeB516 - Atlanta, United States

The Como Cathedral's facade is a shining example of smooth marble and decorative elements that harmoniously fit together. One unique feature is Porta della Rana, a door depicting a frog carved on the left jamb of the door. According to popular legend, water is believed to have reached precisely this point during the flooding of the lake. The interior of the Como Cathedral is adorned with 16th-century tapestries, frescoes and paintings, works of art that confirm the church's magnificence and beauty.

7. Basilica di San Fedele

Via Vittorio Emanuele II 94, 22100, Como Italy +39 031 267295 http://www.parrocchiasanfedelecomo.it
Excellent
51%
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42%
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4.5 based on 374 reviews

Basilica di San Fedele

Reviewed By tinaNtravel - San Jose, United States

This is a very beautiful church with paintings on the walls and high ceiling. The altar area is impressive with the overhead paintings and dome. The church contains a very pretty statue of Mary against a long blue drape. It is definitely worth stopping in for a look.

8. Basilica di Sant'Abbondio

Via Regina Teodolinda 35, 22100, Como Italy +39 338 258 3328 [email protected] http://www.santabbondio.eu/index.html
Excellent
73%
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4.5 based on 396 reviews

Basilica di Sant'Abbondio

Reviewed By jadinaeats - Como, Italy

Access real close to Insubria University, which worth a visit too; very big and impressive. Contains historic items very peculiar to passionates.

9. Villa Olmo

Via Simone Cantoni 1, 22100, Como Italy +39 031 252443 http://www.grandimostrecomo.it/villa-olmo
Excellent
47%
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39%
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4.5 based on 673 reviews

Villa Olmo

Reviewed By MGhazalah - Kuwait, null

it was a really nice walk around the Villa, admiring the landscape and the view . I recommend for all visitors

10. Teatro Sociale

Via Vincenzo Bellini 3, 22100, Como Italy +39 031 270170 [email protected] http://www.teatrosocialecomo.it
Excellent
46%
Good
40%
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4.5 based on 188 reviews

Teatro Sociale

Reviewed By 361erichs

I went to a performance of Verdi's Macbeth. The opera house was built over 200 years ago and has not lost its luster. The acoustics are some of the best that I have experienced anywhere. The orchestra may not be as tight as the Vienna Philharmonics but one senses that the members enjoy themselves. Their enjoyment is contagious. The Maestro Gianluigi Gelmetti conducted with heart and displayed sincere enthusiasm, showing emotions openly - the Italian way. The singers were excellent. The audience appeared mostly to be from the area which made the whole experience even more authentic. I went to La Scala last year and can honestly say that will prefer to return to a performance at the Teatro Sociale. Actually, I can't wait to come back.

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