Framed by steep green hills and opening onto the southern tip of Lake Como, the city of Como combines elegant piazzas, a working Italian town atmosphere, and effortless access to ferries and viewpoints. It is compact enough to explore on foot in a day, yet varied enough to reward longer stays with slow lakefront evenings, boat trips, and hillside walks. This guide focuses on the Best things to do in Como so you can quickly decide how to plan your time on the lake.
Como sits in northern Italy near the Swiss border, at the southern end of Lake Como in the Lombardy region. It is easily reached by train from Milan, and from the city’s waterfront you can board ferries that connect to other lakeside towns.
Spring and autumn bring mild temperatures that suit walking the historic center and taking scenic boat rides, with fewer crowds than peak summer. July and August are warmer and busier around the lakefront, while winter is quieter, with crisp air, shorter days, and a more local feel.
Accommodation and dining prices in Como are generally moderate for northern Italy, with lakefront spots often costing more than places a few streets inland. Cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants, though carrying some cash is useful for small cafés, kiosks, and local transport tickets.
Stroll the Lakefront Promenade
Walk the wide paths along the waterfront to take in open views of Lake Como, passing marinas, gardens, and benches that invite you to pause. This is one of the Best things to do in Como if you want easy scenery without leaving town, especially around late afternoon.
Ride the Brunate Funicular for Panoramic Views
From the lower station near the lake, the funicular climbs steeply to Brunate, a hilltop village with sweeping views over the city and water. Allow a couple of hours to ride up, wander viewpoints, and enjoy the Brunate funicular views from different angles.
Explore Como’s Historic Center
The old town is a compact grid of stone streets, arcaded squares, and churches that can be explored on foot in a few hours. Joining or following a walking tour of Como old town helps you link major sights while discovering quieter corners and small cafés.
Relax Along the Lake at Sunset
Evenings by the water are a highlight, with changing light on the hills and boats returning to port. Finding a bench or terrace for a sunset in Como by the lake is a simple way to end the day, especially after more active sightseeing.
Take Boat Tours on Lake Como from Como
Regular ferries and optional cruises depart from the city’s docks, giving you access to other lakeside towns and villas. Short boat tours on Lake Como from Como can fit into a half day, while longer rides let you see more of the shoreline.
Plan a Day Trip From Como to Bellagio
Bellagio sits further up the lake and is reachable by ferry connections that start in Como. A day trip from Como to Bellagio combines time on the water with a visit to one of the lake’s most photographed villages.
Enjoy a Romantic Weekend in Como Italy
Couples often use the city as a base for slow walks, leisurely meals, and relaxed boat rides. A romantic weekend in Como Italy can stay focused on the city itself, or include nearby viewpoints and villages.
Find Family Friendly Activities in Como
The flat lakefront paths, open squares, and short boat rides are well suited to travelers with children. Many family friendly activities in Como revolve around simple pleasures such as feeding ducks, playground stops, and easy hilltop excursions.
Experience Como in Winter Christmas Lights
In the colder months, the city feels quieter and more local, with early nightfall and seasonal decorations. Visiting Como in winter Christmas lights can add a different atmosphere compared to the busier summer period.
Use Como Travel Tips and Itinerary Ideas
When planning your stay, combining Como travel tips with flexible Como itinerary ideas helps you match boat times, funicular rides, and walking routes to your pace. Reviewing the Best things to do in Como before you arrive makes it easier to decide what to prioritize.
Start your morning in the historic center, walking through main squares and side streets while shops and cafés open for the day. Late morning, head to the lakefront promenade for open views and a relaxed coffee near the water. In the afternoon, ride the funicular up to Brunate to enjoy the Brunate funicular views, then return for a gentle sunset in Como by the lake before dinner.
On the first day, follow the one day plan, but add more time in the old town to explore smaller churches and quieter lanes. On the second day, focus on the lake, choosing one of the boat tours on Lake Como from Como that fits your schedule, and consider a short stop in a nearby village before returning in the evening. This rhythm works well for a romantic weekend in Como Italy or a relaxed break with friends.
With three days, you can spread out your walking, boat trips, and hilltop visits at an easy pace. Dedicate one full day to a day trip from Como to Bellagio, using ferry connections to enjoy the lake scenery along the way. The remaining time lets you revisit favorite viewpoints, add more family friendly activities in Como, or simply slow down and enjoy the Best things to do in Como without rushing.
Como’s dining scene reflects both its lakeside setting and its Lombardy location, with plenty of trattorias and cafés scattered around the center and waterfront. Look for simple lake fish dishes, risottos, and polenta, which often appear on local menus in different seasonal variations.
In the morning, many visitors start with espresso and a pastry at a bar in the old town before heading out to explore. Later in the day, an aperitivo on a terrace near the water pairs small bites with a glass of wine or a classic spritz, making use of the long light in warmer months.
Sweet options include traditional Italian gelato and bakery treats that you can enjoy while walking the lakefront. When planning meals around your Como itinerary ideas, consider reserving tables for popular spots in the evening, especially on weekends and during peak travel seasons.
Como is compact, and most central sights are within walking distance of each other, including the historic streets and the main lakefront area. The funicular to Brunate leaves from near the water, while ferry terminals are clustered along the shore, making it straightforward to combine several activities in one day.
Public boats connect Como with other towns on Lake Como, allowing flexible day trip from Como to Bellagio plans and shorter hops to closer villages. Taxis and local buses can help if you prefer to limit walking or are traveling with luggage, and sidewalks in the center are generally suitable for strollers and most visitors, though some older streets have uneven stone surfaces.
Bellagio
Reachable by ferry connections from Como, Bellagio is often combined with scenic time on the lake itself. A day trip from Como to Bellagio lets you explore its narrow streets and lakeside gardens before returning in the evening.
Nearby Lakeside Villages
Shorter boat tours on Lake Como from Como can be used as transport to nearby towns, where you can disembark for a few hours. These small places offer quieter promenades and different perspectives on the lake.
Hilltop Walks From Brunate
Using the funicular to reach Brunate, you can extend your visit with walks along the ridge to viewpoints and small chapels. This area adds a more active element to the Best things to do in Como, with cooler air and wide panoramas.
Relaxed Romantic Outings
Couples planning a romantic weekend in Como Italy often use one day for a simple boat and stroll combination in another village. This keeps travel times short while adding variety to your stay.
How much time do I need to see the main sights in Como?
Many visitors find that one full day is enough to cover the lakefront, the historic center, and a ride on the funicular. If you want to enjoy more of the Best things to do in Como, such as boat trips and slower walks, staying two or three days offers a more relaxed pace.
Do I need to book boat tours and the funicular in advance?
Public ferries and the funicular generally operate on regular schedules, and you can often buy tickets on the day. However, during busy periods it is sensible to check current timetables and allow extra time so that your plans for the Best things to do in Como are not rushed.
Where should I stay to be close to meeting points and transport?
Staying in or near the historic center keeps you within walking distance of the lakefront, ferry terminals, and the funicular station. This area makes it easier to follow different Como itinerary ideas without needing frequent transport.
What happens if the weather changes during my visit?
If conditions on the lake are poor, some boat services may be reduced, so it is helpful to have indoor options such as cafés and shops in mind. Building flexible Como travel tips into your plans lets you switch between outdoor and sheltered activities as needed.
Is Como suitable for visitors with limited mobility or families with strollers?
The central streets and lakefront promenade are mostly flat, though some older areas have uneven surfaces that require attention. Many family friendly activities in Como take place along these easier routes, and choosing accommodation close to the center can reduce the need for long walks.