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Lake Como, Italy

Things to Do in Lake Como

Top sights, the tours and tickets travellers book most, hidden gems and day trips.

Most booked:Lake Como Boat Cruise, Bellagio & Lugano Day Trip from Milan

Most booked tours and tickets in Lake Como

Lake Como Boat Cruise, Bellagio & Lugano Day Trip from Milan

Lake Como Boat Cruise, Bellagio & Lugano Day Trip from Milan

4.52,344 reviews10h 30m
Como, Lugano & Bellagio: Exclusive Cruise–Two Countries in a Day

Como, Lugano & Bellagio: Exclusive Cruise–Two Countries in a Day

4.81,870 reviews11h
Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan with Boat Cruise

Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan with Boat Cruise

4.91,685 reviews10h 30m
Small-Group Lake Como & Lugano: 2 Countries in 1 Day, Boat Cruise

Small-Group Lake Como & Lugano: 2 Countries in 1 Day, Boat Cruise

5.01,594 reviews10h
Small-Group Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna, Hidden Gorge & Boat

Small-Group Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna, Hidden Gorge & Boat

4.9914 reviews10h
Lake Como Private Wooden Boat Tour & Italian Glamour

Lake Como Private Wooden Boat Tour & Italian Glamour

4.9644 reviews4h
Lake Como Private Cruise: The Real Local Experience

Lake Como Private Cruise: The Real Local Experience

5.0463 reviews1h
Domaso: Wine Tasting at the Winery on Como Lake

Domaso: Wine Tasting at the Winery on Como Lake

4.8403 reviews1h 30m

Tickets and tours by attraction

The best options for each of Lake Como's top sights, compared.

Top sights in Lake Como

  1. 1Bellagio
  2. 2Villa Balbianello
  3. 3Villa Carlotta
  4. 4Varenna
  5. 5Ferry Hopping
  6. 6Funicular to Brunate
  • Architectural Grandeur & Celebrity Villas: Step into living history at opulent waterfront estates. Tour Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo to see Canova's sculptures and its magnificent botanical garden, or explore Villa Monastero in Varenna, a former convent with a stunning lakeside promenade. The iconic Villa Balbianello in Lenno, with its manicured gardens and dramatic loggia, is a must for film buffs.
  • The 'Pearl of the Lake' & Picturesque Villages: Discover Bellagio, where the lake's three branches converge. Wander its steep, cobbled salite (stairways) lined with chic boutiques, enjoy a gelato on the waterfront, and visit the gardens of Villa Melzi. Each village has its own character, from the colorful fishermen's houses of Varenna to the elegant arcades of Menaggio.
  • Spectacular Alpine & Lake Scenery: Experience the breathtaking contrast of snow-capped peaks (like Grigna) reflecting in the deep blue lake. For panoramic views, ride the funicular from Como to Brunate ('The Balcony of the Alps'), hike the Sentiero del Viandante trail above Varenna, or drive the panoramic road to Bellagio.

Tickets and passes in Lake Como

Como-Brunate Jeep Sightseeing Tour & Funicular Rail SKIP THE LINE

Como-Brunate Jeep Sightseeing Tour & Funicular Rail SKIP THE LINE

4.56 reviews2h
Como Lake Private Picnic in the Villa and Drive by the Shores

Como Lake Private Picnic in the Villa and Drive by the Shores

4.34 reviews4h
Lake Como magic and mystery private nigth cruise

Lake Como magic and mystery private nigth cruise

5.01 review4h

from €1,000

Check availability

Food and drink experiences in Lake Como

Small-Group Lake Como Local Food Tour with Wine

Small-Group Lake Como Local Food Tour with Wine

4.7295 reviews3h 30m
Cesarine: Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Varenna

Cesarine: Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Varenna

4.8252 reviews3h
Small-Group Pasta and Tiramisu Class in Como with Aperitivo

Small-Group Pasta and Tiramisu Class in Como with Aperitivo

4.9242 reviews3h
Wine Tasting with Sommelier and Local Food at Lake Como

Wine Tasting with Sommelier and Local Food at Lake Como

4.8227 reviews1h

Hidden gems in Lake Como

Places most visitors miss, many of them free.

Isola Comacina

Lake Como's only island, located near Ossuccio, steeped in legend and history with ancient ruins and a single restaurant.

Orrido di Bellano

A dramatic, deep natural gorge carved by the Pioverna river, with walkways and bridges allowing you to traverse the roaring waterfalls and caverns.

Villa del Balbianello's Secret Entrance

While the villa is famous, most arrive by ferry to its main dock. The lesser-known land entrance involves a beautiful 20-minute wooded walk from Lenno.

The Hamlet of Nesso

A small, vertical village famous for its spectacular gorge, the Orrido di Nesso, where the Nosè river cascades into the lake through a Roman bridge.

Abbazia di Piona

A serene, still-active Cistercian monastery on the Olgiasca peninsula near Colico, with a beautiful cloister and a shop selling the monks' famous herbal liqueurs and honey.

Day trips from Lake Como

Lugano, Switzerland

1 hour by car or train

Experience a blend of Swiss efficiency and Italian flair in this beautiful lakeside city just across the border. Stroll the palm-lined promenade, explore the chic boutiques, and take a funicular up to Monte Brè or Monte San Salvatore for breathtaking Alpine and lake views.

Bergamo

1 hour 15 min by train from Como

Discover this stunning, two-tiered city with a captivating medieval upper town (Città Alta) perched on a hill. Wander its cobbled streets, visit the magnificent Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, and enjoy panoramic views of the Lombardy plains.

Valtellina Valley

1.5 - 2 hours by car (north from Colico)

Journey into the dramatic Alpine valley famous for its wines (like Sassella and Grumello), hearty cuisine (especially Pizzoccheri), and stunning mountain scenery. It's a world away from the lake's glamour, offering authentic Alpine villages and outdoor activities.

Plan your Lake Como trip

Things to do in Lake Como: FAQ

What are the best things to do in Lake Como?+

Top sights include Bellagio, Villa Balbianello, Villa Carlotta and Varenna. Away from the crowds, try Isola Comacina and Orrido di Bellano.

What are the most popular tours in Lake Como?+

The most booked experiences on Viator are Lake Como Boat Cruise, Bellagio & Lugano Day Trip from Milan (4.5 stars, 2,344 reviews); Como, Lugano & Bellagio: Exclusive Cruise–Two Countries in a Day (4.8 stars, 1,870 reviews); Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan with Boat Cruise (4.9 stars, 1,685 reviews).

How much do tours in Lake Como cost?+

The tours and tickets on this page start between €10 and €1,000 per person, depending on length and what is included.

Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.