The city behind the lake...
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Fancying a break from the bustle of Italian cities? Or maybe you’ve seen Lake Como’s popularity all over social media and wonder what it’s really like to visit. Either way, by visiting the city of Como you get the best of both worlds. A city with plenty of shops, restaurants and scenic views of the lake and surrounding hills.
There are lots and lots of small towns and villages around the edge of Lake Como - Como is the biggest by far. It’s the only one that truly feels like a city and is less overcrowded compared to some of the viral towns that you can access such as Bellagio or Varenna. There are still lots of tourists - just lots more space too!
If you’d like to explore some different towns and villages around the edge of the Lake, there are ferries that can take you from Como to lots of different lakeside spots. You can book tickets at the ferry port on the day! Just don’t miss the last ferry back or it could be a pricey taxi ride home.
One thing you absolutely should do is watch the sunrise or sunset overlooking the lake. It’s an incredible sight to see and you’ll feel completely at peace. We opted for a sunrise as we knew it would be quieter and it was stunning.
If scenery is what you’re after on this trip, you can walk for miles along the lake front from Como. You can also take a funicular train from the city centre to get a view of the lake from above without having to hike up any huge hills.
And of course, there are countless bars and restaurants on the lakefront where you can enjoy a peaceful drink and a view of the water. Be prepared to pay more in a bar or restaurant with a view, though. We talk about this in more detail in our tourist traps post, which might be worth a read before you travel.
Looking for a more local atmosphere? Head away from the lake into the city centre. As you start coming into the old town you'll find the cathedral, then head further in and you'll find a local market and less touristic cafes and bars. We stopped for a brioche and a hot chocolate in Tràni café (it’s nothing like hot chocolate in the UK - it’s so thick you can eat it with a spoon!)
Don’t miss the cathedral and the winding streets that surround it. It’s not quite as breathtaking as cathedrals in major Italian cities, but still worth visiting, especially seeing as it’s free to enter.
And of course, we couldn’t write a post about Italy without reminding you to go and enjoy some pizza and pasta. We recommend pizza with burrata (creamy mozzarella) and pasta with pesto! A glass of prosecco won’t hurt either…
We ate at Gustosè in Bottega and Ristorante Lago and really enjoyed our experience in both. Be aware that most restaurants in Como (and most places in Italy) charge a “coperto” - which translates to a “cover charge”. It covers things like bread, sometimes water, the service and cutlery etc. It’s generally not more than two or three euros per person, depending on the price of the establishment you’re visiting. It isn’t like an optional service charge as it covers other things as well. But tips are not expected, although they’re appreciated if you receive exceptional service.
So whether you’re looking for an authentic city experience, or a peaceful break with gorgeous views, Como is a brilliant place to visit for a few days, with the option to extend your trip and visit other towns on Lake Como or spend some time in Milan.
Additional information:
How do I get to Como?
Como is easily accessible by air, as the closest airport is Milan Malpensa which has direct flights from many major cities around the UK. It's a 40 minute drive from Como, but you can also take the bus into Milan then a bus or train to Como. The flight time from the UK varies, but is normally within the region of 2 hours.
Where should I stay in Como?
We stayed in this guesthouse and had a really good experience. It's a budget option but the location is good, it's only a short walk to the lake, and the rooms are big enough for a short stay. You have your own bathroom included and there is also an option to add breakfast, but we wanted to try some different restaurants so we didn't bother with this.
If you don't fancy this one, don't worry, there are plenty of other options for accommodation in Como. Have a look for something that will suit your group size and budget on booking.com.
Do I need a visa to visit Como?
Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Italy for a stay of up to 90 days. Read our Schengen Agreement post to find out more details about this rule.
What's the currency in Como?
The currency of Italy is the Euro. You can change money when you arrive or withdraw from ATMs, but be aware of high conversion fees! Some ATMs may charge you to withdraw money, even if your bank doesn't. It's always best to pay in local currency when you can. We had no issues paying by card in Como.
What languages are spoken in Como?
The official language of Italy is Italian, but English is widely spoken in Como as it is a major tourist destination. It's always polite to learn a few phrases, though!
What's the weather like in Como?
Como has a mild climate, and does have quite a bit of rain in spring time. For example, on average there are 12 days of rain in the month of May. It does get pretty cold in Winter, too.
Here's the average high / low temperatures for each season in Como:
Spring: 16°C / 9°C
Summer: 25°C / 18°C
Autumn: 16°C / 10°C
Winter: 8°C / 4°C
Here's the current weather in Como:
What's the time zone in Como?
Italy is in the Central European Time Zone. The time is usually the same as most of mainland Europe, but an hour ahead of the UK.
What are the best things to do in Como?
We always try and give you a few great recommendations of things to do on our Sightseekr Inspiration posts. If you're looking to fill your itinerary, have a look for the best activities, excursions and other things to do in Como on GetYourGuide
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