A weekend in Como: a day in town, a day on the lake

With a weekend in Como you can do two different things: one day in the walled town and on the lakefront, and one day on the water or up high. The centre is explored on foot. For the lake and Brunate you use boats and the funicular, so no car is needed. Here is a two-day itinerary.

Saturday morning: the Duomo and the walled town

Start from the Duomo di Como and walk through the walled town among narrow streets, squares and shops. If you are interested in the history of silk, the Museo della Seta (Silk Museum) displays looms and machinery.

Saturday afternoon: the lakefront, Tempio Voltiano and Villa Olmo

Follow the promenade westwards: the Tempio Voltiano and the Parco di Villa Olmo. Alternatively, visit the Basilica di Sant’Abbondio.

Sunday morning: by funicular to Brunate

The Como–Brunate funicular leaves from piazza De Gasperi and climbs in about 7 minutes. From Brunate the view sweeps over the city and the lake. Check times and frequencies.

Sunday afternoon: by boat on the lake

Navigazione Laghi boats reach Bellagio, Menaggio and Varenna. Choose just one destination and check the return service and the seasonal timetable.

Where to eat

Ristorante Sociale, Osteria del Gallo, La Colombetta, Il Carrettiere, Pizzeria Donnarumma and Enoteca Castiglioni. Check opening times and bookings.

Useful info

The historic centre is a ZTL (limited traffic zone). From Milan, trains arrive at Como Lago or Como San Giovanni. Every year events return such as Orticolario at Villa Erba, in early October, and the Festival della Luce, with dates that change from one edition to the next: check the official websites.

Looking for a place to stay in Como? See our homes on ehisrlitalia.com.