60 things to do on Lake Como

Would you like to know 60 things to do on Lake Como to plan your weekend in Italy?

Lake Como is the deepest lake in Italy, and its charm attracts millions of visitors every year who come to discover this little gem. Most tourists reserve 2 or 3 days on the lake, but the truth is that there are dozens of activities to do. Here we have compiled a list of 60 things to do on Lake Como, but you will undoubtedly find many more!

1. What to do in Como?
2. Free things to do in Como
3. Best places to eat in Como
4. Best things to do in Lake Como
5. Best places to eat in Lake Como
6. Free things to do in Lake Como

What to do in Como?

• Visiting the Silk Museum in Como: Como is known worldwide for its silk production. The city still produces 80% of European silk. Entering one of Como’s historic shops: Como is a historic city with a large number of very old establishments.
• Buying a silk piece from the oldest shop in Como: A.Picci, open since 1919, is the only silk selling store in Como that has been recognized as a “Negozio Storico.”
• Visiting the coffee producer in Como since 1937, caffé Milani, which, by reservation, can allow you to visit the laboratory.
• Taking the funicular to Brunate to enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Como.
• Visiting the Temple of Volta in Como, a scientific museum showcasing all the tools of the famous physicist Volta. The Temple is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.
• Having an aperitif in the center of Como in one of the venues at Piazza Volta, overlooking the Volta statue.
• Attending a show at the social theater of Como, in a 19th-century ambiance.
• Spending an evening with friends at the Terraces of Como, amidst music, ambient lighting, and aperitifs with a view of the lake, for an enchanted atmosphere.
• Renting a Vespa in Como and touring the lake.

Free things to do in Como

• To see the Roman baths of Como, which are visible when going to the Autosilo Valduce, the parking lot near the hospital that was built above this archaeological site.
• Visiting the Duomo di Como, the Cathedral of Como, which welcomes tourists for free on weekends and holidays.
• Visiting the former Casa del Fascio of Como, located in Piazza del Popolo, which served as the headquarters of the National Fascist Party until 1945. Now this building is the headquarters of the provincial command of “la Guardia di Finanza”.
• Taking a stroll at the covered market of Como located at Via Giuseppe Sirtori, 1, open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 am to 1 pm and on Saturdays all day from 8 am to 7 pm.
• Visiting Villa Olmo in Como, one of the most imposing and well-known villas in Como, located on Via Vittorio Emanuele II.
• Having a picnic on the grass near the Tempio Voltiano, where when the water level is low, you can sit on the sand and enjoy the view of the lake.
• Visiting the birthplace of Alessandro Volta in Como, an Italian physicist, and inventor of the electric battery.
• Strolling along Lake Como on the “passeggiata” starting from Piazza Cavour and reaching the Life Electric sculpture built in honor of Volta.
• Going to Piazza San Fedele, which once housed the Roman forum. It is still possible to see the square where the market took place and admire the picturesque buildings of Como.
• Admiring the Palazzo Broletto, near the Duomo, the medieval seat of the ruling lordships of the city.
• Witnessing the passage of the Giro d’Italia in Como.
• Taking a walk to reach the Baradello Castle overlooking Como. By taking trail 10, you can reach the castle’s foothills in 1 to 1.5 hours.

Best places to eat in Como

• Eating in a historic establishment in Como, at Crotto del Sergente, where time stopped in the year 1880, the year this charming and authentic establishment opened.
• Indulging in a chocolate covered in gold: at the luxury pastry shop in Como, “Mignon on the Lake,” they have created Gold23 chocolate, a praline covered in 23-carat gold chocolate. Undoubtedly, a delicious and captivating experience.
• Trying the famous “Nuvola di Como” from the baker who invented the recipe, Beretta dal 1950. A delicacy reminiscent of Panettone.
• Having the best ice cream in Como at Gelateria Rossetti, which opened its doors in the 1970s. Ice cream is a matter of taste, but this gelateria is considered one of the best in Como, for me it’s the best.
• Dining at one of Como’s Michelin-starred restaurants: you have the choice between Kitchen and i Tigli di Theoria.
• Savoring a burger in Como that will satisfy you at Mystic Burger, Macinato Fresco, Porco Brado.
• Trying Indian cuisine in Como at Taj Mahal restaurant; we recommend the chicken curry with fresh Indian bread, which is excellent!
• Visiting Vintage Jazz Food in Como to dine in a jazz atmosphere.
• Indulging in a sweet treat at Pasticceria Vago in Como, open since 1960.

Best things to do in Lake Como

• To see the magic of the Ponte della Civera in Nesso, a romantic and Instagrammable spot on Lake Como.
• Dining at restaurants over 600 meters above sea level with a view of Lake Como: at Bellavista Boutique Hotel and Restaurant in Brunate, at Baita Belvedere in Bellagio, at Rifugio Martina in Lezzeno, at Bella Vista in Veleso, at La Madonnina Restaurant in Barni.
• Participating in the Sagra del Masigott in Erba, traditionally held on the third Sunday of October, where you can enjoy local specialties, including Masigott, a rustic cake with very ancient origins. During this event, various teams must climb a 16-meter slippery pole to try to win the prize. Dances and performances animate the evening.
• Taking a helicopter tour over Lake Como with The Vertical Tour.
• Staying at Villa Castello in Menaggio, a luxury residence where Mussolini spent his last days.
• Taking a ferry to visit the major towns on Lake Como.
• Visiting Villa and Park Serbelloni in Bellagio.
• Strolling through the historic center of Bellagio.
• Visiting Villa del Balbianello in Lenno, a filming location for certain scenes in Casino Royale and Star Wars (Attack of the Clones).
• Taking a walk with lamas in Blessagno.
• Meeting the donkeys in Blessagno.
• Kayaking on Lake Como.
• Visiting Isola Comacina for a short walk.
• Going to Grandola ed Uniti to walk through the woods, passing by an old water mill, and taking a break at the former nail factory, now a trout farm where you can dine.
• Visiting the Abbey of Piona for a journey back in time.
• Treating yourself to a hot air balloon ride over Lake Como.

Best places to eat in Lake Como

• Tasting Mataloch Bread, a local Italian specialty, at the historic bakery in Bellagio, since 1768.
• Sampling Lake Como olive oil at one of the outlets around the lake.
• Enjoying the famous Como recipe, i missoltini, which are lake fish cooked in one of the following restaurants: Trattoria del Porto in Nesso, Crotto Civiglio in Como, Crotto Valdurino in Moltrasio, Trattoria Laghée in Cernobbio, La Moltrasina in Moltrasio, Osteria Vecchio Molo in Laglio.
• Trying traditional local recipes at Locanda Il Grifo in Lenno.
• Visiting the Bellano canyon, Orrido di Bellano, for a unique experience!
• Indulging in a royal meal at the Veranda restaurant in Cernobbio, perhaps followed by a visit to Villa d’Este.

Free things to do in Lake Como

• Visit the Moto Guzzi Museum in Mandello del Lario.
• Go to Balcone d’Italia, on Mount Sighignola, a panoramic point that offers breathtaking views of the Italian border and Campione d’Italia, an Italian enclave in Switzerland.
• Take a walk on the Viandante Trail, an approximately 50km route that connects Lecco to Colico with stunning views of the lake.
• See the colorful houses of Varenna.
• Reach Punta Spartivento to enjoy a magnificent view of Lake Como.
• Visit the Sacro Monte di Ossuccio, a complex of chapels and sanctuary classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Climb the Volta Lighthouse, il faro Voltiano, once you reach Brunate via the funicular.

If after doing all 60 things to do on Lake Como, the desire to buy a house on Lake Como has come to you, then let’s talk about it!