Lake Como is easily one of the most incredible places I’ve ever been! The mountains, lake, food, boat tours, and simple beauty of the towns make it such a special spot. I went a few summers ago to explore Lake Como and absolutely fell in love with it! This lake region in Italy is a top tourist destination, however, which makes it expensive, sometimes crowded, and a little overwhelming to narrow down what to do there. One of my buddies Lydia lived in Como for a summer with an Italian family who showed her the ins and outs of how to conquer Lake Como. I asked her for her best tips and recommendations, so keep reading for a mini-blog post on the best things to do in Lake Como (from a local perspective)!
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Hi! I’m Lydia, one of Anita’s roommates. This past summer I was an au pair in Como, Italy. I lived in a house with an Italian family and spent the weekdays exploring the city while watching two girls.
Best Places To Eat
- For a quick, casual lunch, try Pasta Time! It is where all the locals go for lunch during the school and work day. You pick your pasta and sauce, and they make it fresh for you!
- For the view of a lifetime, get a reservation at Bellavista in Brunate. You can see all the way to Switzerland when sitting at one of Bellavista’s dinner tables, and the food is amazing. Brunate is a small city set atop one of the mountains overlooking the lake. You can reach the city by taking the funicular in Como. Just buy a ticket at the counter when you’re headed up!
- For the most unique flavors, get a reservation at Brillo Osteria. Their menu includes the most unique pairings in each dish. Go into it adventurous because you will be grateful!
Best Places To Go Out
- There is little nightlife in Como. Ostello Bello is an upscale hostel where locals and travelers will go out for a drink, to meet friends, or to watch a soccer game!
- To grab a classic aperitivo, try the cafe on the street corner right by the Aero Club. You may get to watch some helicopters take off and land on the lake! Also, my host mom told me they are famous for their mojitos.
Hikes and Walks
- There are so many places to walk in Como! Villa Olmo is a central spot for tourists and locals to lay in the sun, walk dogs, and run. There are paths all around the villa and a popular walking path along the lake. Additionally, paths connect Villa Olmo to other Villas nearby.
- There is access to the lake along the walking path that surrounds it. Popular spots to get in the lake are near Villa Olmo or through Lido Villa Olmo, which is a pool that includes a bar with food and drink and lake access. Heads up, you do have to pay for a pass at the pool and must wear a swimming cap in the pool.
- There are 3 hiking paths that go up the mountain to Brunate. Each path is a varying degree of difficulty and includes very beautiful views. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can hike all the way to the lighthouse on top of the mountain.
- There is also a Greenway Path that runs through multiple cities along the lake. It is ~10km long, but you don’t have to travel the whole distance to enjoy exploring the smaller towns. The Civera Bridge in Nesso is famous, and many people will jump off of it into the lake. I can’t say I recommend doing this because it is dangerous, but do what you will!
Other Things To Do
- Como has a soccer team that plays in the city’s stadium. If you’re there during the season and attend a game, you just might meet the family I lived with because they are huge fans!
- Ferries run to all the main cities on the lake to go on adventures in other cities. Bellagio and Menaggio are the cities you will see if you google “Lake Como.” They are very beautiful but often very busy with tourists. The Gardens of Villa Melzi in Bellagio are worth paying to visit. It is truly so beautiful. I spent two afternoons exploring Villa Melzi because it was so fascinating to me!
- If you want to splurge, there are private boat tours on the lake that are usually the classic, wooden boat. It is worth the experience if you can afford it!
- Como is historically famous for its silk production, so you will find many shops selling silk scarves and ties. Most of the silk today is not the same quality silk of the past. However, I still think it is fun to pick your souvenir based on what a town is known for!
Going To Italy? Check These Out!
How to Explore Venice on a Budget: Two Day Itinerary
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Thanks For Reading!
Thank you so much for being a part of this adventure with me! Every time you read and share these posts, you help me make my dreams come true! I love you all. If you get to go on any of these trips, feel free to email me pictures, recs, and your favorite parts! I hope you enjoyed this post on the best things to do in Lake Como! xoxoxoxox, AnitaBelle
