17 Best Things to Do in Bellagio (Lake Como, Italy)

Often called the pearl of Lake Como, Bellagio is one of those places that genuinely lives up to the hype. If you’re planning a Northern Italy trip, this small lakeside town should be high on your list.

Bellagio is full of steep stone staircases, narrow lanes with shops and cafes, elegant villas, and viewpoints with sweeping lake views. It’s compact, easy to get around, and packed with those classic Lake Como scenes you probably already recognize.

You can cover many of the best things to do in Bellagio in one day, or slow things down and stay a few nights to explore the main Bellagio attractions at a relaxed pace.

No matter how long you’re spending at Lake Como, Bellagio deserves a spot on your itinerary! Let’s dive into what to do in Bellagio and how to plan your time.

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Best Things to Do in Bellagio, Italy

1. Visit Villa Melzi Gardens

Starting off with a spot that has become synonymous with Bellagio and Lake Como in general, Villa Melzi is a 19th-century residence that boasts a beautiful botanical garden and sweeping views of the lake.

Villa Melzi is one of my all-time favorite villas in Lake Como. We’ve already visited twice, and I wouldn’t mind going back for a third time, either!

Though the interior of the villa is closed to the public, the grounds alone are spectacular and are a labyrinth of winding pathways with exotic plants and Egyptian-esque statues. 

You can easily spend hours just wandering around in the gardens or simply sitting on a bench on the lakeside and admiring the views.

The centerpiece of the gardens is the peaceful water lily pond overlooking the perfectly blue waters, which is among the top vantage points in the village.

2. Stroll around the waterfront promenade

Simply wandering along Bellagio’s waterfront promenade and gazing out over Lake Como has always been one of my favorite things to do whenever I visit Bellagio.

There’s nothing quite like seeing the terracotta and pale yellow hues of the village’s buildings alongside the lake, with the Alps standing tall in the background.

Our last visit to Lake Como was at the end of June, and the whole promenade was in full bloom. It was absolutely spectacular, and I felt like I was in heaven!

To get to the lakeside promenade, head to the ferry terminal and take a left at the waterfront when you’re facing the lake. The promenade stretches all the way to the entrance of Villa Melzi, so it’s a perfect stroll before or after visiting the villa.

3. Tour Parco di Villa Serbelloni

Covering nearly 50 acres, Villa Serbelloni Park stretches across the hillside above Bellagio and feels surprisingly vast for such a small town.

The villa dates back to the 1600s and has hosted famous names like Leonardo da Vinci and Queen Victoria over the centuries. Today, the grounds are as regal as ever and can only be visited as part of a guided tour between the months of March and November.

There are two guided tours every day except Mondays, starting at 11 am and 3:30 pm. As the groups are limited to 30 people, it’s recommended to book the tour in advance!

Your guide will give you an in-depth history of the villa and its surroundings for around 90 minutes, where you can explore almost 18 km of avenues that feature beautifully kept flowers and jaw-dropping views.

A word of warning: the gardens stretch all the way up to the top of the hill, and the tour leads you up to the top as well, which means you’ll have to do lots of uphill walking!

To be honest, the tour was pretty exhausting, and I was sweating like crazy, but it was totally worth it for the views. The garden itself was not that interesting to me, but I loved learning about the history of the villa, and the panoramic view from the top was absolutely breathtaking.

4. Rent a boat for a private lake tour

If you want to go all out on your Lake Como trip, make sure to rent a private boat to cruise around the lake!

These tours don’t come cheap, but if you have the budget, it’s completely worth it. The boats tend to have a set price regardless of the number of passengers, so if you’re traveling as a bigger group, it might not be as expensive as you think!

Private tours usually allow you the flexibility to customize your own tour and stop wherever you like, either to take in the scenery or to take a refreshing dip in the lake.

You can find numerous advertisements offering boat tours when strolling around Bellagio, but if you’d rather book it in advance, I have two recommendations for you.

• Lake Como Boat Tour: This 2-hour private tour is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon in Lake Como. Your Venetian-style taxi boat comes with a skipper, and it will take you to all the most scenic spots in Lake Como, such as Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, or Villa Monastero. The boat can accommodate up to 10 people.
• Sailing Experience on Lake Como: This 3-hour private sailing adventure is a really unique way to discover Lake Como from the water. The elegant, 8.5-meter-long boat can host up to 9 people, and you can also enjoy snacks and drinks on board.

5. Wander the streets of the Old Town

Bellagio’s Old Town is one of the best places to see those classic Italian stone streets you probably picture when thinking about Lake Como.

There are a few uphill sections, but the Old Town center is fairly compact, so getting around is manageable. Comfortable shoes are still a smart idea, though, as the steps and cobblestones can add up quickly.

As you wander through Bellagio’s Old Town, you’ll pass stylish boutiques, small souvenir shops, and plenty of cafes that are perfect for a quick coffee stop.

The streets are lined with colorful Mediterranean buildings, complete with wooden shutters and tiny balconies that give the area its unmistakably Italian feel.

6. Snap a picture at Salita Serbelloni

Salita Serbelloni is a must-see when you’re looking for the best things to do in Bellagio, Italy.

It’s easily Bellagio’s most famous street and the image you’ve probably seen on countless Lake Como postcards. For many visitors, this is the first stop after arriving in town!

You’ll find Salita Serbelloni right in the heart of the Old Town, so it’s easy to work into your walk as you explore the area. Walk up to the top of the steps, turn around, and you’ll get that classic Bellagio view looking back down toward the lake.

This spot gets very busy in high season, so going early in the morning is your best bet if you want photos without crowds in the frame.

7. Visit the Basilica of San Giacomo

Another highlight of the Old Town is the Basilica of San Giacomo, a Catholic church that has stood the test of time.

This church dates back to the 12th century and features a mix of Romanesque and Lombard architecture. Parts of the interior are even older, including a detailed mosaic that comes with its own local legend.

The Basilica is free to visit every day, but entry may be restricted during Mass. This usually happens between 12 pm and 3:30 pm, so it’s worth planning your visit outside those hours.

8. Shop on Via Garibaldi

For a small village, Bellagio offers surprisingly good shopping, with most of it centered along Via Garibaldi.

This lively street is usually busy with both locals and visitors. You’ll find a mix of high-end designer boutiques alongside smaller shops selling handmade crafts that make great souvenirs.

If food shopping is more your thing, Via Garibaldi also has several gourmet stores stocked with Italian wines, olive oils, cheeses, and other local specialties worth bringing home.

9. Sample the local cuisine at a trattoria

Italian dining isn’t all about fancy, upscale restaurants, even though Bellagio has plenty of those, too! The town’s more casual spots are just as good and usually much easier on the budget.

When hunger hits, it’s worth heading to a local trattoria. I’ve got three personal favorites to share with you.

• Trattoria San Giacomo: Perched atop Salita Serbelloni, you’re likely to find yourself joining a queue to dine at San Giacomo, and you’ll understand why the moment you taste their homemade pasta. This is a tourist hotspot that lives up to the hype!
• RISTORO FORMA e GUSTO Pizzeria-Ristorante: If I had to pick one place for pizza in Bellagio, it would be Ristoro Forma E Gusto. Of course, you can also expect tasty pasta and fresh salads on the menu, and they offer the option to dine indoors to escape the midday sunshine or munch on your meal al fresco.
• Bistrot Antichi Sapori: A surprisingly affordable haunt in the Old Town, Antichi Sapori is a great place to stop for a snack and has an extensive menu full of all the beloved Italian classics, including bruschetta, carbonara, and tiramisu, along with some tempting surprises in there too.

10. Enjoy a gelato at Gelateria del Borgo

After all that food talk, a gelato stop is pretty much mandatory. Because no trip to Italy is ever complete without ice cream, am I right?

You’ll find Gelateria del Borgo along Via Garibaldi, and it’s hard to miss thanks to the constant crowd outside. That’s usually a good sign!

With an impressive selection of flavors (the pistachio and hazelnut are to die for) and reasonable price points, you may find yourself stopping by more than once if you’re staying in Bellagio for a few days. I know I did!

As a bonus, it’s just a short walk from Salita Serbelloni, making it an easy stop if you want a gelato photo with a classic Bellagio backdrop. Just be quick, it melts fast in the heat!

11. Attend a cooking class 

Joining a pasta-making class is a great way to bring something home from your Italian trip that goes beyond photos and souvenirs. Learning how to make fresh pasta from scratch is surprisingly fun and very rewarding.

Cooking classes around Lake Como are relaxed, hands-on, and centered around good food and good company. Italians take this stuff seriously, and it shows!

Chef Luigi Gandola runs some of the top cooking classes in the Lake Como area. You’ll work with fresh ingredients, prepare your own pasta dish, and then sit down to enjoy it on a terrace with the rest of the group, usually paired with a glass of wine or an Aperol Spritz.

12. Visit La Punta Spartivento

Lake Como looks good from just about anywhere, but the views from Punta Spartivento really stand out.

This viewpoint sits right where the two branches of the lake come together, giving you wide open views in multiple directions. It’s about a 10-minute walk from Bellagio’s Old Town and the ferry terminal, making it an easy stop during your day.

If you prefer quieter moments, aim to visit earlier in the day.

13. Go on a kayak tour 

If you’re up for something a bit different, a Lake Como kayak tour is a great way to see Bellagio from a new angle.

Paddling along the shore lets you tick off several of the best things to see in Bellagio, Italy, with your guide leading the way past spots like Villa Serbelloni and Punta Spartivento. The views from the water are hard to beat!

The tour starts from Pescallo di Bellagio Beach and lasts around one and a half hours. Children are welcome too, as long as they’re at least eight years old.

14. Relax at Lido di Bellagio

Taking a dip in the lake is definitely one of the best things to do in Bellagio. Although there are many beaches where you can just lay down your towel for free, if you’re looking for something more upscale, check out Lido di Bellagio.

The lido has a relaxed beach area, a stylish bistro, and a lively bar. It was a lifesaver on days when I wanted a break from sightseeing and just felt like sitting by the water with a coffee. In the evening, the venue turns into a disco bar, so it also works if you’re in the mood for a night out!

Keep in mind that Lido di Bellagio is a popular wedding venue, so parts of the beach or restaurant can be closed off from time to time.

15. Head out on a sunset sailing tour

A sunset sailing tour is a really nice way to see Lake Como at the end of the day, when the light softens, and the lake feels calmer.

You’ll cruise along Bellagio’s coastline, have a glass of prosecco, snack on a few local bites, and just take it all in from the water. The boat fits up to nine people and is a good option if you’re traveling with a small group or want something more private.

Your captain explains what you’re seeing along the way and can adjust the route based on what you’re most interested in, so it feels truly relaxed.

16. Hop on a ferry and visit Villa Carlotta

If Salita Serbelloni is among the most photographed spots around Lake Como, Villa Carlotta deserves a place right up there, too.

Although it’s not located in Bellagio, I still couldn’t leave it off the list of the best things to do in Bellagio, as it’s just a short 20-minute boat ride away.

Villa Carlotta was once a prestigious residence that has been transformed into a museum showcasing the artworks of many Italian sculptors and painters. The inside of the villa is absolutely breathtaking, and the gardens were the cherry on top!

Before visiting, I expected the gardens of Villa Carlotta to be small, but on the contrary, it’s huge! If you want to do the full tour of the garden, it will take you around 90 minutes, while the short itinerary is 45 minutes.

Remember, the gardens are only open from March to November, so be aware if you plan to visit outside of this time frame.

17. Take a day trip to Varenna or Menaggio

Bellagio is not the only postcard-worthy village along Lake Como. While you’re in the area, I definitely think you should check out the towns of Menaggio and Varenna.

Depending on how much time you have, you can take a quick trip to visit one or both of these idyllic villages. 

Although technically Menaggio is the bigger of the two, I found that there are many more things to do in Varenna, and I generally liked Varenna a bit more than Menaggio. So if you have to choose between the two, I’d definitely go for Varenna!

However, I think that both towns are worth visiting, so if you have the time, I suggest checking out both. It takes only 15-20 minutes to get to Varenna or Menaggio from Bellagio, and the ferry along the way is really scenic.

Useful Info for Visiting Bellagio, Lake Como

Where to stay in Bellagio

The best thing about Bellagio’s size is that you can never go too far wrong where you decide to stay. If you prefer to have lots of restaurants, bars, and shops on your doorstep, you’ll find many of the hotels and guesthouses in the Old Town to your liking. 

A waterfront hotel is a great way to get the best lakeside views that Lake Como is famous for. It’s a quieter option than the Old Town but is close enough to feel the hustle and bustle of the center.

Slightly further uphill than the Old Town, you’ll find hillside accommodations providing amazing views. These places are typically more relaxed and family-friendly; however, it also means you’ll have to climb a lot to get back to your hotel.

No matter where you decide to stay, make sure to book your accommodation far in advance, as Bellagio’s hotels tend to book up quickly during the high season!

Below you can check my top recommendations for staying in Bellagio for different budgets. Alternatively, if you’re looking to stay elsewhere, read my in-depth post about where to stay in Lake Como.

• Luxury: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
• Mid-range: Hotel du Lac & SPA
• Budget: Hotel Bellagio

How to get to Bellagio

Chances are, you’ll be arriving at one of two airports in Northern Italy’s hub of Milan. From the center of Milan, the most convenient way to reach Bellagio is by train and ferry.

From Milan Central Station, hop on a train to Varenna-Esino. There’s another option to catch a train to Como, which might sound more suitable, but believe me, it’s not!

The town of Como is quite far from Bellagio, and it will take forever to reach it with a ferry. Varenna is a much better option as it’s only a 15-20 minute ride to Bellagio.

Once you get to Bellagio, you’ll need to continue on foot to your accommodation, or if it’s further, you will need to hop into a taxi.

Of course, for a more comfortable journey, you can also book a direct airport transfer from Milan to Bellagio, or rent a car if you want to drive yourself.

How many days to spend in Bellagio

To discover all the best things to do in Bellagio, you will need at least a full day. However, if you only want to see the highlights, a half-day will suffice.

If you’re planning to do a Lake Como day trip from Milan, you can easily do Varenna and Bellagio in just one day!

However, if you intend to make Bellagio your base to discover Lake Como, I would say you’ll need at least 3 days, but the more you have, the better!

Lake Como is absolutely amazing, and you’ll never run out of things to do, so believe me, you won’t be bored even if you spend a week in Lake Como.