16 Best Things to Do in Como, Italy

Como is one of the main towns on Lake Como in northern Italy’s Lombardy region, known for its impressive cathedral and beautiful lakeside setting.

Because of its direct train connection to Milan, Como is often the first stop for travelers arriving in the area. It’s easy to reach, well-connected, and makes a great base for exploring the rest of the lake.

We’ve visited Lake Como three times now, and we always end up spending time in Como. In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Como, Italy, so you can make the most of your visit.

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The Ultimate Best Things to Do in Como, Italy

1. Visit Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como)

Como Cathedral, also known as Duomo di Como or officially Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, is one of the most important landmarks in the city. Construction began in 1396 and continued for centuries, which is why you’ll notice a mix of architectural styles throughout the building.

The exterior alone is impressive, but the interior is what really stands out. The scale of the space, the detailed ceilings, and the artwork throughout make it worth spending some time inside rather than just taking a quick look.

Inside the cathedral, you’ll find statues of Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger, both originally from Como. The church also houses 16th-century tapestries and paintings by artists such as Bernardino Luini and Gaudenzio Ferrari.

Entry is free, which makes this one of the best free things to do in Como. Just keep in mind that modest clothing is required, so it’s a good idea to cover your shoulders and knees before entering.

2. Walk around Piazza Cavour

Piazza Cavour is one of the main squares in Como and a good place to pause while exploring the city. It sits right by the lake, close to both the ferry dock and the train station, so chances are you’ll pass through it at some point.

The square is lined with colorful buildings, cafes, and restaurants, and it’s a good spot to sit for a coffee or a quick bite while watching the boats come and go. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, Gelateria Guidi is nearby and makes for an easy stop.

Even if you don’t plan to linger, it’s worth walking through at least once. It gives you a good feel for Como’s atmosphere and how the city connects directly with the lake.

3. Head out on a boat tour

If you’re spending time in Como, getting out on the lake is a must. Seeing the city and surrounding villas from the water gives you a completely different perspective, especially with the mountains rising behind the shoreline.

There are plenty of options depending on your budget and how much time you have. A shared boat tour is a great way to cruise past some of the most famous villas while relaxing on the water, and some tours even include a glass of Prosecco.

If you’re looking for something more private, you can also book this luxury yacht tour, where you’ll get to explore Como’s towns and villas in style.

4. Explore Villa Olmo

Lake Como is known for its historic villas, and Villa Olmo is one of the most impressive you can visit in Como. Built between the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the villa is a great example of neoclassical architecture, with grand columns and a symmetrical façade set right along the lake.

The gardens are just as impressive as the building itself. They stretch along the shoreline and are filled with a wide variety of plants and trees, making it a really pleasant place to walk around for a while.

Villa Olmo is free to visit, although the main building is usually closed on Mondays, so it’s worth checking opening days before planning your visit. It’s located about a 20 to 25-minute walk from the city center along the lake, and the walk itself is beautiful.

If you’d rather skip the walk, you can take a local bus, and there’s also parking available nearby if you’re arriving by car.

Read more: 7 Gorgeous Lake Como Villas & Gardens You Have to Visit

5. Visit Tempio Voltiano Museum

If you’re interested in science or local history, Tempio Voltiano is worth adding to your list. The museum is dedicated to Alessandro Volta, the Como-born scientist who invented the electric battery and gave us the terms volt and voltage.

The building itself stands out immediately. Designed in a neoclassical style, it resembles a small Roman temple and sits right by the lake, surrounded by a large park.

Inside, you’ll find scientific instruments, documents, and displays that tell the story of Volta’s life and work. It’s not a huge museum, so it’s easy to fit into your day while walking between Piazza Cavour and Villa Olmo.

Like many attractions in Como, it’s typically closed on Mondays, so it’s worth keeping that in mind when planning your visit.

6. Marvel at the Life Electric Monument

While you’re near Tempio Voltiano, walk out to the Life Electric monument, which is also dedicated to Alessandro Volta.

This modern sculpture was designed by Daniel Libeskind and installed in 2015. It stands at the end of a pier extending into the lake and represents two sine waves facing each other, symbolizing energy and electricity.

Because of its position on the water, you can spot it from several places around Como, including the promenade, Piazza Cavour, and the nearby Giardini del Tempio Voltiano. It’s a quick stop, but an interesting contrast to the historic architecture in the city.

7. Stroll around the lakeside promenade

One of my favorite things to do in Como, Italy, is walking along the lakeside promenade. The path stretches from Villa Olmo toward the Passeggiata Romantica on the other side, forming a curve along the shoreline.

As you walk, you’ll have open views of the lake, the surrounding mountains, and colorful buildings lining the waterfront. There are also small docks with boats tied up along the way, which adds to the classic Lake Como atmosphere.

You’ll pass several cafes and restaurants if you want to take a break. Ristorante e Bar Canottieri Lario Como is a good option if you’re looking for a spot with lake views while you sit down for a drink or meal.

8. Ride the Como-Brunate funicular

One of the most fun things to do in Como is riding the Como-Brunate Funicular up to the hilltop village of Brunate. The short ride gives you impressive views over Lake Como and the surrounding mountains as you climb higher above the city.

The funicular has been operating since 1894 and takes just a few minutes to reach the top. Once you arrive in Brunate, you can walk to viewpoints overlooking the lake, explore some of the hillside streets, or follow one of the nearby hiking trails.

There are also a few local restaurants in Brunate if you’d like to stop for a meal before heading back down to Como. It’s an easy addition to your day and one of the best ways to see the lake from above.

9. Visit Porta Torre

Porta Torre is one of Como’s most recognizable historic landmarks. This fortified city gate was built in the 12th century and rises about 40 meters above the surrounding streets.

It once played an important role in defending the city during conflicts with Milan, and today it stands as a reminder of Como’s medieval past.

The area around Porta Torre is lively, with shops, market stalls, and restaurants nearby. You can also spot remnants of the original Roman walls and the Porta Pretoria gate close by, but Porta Torre is easily the most striking of the city’s ancient structures.

10. Wander through the Old Town Streets

One of the best ways to experience Como is simply by wandering through the Old Town. The historic center sits between the lake and Porta Torre and is easy to explore on foot.

You’ll find cobbled streets lined with colorful buildings, small cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops. It’s the kind of place where you don’t really need a plan, just pick a direction and start walking.

Getting a little lost among the narrow streets is part of the charm and one of the simplest but most enjoyable things to do in Como.

11. Explore the Silk Museum

Como has a long history tied to silk production, and the Museo della Seta di Como offers a closer look at that heritage. The museum walks you through the silk-making process, from silkworm cultivation to weaving and finished garments.

Inside, you’ll find historic looms, machinery, and displays that explain how silk shaped the local economy and fashion industry over the centuries. It’s a smaller museum, but it gives useful context to Como’s past beyond the lake and villas.

The museum is typically closed on Mondays, so it’s worth checking opening days before planning your visit.

12. Attend a cooking class

If you want to go beyond sightseeing, joining a cooking class in Como is a fun way to experience Italian cuisine firsthand. It’s especially great if you love fresh pasta, tiramisu, and a good glass of wine.

During the class, you’ll visit a local home and learn how to prepare pasta the traditional way, from mixing and rolling the dough to shaping it by hand. You’ll also make tiramisu and sit down to enjoy everything you’ve prepared.

The experience typically lasts around three hours and includes all ingredients, guidance from a local host, and drinks. It’s a relaxed and interactive way to spend part of your time in Como.

13. Hop on an electric bike to discover the city

If you’re looking for a more active way to explore Como, an electric bike tour is a fun option. It makes covering longer distances easier, especially when you start heading uphill toward viewpoints around the city.

This 3-hour tour takes you through Como and along parts of the lake, with helpful commentary about the landmarks you pass along the way. It’s a good mix of sightseeing and light activity, without the effort of a traditional bike.

If you like exploring independently but still want some structure and local insight, this can be a great way to see more of Como in a short amount of time.

14. Rent a Vespa and cruise around the lake

If you want something a little different, renting a Vespa is a fun way to explore the area around Como. It’s a classic Italian experience and gives you the freedom to stop at viewpoints along the lake whenever you like. That said, it’s best suited to those who are already comfortable riding a scooter.

On this 3-hour tour, you’ll ride from Como toward Tremezzo, stopping at scenic overlooks and photo spots along the way. Having a local guide with you also means you’ll learn more about the area while covering more ground than you would on foot.

15. Go on a day trip to Bellagio & Lugano

Como makes a perfect base for exploring some of the incredible towns and villages around the lake, and this day trip to Bellagio and Lugano is an absolute must if you want to get a real feel for Lake Como.

On this tour, you’ll travel along the lake and cross the border, giving you the chance to experience both Italy and Switzerland in one day. Bellagio is known for its elegant streets and lake views, while Lugano has a slightly different feel with its Swiss influence and mountain backdrop.

The tour typically includes transport, ferry tickets, and a guide, which makes it a simple option if you’d rather not plan all the logistics yourself.

16. Take the ferry to explore other towns (Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio)

Como is well connected by boat to other towns around the lake, including Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. The ferry terminal is located just off Piazza Cavour, and services run regularly throughout the day.

You can purchase tickets at the dock or online through Navigazione Laghi, which operates the ferry network across Lake Como.

To be honest with you, I would recommend basing yourself in either Bellagio or Varenna if you’re spending more time at the lake and you want to explore more efficiently.

It takes around 2.5 hours to get to Bellagio from Como, so if you’re planning to explore from Como, you will have to spend a lot of time on the ferries. Not that it’s a bad thing, though, as the views are simply incredible! Just make sure to plan accordingly.

Useful Info for Visiting Como, Italy

Where to stay in Como

Como offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury lakefront hotels to smaller boutique stays and budget-friendly rooms. Whether you want to wake up right by the water or stay closer to the historic center, you’ll have plenty of choices.

For first-time visitors, the lakeside area and the Old Town are usually the most convenient locations. You’ll be within walking distance of the main sights, restaurants, and ferry connections.

Below, you’ll find my top hotel recommendations in Como for different budgets. If you’re still deciding between towns, you can also read my full guide on where to stay in Lake Como for a broader overview.

• Luxury: Vista Palazzo – Small Luxury Hotels of the World
• Mid-range: Hotel Como
• Budget: Residence Diaz

How to get to Como

Como is very easy to reach, especially from Milan. There are frequent direct trains running between Milan and Como, and the journey usually takes about an hour. The train stations in Como are within walking distance of the lake and Old Town, so it’s a convenient option if you’re traveling without a car.

Another great way to get to Como is by renting a car. This is probably the best option if you’re planning to do a wider road trip in Northern Italy and want the flexibility to explore beyond Lake Como.

That said, once you’re in Como, it’s often easier to leave the car parked. Roads around the lake can be narrow and busy, especially in summer, and parking can be challenging in the more popular towns.

How many days to spend in Como

If you want to cover all the main things to do in Como at a relaxed pace, two full days is a good amount of time. That gives you enough time to explore the cathedral, stroll along the lake, visit a few museums, and maybe take the funicular up to Brunate.

If you’re short on time and just want to see the highlights, you can absolutely do Como in one day.

If you’re planning to use Como as a base to explore the rest of Lake Como, you’ll probably need at least 3 to 4 days in total. That said, if your main goal is hopping between towns, staying in Varenna or Bellagio can be more practical since they’re more centrally located on the lake.