Where to stay in Como
Where Is Como, Italy?
Como is in the Lombardy region of northern Italy and at the southern end of the large, eponymous lake. The northwestern edge of the city shares its border with Switzerland. Como is an hour north of Milan by car or train, two and a half hours west of Verona and Zürich, and Switzerland is three hours north. The city is served by the two airports in Milan: Milan Malpensa Airport or Milan Linate Airport.
What Is Como, Italy Known For?
The city is primarily known for its stunning, forked, alpine lake on which the city directly sits, but the area is also rich in history and culture. Como has long been known as a vacation destination for the rich and famous, dating as far back as Julius Caesar who used the area as both a retreat and a fort. Historically, the city’s main industry has been silk production.
A Quick Guide to Como, Italy
- Como Cathedral: Como Cathedral, or as locals call it, “Duomo,” was built over the course of nearly 400 years beginning in 1396. It was designed with a mix of three styles: Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance. It is in the middle of the city and surrounded by shops and restaurants. Broletto, the multi-colored medieval town hall, is immediately adjacent to the cathedral.
- Passeggiata Lino Gelpi: A lovely, lakeside walking path from Piazza Cavour is Passeggiata Lino Gelpi, which strolls past ancient villas and mansions before ending at Villa Olmo, where the beautiful gardens are open to the public.
- Funicolare Como-Brunate: A funicular railway that climbs one of the mountains that Como is nestled against, Funicolare Como-Brunate arrives at the mountaintop town of Brunate where there are bars, cafes, and an old church to visit. The return ride is the best as it gives wide-open views of the lake and mountains, which on a clear day, may include the Alps in the distance. The adventure is best done during the daytime with decent weather.
- Museo della Seta: The Museo della Seta, which is a museum of silk production, thoroughly details the process from worm to scarf. There is a display of antique machinery and artifacts, along with a small collection of dresses and other clothing items.
- Tempio Voltiano: A wonderfully compact and symmetrical Neoclassical building, Tempio Voltiano houses the museum of Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the electric battery. Exhibitions include early 19th century scientific instruments, tools, and displays about Volta’s life and work. The building is both museum and mausoleum, fortunately positioned by the lake in a park-like setting for the ultimate ambiance.
Popular Destinations Near Como, Italy
- Bellagio: Take a ferry one hour north of Como to Bellagio. Here you will find a small lakeside city with spectacular views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. The city’s style has been replicated all over the world — most famously at Bellagio in Las Vegas. Delightful sights to visit within the city include Villas Serbelloni and Villa Melzi d'Eril, with their lavish gardens and the 12th century Basilica di San Giacomo. There is also a wide array of cafes, pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs. The city is a tourist hotspot, offering some of the best nightlife around Lake Como.
- Varenna: On the eastern shore of Lake Como and north of Bellagio is a laid back town called Varenna that’s well-connected to the rest of the area for ease of movement and exploring. Attractions include lakeside Villa Moreno and its botanical gardens, ruins of Vezio Castle with a panoramic view of the lake, and a hike along Sentiero del Viandante, a Roman route that once connected Milan and Switzerland.
- Milan: One of the global capitals of fashion, Milan is an hour south of Como and offers all the amenities of a bustling metropolis in the most stylish package. What it lacks in historical sights, it more than makes up for with art of all kinds — from architecture and fashion to food and art galleries.
Best Neighborhoods in Como, Italy
- Centro Storico: A pedestrianized old town that faces the lake, Centro Storico is as romantic as one might hope with cobblestone alleys, piazzas, cafes, restaurants, and many stores to peruse. It is the hub of the city, maintaining a laid back and elegant vibe.
Home-types in Como
Como has a variety of property types for you to consider when booking a trip. Here are the most popular property types in Como:
- Condo: 571 vacation rentals
- House: 107 vacation rentals
- Hotel: 55 vacation rentals
- Bed and Breakfast: 47 vacation rentals
- Villa: 29 vacation rentals
- Private Room: 11 vacation rentals
Points of interests in Como
Como has several popular points of interest for you to check out when visiting the area. Here are the most popular points of interest in Como:
- Spina Verde Regional Park: 1,767 vacation rentals
- Educational Silk Museum - Como: 1,767 vacation rentals
- Basilica di San Fedele: 1,767 vacation rentals
- War Memorial: 1,767 vacation rentals
- Life Electric: 1,767 vacation rentals
- Tempio Voltiano: 1,767 vacation rentals
- Castello Baradello: 1,767 vacation rentals
- Porta Torre: 1,767 vacation rentals
- Volta's Lighthouse: 769 vacation rentals
- Basilica of Sant'Abbondio: 769 vacation rentals
Popular rental amenities
Price trends in Como
Nearby destinations
Milan Menaggio Stresa Turin Sestri Levante Genoa Zermatt La Spezia Monterosso al Mare Como Levanto Saint Moritz Lugano Sirmione Bellagio Grindelwald Rapallo Saint Anton am Arlberg Tremezzo Bergamo Riva del Garda Varenna Lauterbrunnen Manarola Murren Zurich Davos Riomaggiore Lucerne Parma Interlaken Vernazza Salo Portofino Camogli Savona Cernobbio Orta San Giulio Monza Moltrasio
