Lake Como Travel Tips: How to Plan the Perfect Italian Getaway

Tucked in the foothills of the Italian Alps, Lake Como is where postcard views meet old-world charm. With storybook towns, grand villas, and cafés overlooking glassy waters, it’s a destination that feels effortlessly cinematic.

After exploring and filming across Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio, and Como, I’ve put together these Lake Como travel tips for making the most of your Lake Como adventure.

1. Base Yourself in the Right Town

One of the most important Lake Como travel tips is choosing the right base. Each town has a distinct personality, and where you stay can shape your entire trip.

• Como Town – stylish and convenient, with frequent train connections from Milan Centrale Station (about 1 hour). Stay at Posta Design Hotel for a modern base right in the city center, steps from the Duomo and ferry terminal.
• Varenna – quiet, romantic, with a train connection from Milan Centrale Station (about 2 hour) Stay at Hotel Royal Victoria for lakeside views and easy ferry access
• Bellagio – lively and photogenic, full of boutique shops and restaurants. Go early to Salita Serbelloni, the famous stepped street, before the crowds arrive.

• Menaggio – slower-paced with a local feel

Both Como and Varenna are easily reachable by train, making them excellent starting points for a Lake Como travel guide without a car. Lake Como also works surprisingly well as a short escape, especially if you’re planning a weekend getaway in Europe.

 2. Use the Ferry, Like a Local

If you’re on a budget, then forget private boats. The public ferry network is scenic, reliable, and inexpensive. Ferries connect most central-lake towns (Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio, Tremezzo, and Cadenabbia). Buy a day pass so you can hop on and off at will. It’s the best way to see the lake’s beauty from the water.

 3. Go “Villa Hopping” Around Lake Como

No Lake Como travel guide is complete without villa hopping. The lake is famous for its elegant estates and botanical gardens.

Villa Balbianello was at the top of my list, but I wasn’t able to visit this trip. It’s closed on Mondays and Wednesdays unless it’s a public holiday, so plan your visit accordingly.

Even without Balbianello, three other villas offer breathtaking experiences that are easier to reach:

• Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo): Grand gardens and art galleries, reachable by ferry or bus C110 from Como.
• Villa d’Este (Cernobbio): A luxury icon with lakefront terraces; dine at Bar Canova for free garden access

• Villa Cipressi & Villa Monastero (Varenna): Romantic gardens side by side with a combined entry ticket available on-site.

Together, they give you the perfect balance of history, architecture, and lake views – no private boat required.

4. Eat Like A Local

Dining in Lake Como is as much about the setting as the food.

• Hotel Royal Victoria Restaurant (Varenna): Lakeside tables for a €75 lunch for two with unforgettable views.

• Osteria Quatro Pass (Varenna): Cozy spot for seared tuna and seabass ravioli – my favorite meal in Italy.
• Bar Canova (Villa d’Este, Cernobbio): Terrace dining overlooking the gardens and lake. Dining here gives you free access to their beautiful garden.
• Rom’antica Como: Crispy Roman-style pizza perfect after a day of exploring Como town.

Lake Como easily earns its place among Europe’s top food-focused destinations. Whether you’re enjoying fresh seafood by the water or traditional Italian dishes in family-run osterias, food plays a central role in the experience – similar to many locations highlighted in Food Travel: Best Foodie Destinations to Visit.

5. Save Time for Como Town

Many travelers skip Como Town – don’t!
Start your morning at Martesana Como for a Maritozzo Classico, visit the Duomo di Como and the Broletto, shop Italian leather at APEX, and end with gelato at Gelato Guidi. Everything’s walkable, and it’s the perfect base if you’re arriving by train from Milan.

6. Travel Season & Timing

The best months are May – June and September – October, when ferries run frequently but crowds are thinner. Go early for photos, especially in Bellagio and Varenna. And pack a light jacket for cool evenings by the water.

 7. Save These Insider Tips

• You can access Villa d’Este’s gardens for free with a restaurant reservation.

• Public bathrooms are limited in small towns. Keep coins handy.
• Combined tickets are available for Villa Monastero + Villa Cipressi gardens.
• Bus C110 links Como, Menaggio, and Tremezzo. A handy backup when ferries fill up.

Lake Como isn’t just about luxury, it’s about slowing down, savoring the small moments, and taking in views that have inspired travelers for centuries. Whether you’re villa-hopping, café-hopping, or gelato-hopping, these Lake Como travel tips will help you plan a trip that stays with you long after you leave.