1 Day in Lake Como: An Easy Itinerary of Picturesque Sights
Planning a day trip to Lake Como but unsure what to see or how to get around? I wasted hours figuring that out.
Knowing what to prioritise and making it fit was overwhelming. Let me save you making the same mistake I did with my easy itinerary for the perfect day, that I tested myself.
My itinerary for 1 day in Lake Como outlines step-by-step how to see the best of Varenna, Bellagio and Como with limited time and budget.
I’ve also included details of beautiful photo spots on this efficient route, such as the Instagrammable Aperitivo Et Al (my favourite!). And I’ll show you one fun experience even the locals say you can’t miss.
1. Take A Train From Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino
Start your Lake Como day trip by catching a direct train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino. This journey is one of the most scenic train rides in Italy, and it only takes about an hour.
And Varenna is the perfect place to start your 1 day in Lake Como. I loved this small, picturesque town nestled on the eastern shore, and it offers the perfect introduction to the area’s charm.
I booked my train ticket to Varenna in advance through the Omnio website, then downloaded it to the mobile app. This meant I could track my train’s departure, see the platform number and activate my ticket before boarding (this is essential in Italy to avoid a fine).
Search for your ticket here to start your journey to Lake Como.
Top tip: Aim for an early morning train – the earlier the better to maximise your time at Lake Como. I wish I’d taken an even earlier service to allow for a slightly more relaxed pace on the day.
2. Arrive in Varenna
Once you arrive in Varenna, head straight to the waterfront to buy your ferry ticket for later in the day. You’ll thank me later! Doing this saves a lot of time – it means you have a place on the boat, and you can avoid the longer queue and walk straight on board later on. You can check the ferry schedules here.
Stroll Along ‘Lovers’ Walk’
With your ticket safely secured, start your leisurely walk along the Passeggiata degli Innamorati, or ‘Lovers’ Walk’. This romantic promenade follows the shoreline, offering breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. There’s also another great Lake Como photo spot here, where the red heart sculpture frames the scenery.
I found where the path narrows, once you reach the waterfront shops, the area becomes a little crowded. So I headed up one of the sets of stairs where it was much easier and faster to continue walking.
Photo tip: The archways and flower-covered trellises at ‘Lovers’ Walk’ make for perfect Instagram moments. Be sure to capture the calm waters with the dramatic backdrop of the Alps.
Visit Villa Monastero
While visiting Lake Como you absolutely must visit one of its villas. And as luck would have it, just a short walk from Varenna’s ferry terminal you’ll find the gorgeous Villa Monastero.
This old monastery has been thoughtfully transformed into a museum with stunning botanical gardens, which I instantly recognised from social media content.
The gardens feature beautifully maintained terraces, statues, and a variety of exotic plants. I loved exploring the grounds, making sure I took my time to enjoy the lake views with every step.
Photo tip: The symmetrical fountains and lush greenery offer endless opportunities for striking photos. Don’t miss capturing a photo of yourself with the panoramic views of the lake behind you from the villa’s tiled terrace. This was my absolute favourite photo spot in Varenna.
Catch the ferry from Varenna to Bellagio
When it’s time to depart, head back to the ferry ticket office in time to catch your scheduled departure from Varenna to Bellagio. This is one of the most beautiful towns you’ll see on your Lake Como itinerary.
Top tip: When boarding the ferry, head straight upstairs and find a seat on the left side of the boat in the direction of travel. This way you’ll get the best views of the lake during the journey. I didn’t know this beforehand and sat on the right, but I was able to get up from my seat to take photos from the open upper deck during the journey.
The sparkling blue waters, dotted with colourful villas and lush landscapes, were unforgettable – even though it was overcast the day I visited.
Photo tip: As you approach Bellagio, get your camera ready for iconic shots of the town and its buildings.
3. Explore Bellagio
First things first before you get distracted by the town’s beauty! Once you step onto dry land in Bellagio, your first stop should be to the ferry ticket booth to purchase your express ferry ticket for later in the day. Again, this reserves your spot and avoids the longer queues later. I almost forgot to do this and started heading away. But I’m so glad I turned around, because when I returned to catch my boat later on the queue was chaos and many passengers missed the departure.
Then, with your ticket sorted, you’re free to explore this charming town!
Visit Basilica di San Giacomo
A short walk upwards from the ferry terminal is the Basilica di San Giacomo, which is a must-see during your 1 day in Lake Como.
This Romanesque church dates back to the 12th century and houses intricate stonework and art. It also provides a moment of peace and shelter from the sun.
After visiting the basilica I stopped by Bar Pasticceria Bifolco, which is just opposite. It has a wonderful, traditional sweet shop inside and I couldn’t resist looking over all the treats and making a purchase before sitting down to enjoy an Aperol Spritz. It was like stepping back into my childhood (the buying from the old sweet shop part, not the drinking alcohol part!). This is also a lovely stop to grab a bite to eat, if you haven’t already.
Wander Bellagio’s Streets & Independent Shops
Once you’re refreshed, spend time walking through Bellagio’s cobblestone streets.
I discovered some pretty hidden alleyways and picturesque side streets, and loved browsing the many independent shops and cafes. Here you’ll find everything from artisan crafts to local foods, and it’s a great spot to pick up souvenirs.
Photo tip: The narrow streets of Bellagio, lined with colourful buildings and quaint boutiques, make for perfect candid shots. Capture the unique charm of this town while you wander.
Get THAT Photo Outside Aperitivo Et Al
You’ll recognise this picture-perfect scene as you walk just above. With its orange coloured building, cobbled steps and beautiful view down to the lake, it’s one of the most popular Lake Como photo spots.
It’s almost impossible to get a photo without people passing by in the background unless you’re prepared to wait a long time, which I wasn’t. So I’m grateful that I can edit them out on my iPhone, if I want to!
Catch the Express Ferry From Bellagio to Como
Once you’ve soaked up the charm of Bellagio and as your sailing time approaches, continue your day trip to Lake Como by hopping on the express ferry.
This faster ferry service is much quicker than the standard journeys and reaches Como in only 45 minutes, saving precious time in your tight itinerary. But it still offers more incredible views along the way.
For me, this was a nice amount of time to sit, have a snack and rest my feet before reaching the next stop on our Lake Como 1-day itinerary.
4. Arrive in Como
Arriving in Como felt like stepping into a postcard – colourful buildings, cobbled streets, and that gorgeous blue lake.
It’s a compact, walkable town with a lovely mix of local life and tourist charm. I instantly loved the relaxed pace here.
Ride the Como-Brunate Funicular
Upon arrival in Como, make your way to the Como-Brunate funicular – it’s directly opposite where the boat docks so you can’t miss it.
This cable car ride takes you up the mountain for spectacular views of the city and over Lake Como. Once at the top, you’ll get some incredible views (and photos) of Como from above, with the lake and mountains stretching out in the distance.
If tickets aren’t available for the next ride, you can do what I did and buy one, head to the next stop, then circle back to make the climb. This was another good way of ensuring no time was wasted on our 1 day in Lake Como.
Photo tip: The viewpoint at the top of the funicular is one of the best places to get a wide-angle shot of the lake and city below. It’s better on a clear day, but still worth a look even if it’s overcast.
Visit Como Cathedral
Back on the ground in Como, be sure to visit the stunning Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como). This is one beautiful example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture you don’t want to miss.
I loved looking at the intricate architecture and incredible detail in the stonework. And I was really surprised to learn that construction started in the 14th century but wasn’t finished until the 18th! To me that seems so alien in these modern times. But this explains why it’s a mix of styles, because it took so long to build.
The building is free to enter and provides a peaceful break from the busy streets outside. Just make sure you have your shoulders and knees covered, as is usually expected when stepping inside religious buildings.
Rent a Boat and Sail Lake Como
For the ultimate Lake Como experience, rent a motorboat to explore the lake at your own pace. It’s a fantastic way to see the luxurious villas up close, and the calm waters make it really easy to navigate.
I rented a small motorboat through Get Your Guide *, because often you can reserve now and pay later, and they offer free cancellation in case your plans change. And it was an amazing experience! I felt like a celebrity as I boarded the small private boat and sat back to relax as a friend steered it out into the lake.
It was such a fun experience playing Captain and taking it in turns to sail us up the lake to explore the beautiful shoreline. This is one experience you really don’t want to miss if you want to experience the best of Lake Como in 1 day!
Just be sure to visit the toilets beforehand, because as we realised too late there are none on board if you’re caught short – just don’t ask what happened next!
Photo tip: If you time your boat rental in the run up to sunset, as we did, you can capture some magical golden hour shots on the lake.
Check availability for this unforgettable Lake Como experience here, and book early to guarantee your spot:
Eat Italian Food By Lake Como
After your boating adventure, step ashore and unwind with dinner and drinks at one of Como’s many lakeside restaurants.
This is the perfect opportunity to indulge in some authentic Italian cuisine while enjoying the twinkling lights over the lake. For me, it was the dreamiest way to end my 1 day in Lake Como.
I had a fabulous meal at Ristorante Il Gatto Nero and ate the saffron risotto – a local speciality that was so tasty. It must have been really special as I was too busy enjoying it to take a photo!
This restaurant is a firm favourite with locals and visitors, and it was clear why. The view over the lake at dusk made it feel extra special.
Pro tip: Dining al fresco by the lake offers more stunning photo opportunities, especially after dark when the town lights reflect on the water.
5. Catch the Train from Como to Milan Cadorna
End your day by catching the direct train from Como station to Milan Cadorna. Again, I pre-booked my ticket through Omnio, although this late evening service was fairly quiet so you may be able to have some flexibility on the day.
The direct journey back to Milan takes just under an hour, giving you time to rest, relax and charge your phone after a busy day sightseeing. There’s not much to see from the windows after dark, so it’s easy to enjoy the downtime.
If you’re staying in Milan, check out my budget-friendly guide to seeing the city here. Or for another day trip from Milan that’s full of picture-perfect moments, take a look at visiting Portofino, which you can read about in this post.
Lake Como FAQs
Can Lake Como be done in one day?
Yes! While you could easily spend several days here, a day trip to Lake Como is absolutely worth it. I did it myself and was amazed by how much I could experience using a well-planned itinerary. With an early start, you can see Varenna, Bellagio, and Como in one day without feeling rushed.
Is Lake Como a good day trip from Milan?
Definitely. Lake Como is one of the best day trips from Milan. Direct trains from Milano Centrale to Varenna take just over an hour, making it quick and stress-free. I’ve shared all the travel logistics I used in this post.
How far is Lake Como from Milan by train?
From Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino, it’s around 1 hour and 3 minutes. To get to Como from Milan Cadorna, it’s just under an hour.
What train stations serve Lake Como?
For a day trip, the most useful stations are:
– Varenna-Esino (for accessing Varenna and the central lake towns like Bellagio)
– Como San Giovanni or Como Nord Lago (for exploring the southern part of the lake, including Como itself)
Which Lake Como town is best to visit?
That depends on what you want!
– Varenna is perfect for charm and quiet photo spots
– Bellagio is more famous and full of independent shops
– Como has a city vibe with great food, views, and the funicular
For a day trip, my itinerary covers all three so you don’t have to choose!
What’s the best time to visit Lake Como?
The best months are May, June, and September. These shoulder seasons give you great weather and fewer crowds. I went in late September and it was fairly peaceful, with some overcast weather – but it still made for stunning photos.
Where is Lake Como located?
Lake Como is in northern Italy, in the Lombardy region, nestled in the Alps just south of the Swiss border. It’s about an hour’s train journey from Milan.
What is Lake Como known for?
Lake Como is famous for its picturesque lakeside towns, celebrity villas (George Clooney owns one here!), scenic ferries, and dramatic mountain views. It’s one of Italy’s most luxurious but accessible destinations.
Where should I stay in Lake Como?
If you’re doing a day trip, staying in Milan is easiest. But if you want to stay overnight:
– Varenna is quieter and romantic
– Bellagio is central and lively
– Como has the most transport connections and city buzz
Which airport is closest to Lake Como?
If you’re flying in on an Extreme Day Trip, or want to head straight for Lake Como, the closest airports are:
– Milan Malpensa (MXP) – best for international arrivals
– Milan Linate (LIN) – closer to the city
– Bergamo (BGY) – good for budget flights and also well-connected
Do I need to rent a car for Lake Como?
Not at all! I did the full trip by train and ferry. The public transport is efficient, scenic, and avoids the hassle of parking, which can be difficult in tiny, busy lakeside towns.
Is the ferry in Lake Como easy to use?
Yes, but buy your tickets on arrival, not when you’re ready to depart – especially for the express ferry between Bellagio and Como. This will save you time and stress later, believe me. I’ve linked to ferry schedules in the post to make planning easier.
Can I swim in Lake Como?
Yes, there are designated swimming areas and lidos around the lake. Always check local guidelines and safety notices.
Are there any local dishes I should try?
Great Question! Don’t miss out on Pizzoccheri alla Valtellinese (buckwheat pasta with vegetables and cheese) and the local wine, Terre Lariane.
With this efficient itinerary and my top tips, you can enjoy a wonderful 1 day in Lake Como without the stress.
Now you know exactly how to plan your trip to take in the romantic streets of Varenna, wander the quaint town of Bellagio and enjoy breathtaking views of Como.
So don’t forget your camera, book your train tickets and boat rental, and go enjoy your perfect easy day trip to Lake Como!
