Como, located in the Lombardy region of Italy, is a charming city nestled at the southern tip of the famous Lake Como. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, elegant architecture, and rich history, Como offers a wealth of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the best places to visit and things to do in Como:
1. Lake Como
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Begin your exploration by immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Lake Como. Take a leisurely boat ride across its sparkling blue waters, surrounded by picturesque mountains and quaint lakeside towns. You can also rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the lake at your own pace. Address: Lake Como is a large lake, stretching across multiple towns and villages. Como itself is located on the southern tip of the lake.
2. Como Cathedral (Duomo)
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Marvel at the magnificent Como Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Admire the intricate details of its façade and step inside to witness the grandeur of its interior, featuring beautiful frescoes and stained glass windows. Address: Piazza del Duomo, 22100 Como CO, Italy
3. Brunate Funicular
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Take a ride on the Brunate Funicular, a historic cable railway that connects Como to the scenic village of Brunate. Enjoy panoramic views of the city, lake, and surrounding mountains as you ascend to the hilltop. Address: Piazza Alcide De Gasperi, 22100 Como CO, Italy
4. Villa del Balbianello
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Visit the enchanting Villa del Balbianello, a stunning villa nestled on a wooded promontory overlooking Lake Como. Explore its well-manicured gardens and enjoy the breathtaking views. The villa has been featured in several films, including James Bond’s “Casino Royale.” Address: Via Comoedia, 5, 22016 Tremezzina CO, Italy
5. Villa Olmo
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Discover the neoclassical elegance of Villa Olmo, an impressive mansion surrounded by beautiful gardens. Take a stroll through the park, admire the architecture, and enjoy the tranquility of the lakeside setting. Address: Via Simone Cantoni, 1, 22100 Como CO, Italy
6. Como Archaeological Museum (Tempio Voltiano)
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Delve into Como’s history at the Archaeological Museum, housed in the Tempio Voltiano. Learn about the city’s ancient Roman origins, archaeological finds, and the scientific contributions of Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the electric battery. Address: Via Alessandro Volta, 1, 22100 Como CO, Italy
7. Como-Brunate Hiking Trail
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Lace up your hiking boots and embark on the Como-Brunate Hiking Trail. This scenic trail winds through lush forests, offering breathtaking views of Lake Como along the way. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the region’s natural beauty. Address: The hiking trail starts from Como and leads up to Brunate. The starting point can be accessed from various locations in Como, such as Piazza del Duomo or the Brunate Funicular station.
8. Silk Museum (Museo della Seta)
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Discover Como’s rich textile heritage at the Silk Museum. Learn about the city’s long-standing tradition of silk production and admire the intricate fabrics and designs on display. The museum provides insight into the craftsmanship and artistry behind Como’s silk industry. Address: Via Castelnuovo, 9, 22100 Como CO, Italy
9. Explore the Old Town (Centro Storico)
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Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets of Como’s charming Old Town. Discover historic buildings, charming boutiques, and traditional cafes. Visit Piazza Cavour, the main square, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Address:The Old Town area encompasses various streets and squares in the center of Como, including Piazza Cavour.
10. Enjoy Italian Cuisine
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Como is a culinary delight, offering a range of delectable Italian dishes. Indulge in local specialties such as risotto, fresh lake fish, and creamy gelato. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a glass of regional wine. Address: Various restaurants throughout Como offer delicious Italian cuisine. Specific addresses can vary, but you can explore the streets of Como to discover charming restaurants and cafes.
11. Volta Lighthouse
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Climb to the top of the Volta Lighthouse for panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding area. The lighthouse is named after Alessandro Volta, a renowned physicist and native of Como. Address: Via Cernobbio, 1, 22100 Como CO, Italy
12. San Fedele Church
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Visit the San Fedele Church, an impressive Romanesque-style church located in the heart of Como. Admire its beautiful façade, intricate sculptures, and stunning frescoes that depict religious scenes. Address: Piazza San Fedele, 22100 Como CO, Italy
13. Como’s Public Gardens
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Take a leisurely stroll through the Public Gardens (Giardini Pubblici) of Como. This lush green oasis provides a peaceful escape from the bustling city streets. Enjoy the well-manicured lawns, colorful flowerbeds, and serene atmosphere. Address: Como’s Public Gardens (Giardini Pubblici): Viale Geno, 22100 Como CO, Italy
14. Silk Shopping
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Como is famous for its silk production, and you’ll find numerous shops selling high-quality silk products. Explore the city’s boutiques and markets to find unique silk scarves, ties, and other exquisite items to take home as souvenirs. Address: Various shops in Como offer silk products. You can explore the city’s streets and markets to find the perfect silk items.
15. Faro Voltiano
Venture to the Faro Voltiano, a monument dedicated to Alessandro Volta. Situated on a hill above Como, it offers panoramic views of the city and Lake Como. The monument consists of a tower with a large electrical torch that illuminates the sky at night. Address: Via Voltiano, 1, 22100 Brunate CO, Italy
16. Boat Tour to Bellagio
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Take a boat tour from Como to the charming village of Bellagio, often referred to as the “Pearl of Lake Como.” Enjoy the scenic journey across the lake and explore the narrow streets, beautiful gardens, and elegant villas of Bellagio. Address: The boat tours depart from various docks in Como, including the Como Ferry Terminal. The destination is the village of Bellagio, which can be explored on foot.
17. Villa Carlotta
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Just a short boat ride away from Como, you’ll find Villa Carlotta in the town of Tremezzo. This stunning villa houses a remarkable art collection and boasts breathtaking gardens filled with colorful flowers, statues, and fountains. Address: Via Regina, 2, 22016 Tremezzina CO, Italy
18. ComoNExT Science and Technology Park
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If you have an interest in innovation and technology, consider visiting ComoNExT, a science and technology park located near Como. Explore the exhibitions and learn about cutting-edge research and development happening in various fields. Address: Via Cavour, 2, 22074 Lomazzo CO, Italy
19. Nightlife in Como
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Experience the vibrant nightlife in Como by visiting its lively bars, cafes, and nightclubs. Enjoy live music, sip on local cocktails, and embrace the lively atmosphere as you mingle with locals and fellow travelers. Address: The nightlife scene in Como is spread throughout the city, particularly in the area around Piazza Cavour and the Old Town. Specific bars and clubs can be found as you explore the city.
20. Day Trip to Lugano
Como’s location makes it an excellent base for day trips, and a visit to the nearby Swiss city of Lugano is highly recommended. Explore Lugano’s picturesque waterfront, stroll through its charming old town, and soak up the blend of Swiss and Italian cultures. Address: Lugano is located in Switzerland, just a short distance from Como. The detailed addresses of specific attractions in Lugano can be obtained upon arrival or through a local tourism office.
Places and Things To Do
