Como City Guide

Lake Como waterfront and mountain panorama on a clear morning
Holiplanet Italy · Holiplanet City Guides

Como City Guide

Points of interest & local experiences

Curated places, local essentials, and Holiplanet recommendations.

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Category photographs are repeated from this guide. Image credits, original sources and any enhancement notes are provided beside the corresponding photographs below. Images illustrate the destination or category.

Como, selected by Holiplanet
Independent picks, local stories and practical ideas.

Holiplanet’s Como guide

Make the most of your time in Como

Como works best at walking pace: lanes around the cathedral, a pause beside the water, then a hillside view or a boat journey planned around the timetable. Let the lake shape part of the day without turning every stop into an excursion. This guide brings together local food, cultural addresses and quieter routes, with practical details for a short visit or a longer stay.

Arrive well · Explore locally

Getting Here & Getting Around

Arrive at the station that suits your address, explore the centre on foot and plan lake trips around the return sailing. These are the connections and apps worth having before you set out.

01 · Travel essentials

Getting here

From Milan: Trenord runs from Milano Cadorna to Como Lago in about 60 minutes, with adult single tickets advertised from €5.40. Como Lago is the useful arrival for the lakefront; Como San Giovanni serves a different rail route, including the S11 from Milano Porta Garibaldi.

From Malpensa: take Malpensa Express to Saronno and change for Como Lago. The T1–Saronno leg is about 18 minutes and €9; check the separate onward ticket. From Linate or Bergamo, connect through Milan before taking the train to Como. For late flights, check the final connection for your date or arrange a pickup.

Milan–Como trains · Malpensa–Saronno · S11 services

02 · Travel essentials

Getting around

The old town and central waterfront make a practical walking circuit. For hills, outer neighbourhoods and villages, use ASF buses; purchase the ticket for your route and validate it before travel. Arriva MyPay provides tickets and journey information.

Use Navigazione Laghi for lake trips and the Como–Brunate funicular for the hillside. Standard single tickets for these services are purchased separately; regional passes may cover selected services, so check the operator’s validity rules. Check the return sailing before leaving Como: an ordinary boat and a fast service can have different journey times and prices.

ASF bus tickets & planning · Lake boat fares & services · Como–Brunate funicular

03 · Travel essentials

Taxis, bikes and e-scooters

A taxi is useful for luggage, hillside accommodation or arrival after the last train. Ask your accommodation to arrange a licensed pickup, or use the station taxi rank where available. Give the full address and check the fare basis and payment method before departure.

Call a taxi: Radio Taxi Como on +39 031 261515, or Taxi Como at Como San Giovanni station on +39 031 271000. To book and pay by app, use InTaxi, the app used by Radio Taxi Como, or itTaxi, which lists Como among its cities.

For a private airport transfer, request a written quote stating the airport, terminal, arrival time, passenger count and luggage. Allow for waiting and the final drive to your address; do not compare an airport–Milan fare with a transfer all the way to Como. For evening outings, decide how you will return before the final train or sailing.

Bikes and e-scooters: at our latest check, no app-based e-scooter or e-bike sharing operated in Como, and the city’s docked bike-sharing scheme was not running. The walled town and the lakefront are compact enough to explore on foot; check local signage before riding a bike or e-scooter through the pedestrian centre.

Radio Taxi Como · Taxi Como (San Giovanni) · InTaxi app · itTaxi app

04 · Travel essentials

Apps to download

  • Arriva MyPayBuy and validate ASF bus tickets and check the route to a neighbourhood or lakeside village.App Store · Google Play
  • TrenordPlan regional trains, check service notices and buy tickets for Como, Milan and Malpensa connections.iOS & Android downloads
  • Google MapsSave your hotel and chosen stops, then use walking directions for the final part of the journey.App Store · Google Play

Install before arrival and follow the operator’s ticket-validation instructions. Use the official boat website for lake services.

Transport and app information checked 13 October 2026. Published fares may change; check your departure date and exact route with the operator.

Art, history & views

Landmarks worth your time

Each entry explains what the stop is best for, so you can choose what fits your trip.

Piazza San Fedele in Como
Nicolago · Public domain · source
02Holiplanet Pick · Lakeside

Villa Olmo & park

Why go: a worthwhile lakefront stop for the neoclassical façade and park. The villa is currently closed for restoration; check the City of Como’s latest access notice before visiting.

Current access information from the City →

Directions ↗

03Holiplanet Pick · Art & science

Tempio Voltiano

Why go: the most focused stop for visitors curious about Alessandro Volta and Como’s scientific heritage. It pairs naturally with a walk through the lakeside gardens; museum entry is separate.

Museum hours and access →

Directions ↗

04Holiplanet Pick · Best views

Como–Brunate funicular

Why go: the easiest way to trade the waterfront for a higher view of the lake and Alps. Choose a clear day and check service status before setting out.

Check the funicular service →

Directions ↗

Experiences & indicative prices

Get out on the lake

Three options: the public boat for independent travellers, a shared villa cruise from Como and, for a change of pace, an indoor tasting. Guest scores belong to GetYourGuide reviewers, not Holiplanet.

Passengers on the rear deck of a Lake Como ferry
Daniel Case · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Holiplanet Pick · Public boat

The public boat up the lake

The simplest lake trip leaves from the piers on Piazza Cavour. Navigazione Laghi’s scheduled boats call at the lakeside villages; faster “servizio rapido” runs cost a supplement. Buy before boarding: tickets bought on board carry a €1 surcharge when the pier office is open.

Fares by route

Official operator · timetables change by season

Timetables and tickets →
Holiplanet Pick · Prosecco cruise

Villas photo tour with Prosecco

A one-hour shared boat ride from Como, with villa views, photo stops, skipper commentary and a drink option.

From €54 per person

GetYourGuide guest rating: 4.7/5 · 2,193 reviews

Holiplanet Pick · Food & wine

Wine tasting with local food

A guided tasting with a sommelier and local food—an indoor alternative when you want a break from the waterfront.

From €52 per person

GetYourGuide guest rating: 4.9/5 · 43 reviews

GetYourGuide prices shown in EUR, checked 11 October 2026; public boat information checked 17 October 2026. “From” prices, discounts, available options and review counts can change; confirm the live price, duration and inclusions on the activity page. The Holiplanet Pick is an editorial selection, not a paid ranking.

Day trips by boat · beyond the city

Lake villages and garden villas

Como sits at the southern tip of the lake’s western branch, so the classic villages are a boat ride away rather than a walk. Pick one or two stops per day: crossing the lake takes time, and the gardens deserve an unhurried visit.

Lake Como and wooded mountainsides seen from Bellagio
Photo: Aman Jhalani · Unsplash License · source

Plan the boat day

Check the last boat back to Como first

Board at the piers on Piazza Cavour and plan the day around your return sailing. Fast services save time on longer hops but cost a supplement. Rail links from Varenna to Como are indirect, so the boat is usually the simpler return. For the western shore, SPT bus C10 runs from Como to Lenno.

Boat timetables and tickets →
Bellagio’s waterfront houses on the shore of Lake Como
Photo: Adam Zats · Unsplash License · source

Directions ↗

Day trip · Village

Bellagio

Central lake · by boat from Como

On the headland where the lake’s three branches meet, Bellagio is the classic first excursion: stepped lanes, lakeside arcades and the Gardens of Villa Melzi (€10; season ends 1 November). Arrive early in summer to enjoy the lanes before the day boats.

Villa Melzi Gardens →
Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo seen from Lake Como, with a wooden water taxi in front

Directions ↗

Day trip · Garden villa

Villa Carlotta, Tremezzo

Western shore · €17.50 · open to 8 November 2026

A villa museum with sculpture, paintings and a botanical garden known for its spring azaleas and rhododendrons. Some boats stop at “Tremezzo – Villa Carlotta”, about 400 m from the entrance. Allow time for the garden as well as the rooms.

Opening times and tickets →
Villa del Balbianello on its wooded promontory above Lake Como
Photo: Renaud Confavreux · Unsplash License · source

Directions ↗

Day trip · FAI property

Villa del Balbianello, Lenno

Western shore · booking required · from €15

A terraced villa on a wooded promontory, with the garden from €15 and villa and garden with a guided tour at €25. From Lenno it is a 25-minute uphill walk, not suited to limited mobility, or a paid water taxi. Opening days vary out of season.

FAI calendar and booking →
Varenna’s lakeside houses and flowers on the shore of Lake Como
Photo: Evan Verni · Unsplash License · source

Directions ↗

Day trip · Village

Varenna

Eastern shore · boat or train

Facing Bellagio across the water, Varenna is compact and photogenic, with a lakeside walkway and its own railway station on the line to Milan. Link it with Bellagio and Menaggio on the car ferry that criss-crosses the central lake.

Central-lake ferry timetable →

Villa prices and seasons from each official site, checked 17 October 2026. Gardens and villas can close for events or weather; confirm on the day.

No ticket required

Free things to do in Como

Enjoy the city’s architecture, lake views and public green spaces at no admission cost. Opening times, access restrictions and event closures can change.

Villa Olmo and its gardens in Como
Trombetta Luca · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Walk Como’s historic centre

Wander the lanes and public squares, admire the cathedral façade, medieval gates and the city’s architectural details from the outside.

Pause in Piazza Cavour

This pedestrian lakeside square is open to everyone and offers benches, historic façades and views over the first basin of the lake.

Follow the lakefront promenade

Take a scenic walk along the waterfront towards the public gardens and Villa Olmo, stopping for views of the boats and mountains.

Relax in Villa Olmo Park

The City of Como says the park is regularly open. The villa is currently closed for restoration; check local notices before your visit.

Explore the public gardens

Enjoy the lakeside paths and green spaces near the Tempio Voltiano and Monumento ai Caduti; museum entry is separate.

Watch the sunset by the lake

Find a public stretch of the promenade and enjoy the changing light over the water—no tour or ticket needed.

Free means no admission fee for the listed public-space activity. Food, transport, boat rides, special events and entry to ticketed attractions are extra.

Local routes · beyond the postcard

Walk Como’s quieter stories

A few self-guided routes turn familiar sights into a deeper visit. The links open official local route information; check access, weather and opening notices before setting out.

Panorama from the Como–Brunate funicular
Al*from*Lig · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
01

Roman Como

Trace the Roman grid from the old gate and archaeological remains towards the former forum area around Piazza San Fedele. A compact history walk through today’s everyday streets.

See the city’s Roman itinerary →
02

Rationalist architecture

Start at the Pinacoteca, continue to Casa del Fascio and follow the lakefront past Novocomum and the rationalist quarter. Casa del Fascio is an active Guardia di Finanza headquarters; admire it from outside.

Follow the architecture route →
03

Spina Verde’s easy trail

For a greener alternative, the city recommends trail 4 on Monte Caprino: about 45 minutes, starting near Basilica di Sant’Abbondio. Wear walking shoes and expect a hillside path.

Check trail details →
04

Greenway del Lago

Set aside more time for a village-to-village walk along the western shore, through gardens, historic places and lake views. It is a day trip from Como, not a city-centre stroll.

Plan the Greenway →

Outdoor and slow travel

Bike, hike or paddle

Use the lake and hills as an active extension of the city. Cycling conditions vary by route and traffic; The linked canoe outing follows the Mera River into Italy’s Pian di Spagna Natural Reserve and Lake Mezzola, north of Como. It is a regional day trip, not a departure from Como city; check transport, launch point, availability and weather with the operator.

Cycling ideas →Canoe trip · Pian di Spagna →

Culture · theatre · cinema

Make room for Como’s cultural life

The city’s cultural calendar ranges from opera and live performance to archive cinema and museums. Programme dates and tickets change, so use the venue’s own calendar.

Portrait of Alessandro Volta
Unknown artist · Public Domain Mark · source

Science & local heritage

Alessandro Volta & Como

Make room for the scientific side of Como alongside its theatres and museums. The Tempio Voltiano offers a focused stop for discovering Alessandro Volta’s legacy, close to the lakeside gardens.

Explore the Tempio Voltiano →
02

Cinemateca in Como

Cinemateca – Italian Archive Film Festival returns 16–22 November 2026 as a citywide event, exploring Italian cinema through archive films, screenings and conversations. Verify venues and tickets in the festival programme.

Explore Cinemateca 2026 →
04

Museums with a local lens

Explore Como’s textile-making heritage at the Silk Museum, or see art from the Middle Ages to contemporary work at the Pinacoteca Civica.

Museo della Seta → · Pinacoteca Civica →

Did you know?

The volt comes from Como

Alessandro Volta, born in Como in 1745, announced the voltaic pile—the first electric battery—in 1800. The unit of voltage is named after him, and the Tempio Voltiano keeps his instruments.

A city still called “walled”

Locals call the historic centre the Città Murata. Stretches of medieval wall and the tall Porta Torre gate still mark its edge, a few minutes from the lake.

Silk made Como’s name

For generations Como has been Italy’s silk-making capital, from weaving to printing and design. The Museo della Seta preserves looms and print tools from the city’s mills.

A hillside ride since 1894

The Como–Brunate funicular opened in 1894 and still links the lakefront with Brunate, about 500 m higher, in a few minutes.

After dark · aperitivo · live music

Spend the evening at Como’s pace

Build a relaxed night around a lakefront walk, aperitivo, a performance or live music. The city’s offer changes with the season; confirm tonight’s schedule directly with each venue.

Como Cathedral and Piazza Duomo in evening light
Metis designer · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
A café at night in Como; an example of the city’s evening atmosphere
Ralf Steinberger · CC BY 2.0 · source

After dark

Start the evening in the old town

Take in the illuminated Piazza Duomo, then continue to an aperitivo, live music or a performance.

Browse theatre and live events →
Holiplanet Night Pick · Seasonal

Pura Vida by the lake

An open-air bar in the public gardens between Tempio Voltiano and the Monumento ai Caduti, with sunset aperitivo and occasional live music. Its season and programme vary.

Check the venue and season →

Directions ↗

Holiplanet Night Pick · Cocktails & music

Spirit Café

In Piazza Volta, this cocktail room also hosts live sets across styles including jazz, soul, funk and electronic music. Check its event feed for the night you have in mind.

See Spirit Café →

Directions ↗

Holiplanet Night Pick · Stage

Opera, concerts and late events

For a culture-led evening, start with the Teatro Sociale calendar; special concerts and festivals may bring performances into the city’s squares and lakefront venues.

Browse the event calendar →

Dining in Como · Holiplanet’s 8 picks

Eight tables for different moods

Eight independent editorial picks, selected for distinct settings and styles—from Michelin-listed dining to local flavours and aperitivo. This is a non-ranked shortlist; it is not paid placement or a personal review. Menus and opening times can change.

Risotto with perch from the Lake Como area
Benreis · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source

Before choosing a table

Start with the local flavours

Ask about risotto with perch, missoltini and polenta. Recipes and availability vary by season and restaurant.

See Holiplanet’s eight dining picks →
Dining room at Feel Como in central Como
Official photo · AI-enhanced · Official site ↗

Directions ↗

Holiplanet Pick · Contemporary

Feel Como

Contemporary Italian · seasonal ingredients · historic centre

Seasonal local ingredients and contemporary Italian cooking make Feel a considered choice for a special dinner in the historic centre. Give the meal its own place in the evening rather than squeezing it between visits. Check the current menu and reserve directly, then enjoy a walk through the surrounding streets.

Dining room at Comi 107 in Como, with dressed tables and original stone wall
Official photo · AI-enhanced · Official site ↗

Directions ↗

Holiplanet Pick · Seafood

Comi 107

Contemporary fish and seafood · Via Borgo Vico 107

Seafood-led contemporary cooking gives this compact dining room on Via Borgo Vico a clear identity. Choose it when the meal is the main event, with time to explore the current menu. Confirm the opening schedule and book directly before planning your evening around this part of Como.

Dish photographed in Kitchen Como's official gallery
Official photo · AI-enhanced · Official site ↗

Directions ↗

Holiplanet Pick · Garden dining

Kitchen

One Michelin star · Sheraton Lake Como · Via per Cernobbio 41A

Inside Sheraton Lake Como’s private park, Kitchen offers a garden setting for contemporary Italian cooking and seasonal produce. Treat dinner as a destination rather than an extra stop during an old-town walk. Check the menu, reserve directly and plan your journey back before settling into the evening.

Restaurant dining at Latteria San Fedele in Como
Official photo · AI-enhanced · Official site ↗

Directions ↗

Holiplanet Pick · Bistro

Latteria San Fedele

Restaurant · Via Francesco Muralto 39 · historic centre

Latteria San Fedele suits a relaxed seated meal in the historic centre, close enough to combine with the day’s streets and shopping. Choose it when you want an unhurried pause rather than a tasting-menu occasion. Check the current menu and opening times before building lunch or dinner into your route.

Outdoor dining at Bottega Comacini beneath a historic Como arcade
Official photo · AI-enhanced · Official site ↗

Directions ↗

Holiplanet Pick · Aperitivo

Bottega Comacini

Contemporary bistro · cocktails and wine · Via Maestri Comacini 2

Close to the Duomo and Teatro Sociale, Bottega Comacini connects a central walk with contemporary Italian dishes, wine or cocktails. Choose it as a deliberate pause between sightseeing and an evening programme. Check the current dining format and reserve if you have a performance or another timed plan afterwards.

Dish served at Ciàpa Fiaa, from its official photo gallery
Official photo · AI-enhanced · Official site ↗

Directions ↗

Holiplanet Pick · Italian

Ciàpa Fiaa

Seasonal osteria · Via Santo Garovaglio 43 · central Como

This intimate osteria offers seasonal Italian cooking on a quieter street near the centre. Give it time as a meal rather than expecting a quick stop between appointments. Check the changing menu and any live-music or themed evening through the official channel, and reserve directly for the date you want.

Outdoor dining tables at Albergo del Duca in Como's historic centre
Official photo · AI-enhanced · Official site ↗

Directions ↗

Holiplanet Pick · Trattoria

Le Colonne at Albergo del Duca

Traditional restaurant and pizzeria · Piazza Mazzini 12

Traditional Italian dishes and pizza make Le Colonne a straightforward seated-meal option near Piazza Mazzini. Its old-town position lets you continue towards the lake without a separate excursion. Browse the current menu and confirm opening before visiting, especially when fitting lunch around a train or a planned boat departure.

Dinner setting at Locanda in Centro in Como
Official photo · AI-enhanced · Official site ↗

Directions ↗

Holiplanet Pick · Bistrot

Locanda in Centro

Italian bistrot · Piazza Alessandro Volta 33 · Como centre

In Piazza Alessandro Volta, Locanda in Centro brings an Italian bistrot pause into an old-town day. Choose it when you want to stay close to shops, streets and the lake rather than cross the city for lunch. Check the current menu and reserve directly if your evening has a fixed schedule.

See all restaurants in Como →

Suggested itinerary

Itineraries: one day or a weekend

Two realistic plans built from the places in this guide. Use the transport section to plan arrival and return, and keep boat or train departures clear of a long lunch.

MorningCathedral & old town
Visit the Cathedral and explore the streets around Piazza Duomo.
MiddayWalk by the lake
Follow the waterfront toward the public gardens and Tempio Voltiano.
AfternoonUp to Brunate
Take the funicular for the view over the lake and city. Alternative on a cloudy day: the lakeside walk to Villa Olmo’s park (the villa itself is closed for restoration).
EveningDinner in Como
Aperitivo around Piazza Volta, then one of the dining picks above; reserve directly with the venue.

A weekend: city and lake

Day 1 follows the one-day plan above. Day 2 heads up the lake by boat.

Day 2 · MorningBoat to Bellagio
Board at Piazza Cavour; a fast service saves time. Walk the lanes and, in season, the Villa Melzi gardens.
Day 2 · MiddayCross to Varenna or Tremezzo
The central-lake ferry links Bellagio with Varenna and Cadenabbia. Lunch at your second stop.
Day 2 · AfternoonVilla Carlotta or Varenna’s walkway
Choose a garden visit at Tremezzo or a slow stroll in Varenna; one is enough for a relaxed day.
Day 2 · EveningBack to Como by boat
Check the last sailing to Como before setting out, and leave a margin at the pier on busy days.

Plan ahead · seasons & practical tips

When to go and what to know

The city works all year; the lake villas and full boat timetables are seasonal. Choose your dates around what you want to see.

SpringMarch – May

Villa gardens reopen from March, and spring is when the azaleas and rhododendrons at Villa Carlotta are in bloom. Boat timetables expand through the season.

SummerJune – August

The fullest boat timetable and the longest days. July and August are the busiest months: start early, book villa tickets online and allow extra time at the piers.

AutumnSeptember – November

Quieter lanes and shorter villa hours; several gardens close in early November. The cultural season continues, including the Cinemateca festival.

WinterDecember – February

Fewer boats and many lake gardens closed or open on selected days. A good season for museums, the cathedral, Brunate and the old town.

Driving: watch the ZTL

The walled centre is a limited-traffic zone with camera-controlled access, and unauthorised entry is fined. Park outside it, for example at the Valduce, Auguadri or Centro Lago car parks, and walk in.

Comfortable shoes, few steps

The old town and lakefront are flat. Brunate, Spina Verde and Balbianello involve slopes or steps; check each operator’s accessibility information before you go.

Seasonal details checked against official villa and boat-operator pages on 17 October 2026.

Shopping & local craft · 6 Holiplanet picks

Bring home a piece of Como

Como’s silk heritage is part of the city’s identity. Look beyond the label: ask where a scarf or tie was designed, printed or made, and check fabric composition and care instructions. These six independent picks also include locally rooted gifts, food and Italian design.

Silk textile machinery at the Como Silk Museum
Dstevanato · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Fashion floor at A. Gilardoni Boutique in Como
Official photo · AI-enhanced · Official site ↗

Directions ↗

Holiplanet Pick

A. Gilardoni Boutique

Italian and international fashion · Via Cesare Cantù 7

A tailoring heritage and a selection of Italian and international fashion give this boutique a distinct place on a central shopping walk. Browse clothing, shoes and accessories together rather than treating it as a last-minute souvenir stop. Check opening times before combining the visit with the nearby historic streets.

Clothing and arched windows inside Xetra Como
Official photo · AI-enhanced · Official site ↗

Directions ↗

Holiplanet Pick

Xetra Como

Italian fashion · Via Cesare Cantù 33

On Via Cesare Cantù, Xetra offers a fashion stop with an Italian focus during a walk through the centre. Give yourself time to compare clothing and accessories rather than browsing between train connections. Check the shop’s current range and opening times, and ask about sizes before making a special journey.

Lighting and design pieces in Atalia Shop Como
Official photo · AI-enhanced · Official site ↗

Directions ↗

Holiplanet Pick

Atalia Shop Como

Interior design · art · vintage · Via Diaz 64

Design, art and vintage pieces make Atalia a useful stop for visitors interested in interiors as well as souvenirs. Explore the showrooms with time to compare materials, scale and finishes. If a larger object catches your attention, ask about dimensions and delivery before choosing it for your home.

Como-themed gift selection at DeComm Design
Official photo · AI-enhanced · Official site ↗

Directions ↗

Holiplanet Pick

DeComm Design

Como-inspired gifts and design · Via Giovio 18

Como-inspired ceramics, textiles and smaller gifts connect this shop with the surrounding territory. Choose it when you want a locally themed keepsake rather than a generic travel purchase. Compare the designs and materials, ask about how an item was made and check opening before adding the shop to your walk.

Gourmet food and wine at Gustosè in Bottega, Como
Official photo · AI-enhanced · Official site ↗

Directions ↗

Holiplanet Pick

Gustosè in Bottega

Local food and gourmet shop · Via Rusconi 25

This small gourmet shop brings Lombard flavours into an old-town shopping route. Browse pantry treats and food gifts when you want to take part of the local table home. Ask about ingredients, storage and packaging before buying, and choose products that suit the rest of your journey.

Furniture display at Gerosa Design Como Lago showroom
Official photo · AI-enhanced · Official site ↗

Directions ↗

Holiplanet Pick

Gerosa Design Como Lago

Italian furniture and lighting · Lungo Lario Trento 17

Gerosa’s lakeside showroom gives a waterfront walk a different focus on Italian furniture and lighting. Choose it for a considered design browse, with time to compare proportions and finishes. Ask about the current display and any appointment needed before travelling specifically to see a particular piece.

Check opening hours before visiting; shop details and stock can change. These are independent editorial selections, not paid placements.

Wellness · spa · relaxation · 4 Holiplanet Picks

Wellness in Como: spas in the city and by the lake

A spa is the most rewarding way to end a day on foot or to enjoy Como out of season, when the lake is quieter. These venues also welcome visitors who are not staying, with paid entry or access combined with a treatment: always book ahead and bring swimwear.

01Holiplanet Pick · In the city

Eforea Spa & Health Club

On the ground floor of Hilton Lake Como, near Villa Olmo: a heated hydrotherapy pool, Finnish sauna, Turkish bath and ice fountain. Open daily from 9 am to 9 pm to outside guests too, with a 90-minute pass at €49 per person; booking required.

Spa, hours and prices →

Directions ↗

02Holiplanet Pick · City park

The SPA at Sheraton Lake Como

In the hotel’s private park on the road to Cernobbio: an indoor pool (adults only in autumn and winter), wet area and treatment rooms. Outside guests are welcome for a daily fee; ask for the rate when booking. It pairs well with dinner at Kitchen, in the same park.

SPA information →

Directions ↗

03Holiplanet Pick · Old town

SPA Fontea, Palazzo San Gottardo

An intimate spa between Piazza Cavour and Piazza Volta, with an indoor pool, sauna and steam bath; open daily from 10 am to 8 pm, for guests aged 16 and over. The most convenient choice if you stay in the centre: if you are not a hotel guest, check availability first.

Discover SPA Fontea →

Directions ↗

04Holiplanet Pick · Beyond the city

LUNEA Spa, Castello di Casiglio

In Erba, about 15 minutes by car from Como, 600 m² of wellness inside a castle of medieval origin: a heated indoor-outdoor pool, two Turkish baths, two Finnish saunas and a salt room. Three-hour or full-day entry is open to outside guests aged 14 and over.

Spa entry and massage →

Directions ↗

For a special occasion

Villa d’Este, Cernobbio

In the grounds of Cernobbio’s historic villa, the Beauty Maison at Villa Malakoff offers Biologique Recherche treatments that are also open to outside guests, by reservation. Pair it with an afternoon on the lake, a few minutes from Como.

Beauty Maison →

Information checked on each venue’s official website and booking platforms on 19 October 2026. Prices, hours and access for outside guests can change: book directly. Editorial selection, not paid placements.

Stay in Como · 3 picks from our hotel directory

Make the city your base

Staying in Como itself keeps the station, the boats and the old town on foot. Three contrasting picks from Holiplanet’s Como hotel directory, all with an overall Booking.com guest score of 8.0/10 or higher.

Lakefront Piazza Cavour and Hotel Metropole in Como
Daniel Case · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Lakefront villa

Hotel Villa Flori

A historic villa on the road to Cernobbio, with lake-view rooms and terraces: best if you want the water outside your window.

Booking.com 9.2/10

Via per Cernobbio 12 · +39 031 338 20

Official website → · Directions ↗
Old town boutique

DBH Duomo Boutique Hotel

Rooms in restored historic buildings beside the cathedral: the choice for evenings on foot in the old town.

Booking.com 9.0/10

Via Maestri Comacini 1 · +39 031 537 5225

Official website → · Directions ↗
Lakeside classic

Albergo Terminus

A historic hotel on the lakefront near Como Lago station and the boat piers, practical for arrivals by train and early sailings.

Booking.com 8.7/10

Lungo Lario Trieste 14 · +39 031 329 111

Official website → · Directions ↗

Booking.com overall guest scores checked 13 October 2026; scores change. Editorial selection, not a ranking. See all hotels in Como →

Editorial images are illustrative. Always check official attraction information, current transport notices and restaurant availability before visiting.

Stay longer · live locally

Living in Como — From Visiting to Belonging

A first look at the practical side of making Como home. Start with the neighbourhood, then check services and current costs directly before making plans.

View across Como and its residential neighbourhoods
Editorial city view; no accommodation is advertised. Zairon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source

Neighbourhoods · cost planning

Choose your everyday setting

Compare the walled centre, lakefront and hillside areas for walkability, terrain and transport. Housing costs vary by location, condition and season; review current listings and household expenses before setting a budget.

Explore municipal services →
Historic residential house near Piazza San Fedele in Como
Historic Como residence; not a housing listing. Slawojar · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source

Family · schools · healthcare

Build your local routine

Before moving, explore municipal school services and the local healthcare network. Use official contacts to check enrolment, access and eligibility, then plan the practical services your household will need each day.

School services →Primary care →
View of Como from Baradello Castle
Como panorama; no housing or work space is advertised. Pxhere · CC0 1.0 · source

Work · mobility · relocation

Stay connected across the region

Check rail services and your daily journey before choosing a neighbourhood. Consult official visa and residence guidance for your nationality and purpose of stay, alongside transport timetables and local service information.

Check S11 service →Visa and residence information →

Thinking of moving to Como?

Living in Como: the relocation guide

Nine areas compared, rents by district, who lives where, Swiss commuting, schools and paperwork, from checked data.

Read the guide →

See Como before you go

Como Media Gallery

The Duomo, the lakefront, Brunate and Villa Olmo in photos and short clips, every image credited.

Open the gallery →

Como real estate · September 2026 snapshot

Property in Como: market & local agencies

Como’s property market changes sharply from one neighbourhood to another. These current asking-price indicators offer a starting point for comparing locations; they are not a valuation or a forecast.

For sale · average asking price€3,320/m²+7.65% year on year
For rent · average asking price€15.06/m²/month+2.10% year on year
Sale-price range by area€2,002–€5,792/m²Albate/Trecallo to Bignanico/Villa Olmo/Villa Aprica

Snapshot: September 2026. These are advertised asking prices, not completed transaction prices; individual values vary by neighbourhood, property condition, size and view. Source: Immobiliare.it’s Como market snapshot. To talk to local professionals, browse our selected local agencies. For official zone ranges, consult the Agenzia delle Entrate OMI database.

Four local agencies

These independent editorial profiles introduce active Como offices with different specialisms. None is marked as sponsored unless a paid placement is agreed. Contact each agency directly for current listings and terms.

Entrance and storefront of Engel & Völkers Como
Official photo · Official site ↗

Directions ↗

Holiplanet Pick

Engel & Völkers Como

Residential · luxury homes · investment property · Via Giovio 19

Luxury homes, lakeside villas and investment property define this international office; its multilingual team works across Como, Lake Como and the local residential market.

SoloAffitti Como 2 team photograph from its official site
Official photo · Official site ↗

Directions ↗

Holiplanet Pick

SoloAffitti Como 2

Residential and commercial rentals · Viale Massenzio Masia 63

Specialising in residential and commercial rentals, this Como branch supports tenants and owners with listings, contracts and practical guidance from its central Como office.

Studio Como 4 Tecnocasa office in Monte Olimpino
Official photo · Official site ↗

Directions ↗

Holiplanet Pick

Studio Como 4 D.I. · Tecnocasa

Homes in Monte Olimpino · Via Bellinzona 182

From Monte Olimpino, this residential agency handles homes across northern Como and nearby areas, with a neighbourhood office for buyers, sellers and property valuations.

See all real estate agencies in Como →

For local businesses

Featured Partner opportunities

Editorial recommendations remain independent. Any future paid placement will be clearly marked “Sponsored”; no paid partners are featured here.

Contact Holiplanet →