Como Cathedral
Holiplanet verdict: the essential first stop for Gothic and Renaissance art, right in the heart of the old town. Pair the visit with the surrounding lanes and Piazza Duomo.
Visitor information from the Cathedral →Como City Guide
Holiplanet City Guide
Explore Como
Go beyond the postcard with architecture, local routes, outdoor escapes, culture, nightlife and Holiplanet’s picks.
Como, selected by Holiplanet
Independent picks, local stories and practical ideas.
Independent picks, local stories and practical ideas.
Holiplanet’s Como guide
Make the most of your time in Como
Explore the city through local recommendations, nature, culture, food and practical ideas. Each section pairs concise guidance with a real visual from Como.
Art, history & views
Landmarks worth your time
Our verdicts tell you what each stop is best for, so you can choose what fits your trip.
Villa Olmo & park
Holiplanet verdict: 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 →Tempio Voltiano
Holiplanet verdict: 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 →Como–Brunate funicular
Holiplanet verdict: 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 →Experiences & indicative prices
Get out on the lake
These are three live GetYourGuide listings selected for different ways to experience Lake Como. Guest scores below belong to GetYourGuide reviewers, not Holiplanet.
Classic wooden boat cruise
A small-group cruise for taking in historic villas and the shoreline from the water. The one-hour option is a scenic ride; longer options may have a different itinerary.
From €63 per person
GetYourGuide guest rating: 4.6/5 · 531 reviews
View this cruise and check dates →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
View this cruise and check dates →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
View this tasting and check dates →Prices shown in EUR on GetYourGuide on 11 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.
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.
Wander the lanes and public squares, admire the cathedral façade, medieval gates and the city’s architectural details from the outside.
This pedestrian lakeside square is open to everyone and offers benches, historic façades and views over the first basin of the lake.
Take a scenic walk along the waterfront towards the public gardens and Villa Olmo, stopping for views of the boats and mountains.
The City of Como says the park is regularly open. The villa is currently closed for restoration; check local notices before your visit.
Enjoy the lakeside paths and green spaces near the Tempio Voltiano and Monumento ai Caduti; museum entry is separate.
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.
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 →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 →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 →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 →A change of scenery
From the lakefront to the hills
Take the funicular to Brunate for a higher perspective, then choose a short walk or a longer trail according to the day’s conditions.
Check the funicular service →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; for canoe trips, check the operator’s launch point, duration, equipment and weather policy before booking.
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.
Teatro Sociale
Como’s historic theatre presents opera, prose, concerts, dance and family programmes. Check the current calendar before planning an evening.
See upcoming performances →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 →Cinema Astra
A historic single-screen cinema in Como’s centre. Its live calendar is the best place to find current screenings and special events.
Check the current programme →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 →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.
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 →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 →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 →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 →One easy evening plan
Walk the lakefront before sunset, choose an aperitivo near the centre, then book dinner or a performance. Check the last return transport if you are staying outside the centre.
Open Como map →Explore Como
Find your way around
Use the map to locate the lakefront, the historic centre and nearby viewpoints. For boat connections, consult the current official timetable.
Open full map →Lake services and opening times may vary by date and season.
Dining in Como · Holiplanet’s 10 picks
Ten tables for ten different moods
A non-ranked Holiplanet edit: from contemporary cooking and seafood to local flavours, an informal lunch and an aperitivo. We selected these places from their published menus, current venue information and independent guide coverage. Holiplanet labels explain what each place may suit; they are not paid ratings or claims of a personal review.
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 ten dining picks →Feel Como
Modern cooking · seasonal and regional ingredients
Seasonal regional cooking with freshwater fish and game. Listed in the MICHELIN Guide.
Visit the official website → · MICHELIN profileComi 107
Contemporary fish and seafood · Borgo Vico
A small dining room focused on contemporary fish and seafood. Listed in the MICHELIN Guide 2026.
Visit the official website → · MICHELIN profileKitchen
Contemporary Italian · private garden setting
Creative Italian cooking with herbs and garden produce; the restaurant’s site confirms one MICHELIN star.
Visit the official website → · MICHELIN profileLatteria San Fedele
Restaurant and bistro · historic centre
Traditional flavours and fresh pasta, with a relaxed bistro option in the old town.
Visit the official website →Bottega Comacini
Contemporary bistro · cocktails and wine
A central choice for informal plates, cocktails and northern Italian wines.
Visit the official website →Ciàpa Fiaa
Italian cooking · relaxed, intimate atmosphere
Seasonal Italian dishes in an intimate setting; check its calendar for special evenings.
Visit the official website →Gustosè in Bottega
Bistrot and food shop · regional products
Casual lunch or aperitivo with regional products in a historic central setting.
Visit the official website →La Griglia di Como
Family-run restaurant and pizzeria · old town
A family-run old-town option for pizza and familiar Italian classics.
Visit the official website →Albergo del Duca
Restaurant and pizzeria · central Como
A central restaurant serving traditional Italian dishes and pizza.
Visit the official website →Locanda in Centro
Italian bistrot · distinctive stone interior
A casual bistrot in a distinctive cellar-like room; check the current menu and hours.
Visit the official website →This is a curated shortlist, not a numerical league table. Restaurant details, menus and opening hours can change. Holiplanet’s editorial selection is independent; any future sponsored listing will be clearly labelled and will not influence these picks.
Suggested itinerary
A relaxed day in Como
Use this as a starting point and adjust it to current opening times and transport services.
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.
AfternoonVilla Olmo or Brunate
Choose a historic villa visit or check the funicular service for a higher viewpoint.
EveningDinner in Como
Compare restaurant information and reserve directly with the venue.
Shopping & local craft
Bring home a piece of Como
Como’s silk heritage is part of the city’s identity. Our advice: look beyond the label, ask where a scarf or tie was designed, printed or made, and check the fabric composition and care instructions before buying.
Choose silk with a story
A silk accessory is our pick for a useful, locally relevant keepsake. Ask the shop to explain the product’s origin; “silk” alone does not tell you where it was produced or finished.
Explore the old-town boutiques
Combine browsing with a walk through the historic centre. Compare independent shop windows and local craft before choosing a souvenir, rather than buying the first item on the waterfront.
Holiplanet partner discounts are shown only when the offer, participating business and redemption terms have been confirmed. No unverified offer is advertised on this page.
Stay in Como
Make the city your base
Looking for a private stay in Como? Send Holiplanet your dates and requirements through the contact form.
Editorial images are illustrative. Always check official attraction information, current transport notices and restaurant availability before visiting.