Top Things to do in Lake Como
Top 10 Architectural Buildings in Lake Como, Lombardy
A gorgeous spot that’s a convenient day trip from Milan, Lake Como recently earned fame as home to Hollywood star George Clooney. But celeb-spotting aside, it’s known for jaw-dropping natural beauty, elegant old villas—and the scenic towns surrounding the lake. Check out Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio, which offer great views, historic churches, and water-based activities such as ferries and passenger-only boats.
Restaurants in Lake Como
1. Villa del Balbianello
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,348 reviews
Built in the late 16th century, this magnificent Villa is known for its picturesque gardens, which exclusively feature flowers and trees the colors of the Italian flag: green, white and red. ATTENTION ALL VISITORS In implementation of the Decree issued by the Ministry of Health on 8th March 2020, we would like to inform you that Villa del Balbianello shall remain closed to the public until April 3rd, in order to contain the diffusion of COVID-19 virus. Updates shall be published on Social Media and on the FAI's Official Website.
Reviewed By Mairwen1
This was absolutely our best day at Lake Como. The area is not short of beautiful historic villas and gardens so you will have probably find yourself having to choose which one to visit. For my money, this is the one. HIGHLIGHTS * James Bond Casino Royale & Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones chose this villa for filming – that alone tells you how outstanding it is * gardens and lake views are breathtaking – it’s a paradise for photographs * unlike some villas, both the gardens and the house are open to the public (house tour is included in ticket price) * It has the best story of any of the grand villas. The villa passed into the hands of Guido Monzino, heir to a vast fortune who knew how to burn through the family money. Monzino funded explorations to Everest, the North Pole, Greenland & the Sahara and amassed huge collections of artefacts, antiquities, books, maps etc. They all ended up here. * it is crammed with books, maps and collections and everything is exactly the same as when the owner died so it feels like a ‘living history’. * There are secret passages, hidden panel and escape routes in the house (he was a bit paranoid) TIPS * It is closed on Mon & Wed. Closed over winter & opens mid-March – mid-Nov. * Make sure to do both the gardens and villa (€10 for gardens only, €20 for both). It is a little pricier than some other villas but so worth it * Villa tours are also offered in English. The ticket desk can tell you what time the English tours start. * Afterwards, we walked back Lenno and had lunch at Hotel Plinio, on the waterfront. A great finish to a magical day. GETTING THERE Take the ferry to Lenno. We walked from the ferry. Most people do so it’s easy to follow others. It’s a 20 min walk along the lake, across a park and up the long driveway. There’s also a taxi boat if you don’t want to walk.
2. Villa Dozzio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
3. I Giardini di Villa Melzi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,327 reviews
National Monument and Private Gardens This magnificent villa, built in 1808 for the Duke Francesco Melzi d'Eril, assistant to General Napoleon, is one of the most emblematic examples of neo-classicism in Lombardy.....The Gardens Are visitable March to October every day 9.30 am to' 6.30 pm
Reviewed By armankun - Athens, Greece
A definitely place to visit if you like gardens, trees, nature and walking, beautiful garden, very well cared.
4. Villa Carlotta
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,254 reviews
Villa Carlotta welcomes you with its magnificent botanic garden and art masterpieces in over 70.000 square metres of gardens and museum. The beautiful villa was built at the end of XVII century by the Milanese marquis Giorgio Clerici in a natural basin between lake and mountains, facing the dolomite Grignas and the peninsula of Bellagio.
Reviewed By 53Upp - East Midlands, United Kingdom
Beautifully maintained gardens. Plenty of plant details. Slightly hilly paths, but easily accessible. Signage good, different routes depending on how much time visitors have, which gives times to completion of visit. Toilets round site and good cafe. House visit also included in the entrance fee. Villa entrance opposite the ferry service.
5. Novocomum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
6. Ex Cotonificio Cantoni
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
7. Villa Olmo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 673 reviews
Reviewed By MGhazalah - Kuwait, null
it was a really nice walk around the Villa, admiring the landscape and the view . I recommend for all visitors
8. Teatro Sociale
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
Reviewed By 361erichs
I went to a performance of Verdi's Macbeth. The opera house was built over 200 years ago and has not lost its luster. The acoustics are some of the best that I have experienced anywhere. The orchestra may not be as tight as the Vienna Philharmonics but one senses that the members enjoy themselves. Their enjoyment is contagious. The Maestro Gianluigi Gelmetti conducted with heart and displayed sincere enthusiasm, showing emotions openly - the Italian way. The singers were excellent. The audience appeared mostly to be from the area which made the whole experience even more authentic. I went to La Scala last year and can honestly say that will prefer to return to a performance at the Teatro Sociale. Actually, I can't wait to come back.
9. Villa Monastero
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,340 reviews
Reviewed By LondonNefertiti - Greater London, United Kingdom
When you get off the ferry turn right and keep walking and you will reach these beautiful gardens in about 10-15 mins right on the shore of Lake Como. The wisteria will look stunning when it is in flower, probably even better from the Lake. A long thin garden which only had another couple of other visitors on a rainy October morning. Peaceful place to sit and contemplate.
10. Villa Bernasconi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
The villa is a beautiful example of Art Nouveau Architecture. Designed by architect Alfredo Campanini, it was built at the beginning of the XXth century for Davide Bernasconi, owner of the silk factory with the same name. The exterior facades are enriched with decoration like silkwarms, butterflies and mulberry leaves related to silk production. Villa Bernasconi is an innovative museum; the museum is a "talking house".
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