Planning a dreamy Lake Como Day Trip and you’re short on time?
First time visiting Lake Como? These are the top highlights from my Lake Como, Italy Trip that I’ll be sharing to help you know what to prioritize and make the most of your time!
Learn the best things to do, must-see scenic spots, and tourist attractions to add to your bucket list! I’m also including must-know and my experience-based travel tips!
Plan the perfect one day Lake Como adventure as I share my best Lake Como day trip from Milan!
A day trip to Lake Como is a wonderful way to admire historic villas, breathtaking mountain landscapes, lovely lakeside villages, and incredible scenery at every turn, all in one day.
By Karen Mae | June 15, 2026
I traveled to Italy in November and spent a day at Lake Como from Milan as part of my 3 days itinerary in Milan, Italy. If you’re wondering how long to spend in Lake Como day trip, expect 8 to 9 hours, not including transportation.
Since I planned my Lake Como trip very last minute and prefer not to navigate by train and ferry on my own, I decided to book a highly rated Lake Como tour from Milan for convenience as a solo traveler. I had an amazing experience with incredible views!
I really enjoyed the memories I made during my Lake Como day trip from Milan and I recommend it if you’re short on time and visiting Lake Como for the first time! It’s perfect if you plan to see Lake Como in one day! If you’re NOT tight on time, you can explore on your own and plan a Lake Como day trip by train.
In this Lake Como guide, you’ll discover the best things to do in Lake Como and the top must-see places to spark ideas for your Lake Como itinerary designed for first-time visitors!
The main topic of this post is all about Lake Como Day Trip.
Best Lake Como Day Trip
Whether you’re planning a Lake Como day trip from Milan,Venice, or Florence, may this Lake Como travel blog help you get excited and experience the best Lake Como day trip, exploring the picturesque streets of Bellagio and Como, sightseeing the colorful waterfronts, and taking in the breathtaking and scenic boat rides across the lake!
1. Take a scenic boat cruise on Lake Como
One of the best things to do in Lake Como that a first-timer cannot miss is a guided boat cruise tour, as it’s the best way to truly experience Italy’s most beautiful lake.
Alternative (s)
- (from Milan) ~Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan with Boat Cruise
- (from Como) ~Relaxed small-group boat tour on Lake Como with Prosecco on board
It’s amazing as we cruised around, I got to see more! The picturesque scenery was absolutely breathtaking from the water!
Sightseeing, photographing, and appreciating the unique view on a boat cruise were some of the best things to do during a Lake Como day trip.
The guided boat tour gave me amazing, unique, and different perspectives of the colorful and charming villages, mountains, and villas.
Taking a scenic boat cruise on Lake Como to admire the lovely lakeside villas and gardens is worth experiencing!
Last-minute planning or short on time? (recommend)
Must-Know | Travel Tips:
- If you plan to tour Lake Como on your own, taking a ferry ride between towns is a must.
- Ferry boats are an affordable and scenic way to experience Lake Como.
- Travelers use ferries to travel between Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and Como.
2. Admire the colorful houses
It’s still a surprise for me to see this breathtaking view in front of me while cruising Lake Como, even if I probably had seen it in pictures or some Lake Como postcards before.
I remember my first thought when I saw the picturesque shoreline view, “Wow, this is the first time I’m seeing colorful villages, mountains, and a lake together look this incredible in front of my eyes!” It feels uniquely different seeing this scenic view in real life, especially as I felt the cool breeze on my face and the wind blowing through my hair ~ very memorable!
If you’re visiting Milan, this boat tour to Lake Como is a must-experience! It’s a full-day trip, but it’s totally worth it as you’ll see many beautiful must-see places in Lake Como in one day!
3. See the elegant villas
During the Lake Como Day trip with a boat cruise, I got the chance to see elegant villas situated on the shores of Lake Como.
The Lake Como boat cruise I took also included passing by Villa Carlotta, Villa Del Balbianello, Isola Comacina (a small island in the middle of Lake Como), and many other interesting places along the way!
Travel Tips
- If you’re looking for a popular villa on the lake that is accessible to the public, consider visiting Villa del Balbianello. It’s famous for its historic architecture, lovely terraced gardens, and photogenic lake views!
- Book in advance —>Villa del Balbianello Gardens with Ferry Tickets<—
4. Visit the charming villages
A day trip to Lake Como is incomplete without a visit to its beautiful lakeside villages! I really appreciated walking around, discovering colorful streets, and experiencing the historic and authentic Italian atmosphere.
Must-Know and Travel Tips
These are the most popular villages to consider visiting for your Lake Como day trip or adding to a longer Lake Como itinerary.
- Bellagio (the pearl of Lake Como)
- Varenna (a romantic lakeside escape)
- Menaggio (classic Italian lakeside charm)
Exploring these villages is one of the best things to do on a Lake Como day trip!
- Check the weather before your trip and stay near a ferry port for convenience.
5. Explore the amazing mountain views
What I appreciate most about exploring Lake Como is the beautiful mountains surrounding the lake that really add such distinctive beauty to it!
I really enjoyed Lake Como’s stunningly photogenic mountain backdrop when visiting Bellagio.
This was the Lake Como day trip from Milan I booked, which included a boat cruise on Lake Como, a tour guide, and a visit to Bellagio and Como.
6. Experience the peaceful lakeside atmosphere
This scenery was photographed during a visit to Bellagio.
Another great way to experience Lake Como is to walk along the peaceful lakeside and soak in the serene atmosphere. It’s a great space for quiet reflection and some photo opportunities!
Fortunately, I explored Lake Como and its charming villages with a pleasant couple I met on the tour. We have been taking pictures of each other.
7. Explore Como Town and Como Cathedral
Como is considered the largest town, where tourists find convenient access to transportation.
I enjoyed exploring Como’s historic city center and visiting the cathedral. There are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants surrounding the area.
Every time I visit a new place, I always find it worth visiting a cathedral. I’ve always made it a habit and travel tradition to pray and express my gratitude when I visit churches.
Must-Know | Travel Tips
- Como is where you can ride the funicular to Brunate for panoramic views.
- If you have more time for a scenic attraction up in the mountains, the Como–Brunate Funicular offers an amazing panoramic view overlooking Lake Como. Enjoy taking pictures of the scenery and relaxing in the cafes.
Travel Tips for Solo Travelers
If you’re a solo traveler exploring Lake Como, enjoy it and don’t worry, there were other female solo travelers I saw while visiting Bellagio and Como who asked me to take their photos, and they also took mine.
- I felt safe during my trip, but always be careful and vigilant if you’re entirely on your own.
- Keep track of time by setting an alarm and taking a picture of the meeting place if you’re on a tour.
- Ensure you have an eSIM to contact your guide and locate places in case you get lost.
8. Stroll through the historic streets
Visit the Old Town (Borgo) in Bellagio and admire its wonderfully preserved medieval historic center as you walk its cobblestone and alleys.
Exploring on foot is a great way to appreciate some of the best views that come from simply walking between the towns, stopping for pictures, and taking in the vibrant, historic streets with a delightful atmosphere.
9. Discover the romantic lake views
One of the best experiences you shouldn’t miss when visiting Lake Como is slowing down and taking time for a peaceful reflection with the lake view!
Before visiting Lake Como, I’d usually see couples’ romantic pictures by the lake. I thought it’s mostly for couples to enjoy, but honestly, anyone can romanticize their travel with a dreamy lakeside scenery!
For me, I appreciated the peace and joy that come with walking with a lovely view! I felt I was in a movie, except I was the main character of my own story.
10. Eat local Italian food
Experience a lovely lunch at one of the charming villages. Some of the memorable moments in Lake Como are experienced when trying local food.
I met a couple on a tour, and we ate together at RISTORO FORMA E GUSTO Pizzeria-Ristorante in Bellagio. The restaurant served classic Italian pasta, pizza, and seafood. It’s a cozy little corner restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and tasty food!
We enjoyed our meals at affordable prices.
Something different I tasted…
It’s my first time trying Gnocchi alla Sorrentina ~ an Italian comfort food with pillowy potato gnocchi baked in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce, basil, and mozzarella.
11. Visit local boutiques and buy a souvenir
If you’re into window shopping or looking for Italian-made items in particular, there are high-end, mid-range, and souvenir shops to browse around on the cobblestone streets.
Don’t forget to get yourself a souvenir for your Lake Como trip!
Shopping at Bellagio can be expensive and time-consuming. I was short on time, so I only visited souvenir stores for travel magnets/souvenirs and looked around for Lake Como-themed items at affordable prices.
12. Visit a cafe and enjoy a sweet treat
Take a break while exploring and treat yourself to local desserts or your preferred drink with a scenic view.
I traveled to Lake Como in November when it was really cold. So, I chose to have hot chocolate with whipped cream (+/- a pastry) while enjoying the view of the Como Cathedral in front of me.
If I were traveling in Lake Como in the summer, I’d definitely get an authentic Italian gelato. However, autumn in Lake Como was very cold, and I needed to keep myself warm while still enjoying a sweet treat. Thus, a delicious hot chocolate was the best choice as it kept me cozy.
13. Enjoy a Lakeside Italian Meal
Whether you’re feeling romantic or hopeless romantic, one of the best things to do in Lake Como is to enjoy Italian cuisine with a picture-perfect scenery ~ the view of the lake, mountains, and ferries/boats.
However, if you have more time or want to experience a more fairy-tale-like ambiance, Varenna is known to have one of the most romantic lakeside settings, especially for couples.
I heard the best places to visit and the highlights there are Passeggiata degli Innamorati (Lovers’ Walk), waterfront cafés, and Villa Monster!
Travel Tips:
- Reserve early
- For popular Varenna lakeside views, consider going to:
- Varenna Caffè Bistrot
- Al Prato Restaurant
- Ristorante La Vista
- Visteria Restaurant
May this post about Lake Como day trip help you plan your travel itinerary to include the best things to do, must-see attractions, scenic views, where to eat, and travel tips (First-Timer’s Guide
Traveling to Milan? Read next:
Thank you for considering these Lake Como things to do travel ideas! I hope I have sparked your Italy trip planning!
~ Safe travels and enjoy visiting Lake Como and its charming villages ~
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