Lake Como is one of the most popular holiday locations to visit in Italy. So, if you’re heading there any time soon, I am jealous! I went to Lake Como in March 2024 (you can find my full itinerary here) and it quickly became one of my favourite places in Europe. This lake is located in northern Italy, this beautiful city is in a great position. Taking a day trip from lake Como will offer many other places to explore.
Now, don’t get me wrong, there is a lot to do and see around Como itself. However, if you have a spare day or two, and you want to venture further afield, these are the best day trips for your Lake Como itinerary.
Lake Como Day Trips
Milan
Duomo di Milano, Milan
Milan offers so much to it’s visitors, making it one of the best day trips from Lake Como. Just 40 minutes by train, this city is a must-visit if you love fashion, history, food, art, or architecture. Firstly, the iconic Duomo di Milano is a stunning masterpiece of Gothic design, offering panoramic views from its rooftop. Alternatively, art enthusiasts can visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie, and the local street are. Or, for shopping, you can explore the high-end boutiques of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. From there, for a mix of culture and nightlife, the Navigli district is perfect for a canal-side aperitivo.
Other notable places to visit in Milan are Forza castle, Triennale, Teatro alla Scala and the Brera Botanical Garden. With this vast city offering. so much, it is one of the best day trips to add to your lake Como holiday itinerary.
If you want to add some other activities to your Milan itinerary, you can book them here.
Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore, Italy (Photo by Mikhail Nilov)
Lake Maggiore is just over an hour from Como by train. This lake offers a different experience, known for the Borromean Islands, a few islands located in the lake. You can get a boat to explore the islands, notably Isola Bella’s grand Baroque palace and gardens, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori. Alternatively, Stresa, a beautiful lakeside town, is the perfect starting point for a boat tour or a scenic cable car ride up Mottarone for breathtaking Alpine views.
There are many things to see and do around Lake Maggiore, including water sports, diving, swimming, hiking, wine tasting and castles. So, if you like lakes and mountains, this is a must for your Lake Como Itinerary.
You can find other activities for your Lake Maggiore itinerary here.
Lugano
Lugano, Switzerland (Photo by Robert Stokoe)
With it being only a stones throw away from the Swiss border, some of the best days trips from Lake Como will take you to Switzerland. Firstly, Lugano. This stunning city is found on Lake Lugano and is surrounded by snow topped mountains. The city offers scenic boat cruises, boutique shopping, and cultural attractions like the Hermann Hesse Museum. Also, if you want to see the real beauty of the area, you need to take the funicular up Monte Brè or Monte San Salvatore. Remember to bring your passport, as Lugano is in Switzerland!
Whilst you’re in Lugano, you should also try to visit Parco Ciani, Piazza della Riforma and The Olive Grove Trail. Honestly, Lugano is such an incredible place, you can’t miss adding it to your Lake como holiday.
You can find tours from Como to Lugano here. Or you can find other activities for your Lugano itinerary here.
Lake Como Day Trips
Bergamo
Views from La Citta Alta, Bergamo
Bergamo is a bit of a hidden gem, just over an hour away by train. This small city is home to a beautifully preserved medieval old town, Città Alta. You will find the old town situated on top of a small hill, overlooking the modern city. There is an option to walk up the hill in around 20 minutes. Or, the funicular also offers spectacular views on the way up.
Once you’re in La Città Alta, you can easily spend the entire day here, exploring the Piazza Vecchia, the stunning Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, and the Venetian Walls, a UNESCO World Heritage site. For other things to do, you can also consider Accademia Carrara, Rocca do Bergamo and Sentierone. Also, if you want to make things easier, you can fly into Bergamo airport and head to Lake Como from there.
You can find other activities for your Bergamo itinerary here.
St Moritz and the Bernina express
St. Moritz, Switzerland (Photo by Alexandru MnM)
We’re heading back to Switzerland for one of the best day trips for your Lake Como holiday. This mountain resort is reachable using the scenic Bernina Express, one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, and a UNESCO-listed railway.
Firstly, you either catch the train to Milan, or a 2 hour train from Como to Tirano. Then, you can jump on the Bernina Express as it winds through some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in Europe. This includes the striking Brusio spiral viaduct, glaciers, and also the beautiful turquoise lakes. Once in St. Moritz, you can enjoy luxury shopping, lakeside walks, museums, and high-altitude hiking or skiing, depending on the season.
You can find tickets for the Bernina express from Milan to St. Moritz here. Also, you can find other activities for your St. Moritz itinerary here.
Verona
Verona, Italy (Photo by SHVETS Production)
Known as the city of Romeo and Juliet, Verona is a romantic and historic destination just under two hours from Como, by train. The beautifully preserved Roman Arena hosts opera performances in the summer, while the charming Piazza delle Erbe is perfect for soaking up the city’s atmosphere. Book lovers can visit Juliet’s House and its famous balcony, while history enthusiasts can enjoy exploring Castelvecchio and its scenic bridge. Other than this, Verona’s food scene is another highlight, with delicious risotto, Amarone wine, and traditional dishes like pastissada de caval.
Other attractions in Verona include Castel San Pietro, Scaliger Tombs, Torre del Lamberti and Piazza Bra.
You can also find other activities for your Verona itinerary here.
Lake Como Day Trips
Bellagio
Bellagio, Lake Como (Photo by Nicola Vidali)
Bellagio is one of the most picturesque towns on lake Como. Known as the “Pearl of Lake Como,”, this is without a doubt one of the best day trips from Como. To get there, you can either take a scenic bus ride, winding around the lake. Or, an even more beautiful ferry ride taking around an hour.
Bellagio is different to Como, it is much smaller, and offers charming cobbled streets, elegant villas, and beautiful gardens, such as those at Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni. Stroll along the Lungolago promenade, enjoy a lakeside lunch, and take in stunning views of the Alps from Punta Spartivento. Bellagio’s charm makes it one of the most popular destinations around Lake Como.
Other things to do in Bellagio include an old fishing village called Pescallo, the hamlet of San Giovanni, Basilica di San Giacomo and La Perla del Lago. As Bellagio is so easy to get to, this is an absolute must for your holiday to Lake Como.
You can find tours from Como to Bellagio here. Or you can also find other activities for your Bellagio itinerary here.
Varenna
Varenna, Lake Como
Similar to Bellagio, Varenna is an incredibly attractive spot on lake Como. But, I would say it’s a quieter alternative to Bellagio. Varenna is a charming village with a romantic atmosphere. Again, there are a couple of options. You can easily reach Varenna by train from Como (1 hour) or ferry. Alternatively, you can see Bellagio and Varenna in one day, as there is just a short boat ride separating them.
When you’re there, make sure to visit Passeggiata degli Innamorati (Lovers’ Walk) and the stunning gardens of Villa Monastero. You can also walk up to Castello di Vezio for panoramic lake views, or relax at a waterfront café with a glass of local wine.
Some other options in Varenna are Villa Balbianello, La Passeggiata Degli Innamorati and Green Way dei Patriarchi.
You can find tours from Como to Varenna here. Or you can find other activities for your Varenna itinerary here.
Lake Garda
Lake Garda, Italy (Photo by Olga Lioncat)
Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake, and is around 2.5 hours from Como by train. Although this is the furthest, its stunning landscapes makes it one of the best day trips from Como. The southern towns of Sirmione and Desenzano offer picturesque waterfronts, historic castles, and thermal spas. You can take a boat ride to explore the lake’s charming villages, visit the medieval Scaliger Castle, or enjoy the region’s famous wines in nearby vineyards. For thrill-seekers, Gardaland, Italy’s top amusement park, is also a fun option.
You can find other activities for your Lake Garda itinerary here.
Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como Day Trips – Conclusion
Each of these day trips offers a unique experience, whether you’re looking for city life, lakeside relaxation, or alpine adventures. With convenient transport links, Lake Como is the perfect base for exploring Northern Italy. Don’t forget to check out my four day Milan and Lake Como itinerary here.
Sharing is caring and massively helps the site. I’d be so grateful if you shared this page or simply shared a comment below. Let me know what you think of these day trips and if you’ll be visiting any of the places. Or, let the other readers know some other suggestions for the best day trips from Como.
