Things to Do in Como

About Como

Where Alpine grandeur meets Italian romance, Como unfolds like a silk tapestry along the shores of its legendary lake. Here, Belle Époque villas emerge from emerald gardens like scenes from a forgotten dream, their terraced grounds cascading toward crystalline waters that mirror snow-capped peaks. The city breathes with an unhurried elegance, where morning espresso is savored in piazzas shadowed by Gothic spires, and evenings dissolve into golden light reflecting off ancient stone. Cobblestone streets wind past silk workshops that have whispered their secrets through centuries, while funicular railways climb toward villages where time moves to the rhythm of church bells and lapping waves. This is a place where every vista feels composed by a master painter, where the gentle lull of lake ferries mingles with the distant echo of Alpine winds, creating a symphony that speaks to the soul's deepest longing for beauty and tranquility.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Purchase the 'Biglietto Integrato' day pass (€15) for unlimited travel on buses, funiculars, and boats. Rent a car only for distant villages; parking in Como city center is extremely limited and expensive at €2-3 per hour.

Money: Carry cash for small trattorias and market purchases. ATMs charge €3-5 fees for foreign cards. Restaurant tips of 10% are appreciated but not mandatory. Many lake ferries and funiculars only accept cash payments.

Cultural Respect: Dress modestly when visiting churches—cover shoulders and knees. Avoid loud conversations on public transport. Greet shopkeepers with 'Buongiorno' before browsing. Never swim near villa properties or private docks along the lake.

Food Safety: Avoid restaurants with tourist menus near Piazza Duomo. Seek establishments where locals dine, especially for lake fish specialties. Always check that seafood smells fresh. Tap water is safe and excellent throughout the region.

When to Visit

Como's magic peaks during late spring (May-June) when temperatures hover between 18-24°C and gardens burst with azaleas and rhododendrons. Rainfall averages 120mm monthly, mostly brief afternoon showers. This sweet spot offers 30% lower accommodation costs than peak summer. July-August brings crowds and heat (25-30°C), with hotel rates 50-70% higher and popular restaurants requiring reservations weeks ahead. September emerges as the connoisseur's choice—warm lake waters (22°C), harvest festivals in nearby vineyards, and that magical Alpine light photographers cherish. October offers stunning foliage and comfortable 15-20°C temperatures, though some seasonal restaurants close. Winter (December-February) transforms Como into an intimate retreat with 5-10°C temperatures and occasional snow dusting the peaks. While some lake services reduce schedules, Christmas markets (December 8-January 6) create enchanting atmosphere with 40% lower hotel rates. Villa gardens may be dormant, but cozy wine bars and steaming risotto provide perfect compensation. Avoid late November—persistent rain and limited daylight hours make it Como's least appealing period.