Things to Do at Bellagio
Complete Guide to Bellagio in Lake Como
About Bellagio
What to See & Do
Villa Melzi Gardens
These romantic lakefront gardens are genuinely stunning, with exotic plants, sculptures, and that perfect Lake Como view everyone's after. The villa itself was built for Napoleon's friend, which gives you a sense of the company this place has always kept.
Basilica of San Giacomo
A beautiful 12th-century Romanesque church right in the heart of town. The carved capitals and medieval atmosphere provide a nice contrast to all that lakeside glamour, and it's usually blissfully quiet inside.
Punta Spartivento
The very tip of Bellagio's peninsula where you can see the lake splitting into its two arms. It's a short walk from the center and offers some of the best panoramic views - particularly magical at sunset.
Villa Serbelloni Park
Now a luxury hotel, but you can tour the spectacular terraced gardens that climb up the hillside. The guided tours reveal hidden grottos and viewpoints that most visitors miss, though you'll need to book ahead.
Salita Serbelloni
The main shopping street that climbs steeply from the waterfront. It's lined with silk shops, cafes, and those irresistible Italian boutiques. Even if you're not buying, it's worth the uphill stroll for the medieval stepped streets branching off it.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
The town itself is accessible 24/7, but individual attractions typically open 9:00-18:00 (gardens and villas may close earlier in winter). Many shops close for lunch 12:30-15:00, as you'd expect in Italy.
Tickets & Pricing
Villa Melzi Gardens: €6.50 adults. Villa Serbelloni garden tours: around €9 (must be booked at the hotel). The basilica and wandering the streets are free, which is half the appeal.
Best Time to Visit
Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) offer the best balance of weather and crowds. Summer is beautiful but busy, while winter is surprisingly atmospheric if you don't mind some closed attractions.
Suggested Duration
A full day lets you see the main sights without rushing, though you could easily spend 2-3 days if you're using it as a base for lake exploration.
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
A quieter lakeside village just across the water, reachable by a short ferry ride. It's got that authentic fishing village feel that Bellagio had before it became quite so polished.
One of the most photographed villas on Lake Como, perched on a wooded peninsula near Lenno. You might recognize it from James Bond films - the gardens are genuinely spectacular.
A larger town on the western shore with good restaurants and a pleasant lakefront promenade. It's less precious than Bellagio but has its own charm, plus better shopping for everyday items.
If you're passing through Como town, the Gothic cathedral is worth a stop. The facade is intricately carved and the interior surprisingly grand for what feels like a modest lakeside city.