A visit to the beautiful city of Como on a day trip from Milan is one of the best and easiest day trips you can make. Nestled between the Italian and Swiss Alps on the southern shore of Lake Como, this little Italian town has attracted visitors for centuries with its stunning scenery. Life is slower in Como than in Milan which is why so many celebrities have homes there. George Clooney and his wife Amal, Madonna, Richard Branson, Sylvester Stallone, and Gianni Versace to name a few. Here is what you need to know to visit Como on a day trip from Milan.
Getting There
You will want to take the train from Milan to Como, even if you have a car. The most convenient route is to take a direct train from the Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni. You will arrive at your destination in less than 1 hour. At present there are 5 direct trains a day from Milan’s central station to Como, so plan accordingly. The Italiarail website is an excellent resource and will provide you with the necessary information to plan this day trip to Como. For example, if you aren’t staying close to Milan’s central station, you may find other regional trains that depart closer to your location. It may take you a little longer to arrive in Como, but it won’t be by much.
Once you arrive at Como San Giovanni, you can easily walk to the center of town or catch a bus or taxi to your destination. We suggest arriving early in the day, before lunch, to have as much time as possible to enjoy the area.
Exploring Como
The best way to explore Como is on foot. The town is compact, but there are multiple alleyways that require climbing. If you have mobility issues, consider booking a tour from Milan, or in Como, so that you can have the best experience possible.
The town’s main attraction is Lake Como. We recommend a stroll along the promenade first to enjoy the stunning views of the lake, and the surrounding mountains. This also gives you an opportunity to explore where you might want to enjoy lunch and do a little shopping.
Como is known for its luxury goods and high-end fashion, but for the best experience, let yourself wander through the cobblestone alleyways off the promenade. In our opinion, this is where you can find the best shops and restaurants that won’t cost you a fortune. Besides, climbing the cobblestone stairs is also an excellent way to get more exercise in!
When traveling, we like to purchase items we can use when we get back home, something that reminds us of our travel experiences. If you love silk, Como is known for its high-quality silk production. You can visit the Silk Museum to learn about the history of silk production in the town, and then head to the many boutiques and shops to pick up some beautiful silk products such as a woman’s scarf or a man’s tie. If you’re looking for something more affordable, the town’s market is a great place to find souvenirs and local handicrafts.
After lunch, take a boat tour to see the town from a different perspective and take in the beautiful villas and gardens that dot the shore. We did look for Clooney’s villa, but not sure we saw it. The lake can feel a little cool even in June so it is good to have a jacket with you.
To enjoy another perspective of the town and Lake Como, ride the funicular (cable car) to the village of Brunate. The car leaves the lake area approximately every 30 minutes and it takes about seven minutes to ride to the top. You will find the views are spectacular. And before you head back down, take a few minutes to explore the church, Chiesa di Sant’Andrea Apostolo.
If you are a history buff, don’t miss a visit to Como Cathedral, built between the 14th and 18th centuries. This remarkable cathedral features Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. The cathedral’s beautiful interior is adorned with artwork and frescoes. If possible, take in the panoramic views from the rooftop terrace.
Where to Eat Lunch
We often ask the locals about the best places to eat. It is easy to chat with the salesperson while browsing through a little clothing boutique, for example. This will often get you away from the touristy spots and into something unique and memorable. We also avoid restaurants that offer menus in more than two languages. However, if you don’t find something on your own, we provide several options below.
For lunch, there are several excellent restaurants in Como that offer traditional Italian cuisine. La Vita è Bella serves delicious salads, homemade pasta, and fresh seafood.
If you’re in the mood for pizza, head to Pizzeria Donnarumma for some of the best Neapolitan pizza in town.
For a fine-dining experience, try I Tigli-in Theoria. This one Michelin star restaurant serves gourmet Italian dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
Conclusion
Is a day trip to Como worth it? Absolutely. Even if you do nothing but walk the promenade and return to Milan, the stunning views of Lake Como will make the excursion worthwhile. We do hope you will take more time though to explore the town and the lake.
After your day in Como, it will be time to head back to Milan, but we are sure this will not be your last visit to the area. We do recommend you return to the Como San Giovanni station and find a direct train back to Milan. However, if like us, you board at the wrong station and find yourself on a regional train, all is not lost. Just make sure you are headed to Milan. And, no matter where you arrive in Milan you are sure to find your way back to the hotel.
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