//
Comune in Lombardy, Italy
Photo: Nicolago, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Como is a city at the southern end of Lake Como in Lombardy, Northwest Italy. It has a population of 84,000 (2015). The border with Switzerland is at the northwestern end of the city.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Volta Lighthouse
29-m tower was erected in 1927 in honour of Alessandro Volta. Boasting some of the best views on the lake, this very high building will allow you to look down on the lake some 2000 feet below. The views are much better than from the free terrace below.
Como Cathedral
Como's richly decorated 14th-century Gothic-Renaissance Cathedral. Note the statues of Pliny the Elder and Younger at the sides of the main entrance!
A Romanesque basilica built in 11th century; inside some 13th-century frescos. The basilica was built on the site of an early Christian basilica of the 5th century, dedicated to the holy apostles Peter and Paul. Between 1050 and 1095, the Benedictines rebuilt the church in Romanesque style. In the 16th century the basilica underwent profound renovations, assuming a classical look, while the construction of the grandiose cloister was also started. In 1834 the buildings, now in a serious state of decay, were partly demolished and rebuilt. From 1863, the basilica was restored its Romanesque appearance; during the works the foundations of the early Christian building and those of the external narthex, which had been demolished during the 16th century, were also found. The current facade is based on what was once the portico. In 1928 Antonio Giussani carried out a new restoration of the church, replacing all the window panes, redoing the roofs of the naves, apses and choir, plastering the walls and vaults again and rebuilding the high altar and the altars located in the Musso marble. In 1968 the transfer of the Episcopal Seminary to Muggiò again caused the abandonment and rapid deterioration of what had been the seat of the monastery. It was purchased in 1974 by the Municipality of Como, which has taken care of its restoration and redevelopment. It is now the seat of the Faculty of Law of the University of Insubria. It belongs to the parish of the Santissima Annunciata - sanctuary of the Santissimo Crocifisso, entrusted to the regular clerics of Somasca.
Temple Volta
A nice stop on your stroll along the waterfront, the temple to Volta is designed in neoclassical style. It houses an exhibition about Volta (a native of Como who invented the electric battery). The front of the building showcases two statues, representing science and faith. It was featured on the Italian 10,000-lira note before the introduction of the euro.
Monumento ai caduti
An interesting, imposing, 33-m-high building, it is one of the tallest structures near the water. Built in the 1930s to honour Italian soldiers killed in World War I.
The ruins of the 12th-century city walls, which encircle the narrow, winding streets of the old town. The old town is still called the "walled town" (città murata).
Archeological Museum
Museum showing the history of Como - also features Egyptian and Greek artefacts.
History Museum
Opened in 1932, another museum featuring Como's history.
Civic Art Gallery
The building was constructed in the 17th century, and has been an art gallery since the 1980s. It exhibits sculptures, portraits, and tapestries by famous artists.
Large fountain that - when switched on - can be seen from Como. Worth a walk along the edge of the lake to see it, however, it may not always be on.
Built in the early 19th century, this is an impressive, ornate palace, owned by the town of Como. The lakefront gardens are open to the public. The building is open to the public to visit the beautifully decorated but unfurnished rooms, except during special events. The park of Villa Olmo is certainly one of the most important in the entire province of Como. Since its origins, the land extends for almost five hectares and includes 780 trees in all of which some specimens declared monumental such as a horse chestnut of 26 m, a cedar of Lebanon of 22.5 m, a Liquidambar, a giant sequoia and a red beech. Among the oldest trees in the complex there are still today a pair of horse chestnuts, one planted in 1664 and the other in 1716 and therefore prior to the construction of the villa.
Como has a pleasant walkway along the water. It passes by the Tempio Voltiano, the World War I memorial, and several beautiful villas. The path is also pleasantly dotted with gellaterias - you can walk as far as the Villa Olmo to the west and the Fontana di Villa Geno to the east quite easily, which on a sunny day would give great views over the lake.
Rent a bicycle and ride up the hill into Switzerland before descending over the other side to the beautiful Lake Lugano. Follow the lake north to the Swiss city of Lugano. Head east from Lugano and back across the border into Italy. When you reach Lake Como, turn south and return to the city of Como, completing the circle. Or you could do as the locals do, and use a bike to explore the city of Como itself.
Take the funicular up to Brunate, then (after seeing the Faro Voltiano) hike through the nearby mountains for great views of the area. See the signs and maps at the top of the funicular for routes, but remember to bring a lot of water in summer, as it can get very warm and sunny.
Casate Sport Centre
Sports centre, with swimming pools (including an outdoor one), volleyball courts, etc. It has activities on in the winter too, including ice skating.
The town's indoor swimming pool, next to the football stadium, good if you want to swim lengths - if you want outdoor swimming however, go to the lido.
Lido on the edge of Lake Como just next to Villa Olmo - gives travellers the chance to swim in the lake, which is very tempting on hot summer days. The lido also features a bar, and entrance can be pre-booked online at their website.
"I Lariani" were promoted in 2024 and now play soccer in Serie A, the top tier. B. With a capacity of 13,600, Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia is too cramped for top tier matches: it hasn't been announced whether it will be upgraded or if Como will play elsewhere. Sinigaglia (1884-1916) was a champion rower, killed in action in the war with Austria.
If you are in Como, you'll quickly notice the regular seaplane flights over the lake. Aero Club Como offer private seaplane flights for visitors, as well as pilot training. Even if you don't actually book a flight, it's well worth passing by the hangar to have a look at the sea planes.
Italian style sandwiches, a common lunch option for people who work nearby.
Mid-priced pizza and an excellent selection of beers.
Relax in the bohemian and friendly atmosphere of this pub, where you can sit down at the wooden tables and enjoy beer (and any other drinks) and snacks. The walls are covered with all sorts of objects from around the world, musical instruments, paintings, photos etc. You are likely to hear Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel or Fabrizio de Andrè (Italian singer/songwriter) playing on the Hi-Fi system.
A cozy bar that is a meeting place for local arty people, different from the Italian fashion victims clique. Highly recommended starting from 19:00 on Sundays for aperitivo (buffet food with any drinks purchased).
A small chiringuito (small bar) on an amazing location just in front of tempio voltiano. Superb lake view, great choice of cocktails as well as nice aperitivo.
A small pizzeria, really good for aperitivo. Live concert every Friday evening.
A few kilometres from the historical centre and very close to the stations and main road.
Located in the heart of the Spina Verde Natural Park, a few minutes bus ride from the city centre.
Flats, studios and villas in Torno, in a truly romantic spot on Lake Como.
4-star wellness hotel in Mozzate, between Como and Milan.
3-star hotel in Como centre.
Villa d'Este used to be the residence of the Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio and nowadays it's a luxury hotel.
By train
Como has good train connections with Italy and Switzerland (which is just next to the town). It has two main stations: Como San Giovanni and Como Lago - both used to get into the town.
By plane
Como has no airport of its own, but nearby Milan has several, including Malpensa and Linate.
By bus
The local public transport network comprises several lines. Some are mostly within city limits (Urbani) and some are Extraurbani (crossing city limits).
By funicular
By boat
Being on the edge of a large lake, taking a boat/ferry can be an easy way of getting around.
By taxi
A taxi service is provided by the Comune di Como, local phone numbers are 031-2772, and 031-261515.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Ferno (VA) · International · MXP
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Como and Italy.
Travel tipsUnderstand travel insurance for a Schengen visa in 2026. Learn mandatory €30,000 medical coverage, zero deductible rules, and embassy-approved policies.
7 min read
Travel tipsComplete 2026 guide to global tourist taxes and access fees. Compare entry fees in Venice, Bali, Bhutan, Kyoto, and Edinburgh, and learn how to pay them.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind out how much does a trip to Italy cost in 2026. Compare realistic daily budgets for hotels, food, trains, and museum entry across three travel styles.
8 min read
Travel tipsEstimate your Europe trip cost for 2 weeks in 2026. Compare realistic budgets for lodging, Eurail trains, dining, and sightseeing across three styles.
8 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.