The Best Day Trips from Lake Como: Waterfront Wonders

Lake Como is already a dream, sparkling waters, alpine peaks towering in the background, and villages that feel straight out of an Italian postcard. But the magic doesn’t stop at the shoreline. Day trips from Lake Como open the door to even more adventures, from hopping over the Swiss border to sipping your way through vineyard-dotted hills. Fancy a dose of art and history? Head to Bergamo or Milan. Craving a food and wine fix? Lombardy wine tours are the perfect excuse to swirl, sip, and taste your way through the region. And for pure nature bliss, the Alps and nearby lakes give you endless reasons to stretch your trip a little further. The best part? You can dive into all these experiences and still be back at the lake in time for an aperitivo with a view.

14 best day trips from Lake Como

1- Dive into Como City

Start in the historic center: tour the Duomo, pop into the Museum of Silk, and wander the neoclassical squares by the Broletto. Grab a lakeside table for an aperitivo, then squeeze in a wine tasting Lake Como session to sample crisp local whites and alpine reds. For a quiet pause, step inside Basilica di San Fedele or the Romanesque Sant’Abbondio, beautiful, calm, and very Como. If time allows, ride the funicular to Brunate for a final, big-sky view over the water.

2- Unwind along the waterfront in Cernobbio

Cernobbio is all about laid-back elegance. Just a short hop from Como city, this lakeside town wins people over with its calm promenade, stylish villas, and cozy restaurants where the food is as good as the views. You can admire the legendary Villa d’Este, grab a pizza or fresh lake fish at a local trattoria right by the water, and linger over an espresso as boats glide past. It’s the perfect mix of local life and lakeside charm without the heavy crowds.

3- Head to the elegant streets of Bellagio

Bellagio isn’t called the “pearl of Lake Como” for nothing. The moment you step off the ferry, you’re greeted with winding cobbled lanes, colorful little boutiques, and cafés that practically beg you to stop for a cappuccino (or maybe a spritz). If you’re in the mood for some greenery, the gardens of Villa Melzi are just a short walk away and make the perfect spot to slow down and take in the lake views.

4- Visit Bellano and its gorge

Just a short hop from Varenna, this laid-back town hides one of Lake Como’s coolest natural sights: the Orrido di Bellano, a deep gorge carved by centuries of rushing water. You can walk through it on elevated paths, hear the roar echoing between the rocks, and snap some seriously unique photos. Once you’ve had your fill of nature’s drama, slow things down with a lazy lakeside lunch or an espresso at a café by the water.

5- Explore the charm of Varenna

Hop across the lake to Varenna and you’ll instantly feel the slower pace. This pastel-painted village is all about charm, from the lakeside “Lover’s Walk” that winds along the water to cozy trattorias tucked into cobbled alleys. If you’re up for a little culture (and gorgeous gardens), Villa Monastero is a must, while the hike up to Castello di Vezio rewards you with some of the best views of Lake Como.

6- Visit Lugano for a Swiss-Italian fusion

Just across the border, Lugano is one of the easiest day trips from Lake Como. This lakeside Swiss gem mixes Italian charm with Swiss precision, making it perfect for a quick change of scenery. Stroll along Lake Lugano’s waterfront, grab a plate of Ticino specialties (think risotto with a Swiss twist), and check out the modern art scene at MASI Lugano.

If you want the inside scoop on the very best spots, don’t miss our guide to things to do in Lugano Switzerland, it’s packed with tips that’ll help you make the most of your visit.

7- Stroll the promenade of Lecco

Just a short train or car ride from Como, Lecco sits quietly at the southeastern tip of Lake Como. It’s not as flashy as Bellagio or Varenna, and that’s exactly its charm. Here you can wander the lakefront promenade without the big crowds, grab a table at a local trattoria for hearty Lombard dishes, and enjoy a slow coffee with mountain views in front of you. If you’re after a laid-back escape, Lecco is one of those spots that makes a day trip feel effortlessly easy.

8- Spend a day in Milan

Take the train from Como or Lake Como for a day in Milan, a city that mixes history, fashion, and flavor in the best way. Start at the Duomo, wander through the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and see Da Vinci’s Last Supper up close. Between sightseeing, slip in a wine tasting Milan experience to discover the city’s modern take on Lombardy wines. With frequent trains, it’s a stress-free trip even for first-time visitors.

Don’t miss my guide to the best things to do in Milan, packed with local favorites you’ll be glad you didn’t skip.

9- Take the Bernina Express to St. Moritz

The Bernina Express is hands down one of the most unforgettable day trips from Lake Como. Starting not far from Como, this scenic train winds its way up to St. Moritz in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Along the way, you’ll pass over towering viaducts, roll past sparkling glaciers, and cut through valleys with views that keep getting better around every bend. It’s a UNESCO-listed route for good reason and the perfect option if you want a day packed with big scenery and a complete change of atmosphere from the lake.

10- Marvel at the castles of Bellinzona

If castles are on your list, hop across the border into Switzerland and spend the day in Bellinzona. This small city is home to three stunning fortresses, all part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, and makes a great change of pace from the lake. Just a short train ride from Como, it’s perfect for history fans, photographers, or anyone who loves dramatic mountain views paired with medieval walls.

For more inspiration, check out my guide to the best things to do in Bellinzona Switzerland, you’ll see why this spot deserves a place on your Lake Como itinerary.

11- Cross over to Bergamo

Less than two hours from Lake Como, visit Bergamo Italy and discover a city that feels both historic and lively. Wander through the Upper Town (Città Alta), where cobblestone alleys open onto sweeping views of the surrounding valleys, and grab a plate of casoncelli pasta at a trattoria that’s been serving locals for generations. Beyond the architecture and food, the area is also home to some fantastic Bergamo wineries, making it a perfect spot to combine culture with a glass of local wine.

12- Taste the sparkling wines of Franciacorta

If wine is your passion, head to Franciacorta, just 90 minutes from Lake Como. This region is home to Italy’s finest sparkling wines, often called the country’s answer to Champagne. Spend the day hopping between elegant vineyard estates, tasting world-class bubbles, and learning the craft straight from the producers. Many wineries pair their tastings with Michelin-starred dining, so you can turn your visit into a full-on culinary escape.

13- Take a boat ride to Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore

From the western shores of Lake Como, it’s easy to plan a day trip and visit Lake Maggiore Italy, another dazzling gem of the northern lakes. The star attraction is Isola Bella, a tiny island bursting with tiered gardens, fountains, and a stunning villa that feels straight out of an Italian dream. Hop on a boat from Stresa, wander through lush terraces, and enjoy a glass of wine by the water, it’s a sophisticated lakeside escape that adds the perfect contrast and one of the best day trips from Lake Como.

14- Relax in the thermal baths at San Pellegrino

Need a wellness break? Head to QC Terme in San Pellegrino, tucked away in the Pre-Alps just a short ride from Lake Como. Imagine soaking in thermal pools with mountain views, wandering through elegant halls of a restored Art Nouveau spa, and recharging in saunas or salt rooms. It’s pure bliss and one of the most relaxing day trips from Lake Como. Perfect for couples craving romance or solo travelers who just want a few quiet hours, this spa escape will leave you recharged and ready for more lakeside adventures.

Good to know before day trips from Lake Como