Como is the lake’s largest town and, for most visitors, the gateway — just 30–40 minutes by train from Milan. Behind its walkable historic centre of Roman street grids and the striking marble Duomo lies a lakefront promenade, a historic funicular and centuries of silk-making heritage.
It’s the most “city” of the lake’s destinations, with the most hotels, restaurants and nightlife, and the obvious launch point for cruises up the western shore toward Bellagio and the villas.
Top things to do in Como
Marvel at Como Cathedral
The Duomo blends Gothic and Renaissance styles under a soaring dome — one of the most important churches in Lombardy and free to enter.
Ride the Brunate funicular
A century-old funicular climbs to the hilltop village of Brunate for a bird’s-eye panorama of the town, lake and Alps.
Stroll the lakefront to Villa Olmo
The waterfront promenade leads past gardens to the grand neoclassical Villa Olmo, with public parkland along the way.
Learn Como’s silk story
Como has been Europe’s silk capital for centuries; the Silk Museum and boutiques tell the story of the trade that made the town wealthy.
Take a lake cruise
Boats leave right from the central lakefront — the perfect way to start a day heading up toward the central lake and its villas.
How to get to Como by boat
- By train: Two lines run from Milan — Trenord to Como Nord Lago (right on the lakefront) and Trenitalia to Como San Giovanni — both around 30–40 minutes.
- By boat: Como is the southern terminus of the ferry network; scenic slow boats and faster services head up the lake to Argegno, Lenno, Bellagio and beyond.
- By car: Como sits just off the A9 motorway near the Swiss border, though parking in the centre is limited and pricey.
- If arriving by train, Como Nord Lago puts you steps from the ferry dock and old town.
- Ride the funicular near sunset for the best light over the lake.
- Use Como as your departure point for a boat tour rather than trying to drive the shoreline.
Best boat tours for Como
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to enjoy Como and its surroundings from the water:
Full-day trip from €69 From Milan: Como Private Boat, Bellagio & Lugano Day Trip
The easiest way to experience Lake Como if you are based in Milan. This guided full-day trip handles the logistics: round-trip coach transport, time in Como (with its cathedral), a private boat cruise on the lake, free time in Bellagio, and a bonus stop across the border in Lugano, Switzerland. Bring your passport — you’ll cross an international border during the day.
- Round-trip coach from Milan — no car needed
- Private boat cruise on Lake Como
- Free time in Como and beautiful Bellagio
Wooden boat cruise from €69 Lake Como Classic Wooden Boat Cruise
Pure Lake Como romance aboard a beautifully varnished classic wooden boat. Setting off from Como, you glide past the grand lakeside villas — including Villa d’Este and George Clooney’s Villa Oleandra — and the cinematic Villa del Balbianello, with a knowledgeable skipper along the way. The longer four-hour cruise adds free time in Bellagio and Varenna; the short shared version is a scenic taster.
- Cruise aboard a classic Italian wooden boat
- Glide past Villa d’Este, Villa Oleandra and Villa del Balbianello
- Small group of up to 8 with a local skipper
