Lake Como is an eternal classic: spectacular gardens, historic villas, photogenic villages, and breathtaking views. In this guide, we highlight must-see spots with updated opening hours and official links to plan your visit.
1) Villa del Balbianello (Tremezzina – Lenno)
If you’re wondering what to see on Lake Como, Villa del Balbianello should be at the top of your list: a loggia overlooking the deep blue of the lake, sculpted gardens, and interiors filled with memorabilia that tell the adventurous story of its last owner, Guido Monzino.
Built in the 18th century by Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini, the villa was a gathering place for famous personalities and hosts like Silvio Pellico, Alessandro Manzoni, and Giovanni Berchet. Over time, it has passed through many wealthy families, who modified and filled it with works of art.
The villa offers a dramatic lakeside entrance or a scenic trail from Lenno. The view from the loggia is worth every step. The villa, surrounded by lush gardens, also has a small private dock leading to the upper floors, where you’ll find the French inscription “Fay ce que voudras” (“Do what you want”).
- Why it’s worth visiting: Scenic loggia, cliffside park, famous film sets.
- How to get there: Reachable by foot from Lenno (25-minute uphill walk, about 1 km on gravel) or by private taxiboat (service not always guaranteed).
- Opening hours: Open daily except Mondays and Wednesdays, non-holiday 10:00–18:00. Last park entrance at 17:00, interiors at 16:00. November: 10:00–17:00, December on selected dates.
- Tickets: you can buy it online Here
2) Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo)
Among the historic villas overlooking Lake Como, Villa Carlotta is one of the oldest. Built in 1690 by the Clerici family in Tremezzo, it houses priceless art and furniture.
After several inheritance changes, it passed to Duke George II of Saxe-Meiningen, who named the villa in honor of his wife, Carlotta, who tragically died after just four years of marriage.
The villa is a fine example of neoclassical architecture, with its monumental staircase and significant artworks by Canova, Tiepolo, and Hayez. The stunning garden features over 150 varieties of azaleas, offering a spectacular show in spring.
- Why it’s worth visiting: Artworks by Canova, Tiepolo, Hayez; beautiful gardens and azaleas in bloom.
- How to get there: Free shuttle Menaggio-Argegno | Argegno-Menaggio; daily from June 9th to August 3rd, and on weekends from June 9th to September 11th.
- Opening hours 2025: March 21st to October 19th, 10:00–19:00 (last ticket at 18:00). From October 20th to November 9th, 10:00–18:00 (last ticket at 17:00).
- Tickets and Info: Official page and online ticketing >> Link
3) Villa Monastero (Varenna)
Located in Varenna on the western shore of Lake Como, Villa Monastero gets its name from the female monastery that stood here in the 11th century. The 19th-century villa sits almost at water level, making the lake an integral part of the property and offering unique perspectives.
The villa became public property in 1939 and is now a house museum, with 14 rooms open to the public, including a conference hall where seminars are held. The surrounding botanical garden spans 2 square kilometers and is home to hundreds of rare plant species.
- Why it’s worth visiting: House museum on the lake, botanical garden with rare species.
- How to get there: Reachable by foot from the town or by ferry from Bellagio, Cadenabbia, and Menaggio. It’s one of the stops on the Como-Colico and Lecco-Bellagio ferry routes.
- Opening hours: Check monthly schedules [Link]
- Tickets: Available on CoopCulture website.
4) Villa Olmo (Como)
Villa Olmo is a must-see for anyone visiting Como city: with its stunning neoclassical architecture and scenic park, it’s perfect for a sunset stroll.
Built in the late 18th century for Innocenzo Odescalchi, Villa Olmo has hosted notable figures like Napoleon Bonaparte, Ugo Foscolo, Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria, and Giuseppe Garibaldi.
The park, designed in the English style, is Como’s main public park and features monumental trees like horse chestnuts, cedars of Lebanon, and giant sequoias, along with a classical temple.
- Why it’s worth visiting: Neoclassical lakeside mansion and historical park.
- How to get there: 15-minute walk from Como city center along the Lino Gelpi promenade; 30-minute walk from Cernobbio.
- Opening hours: Villa closed for restoration, park open daily from 7:00 to 23:00 in summer (until September 30th), and 7:00 to 19:00 in winter (from October 1st).
- More Info: Check the Villa Olmo website for updates.
5) Villa Melzi d’Eril (Bellagio)
Located in the heart of Bellagio, the Villa Melzi Gardens are a refined answer to “what to see on Lake Como”: tree-lined paths overlooking the water, neoclassical statues, a chapel, and a small museum within the park.
Considered one of Italy’s finest examples of neoclassical style, the villa was commissioned in the early 1800s by Francesco Melzi d’Eril, Vice President of the Republic. The villa features a white façade, monumental staircase, and panoramic terrace with lion statues offering unique views of the lake.
- Why it’s worth visiting: One of the most scenic gardens on Lake Como; museum and chapel within the park.
- How to get there: Reachable by foot from Bellagio.
- Opening hours: March 22nd to November 2nd, daily from 10:00 to 19:00 (last entry at 18:30).
- Tickets: Available at the garden entrance.
These are just 5 suggestions: the places to visit and the activities you can do on Lake Como are practically infinite, as infinite is its beauty…
Hotel de la Ville: Luxury 4-Star Hotel Near Lake Como
Hotel de la Ville is a 4*L boutique hotel located in a strategic position between Milan and Lake Como: here, you can sleep in the tranquility of nature, yet be in Como in less than an hour by car or train.
We are delighted to assist Hotel de la Ville guests in planning a day trip to Como, with private transfers and tourist assistance.
The hotel offers concierge services, tourism assistance, and private transfers to organize your special day on Lake Como. After your excursion, enjoy the timeless atmosphere of the hotel and the award-winning Derby Grill, one of the most popular of the Brianza.
Our luxurious annex, La Villa, is designed to offer unique moments for those who stay with us. The exclusive crystal veranda, climate-controlled and usable year-round, enhances lunches, dinners, brunches, and aperitifs with a unique view of the Royal Villa of Monza.
- The exclusive glass veranda, perfectly air-conditioned and accessible all year round, enriches lunches, dinners, brunches and aperitifs with a unique view of the Royal Villa of Monza.
- The hotel offers concierge services, tourist assistance and private transfer to organise your special day on Lake Como.
Do not hesitate to contact us for more information: the staff of Hotel de la Ville will be happy to meet all your needs.