How To Go On The Best Lake Como Day Trip from Milan!

Are you a traveler exploring Italy and looking to undertake a Lake Como day trip from Milan? Well, you’re in the right place! In this blog post, I’ll share my insights on how to make the most of your day trip, including tips on getting there from Milan and optimizing your time in each charming village.

As someone who has ventured on this very journey, I understand the anticipation and excitement of exploring the picturesque Lake Como villages of Bellagio and Varenna in just one day. Say goodbye to the stress of planning and hello to a dreamy adventure that will transport you to a magical trance-like experience. This is how to visit Lake Como from Milan!

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Getting To Lake Como From Milan

First, you will start the day off by arriving at Milano Centrale train station. You will need a train ticket that takes you from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino. When you buy round-trip tickets in advance as they’ll likely fill up fast when everyone else is making their way back to Milan for the day. You can buy your tickets here ahead of time!

Try to plan to get to the train station early or later in the day as seats will fill up fast and you might be standing for an hour there and an hour back. I recommend spending the 1st part of the day in Bellagio and the 2nd part in Varenna for this trip. This way you can beat the crowds in Bellagio and spend time on the main street with fewer people.

If you want to skip the hassle, because let’s face it no one wants to stand up on a train for 2 hours. I highly recommend booking this private driver instead. You get to visit both Bellagio, Varenna and even Como and learn some local knowledge on the way.

Also see: An Affordable 3 Days In Milan Budget Breakdown

Ferry To Bellagio

A silver car parked on the side of the road.

A view of a lake with mountains in the background.

Once you have arrived in Varenna, get off the train and follow the signs that say Ferry Boat with arrows. If you have come during a busy time of year you can also just follow the crowd. The boat ride is less than 25 minutes going to Bellagio from Varenna and provides incredible views of Lake Como.

Tickets cost around €12 EU round trip per person. I have heard that if you take the faster ferry you are more prone to seasickness and that the boats are covered so you do not get a view of the lake. Let me know if you have found this to be true.

Also see: The Ultimate 3 Days In Milan And Lake Como Itinerary

Bellagio Promenade

A woman in a blue dress walking down a cobblestone street.

A woman is posing next to a body of water.

Once you have arrived in Bellagio make your way to the main and very famous street of Salita Serbelloni. You can get gelato, and look around the cute Italian shops to buy souvenirs or maybe do personal shopping. Once you reach the top take a moment and look back.

The reason this street is famous is because from here you can see the village lined with cobblestone steps, a mountain peak, and the blue lake between them. Now that’s a backdrop am I right! If you continue to walk to the left after the stairs there is another street that takes you back to the promenade. The promenade is a street in Bellagio that lines the lake and takes you directly to our next location.

Also see: Milan Bucket List: 25+ Ultimate Things To Do

Bellagio Garden

A woman sits on the ground next to a pond.

A house on a hill overlooking lake como.

The Bellagio Gardens called Giardini di Villa Melzi, is a fairytale place like no other. As you walk around the gardens I guarantee you will feel like a noble king or queen taking an evening leisurely stroll through your estate. There are so many nooks and places to sit and just enjoy your time here. The views are mesmerizing and the air is so fresh. The entry fee is €10 EU per adult.

These gardens were once the preferred retreat for the Italian statesman and politician Francesco Melzi d’Eril. He was not only a close confidant of Napoleon Bonaparte but also served as the Vice President of the Italian Republic under Napoleon’s rule. You can spend around 1 to 1.5 hours here then I would suggest making your way back to the ferry.

Also see: Visiting Duomo di Milano? Here’s What You Need To Know!

Varenna Promenade

A woman sitting on a wall near the water.

After spending another 25 minutes enjoying more of the views on the way back to Varenna you can get off and find a place to have lunch or pack a picnic and sit by the lake. After lunch walk off your food with another stroll around the promenade but now in Varenna.

Here the view is different as you see the colorful village buildings lined up on the lake shore. They have more boutiques and gelato shops here plus a gravel beach where you can swim or just dip your toes in the water. They also had this red heart-shaped statue made of metal that made for a romantic photo backdrop.

Also see: These Are The Best Places To Shop In Milan For Fashionistas!

Varenna Garden

A serene Lake Como garden with manicured bushes and statues, viewed from a path leading down to the water, flanked by classical sculptures and lush trees.

A scenic Lake Como garden featuring twisted column railings, vibrant flowers, and a palm tree, with misty mountains in the background.

Next make your way to the iconic Villa Monastero, a picturesque villa that boasts stunning botanical gardens overlooking Lake Como. You can wander through the lush greenery, and take in the vibrant colors and fragrant scents of the various plant species. The entry fee for the house and garden is €14 EU.

Villa Monastero has been featured in several films and television shows like Casino Royale and Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. This adds to its charm as a must-visit destination for nature and history enthusiasts. Once you are ready to head home, make your way back to the train station and try to snag you and your group a seat as again they fill up fast.

Restroom Tip: use the restroom at places like the gardens, restaurants, or gelato shops while you’re there because the ones at the train station are mostly broken, dirty, and have no toilet paper.

Also see: Visiting Leonardo3 Museum: The World of Leonardo da Vinci!

Where To Stay In Milan!

Best Modern Hostel: Located in Milan’s lively center, this hostel offers affordable, stylish accommodation. With stylish rooms, free WiFi, communal lounges, and 24/7 front desk service, it’s a cost-effective option for experiencing Milan’s vibrant culture and nightlife.

Best Hotel with View: Located next to Milan’s Duomo, this hotel offers Milanese sophistication with its designer rooms, exclusive experiences, gourmet dining, and top-notch wellness facilities. It provides a luxurious and intimate stay for travelers seeking an unforgettable Milan adventure.

Best Family Vacation Home: Experience luxury in Milan’s center near the iconic Duomo. These exquisite apartments offer privacy with high-end hotel services, perfect for families or groups. Ideal for indulging in Milan’s fashion, art, and cuisine with the comfort of home in a prime location.

Also see: These Are The Best Places To Stay In Milan Italy!

Final Thoughts- Lake Como Day Trip From Milan

If you are planning a Lake Como day trip from Milan, don’t miss the chance to explore Bellagio and Varenna. I can attest that this day trip was not only enjoyable but also incredibly memorable. Make the most of your visit by immersing yourself in the charm and beauty of these stunning lakeside towns. What spots are you ready to see the most? Let me know in the comments below.

Happy exploring!

What Are My Recommended Resources For Planning A Trip?

When planning my trip, I use my trusted trio of CheapOair, Viator, and Booking.com to provide a comprehensive solution for everything I need.

CheapOair is a go-to resource for affordable flight tickets. With its extensive network of over 600 airlines, it offers a wide array of choices, enabling you to easily compare prices and select the best deal that suits your budget and travel schedule.

Viator on the other hand, is an excellent platform for booking tours and activities. It provides access to thousands of sightseeing tours, attractions, and events in over 1,500 locations worldwide. It ensures you don’t miss out on the unique experiences each destination has to offer.

Booking.com is your reliable partner for accommodations. With over 28 million listings including hotels, apartments, and hostels, you can find the perfect place to stay that fits your budget and preference.

Together, these platforms make trip planning convenient, cost-effective, and fun. They ensure you have everything you need, from flights and accommodations to activities – at your fingertips.

Check Out My Resources Page For All My Recommended Travel Tools!

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