The city of Como is one of the main gateways to Lake Como and is often the first place visitors discover when arriving from Milan. With its elegant historic center, scenic lakeside promenade, and mountains surrounding the city, Como is the perfect destination for a day of exploration.
Here are some of the best things to see in Como’s city center.
Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como)
The main symbol of the city is the Duomo di Como, one of the most impressive cathedrals in northern Italy.
Built between the 14th and 18th centuries, the cathedral combines Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles and is famous for:
- its richly decorated façade
- stunning stained-glass windows
- beautiful interior artworks
Located right next to the lake, it is one of the most photographed landmarks in the city.
The Como Lakeside Promenade
A walk along the Lungolago (lakeside promenade) is one of the most pleasant experiences in the city. From here visitors can admire:
- elegant historic hotels
- gardens and squares overlooking the lake
- cafés and restaurants with lake views
The lakeside area is also the departure point for many Lake Como boat tours.
The Como–Brunate Funicular
One of the most popular attractions in the city is the Funicolare Como-Brunate.
In just a few minutes, the funicular takes visitors up to the village of Brunate, located on the mountain above Como.
From there you can enjoy:
- breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Como
- views of the Alps on clear days
- beautiful scenic walking paths
For this reason, Brunate is often called “the balcony of the Alps.”
The Streets of the Historic Center
Como’s historic center is full of elegant narrow streets featuring:
- Italian boutiques
- traditional restaurants
- artisan gelato shops
- silk stores (Como is famous worldwide for its silk production)
Walking through these charming streets is one of the best ways to experience the authentic atmosphere of the city.
Exploring Lake Como by Boat
After visiting the historic center, many travelers choose to explore the lake with a boat tour.
Departing directly from Como, visitors can discover:
- historic lakeside villas
- spectacular landscapes
- charming villages accessible mainly by water
BellaVitaComo organizes private boat tours and curated experiences designed to show the most beautiful perspectives of Lake Como.
