Signature walk
The old town, from your door
Nine stops through Roman, medieval and silk-history Como, finishing at the lake.
See the route →Welcome toCasa Bianca— Via Odescalchi 36
A personal guide to the places we love — from morning coffee in the old town to boats, villas and long lunches by the lake.
Photo / David Weber
Start here
Choose the time you have. We’ll bring the best-matching ideas to the top.
Signature walk
Nine stops through Roman, medieval and silk-history Como, finishing at the lake.
See the route →Lake day
Follow the shore past Villa Olmo, stay for lunch and return by boat.
Open route ↗Best view
Ride the funicular up, explore the hillside and walk towards Faro Voltiano.
Directions ↗Classic lake
Bus to Bellagio for the views, then add Varenna by ferry if you have time.
Trip details →Creative Como
Pair the Silk Museum or Pinacoteca with Terragni’s landmark architecture.
Discover →Slow Como
Build an easy day around our favourite local tables and wine bars.
Browse places →Self-guided walk
The street recalls the Odescalchi family, whose best-known member became Pope Innocent XI in 1676.
Built in 1192, the 40-metre tower guarded the main southern entrance to the medieval city.
A lively square outside the medieval walls and home to Como’s open-air market on selected days.
An exceptional Romanesque basilica with twin bell towers and 14th-century apse frescoes.
An atmospheric basilica with an unusual central plan, sculpted details and medieval character.
One of Como’s most intimate squares, framed by medieval houses and ideal for a short pause.
Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements come together in the city’s extraordinary cathedral.
The striped-stone civic palace shows how municipal and religious power met in medieval Como.
Once part of the harbour, this open lakefront square is the natural place to finish the walk.
Good to know: Sant’Abbondio adds approximately 25–35 minutes. Skip stops 3 and 4 for a shorter old-town loop.
Our local list
From the house-corner espresso to a special dinner. Tap a place to find it on the map.
Beyond the postcard
Como rewards a closer look — especially if you are interested in architecture, textiles and gardens.
Start at the Pinacoteca, then connect Casa del Fascio, Novocomum and the lakeside Monumento ai Caduti.
The city’s textile story — from manufacturing heritage to the techniques behind Como’s international silk reputation.
A panoramic walk through Villa Olmo, Villa del Grumello and Villa Sucota: gardens, architecture and contemporary art.
A compact museum dedicated to Como-born Alessandro Volta, set inside a striking neoclassical building by the lake.
Go further
Practical starting points for a beautiful day beyond the old town.
Take the bus from San Giovanni and sit on the driver’s side for the view. Buy the fast return boat ticket on arrival; add Varenna by ferry only if time allows.
Travel by boat for Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello. Visiting both makes this a full day.
Walk the waterfront, explore the centre or stop at Paradiso for the Monte San Salvatore funicular. Bring your passport or identity card.
A quieter alternative for historic villas, landscape design and the UNESCO-listed Sacro Monte.
Medieval streets, Venetian walls, Renaissance squares and excellent art collections in one layered hill town.
Self-drive boats usually start around €70–€100 per hour. Private tours can be tailored around villas, Bellagio or a restaurant stop.
One more idea
Follow the eastern shore to Giulietta al Lago, a seasonal restaurant and beach club at Viale Geno 13.
Questions during your stay?
Write to David & Mona whenever you need a local recommendation or practical help.