Two days in Lake Como might seem short, but I discovered it’s enough to fall in love with this Italian gem.
As I stepped off the train in Como from Milan, it was an immediate feeling of calm. The shimmering lake and surrounding mountains instantly relaxed me.
From charming villages like Bellagio and Varenna to grand villas and scenic ferry rides, I packed my 2 day Lake Como itinerary with unforgettable experiences.
I strolled through narrow cobblestone streets and soaked in picture-perfect panoramic views that left me speechless.
While I couldn’t see everything, my brief visit gave me a taste of Lake Como’s charm, leaving me eager to return. I’m excited to share my Lake Como 2 day itinerary and tips to help you make the most of your time in this beautiful destination.
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Where to Stay When You Only Have Two Days in Lake Como
How you spend your time in Lake Como largely depends on where you choose to stay overnight. Your choice of accommodation can significantly impact your itinerary and overall experience.
Let’s explore the two options:
Option 1: Staying in Como City
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| -Easy access to transportation, including trains to Milan and ferries to other lake towns –City atmosphere with numerous restaurants, shops and things to see -Opportunity to explore Como’s historic center, including the impressive Gothic cathedral | –Less time in the picturesque lakeside villages further north (about an hour away) -May feel more urban and less like the quintessential Lake Como experience you’ve envisioned |
Option 2: Staying in a Village North of Como
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| -Immersed in the charming, relaxed atmosphere of Lake Como’s smaller towns –Easier access to the other pretty Lake Como villages –More time to explore multiple lakeside villages without long commutes | -Limited transportation options, especially for late-night returns -Potential to miss exploring Como city as you will inevitably want to spend more time in nearby villages |
I recommend you start first with deciding where you are staying and then flex your itinerary based on where you are staying for the order of when you visit (morning, afternoon, evening) and which day.
Where I Stayed
During my visit to Lake Como, I stayed at Alessia’s Place, a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Como City. One of the best parts is the customer service. The host, Yaiza, was incredibly warm, welcoming and attentive. She provided great tips of how to get to the northern villages, and which restaurants to try in Como.
Distance Guide
| Origin to Destination | Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Como to Bellagio (then add other distance) | Bus: 65 mins or Ferry: 90 mins |
| Bellagio to Varenna Bellagio to Menaggio Bellagio to Como | Ferry: 15 mins Ferry: 15 mins Ferry: 75 mins |
| Varenna to Bellagio Varenna to Menaggio Varenna to Como | Ferry: 15 mins Ferry: 15 mins Ferry: 120 mins |
| Menaggio to Bellagio Menaggio to Varenna Menaggio to Como | Ferry: 15 mins Ferry: 15 mins Ferry: 75 mins |
2 Days in Lake Como
Depending on where you choose to base yourself—whether it’s Como City or one of the northern villages—you can easily adjust this itinerary to fit your plans.
Start your day from your home base and visit the other Lake Como towns, keeping in mind the travelling distances between each destination (refer to the distance chart I’ve provided above) as you explore the towns in a way that suits your pace.
Como City
The town has a lively yet relaxed vibe. Its unique draw lies in its stunning cathedral, Duomo di Como, which features stunning Gothic architecture.
There’s a lot to explore in the old town, browsing local shops, visiting museums, and finding architectural gems along its streets and piazzas. A must-do is the funicular ride to Brunate for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
I loved the less touristy feel in Como. And, since I enjoy smaller cities and great architecture, I really enjoyed visiting Como and think you could easily spend a full day here. However, if you only have two days, I found that a half-day in Como City was just the right amount of time before heading deeper into the lake region.
Bellagio
Bellagio is often considered the “Pearl of Lake Como” and it’s easy to see why. The town oozes charm with its steep, cobbled streets lined with colourful houses and boutique shops.
What makes Bellagio special is its central location on the lake, offering incredible views at every turn. I wandered through the town’s narrow cobblestone streets (called “salite”). Don’t miss Punta Spartivento for stunning views of the lake. Before leaving, I took a quick walk through the beautiful gardens of Villa Melzi.
A couple of hours is enough to see Bellagio, but longer if you want to enjoy a meal here. While you could easily spend more time here, this gives you a good taste of what makes Bellagio so popular.
Varenna
I loved the laid-back and romantic atmosphere of Varenna. This small fishing village is less touristy than Bellagio, which adds to its charm.
What makes Varenna special is its pretty waterfront promenade, known as the “Walk of Lovers,” and its authentic feel.
Visit the beautiful gardens of Villa Monastero, and explore the narrow alleys leading up to the town’s castle. Don’t miss grabbing a gelato and people-watching in the main square of Piazza Sant Giorgio, home to 12th-century St. John the Baptist church.
I spent about 3 hours here, which was enough to stroll along the lakefront and the narrow streets. But plan on staying a little longer if you want to enjoy a meal and, especially if you want to relax by the lake.
Menaggio
Menaggio offers a more relaxed, local experience compared to its more famous neighbours of Bellagio and Varenna.
What I found unique about Menaggio was its beautiful lakeside promenade and the chance to mingle with locals. I spent about an hour here, which was a bit rushed but I got to explore the town center, relax in the main square of Piazza Garibaldi, and a short walk along the lake as I waited for my ferry.
If you’re feeling active, you can rent a bike or play a round of golf at the nearby Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club. In doing so, you will have to adjust your itinerary and potentially eliminate at least one of the other towns.
Final Thoughts
After spending time in Lake Como in 2 days, one thing became clear: this isn’t a place to rush.
The true beauty of the lake lies in its slow pace and laid-back atmosphere. As I explored each town, I realized there are not a lot of top sites or attractions, instead, it’s about being present in the moment—whether it’s enjoying a leisurely meal with a view, taking a quiet stroll along the water, or simply sitting on a bench and watching the world go by.
Each town has its own charm, and the best way to experience them is to embrace the relaxed pace of the lake. So, when you visit, let go of any pressure to see it all. Instead, take your time, soak in the views, and relish every simple, beautiful experience that comes your way.
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