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Lake Como, From Someone Who Actually Lives Here

Real advice from a local since 2018 — where to stay, how to skip the crowds, and what’s actually worth your time.

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Welcome to my Lake Como travel blog, real, first-hand advice from someone who actually lives here. I moved to Lake Como from Denmark in 2018, and since then I’ve turned this site into the Lake Como travel guide I wish I’d had before I arrived: which towns are worth basing yourself in, how to get around without a car, and which “must-see” spots are genuinely worth your time versus which ones are just Instagram bait.

Whether you’re planning a quick day trip from Milan or a full week exploring every town on the lake, you’ll find practical, tested advice here rather than recycled listicles. I cover the details that actually matter once you’re on the ground: current train times and prices, real parking rules, and honest town-by-town breakdowns of Como, Bellagio, Brunate, Cernobbio, Varenna, and Tremezzo.

Start with “What Everyone Reads First” below for my most-used guides, or jump straight to planning your stay.

What Everyone Reads First

These are the guides my readers actually use the most, start here if you’re not sure where to begin.

Ticket office for the Como–Brunate Funicular 2025

Como–Brunate Funicular

The 7-minute ride with the best view on the lake.

Autosilo Valduce parking garage entrance in Como

Parking in Como

Where to actually park without getting fined.

Yellow lines means no parking for tourists

How to Find a Taxi in Como

What to do the moment you step off the train.

Varenna harbor and waterfront on Lake Como

Milan to Lake Como Day Trip

See three towns in a single day, no car needed.

Start Planning

Exterior of the Grand Hotel Menaggio on the Lake Como waterfront

Where to Stay

Every town, every budget.

Classic mahogany speedboat docked at the Como city harbor

Best Boat Tours

See the lake the way it’s meant to be seen.

Piazza della Chiesa square in the old town of Bellagio

Explore the Towns

Six full guides, one page.

Sign at the Menaggio ferry dock stating boat tickets can only be purchased on the day of travel

Practical Tips

Parking, taxis, tickets, the boring stuff, sorted.

Latest Guides

Blooming flowers in the garden at Villa Carlotta on Lake Como in spring
What to See in Tremezzo
View of Varenna's waterfront while arriving by Lake Como ferry
What to See in Varenna
Bellagio's waterfront as seen arriving by ferry on Lake Como
Milan Day Trip Guide
Best months to visit Lake Como in 2026 scenery
Best Months to Visit
Detailed close-up shot of a massive cluster of wisteria blossoms in full purple bloom in Como.
Spring in Lake Como

About Me

I’m Morten, born and raised in Denmark, living on Lake Como since 2018. I share what I’ve actually learned here: where locals eat, and which “must-see” spots are actually worth it. Thanks for stopping by, I hope this helps make your trip a little easier.