What to See in Como: 10 Amazing Things to See in the Old Town (2026 Guide)

When arriving at the lake, many travelers wonder exactly what to see in Como. While the waterfront is beautiful, the true heart of the city lies within the ‘Città Murata’, the historic walled town. Since moving here in 2018, I’ve discovered that the best way to experience the city is by walking its medieval streets. For 2026, I’ve updated this guide to include the best sights, from the towering Duomo to the hidden silk boutiques only locals know about.

The Duomo di Como (Cathedral)

If you only have one hour and are choosing what to see in Como, start here. The cathedral is the undisputed crown jewel of the old town. What makes it unique is the blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles—it took nearly 400 years to finish!

2026 Insider Tip: In 2026, the city has launched a new “Integrated Ticket” that covers the Duomo and the Civic Museums. If you want a deeper experience, look for the special evening guided tours (often on Saturdays) which allow you to see the tapestries and altars in a much more intimate, quiet atmosphere.

Piazza Volta

Named after Alessandro Volta (the inventor of the battery, born right here in Como), this piazza is the city’s “living room.” It’s lined with cafes and is the best place to feel the local energy.

This is one of my favorite spots for an Aperitivo (though it is not the cheapest area). While many tourists head straight to the lakefront, the locals gather here around 6:00 PM. If you’re looking for amazing drinks at a reasonable price, check out my Bar Touring Guide located at Piazza Cavour, just a few hundred meters away.

The Medieval Walls & Porta Torre

Como is one of the few cities in Northern Italy that still has its defensive walls largely intact. The massive 40-meter-high Porta Torre was the main entrance to the city in the 12th century.

• What to See: Walk along the outside of the walls on Viale Varese. During the upcoming Easter weekend (April 2–6, 2026), this entire stretch will be filled with the famous Easter Market stalls!
  It’s also along the old city walls that the weekly market happens every week Tuesday 8:00 – 13:00, Thursday 8:00 – 13:00 and Saturday 8:00 – 17:00

If you are planning to visit the market and are staying outside the city center, remember that finding a spot can be tricky. See my Como Parking Guide for the best places to leave your car.

Piazza San Fedele and Basilica di San Fedele

This was once the main marketplace of the city and is home to the Romanesque Basilica of San Fedele. The square is surrounded by beautiful 16th-century “half-timbered” houses that look like something out of a fairy tale.

2026 Event: On Saturdays, you’ll often find high-quality craft and antique markets here. It’s much smaller and more curated than the big market outside the walls.

The Silk Heritage (Museum & Shops)

Como has been the “Silk Capital of the World” since the 1500s. Even if you don’t visit a factory, you can feel the history in the local boutiques.

Shopping Tip: For an authentic souvenir, look for shops like A. Picci or In Seta in the old town. Look for the “Made in Como” label to ensure you aren’t buying a cheap import!.

Where to Go: If you have time, the Museo della Seta (Silk Museum) on Via Castelnuovo is a hidden gem that shows the machines used to make fabric for brands like Chanel and Versace.

Teatro Sociale

Located right behind the Duomo, this theater is often called the “Little Scala of Milan.” Its neoclassical facade is stunning, but the inside is even better.

2026 Highlight: The 2026 season is fantastic. If you aren’t seeing an opera, check their schedule for “Theatrical” nights—these are special events designed to open the theater to a younger, modern audience with music and performances. Check out Teatro Sociale’s official website for an updated schedule.

The Lakeside Promenade & Villa Olmo

A walk in Como isn’t complete without strolling toward the west. The path takes you past some of the most beautiful neoclassical villas on the lake. (Though right now Villa Olmo is undergoing some renovation, meaning the facade is covered in scaffolding, but the garden is still beautiful)

The Route: Follow the “Lungo Lario” all the way to Villa Olmo. The gardens are free to enter and offer one of the best “big” views of the lake and the mountains behind it.

Life Electric Sculpture

At the end of the pier (Diga Foranea) sits the “Life Electric” monument. It was designed by the famous architect Daniel Libeskind as a tribute to Alessandro Volta.

Photo Op: This is the best place in town for a sunset photo. Walk all the way to the end of the pier; as the sun dips behind the mountains, the steel sculpture reflects the water and the sky perfectly.

Tempio Voltiano (Volta Temple)

This neoclassical temple on the lakefront looks like a Roman monument, but it’s actually a museum dedicated to the science of the battery.

• Why Visit: It’s a quick visit but very cool to see the original instruments Volta used. It’s a great “rainy day” option or a nice break for kids who like science. It’s also located right near the pier where you can catch the boat to other villages like Cernobbio.

The Mercato Annonario (Covered Market)

Vis dette opslag på Instagram

Et opslag delt af Lake Como Travel Tips (@lakecomotraveltips)

If you want to see where the locals actually buy their food, head to Via Sirtori. This historic covered market is where the best chefs in town source their ingredients.

• 2026 Foodie Tip: Go on a Saturday morning. You’ll find stalls selling local Zincarlin cheese from the nearby valleys and fresh lake fish caught that morning. It’s the most authentic “taste” of Como you can get.

A Local’s Guide: What to See in Como on a Self-Guided Como Old Town Walking Tour

If you only have one day in Como Old Town, but want to see all 10 highlights, follow this logical loop. This route covers approximately 2.5 km (1.5 miles) and takes about 90 minutes of walking time (plus however long you stop for photos and espresso!).

Stage 1: The Science & The Lake (The “Modern” Side)

1. Start at the Tempio Voltiano: This neoclassical “temple” on the waterfront is the perfect starting point. If you arrive by car and it’s not a match day, you might be able to find parking close to Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.
2. Walk the Diga Foranea to Life Electric: From the temple, walk directly onto the long pier. At the end, you’ll find the Life Electric sculpture. This is a 10-minute detour but offers the best panoramic view of the city.
3. Lakeside Stroll to Villa Olmo: Walk back to the shore and turn right (heading West). Follow the promenade past the seaplane hangar to Villa Olmo.
   • 2026 Note: Even with the current scaffolding on the facade, the walk through the lakeside gardens is still the most scenic in the city.

Stage 2: Entering the Walled City (The “Historic” Side)

4. Piazza Volta: From the lakefront, head back toward the center into Piazza Volta. This is your first chance for a coffee break in the “city’s living room.”
5. The Duomo & Broletto: Just a 3-minute walk from Piazza Volta brings you to the massive Cathedral and the striped marble Broletto (Old Town Hall).
6. Teatro Sociale: Walk directly around the back of the Duomo to see the grand pillars of the theater.

Stage 3: The Medieval Heart

7. Piazza San Fedele: From the theater, weave through the narrow cobblestone alleys to Piazza San Fedele. Look up at the 16th-century houses we discussed earlier!
8. The Silk Shops: Use the small streets like Via Vittorio Emanuele II to find the local silk boutiques on your way toward the city walls.
9. Porta Torre & The Walls: Follow the street all the way south to reach the massive Porta Torre gate.
   • Pro Tip: If it’s Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday morning, the market will be right here outside the walls!

Stage 4: The Local Finish

Mercato Annonario (Covered Market): From the gate, it’s a quick 5-minute walk to Via Sirtori to finish your tour at the food market. This is the perfect place to grab some local cheese or bread before heading back.

Getting Back: If you’ve finished your walk at the Covered Market and your legs are tired, the easiest way back to the waterfront or your hotel is by taxi. Check out my Guide to Finding a Taxi in Como to see how to easily get a hold of a taxi.

The “San Giovanni” Como Old Town Walking Tour Route (Train Arrival)

Best For: Travelers arriving from Milan or Switzerland, getting off the train at San Giovanni train station.

1. Start: San Giovanni Station to the Lake (10 min walk) Exit the station and walk straight down the grand staircase (or the ramp) toward the lake. Follow the signs for “Lungo Lario” or “Centro.” This will bring you directly to the Tempio Voltiano (Point #9) on the waterfront.
2. The Lakeside Detour (Points #8 & #7) From the Tempio Voltiano, turn left to walk out the pier to the Life Electric Sculpture (#8). Then, walk back and continue along the promenade toward the west to see Villa Olmo (#7).
3. Into the Heart (Points #1 & #2) Walk back toward the center. Instead of staying on the lake, turn into the streets toward Piazza Volta (#2) for a well-deserved coffee. From there, it’s a 3-minute walk to the Duomo (#1) and Teatro Sociale (#6).
4. The Medieval Finish (Points #4, #5, #3 & #10) Head south into the narrow streets to find Piazza San Fedele (#4) and the Silk Shops (#5). Continue south until you hit the Porta Torre & Medieval Walls (#3). Finish your tour at the Mercato Annonario (#10) for some local snacks.

Pro-Tip for the Return Trip

If you finish at the Mercato Annonario (#10) or the Medieval Walls (#3), you are actually much closer to the station than you think!

• Walking back: It’s a flat 12-minute walk back to the station from the walls.

Making the Most of Your Time in Como

I hope this guide helped you decide what to see in Como during your 2026 trip.

Whether you have just a few hours or a full weekend, the old town of Como is the perfect introduction to Lake Como. From the towering spires of the Duomo to the quiet, medieval charm of Piazza San Fedele, every corner of this “walled city” tells a story that dates back centuries.

Planning Your 2026 Trip?

Once you’ve mapped out what to see in Como, the next step is finding the perfect hotel. Deciding where to base yourself is the most important part of your itinerary. Should you stay in the vibrant center of Como, the romantic alleys of Varenna, or a quiet villa in Bellagio?

Check out my updated Where to Stay at Lake Como Guide to find the perfect town and hotel for your budget and travel style.

Where to Go Next?

If you have more time in your 2026 itinerary, here are a few more iconic experiences just a stone’s throw from the city center:

• Rise Above the Clouds: For the best panoramic views, take the Como-Brunate Funicular. Once at the top, explore the hilltop village with my What to See in Brunate Guide.
• Stroll to Cernobbio: The path past Villa Olmo continues to one of the lake’s most elegant towns. See my guide on What to See in Cernobbio for the best villa views.
• Como 1907 Football: Catching a match at the lakeside stadium is a 2026 must-do. Tickets sell out fast, so check my Como 1907 Tickets Guide to secure your seat.