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Overview
Como is a mid-sized city at the southwestern tip of Lake Como in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. It sits almost directly on the border with the Swiss canton of Ticino, making it one of the few Italian cities where you can walk from a medieval cathedral into Switzerland within half an hour.
The city has been inhabited since Roman times — Julius Caesar granted it municipal status — and that long history is visible in its layered architecture: Roman walls, a Romanesque-Gothic cathedral, 19th-century lakefront promenades, and rationalist buildings from the Mussolini era. Alessandro Volta, inventor of the electric battery, was born here, and the city honours him with a prominent lakefront monument and a dedicated museum.
Beyond the city limits, Lake Como stretches roughly 50 km northward toward the Alps. The lake's villages — Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzo, Cernobbio — draw visitors for their gardens, historic villas, and ferry connections. Como itself is the practical hub: it has the main rail links to Milan and the border crossing to Lugano, Switzerland.
The city also retains a working economy based on high-end silk and textile production, a craft with roots going back centuries. Several silk houses still operate in and around Como, and fabric from local mills ends up in collections for major fashion brands.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Como is in Italy, a Schengen Area member. Switzerland is not in the EU but has its own agreement with the Schengen zone; crossing from Como into Canton Ticino is generally passport-free for most travellers, though border controls can be reinstated at any time. Entry rules vary significantly by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official websites of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration before travelling.
Health and Insurance
EU/EEA citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for Italy. All other travellers are strongly advised to arrange comprehensive travel and health insurance before departure. Verify your coverage extends to Switzerland as well as Italy, since they operate separate healthcare systems.
Money
Como uses the Euro; the moment you step into Chiasso or Lugano you'll need Swiss Francs. Some Swiss border businesses accept Euros but typically at an unfavourable rate. ATMs are widely available on both sides of the border. Notify your bank before travelling if you plan to use cards internationally.
Connectivity
EU roaming rules apply in Italy for European SIM holders, but Switzerland is not in the EU, so roaming charges may apply there. Check with your provider. Free Wi-Fi is available at many cafés, hotels, and at Como's train stations.
Getting There
By Train
Como has two main railway stations. Como San Giovanni is on the main Milan–Lugano line and is served by Trenitalia and some regional trains; it is the faster connection to Milan Centrale (roughly 40–50 minutes, verify current schedules). Como Lago station (also called Como Nord Lago) is the terminus of the Ferrovie Nord suburban line from Milan Cadorna and sits right on the lakefront piazza — it is generally more convenient for arriving with luggage and heading directly to the lake.
By Car
Como is accessible via the A9 motorway from Milan (roughly 50 km south) and continues north across the border into Switzerland. Parking in the historic centre is limited and can be expensive; park-and-ride options exist on the city outskirts. Verify current ZTL (restricted traffic zone) rules before driving into the centre.
By Air
The closest airports are Milan Malpensa (roughly 50–60 km by road), Milan Linate, and Bergamo Orio al Serio. Lugano Airport in Switzerland is smaller and handles limited routes. Check current shuttle and bus connections from each airport, as services and operators change; verify locally or on official airport websites.
By Boat
Ferry services operated by Navigazione Laghi connect Como to lake villages including Bellagio, Varenna, and Tremezzo. Check the official Navigazione Laghi website for timetables and fares, as these are seasonal and subject to change.
Getting Around
The historic centre of Como is compact and walkable. Most key sights — the Cathedral, Piazza Cavour, the Volta Temple, and the lakefront — are within comfortable walking distance of either railway station.
Local buses (ASF Autolinee) connect the city to nearby towns along the lake's western shore. For the eastern shore, ferry connections are more practical than road travel due to the narrow, winding roads. Ferry and hydrofoil services are the traditional way to move between villages; a day pass can be economical if you plan multiple stops — verify current pricing on the Navigazione Laghi site.
Taxis are available at the train stations and can be booked by phone; rideshare apps have limited penetration compared to major Italian cities, so don't rely on them exclusively. Bicycles and e-bikes can be rented from several local outfits — ask at your accommodation for current recommendations, as operators change.
For crossing into Switzerland, the most straightforward route is by train from Como San Giovanni to Lugano (approximately 30–40 minutes, verify schedules). Buses also run to Chiasso, the border town.
Things to See & Do
Cathedral of Como (Duomo)
The Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta took several centuries to complete, resulting in a blend of late Gothic and Renaissance styles. Its carved portal and interior tapestries are noteworthy. Verify current visiting hours and any entry requirements before going.
Volta Temple and Museum
The neoclassical Tempio Voltiano on the lakefront houses instruments and documents related to Alessandro Volta's life and work. It is one of the more unusual small science museums in northern Italy. Confirm opening hours locally or via the City of Como website.
Villa Olmo
A late-18th-century neoclassical villa set in lakefront gardens, Villa Olmo hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events. The gardens are among the more accessible along the western shore. Check the current exhibition programme before visiting.
Funicolare Como–Brunate
A short funicular ride climbs from the city to the hillside village of Brunate, offering panoramic views of the lake and the Alps. The journey takes a few minutes and operates regularly throughout the day; verify current timetables and fares on the official funicular operator's site. From Brunate, walking trails extend further into the hills.
Day Trip to Lake Villages
- Bellagio: Often called the most picturesque of the lake villages, positioned at the point where the lake forks. Steep lanes, gardens, and ferry connections.
- Varenna: A quieter village on the eastern shore, accessible by ferry from Bellagio or by train from Milan (Varenna-Esino station). Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi have notable gardens — verify opening seasons.
- Tremezzo: Home to Villa Carlotta, a historic villa with extensive gardens known for camellias and azaleas in spring. Confirm seasonal opening dates.
Silk Heritage
The Museo della Seta (Silk Museum) in Como documents the city's textile manufacturing history with original machinery. Confirm current hours before visiting. Several silk showrooms around the city also sell fabric directly to the public.
Food & Drink
Como's cuisine sits within the broader Lombard tradition, with influences from the lake and the Alpine foothills. Fish from Lake Como — including missoltini (dried agone fish), lavarello, and perch — appear on menus throughout the city and lake villages. Risotto dishes are common, often prepared with lake fish or local herbs.
Polenta appears frequently, particularly in cooler months, served soft alongside braised meats or dried fish. The city also has a strong café culture; a morning stop for espresso and a cornetto at a bar near the lakefront or the train stations is a straightforward way to start the day.
For wine, the region produces limited quantities of local DOC wines, but menus typically feature wines from across Lombardy and neighbouring regions including Piedmont and Trentino. Franciacorta sparkling wine from the Brescia area is popular locally.
The lakefront and the streets around Piazza Cavour have the highest concentration of restaurants and bars, ranging from casual pizzerias to more formal establishments. Prices in tourist-facing restaurants near the water tend to be higher than those in streets slightly further back. It is always worth checking whether a cover charge (coperto) and service are included in listed menu prices.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
In Italy, the general emergency number is 112 (works across the EU). For police: 113. For ambulance: 118. For fire: 115. In Switzerland, the general emergency number is also 112, with 117 for police, 144 for ambulance, and 118 for fire.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmacie) in Italy display a green cross sign. A rota system ensures at least one pharmacy in the city is open outside normal hours; a notice posted in any pharmacy window should list the current duty pharmacy.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory in Italy. Rounding up a bill or leaving small change is common in bars; in restaurants, 10% is appreciated but not expected. Check whether a service charge has already been added.
Public Toilets
Public toilets are limited in the historic centre. Cafés will generally allow customers to use facilities; it is customary to make a purchase.
Accessibility
The lakefront promenade and main piazzas are largely flat and accessible. However, much of the historic centre involves uneven cobblestones and stairs, as do the lake villages. The funicular to Brunate can be a more accessible alternative to hillside walks. Check with individual attractions for specific accessibility information.
Safety
Como is generally considered safe for travellers. The most common issues reported by visitors are petty theft — pickpocketing in crowded ferry terminals, on buses, and around the main train stations — consistent with most tourist-heavy cities in northern Italy.
The lake itself requires some caution. Swimming is popular but lake water temperatures remain cold even in summer, currents exist in certain areas, and boat traffic on the lake can be significant. Designated swimming areas are marked where they exist; observe local signage.
When hiking in the hills above Brunate or elsewhere in the pre-Alpine terrain, carry water, wear appropriate footwear, and check weather forecasts. Afternoon thunderstorms are not uncommon in summer. Trails can be steep and poorly marked in places.
The border crossing area around Chiasso is a normal international crossing with standard Swiss customs controls; be aware of what you are carrying, particularly regarding currency declaration requirements and duty-free allowances, which differ between Italy (EU) and Switzerland (non-EU). Verify current Swiss customs regulations on the official Swiss Federal Customs Administration website.
