Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Como?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Como?
Many travelers spend two to four days in Como during their visit. After all, the scenic lake area has plenty to explore such as the restaurant scene, the gorgeous scenery, and the shops and boutiques.
Lake Como is one of the most famous destinations in the northern part of Italy. It's dramatically located near the Alps and it has many charming villages and a glamourous and upscale atmosphere. Visitors come for the resort-like environment with water sports, boating, and shopping among the favorite activities in the area.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Como? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Como?
Many visitors choose to spend around three days in Como. This would give you the chance to experience the city's most popular activities such as the restaurant scene, the gorgeous scenery, and the shops and boutiques. Also, you'd have some time to relax at the beach, too. Since many visitors prefer to spend around two to four days here, we have a few suggestions of things to do in the scenic lake area.
How to spend 3 days in Como
Shopping in Como is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.
The culinary scene in Como is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this lake area's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Como ($208)
- Domaso: Wine Tasting at the Winery on Como Lake ($64)
- Italian Wine Tasting & Food Como Lake ($76)
Como is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the lake area, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.
Don't miss the lakeside setting during your trip to Como, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
Como is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The charming villages and beautiful lakeside setting make this and idyllic place to visit in Italy.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Como Lake Boat Private Tour from Lecco by Speedboat with Driver ($173)
- Private boat tour Como wood classic boat ($232)
- From 1H to 4H License Free Boat Rental 40cv Lake Como ($174)
The public transit in Como is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the lake area quite easily and affordably. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.
Known for it's hiking, Como sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Hike & Beer: beer tasting & breathtaking views at sunset ($184)
- Nativity Hiking Tour: from Tremezzina to Villa Balbianello ($75)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.
Is 4 days enough time in Como?
Four days provides ample opportunity in Como to enjoy the restaurant scene, the gorgeous scenery, the shops and boutiques, and the hiking. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options. We have some suggestions below for your trip. Families, couples, and backpackers enjoy the area for its activities, too.
Como, Italy
How to spend 4 days in Como
With 4 days in Como, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the lake area has to offer.
The beautiful beaches await you in Como, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- 1H Luxury Cruise Como Lake Tender Yacht Invictus 9 Pax ($104)
- Como Lake Boat Private Tour from Lecco by Speedboat with Driver ($173)
- Private boat tour Como wood classic boat ($232)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Como.
Is 5 days enough time in Como?
With five days you'll have more than enough time to enjoy the beach and take in all that Como has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Como as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the restaurant scene, the gorgeous scenery, and the shops and boutiques at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend 5 days in Como
If you have more than 5 days in Como, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the lake area has to offer.
After you've explored most of Como, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- From Como: Day trip to St. Moritz & Panoramic Bernina Express ($203)
- Lake Como & Bellagio Day Trip with Private Boat Cruise ($117)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Como.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Como, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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