Without a doubt, Como is one of the most fascinating destinations in the world today. Located along the border between Italy and Switzerland, the city is surrounded by beautiful green hills and a lake on its southwest end. This makes for a fairy-tale scenery which will mesmerize you as soon as you get here. Indeed, just because of that, one day in Como will be a day well spent, but the place also has plenty of sights to offer. If you’re in the region, do not miss out on this Italian jewel.
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What’s the best time to visit Como?
The areas adjacent to Lake Como benefit immensely from the large mass of water, so Como’s weather is quite pleasant most of the time. It is usually characterized by the Mediterranean conditions that foster the growth of sub-tropical plants from the beginning to the end of the year.
The best time to visit Como or any of its surrounding areas is between April and October. During this time, the weather is usually mild and warm. Since the area has a subcontinental climate, humidity is usually high throughout the year.
- Como in Spring – During springtime, flowers start blossoming and temperatures continue to rise. Rain is common during this time of the year. The month of May is the wettest, so if you don’t like rain or chilly weather, it would be best to visit Como later in the year. If you hate crowded places, however, spring is probably a great time for you to visit. Don’t forget to pack your umbrella!
- Como in Summer – Summer is the best season for tourists to visit Como and its surrounding areas. The calm weather starts from June to August, and you don’t have to worry about temperature peaks because the lake makes sure things are nice and cool. And even if the heat becomes unbearable, you can refresh yourself with a swim in the lake. Keep in mind, though, that summer showers are quite common.
- Como in Autumn – Como is greatly appealing in autumn, too. You’ll see the highest mountain peaks around it capped with snow and the leaves turning brown or red. The Autumn season starts from September to November. During this time, you should expect a drop in temperature down to 41 degrees Fahrenheit, so remember to pack some warm clothes.
- Como in Winter – During the winter season, temperatures and daylight hours drop drastically. With the maximum temperature of 42 degrees Fahrenheit things can get quite cold, although snowfall mainly affects highly elevated places. Winter is one of the best times to visit Como if you have a tight budget or if you like skiing!
A Few Facts About Como
Did you know that numerous famous people have built their homes on the shores of Como? People like John Kerry, Sylvester Stallone, Madonna, Richard Branson and George Clooney, just to name a few. Also, movies such as Star Wars and Ocean’s Twelve have also been filmed here.
Como attracts lots of tourists, writers and artists from all over the world. This destination has tons of amazing things to see and admire including wildlife and spas. Honestly, it will be quite difficult to squeeze all of its amazing features in a day. However, with some planning and organization, you can make your one day in Como really stand out.
One Day in Como – Top Things to do in Como, Italy
Start at the town center – see the medieval walls
One of the best places to start your Como visit is Piazza Vittoria. You’ll get the chance to see the monument of Giuseppe Garibaldi, a famous Italian general who saved the city from the Austrians back in the 18th century.
Along the medieval walls, you’ll see the outdoor market where you can buy handicrafts and vintage clothing. The outdoor market is usually open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 am to 1 pm. On Saturdays, the closing hour is 7 pm.
Visit San Fedele and the Como cathedral
Upon entering the town, you’ll be amazed by the number of shops and cafeterias. They will undoubtedly make your visit unforgettable. If you are into fashion, you’ll be pleased to know that the city has several budget-friendly clothing stores.
You will find yourself immersed in the little streets of Piazza San Fedele. You can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while conversing with the locals. Now, Piazza San Fedele was at one time a wheat market. It is one of the best spots in Como. It has a stunning Romanesque church which was built back in 1120. Passing through the square on Saturdays will allow you to buy beautiful handcrafted items.
You should then continue walking towards Piazza del Duomo, where the cathedral is located. Visiting the Como Cathedral is one of the best things to do during your visit to Como because the church is characterized by several different styles including Gothic and Romanesque.
Between the cathedral and the bell tower, you’ll get to see Brolleto, one of the oldest town halls in the city. This ancient building was once a public assembly. Today, it is a reference point for any tourist.
Chill at the Lakefront
Head towards Lake Como which is a couple of minutes away from Piazza Duomo and you’ll find Piazza Cavour.
If you would like to take a boat tour, you should go to the pier on this Piazza, which is five minutes away from the station of Como Nod Lago. You will get the chance to take a boat and see some of the best places in Como such as Menaggio, Bellagio and Tremezzina among others.
Check out Life Electric
From Piazza Cavour, Life Electric is located on the left side. This is a new monument created by Daniel Libeskind. This stunning work is located towards the bottom of an artificial dam named Diga Foranea. It is home to a voltaic pile created by Alessandro Volta.
Enter the Volta Museum and memorial
During your visit to Como, you should not miss the works of the great scientist Volta. The Volta Museum has some of the best collections of his works including the first electrical battery. Since you’ve been walking for a while now, you should take some time to relax in the garden between the Memorial and the Volta Museum.
Marvel at Villa Olmo
If you are not in a rush, you can progress with your tour towards Villa Olmo, a neoclassical building dating back to the 1800s. Villa Olmo is one of the best spots around for hosting events, conferences, and exhibitions.
Where to Stay in Como?
La Perla by Sedar
Viale Fratelli Rosselli 1, 22100 Como
La Perla by Sedar is located a few steps away from Lake Como. The accommodation comes with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The popular San Giovanni train station is a seven-minute walk from the hotel.
La Casa di Chicca
Via indipendenza, 38, 22100 Como
This hostel is located in the central city area to make it easier for visitors to access it. The distance between Brolleto and La Casa di Chicca is very short. Once you book, you’ll get to enjoy free Wi-Fi, household amenities, private parking and air conditioning, among other features. You’ll also get a free continental Italian breakfast.
Day Trips from Como
When was the last time you enjoyed a breathtaking view of any city? Now that you are in Como, you will have the opportunity to see some beautiful landscapes and the entire city from the top. Brunate is a town that overlooks the city of Como from a height of 715 meters. Getting to Brunate is easy – simply get on the cable car which runs from Viale Geno to Como Nord Lago station.
Once you arrive in Brunate, you can walk for about 35 minutes to the Volta Lighthouse. It is an amazing spot that emits green, red and white lights alternately. These are the same colors found on the Italian flag.
Another great idea for a day trip from Como is Milan. This great Italian city and global fashion Mecca is only about 45 minutes away from Como by train, which is super-convenient if you don’t have a car with you. And if you do, great – you’ll be there in a jiffy! So don’t miss the opportunity to see the magnificent Duomo or shop till you drop in Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II. Milan has plenty to offer and you are sure to be amazed by this incredible place.
Extra Tips for Visiting Como
It’s important to get to Como early in the morning because the last thing you want is to miss out on captivating sights and stunning landscapes. The earlier you arrive, the greater the number of hours you’ll have to visit most of the amazing locations in the city.
Conclusion
Como is one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. The best thing is, anyone can visit the place and have a great time. It would be great if you extended your stay in Como for a couple of days. However, if you only have one day, these are the best places to visit. Como will always welcome you with open arms!
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Scott Matthews
Scott Matthews is a professional editor and freelance writer for college essay paper. He regularly shares his experiences on lifestyle and travel on Bestdissertation.com and his blog. During his free time, you’ll find him assisting students on custom essay or riding his horse.