Where to stay in Como: best areas, accommodation and practical tips
Complete guide on where to stay in Como: from the walled city to the first lake basin, liberty-style hotels, B&Bs with views and lakeside villages less touristy than Bellagio.
Foto: Pxhere (CC0) — Wikimedia Commons
Why stay in Como
Como is the gateway to Italy's most scenic lake, but it is also a historic city with a charming medieval centre, Terragni's rationalist architecture and a textile tradition that makes it unique. Compared to Bellagio or Varenna, staying in Como city offers services, connections and more accessible prices, with the lake within walking distance.
Best areas to stay
Walled historic centre
The centre of Como is enclosed within Roman and medieval walls, with the Duomo, the Broletto and Via Vittorio Emanuele as the main axis. B&Bs in historic palazzi, boutique hotels converted from disused silk factories and the convenience of having everything on foot: from the lakefront to restaurants.
- Ideal for: couples, cultural travellers, those arriving by train
- Average price: €90-200 per night
Lakefront and funicular area
From the Volta Temple to the funicular to Brunate, the lakefront is Como's most scenic boulevard. Period liberty hotels with lakeside gardens, mountain views and direct access to the ferries. Elegant area but not cheap.
- Ideal for: honeymoons, luxury travellers, those wanting lake views
- Average price: €150-400 per night
First basin villages (Cernobbio, Blevio, Torno)
5-15 minutes from Como, these lakeside villages offer a more intimate and authentic atmosphere. Cernobbio has historic villas converted into hotels, Torno is a hidden gem with a small harbour and trattorias. Ferry and bus connect to the centre.
- Ideal for: those seeking tranquillity with views, romantic stays
- Average price: €80-180 per night
Lora and Camerlata area (western outskirts)
More residential neighbourhoods with free parking and supermarkets. 3-star hotels and family B&Bs, convenient for those arriving by car from the motorway who want to explore the lake with flexibility.
- Ideal for: families with cars, budget travellers, longer stays
- Average price: €55-110 per night
Types of accommodation
Liberty hotels and historic villas
Como has a hotel tradition dating back to the 19th-century Grand Tour. Liberty villas on the lakefront offer discreet luxury with terraced gardens, pools and private jetties.
B&Bs and guesthouses
In the historic centre and on the hill towards Brunate, intimate B&Bs with panoramic terraces and breakfasts featuring local products. Many are in elevated positions with spectacular views.
Lake-view apartments
The best option for families or stays of 4+ nights. Apartments with lake-facing balconies in the first basin combine independence and panorama.
Hillside farm stays
On the hills between Como and Brianza, restored farmhouses with honey and cheese production. Absolute peace 15 minutes from the city centre.
Tips to save money
- March-May and October-November: beautiful lakes, prices 30-40% lower than summer
- Staying in Como city costs 20-30% less than Bellagio or Varenna
- Navigation boats are economical (€2-5 per trip): no need to stay in every village
- The Como-Brunate funicular (€7 return) offers extraordinary views: choose a B&B in Brunate for panoramas at hillside prices
- Weekends and public holidays fill hotels: midweek is much more affordable
Best area for each traveller type
- **Romantic couples**: lakefront, liberty hotel with garden
- **Families**: Lora/Camerlata, apartment with parking
- **Cultural travellers**: historic centre, walking between Duomo and museums
- **Honeymooners**: Torno or Blevio, secluded village with views
- **Digital nomads**: historic centre, cafes with wifi and creative stimuli
Discover more about Como
Practical info
When's the best time to go to Como?
We recommend April, May, June, September and October, the period with the smallest crowds.
How touristy is Como?
Como is not very crowded compared to the more visited destinations.
What's the location of Como?
Como is found in the area of Lombardy, Italy.
How to get there
- 🚆 Nearest station: Como Nord Borghi ~1 km as the crow flies
- ✈️ Nearest airport: Aeroporto internazionale Milano Malpensa - Silvio Berlusconi MXP ~34 km as the crow flies
Nearest points as the crow flies (source OpenStreetMap): actual times depend on the roads, often mountain ones.
