Situated at the southern tip of the southwest arm of Lake Como, the city is located 40 kilometers (25 mi) north of Milan and borders Switzerland (crossing at Chiasso).
Como is particularly well known as the birthplace of Alessandro Volta (inventor of the battery Volta…Volts) as well as being an important center of the silk industry.
Museums
Tempo Voltiano – on the lakefront near the Stadium and Monument to War Dead – dedicated to Alessandro Volta – all about the invention of the battery.
Archaeological Museum
In the Palazzo Giovio, in the pedestrian area, it displays the history of Como, from Prehistory to the Middle Ages. The Museum itinerary is always up-to-date, showing new archaeological finds in the area. In the Museum you find a Collectibles section with Egyptian, Greek, and Magna Grecia finds, bronze statuettes, and gems.
Porta Di Como Romana
The main town entrance during the Roman Empire
Main access to the town during the Roman Empire, also called “Porta Pretoria”. That was the place to enter Como for people coming from Milan. It was discovered in 1914 and can only be visited upon reservation. C or ask at the Archaeological Museum Ticket Office.
Museum “Giuseppe Garibaldi”
Display of Risorgimental objects collected and placed into the Civic Museum. The current exhibition is organized in two sections: Risorgimento and Contemporary History
Silk Museum
The cultural and entrepreneurial tradition of silk in Como with machine looms, fabrics, and stories had huge impacts on the territory. The museum is over 1000 square meters large and it’s a place for exhibitions and cultural events open to visitors and schools.
The Museum has a store of products reflecting the high-quality silk production in the city of Como.
Sights/Experiences
Como:
Football: Boasting a beautiful view of Lake Como the Stadio Comunale G. Sinigaglia is home to Serie B side Como 1907. Ticket information is on https://comofootball.com but can usually be bought on match day from the ticket office.
Sea Plane: Walk along the lake towards the Tempo Voltiano – pass the monument to the war dead and the Como 1907 FC football stadium and you come to the Como Flying Club. You can hire a seaplane for a trip around the lake.
Villa Olmo: Carry on past the Flying Club and you can walk to Cernobbio ( about 30 mins) and pass through Villa Olmo -0 worth a visit especially if the Lido is open as you can swim (for a price)
Brunate: If the weather is good take the Funicular to Brunate and admire the whole lake view, have a coffee. Id feeling adventurous you can walk up to the Volta Lighthouse for an even better view and a meal at the restaurants. Alternatively for €10 a jeep will take you.
Cernobbio: A pretty little town where. Clooney and Springsteen occasionally hang out at Harry’s Bar. Catch a glimpse of Villa D’Este or Ii open visit Villa Erba which has many events.
Markets
Mercato Mercerie, from viale Battisti to viale VareseBy the old wallsTues and Thurs mornings – sat all day.
Mercato Coperto, via Mentana 5 (Covered Food Market)
Tues 8.00 – 13.00
Thurs 8.00 – 13.00
Fri 8.00 – 19.00 (
Satto 8.00 – 19.00
Tours
Walking tours or something a bit different – try Slow Lake Como https://slowlakecomo.com/
+39 392 027 9675 – Ask for Davide – but in any case, they all speak English
RESTAURANTS/PIZZERIA/COFFEE BARS/SHOPS
Hemingways Bar: Just off Piazza A. Volta and Via Muralta
Nice cocktail bar – decent aperitivo – waiters act a bit superior and address everyone in English…
Muralto – Via Muralto 14, Como Tel: +39031 240351
Small restaurant in the old town, good food and wine selection – can get busy so best to book if possible.
Latteria San Fedele – Via Muralto 14, Como Tel: + 39 334 733 0002
Relaxed and inviting, perfect for a casual dinner. Rustic design with exposed brick walls and wooden tables adding –not cheap but good quality.
L’Essenza: Interno Gran Mercato, Via Sebenico, 22100 Como CO, Italy
Located within Gran Mercato Supermarket – a nice coffee shop with a selection of sweets as well as a good place to eat.
Directions: Turn left out of the courtyard and walk down Via della Concilliazione for about 50 meters. Take your first left and then walk to the right into the Garn Mercato parking. The entrance is around to the left.
Degusteria: Via Vitani, 40/A, 22100 Como CO, Italy Tel: +39 320 018 7781
A nice restaurant in the old town. The food is good – it is best to engage with the staff and explain what you like so they can guide you. The cold meat platter (salamis/hams etc) is excellent though quite large – best to share one between 2 maybe 3.
Osteria del Pettirosso: Piazza Marconi 28, Luisago, Como Tel: +39 031 881105
A very good restaurant just outside Como – 15 to 20 minutes by car. The menu features great Italian food that you will not always find outside Italy.
Osteria del Beuc, Via Felice Cavallotti, 1, 22012 Cernobbio CO, Tel: +39 031 341633
In Cernobbio town center, with original Art Deco doors and windows, combined with a touch of 1960s provided by the lighting fixture and marble floors, giving it a unique retro appeal. The restaurant re-interprets typical dishes from Lario and Italian regional traditions sourced from local artisanal with seasonal fresh ingredients. Good food and service.
Osteria Del Gallo: Via Vitani, 16, 22100 Como CO, Italy Tel: +39 031 272591
A popular restaurant with great local food and a good selection of wines. Booking is recommended as it gets very busy.
Pronobis: Via Lambertenghi, 19, 22100 Como CO, Italy Tel: +39 031 261786
A restaurant/deli/specialty food and wine shop. The lunchtime menu is recommended. The staff are friendly and highly knowledgeable. The food is very good.
Trattoria del Glicine, Piazza Santo Stefano, Via Vittorio Veneto, 1, 22012 Cernobbio CO, Italy, Tel: +39 031 511332
Traditional food in an elegant, old-fashioned venue with lake views. The food and service is good. Booking recommended.
Ristorante Frate: Via Bellinzona, 160, 22100 Como CO, Italy Tel: +39 031 530438
In an old building with a traditional wooden interior. The food and prices are quite good – the service is friendly.
‘Enjoy Sushi’: Via Asiago, 8, 22100 Como CO, Italy Tel: +39 031 340072
Inexpensive all-you-can-eat Sushi about 50 meters after Bennet on the SS340 – lunch menu is cheap. Has some parking – 5 minutes by car or a 15-minute walk.
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