Weekend in Como

The medieval town hall and clock tower adjacent to the cathedral. You can walk through the ground-floor loggia and look up at the frescoes for free.

Tip: The tower climb costs €2 and gives panoramic views, but skip it if queues are long – better to walk up to Brunate for free views.

Medieval town hall adjacent to the cathedral, with an open loggia and stone steps. Often hosts free exhibitions in its ground-floor halls.

Tip: Climb the worn stone staircase to the upper gallery for an elevated view of the cathedral square, especially good at sunset.

Paved lakeside walk from Piazza Cavour to Villa Geno. Lined with historic buildings, boat docks, and benches. No entry fee at any point.

Tip: Walk the full stretch at sunset for the best light on the lake and mountains. Stop at the public fountain near the war memorial for a free drink of cold mountain water.

A Romanesque church from the 12th century, with a striking central apse and original floor mosaics. Small but historically rich, tucked off the main square.

Tip: Look for the 13th-century fresco of St. Christopher on the left wall. Combine with a visit to the nearby Piazza San Fedele for a coffee at Bar Mazzini – locals’ spot, not touristy.

Romanesque church dating from the 12th century, with a striking three-apse layout and original fresco fragments. Free entry, often empty.

Tip: Look for the carved capitals on the columns inside—they show medieval scenes including a hunting cycle, rarely pointed out in guides.

Lakeside square with a fountain, benches, and views of the lake and mountains. Busy with people-watching and street performers in summer.

Tip: Sit on the steps near the ferry dock at sunset for free entertainment—locals gather for impromptu music and the light turns the water silver.

Romanesque church from the 12th century with a distinctive circular apse and medieval fresco fragments. Much quieter than the cathedral.

Tip: Check the small crypt below the altar — it's usually open and contains early Christian remnants. Combine with a walk through the adjacent old fish market square.

Medieval gate tower from the 12th century, part of Como's old city walls. Walk the pedestrian streets nearby to see remnants of fortifications.

Tip: Stand below the gate at sunset for photos—the light hits the stone nicely, and you can read the historical markers in Italian and English.

Roman and medieval defensive walls circling the old town, with surviving towers and gates. The best sections are along Viale Lecco.

Tip: Start at Porta Torre and follow the eastern arc eastward for the longest uninterrupted stretch; the view of the mountains from the bastion is free and quiet.

A peaceful lakeside park with mature trees, flower beds, and benches overlooking the water. Good for a picnic or a stroll away from crowds.

Tip: Bring your own snacks – the nearby cafés are pricey. Early morning is quietest; afternoons fill with families. Free public toilets near the entrance.