Lake Como Day Trip from Milan – Lake Como is the perfect destination for a one-day trip – close, relaxing, and full of local charm. Whether you’re new in town or studying Italian at Il Centro, this is one of the most rewarding short trips you can take.
Getting There
Start your journey from Milano Cadorna: regional trains run frequently and take just under an hour to reach Como Lago station, which is right on the lakefront. Tickets are affordable (around €5 one way) and no reservation is needed.
What to See in One Day
Stroll Along the Lakefront
Step out of the station and you’re immediately by the water. Enjoy a scenic walk along the promenade, watch the swans, and take in the Alpine backdrop.
Take the Funicular to Brunate
From the lakeside, it’s just a few steps to the funicular railway to Brunate, a small village high above the lake. The views from the top are spectacular, especially if you climb up to the Volta Lighthouse.
(credit foto: https://www.milanotoday.it/social/storia-funicolare-milanese-lago-di-como.html)
Hop on a Ferry
No visit to Lake Como is complete without a boat ride. Ferries leave from Piazza Cavour and take you to nearby gems like Cernobbio or Torno. Even a short cruise gives you a real taste of lake life.
Where to Eat (and What to Try)
- 🍴 Polenta uncia – creamy cornmeal with butter and cheese, perfect after a hike.
- 🐟 Lavarello – local lake fish, often grilled or with lemon and herbs.
- 🍰 Miascia – a rustic bread pudding dessert with apples and raisins.
(credit foto:https://blog.comolake.com/ricette-lariane-polenta-uncia/)
Recommended Spots
- Trattoria La Costa (classic dishes near the lake)
- Ristorante Sociale (good-value lunch in the city center)
- Gelateria Lariana (for lakeside gelato with a view)
Good to Know for your Lake Como Day Trip from Milan
- Wear comfortable shoes – the city has cobblestones and hills.
- Bring some cash – not all places accept cards.
- Check return train times in advance, especially on weekends.
Language, Culture, and Travel – All in One
If you’re studying Italian at Il Centro – Italian Language School in Milan, trips like this are a great opportunity to practice your Italian in real-life situations and explore the culture beyond the classroom.
Interested in learning more? Il Centro offers:
- Intensive, standard & evening Italian courses
- Individual Italian classes
- Business Italian
- Online classes from anywhere