The perfect spot for a short escape, a day in Lake Como and Brunate is ideal for nature enthusiasts as much as it is for those who love a beautiful view.
Picture this: shimmering blue waters, pastel-hued villas cascading down green mountainsides, and the gentle hum of boats gliding across the lake. Lake Como is the kind of place that makes you wonder if you’ve accidentally stepped into a postcard. Add to that a funicular ride up to the charming town of Brunate, where panoramic views and a slower pace of life await, and you’ve got yourself the perfect day trip in northern Italy.
Whether you're sipping espresso in a lakeside café, wandering through cobblestone streets, or soaking in the vistas from above, a day in Lake Como is nothing short of magical.
Arriving in Style: The Journey to Lake Como
Our adventure began in Milan, where my two cousins, my mom (who was visiting from Toronto for a week), and I set off for a day of exploring. The drive from Milan to Lake Como was smooth and scenic, with the autumn landscape adding extra warmth to the Italian countryside—though I’ve heard that arriving by train is also quick, easy, and equally beautiful in terms of scenery. As we approached Como, the sight of the lake stretching towards the Alps was breathtaking, a reminder of why this destination has long been a favourite among travellers, artists, and even Hollywood stars (“Where’s George Clooney?” my mom would ask several times that afternoon).
Upon arriving, we parked and immediately set out on foot to explore Como’s charming historic centre. The city greets you with an effortless elegance, where old-world beauty meets relaxed lakeside living. Here, you’ll find no shortage of apartments and villas that make you want to invest in Italian real estate and retire early…but, alas, ‘want’ and ‘can’ are two different things.
Lakeside Strolls and Piazza Perfection
Como’s historic centre is a beautiful maze of narrow streets, charming piazze, and elegant boutiques. We found ourselves wandering into the magnificent Duomo, called Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta (or Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary), an architectural masterpiece blending Gothic and Renaissance styles. Inside, the intricate frescoes and towering columns made it clear why this cathedral is a must-see. It’s easy to be completely blown away when you’re standing in the middle of a building so magnificent, so full of architectural and artistic beauty. Plus, just outside, the Piazza Cavour—Como’s main square—offered the perfect spot for people-watching, with locals and tourists alike soaking in the lake’s beauty.
One of the highlights of our stroll was stumbling into some truly unique shops. One boutique featured a ‘bakery’ with a glass display and shelves filled with ‘sweet treats’ that, upon closer inspection, turned out to be gorgeously crafted candles—each looking more delicious than the last. Another shop was filled with Christmas decorations available year-round, filling the space with festive cheer, even in early November.
We eventually meandered along the lake’s edge, taking in the views, admiring the colourful boats, and simply enjoying the serenity of the moment along with a little snack picked up from a nearby café. The beauty of Lake Como is in the details—the way the water sparkles in the sunlight, the elegant balconies draped in ivy, and the quiet rhythm of daily life unfolding around you without feeling overly touristy (at least, in the off-season while I visited).
A Ride to the Clouds: Taking the Funicular to Brunate
By midday, we made our way to the funicular station for a short yet thrilling ride up to the town of Brunate. This historic funicular has been carrying passengers up the steep incline since 1894, and the journey offers increasingly stunning views as you ascend. Within minutes, we were high above Lake Como, greeted by a charming hillside village with an entirely different atmosphere from the bustling lakeside below.
Brunate is known for its stunning panoramic views, and we weren’t about to miss the best one. After exploring the first lookout point nearest to the funicular, we decided to head further upward. Before doing so, right behind the funicular station, you'll find Chiesa di Sant'Andrea; this is a charming little church that often goes unnoticed by hurried visitors. Its modest yet elegant façade, adorned with soft pastel hues, invites you to step inside to admire its beauty. The interior, though simple, features beautiful frescoes and intricate woodwork that highlight the town’s deep-rooted history and devotion. The peaceful atmosphere inside contrasts with the sweeping views outside, making it a lovely stop before heading further up the hill to explore Brunate’s panoramic vistas.
Instead of making the steep hike to the Volta Lighthouse, we opted for a convenient shuttle bus that whisked us up the hill for a couple of Euro each (round-trip). Stepping out at the top, we walked up the remaining hilly path and were treated to a breathtaking sight—the sun beginning to dip behind the mountains, casting golden light over the lake. In the not-too-far distance, the peaks of Switzerland were also clearly visible. The view alone made the trip worthwhile, a perfect moment of tranquillity high above the world.
Sunset Descent and Evening in Como
As daylight faded, we made our way back to the funicular station, only to find a long (and I mean long) line of fellow travellers waiting to descend. With the November days being shorter, many were heading back to Como before darkness fully settled in. After about an hour’s wait, we finally boarded and enjoyed one last look at the breathtaking scenery as we glided back down to the lakeside town. This time, the lake was illuminated by moonlights and reflecting the twinkling lights from boats still cruising the water.
Back in Como, we wrapped up our day with dinner at a charming little osteria. Tucking into fresh pasta and ending with a healthy serving of tiramisù and an espresso, it was the perfect way to wrap up our adventure. The warmth of the restaurant contrasted beautifully with the cool evening air outside. Literal perfection.
All in All
Lake Como doesn’t feel like just another tourist-trap destination—it’s an experience. It’s the slow sips of coffee by the water, the chatter of passersby as you walk around the historic centre and explore its hidden gems. It’s the awe of gazing down from Brunate and the simple pleasure of getting lost in charming streets. It doesn't matter if you’re a nature lover or just someone who simply appreciates a breathtaking view; this Italian gem has something for you.
If you’re planning a trip to northern Italy, make sure to set aside a day in Lake Como and Brunate. Whether you arrive by car or train, spend time exploring the town’s rich history, take in the scenery from above, or indulge in a lakeside meal, it’s an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve left. And who knows? You might just find yourself returning, drawn back by the magic of Italy’s most enchanting lake.
Lake Como and Brunate look absolutely stunning! The mix of nature and charming streets makes it a perfect getaway. Your experience sounds so refreshing—definitely adding this to my travel list.
Thanks for the review and photos of Lake Como and Brunate. I really love your photo of the cat in a window!
It sounds like you had a really lovely trip when you went. It must have been great to do the lakeside strolls and to visit the shops that you discovered there.
What a great trip! I’ve heard of Lake Como before, it looks gorgeous. I’ve only been to Rome in Italy but would love a chance to explore more of the country in the future.
Visiting Milan is a bucket list item for me! So cool that you got to see it! The lake is absolutely gorgeous!