There is no place on earth quite like Lake Como. Pastel villages tumble down to the water, wooden Riva boats glide between grand hotels, and every evening ends with a spritz as the sun slips behind the mountains. We fell head over heels on our last visit, and we’ve been dreaming about going back ever since. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a girls’ trip or a once-in-a-lifetime splurge, here’s our guide to doing Lake Como in true la dolce vita style.

Where to Stay

Passalacqua

If money were no object, this is where we’d stay. The 18th-century villa in Moltrasio has just 24 suites, terraced gardens that cascade down to the lake and frescoed ceilings around every corner. It topped the inaugural World’s 50 Best Hotels list in 2023, and one look at the property tells you why.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Passalacqua’s glamorous big sister, the Grand has been the place to see and be seen on Lake Como for over a century. It’s famous for its floating pool on the lake, its piano bar and its sweeping views across the water to Bellagio. If you only splurge on one stay, this is the classic choice.

Villa d’Este

The original Lake Como grande dame in Cernobbio has been welcoming royalty and movie stars since the 1870s. Expect manicured gardens, old-world service and the kind of timeless elegance that never goes out of style.

Grand Hotel Victoria

Where we stayed on our last trip. This Belle Époque beauty sits right on the water in Menaggio, which makes it a wonderful base for hopping between towns by ferry. We shared all the details in our Lake Como travel guide.

Where to Eat

La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi at Grand Hotel Tremezzo

This is the place to taste the signature dishes of the late Gualtiero Marchesi, considered the father of modern Italian cuisine. Order his famous saffron risotto topped with a sheet of gold leaf. It’s as delicious as it is dramatic.

Da Giacomo al Lago

A collaboration with Milan’s iconic Da Giacomo, this beach restaurant at Grand Hotel Tremezzo is our dream lunch spot. Order the lobster roll and a glass of something cold, and take in the views of the floating pool and Bellagio beyond.

Passalacqua

Chef Viviana Varese’s Michelin-starred dining room inside the villa is one of the most coveted tables on the lake. Book well in advance (months ahead in summer), and dress the part.

Mistral at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni

Bellagio’s most theatrical dining room serves inventive, Michelin-starred Italian cuisine on a terrace overlooking the water. It’s the perfect choice for an anniversary or a big celebration.

Il Sereno Al Lago

For a modern, Michelin-starred dinner, take a boat to Il Sereno in Torno. The contemporary hotel is a design-lover’s dream, and the restaurant’s lake-level setting makes for a truly romantic evening.

Materia

Young chef Davide Caranchini’s Michelin-starred restaurant in Cernobbio is the most exciting kitchen on the lake right now, with creative tasting menus built around local ingredients.

Looking for more casual spots? Our Where to Eat in Lake Como guide breaks down our favorite trattorias and lakeside lunches town by town, from Menaggio to Varenna to Bellagio.

Where to Sip an Aperitivo

• T Bar at Grand Hotel Tremezzo: The ultimate Lake Como aperitivo. Snag a terrace table at golden hour while the pianist plays, and order a spritz with a few antipasti.
• Harry’s Bar, Cernobbio: A Lake Como institution on one of the prettiest piazzas on the lake. Order a Bellini, naturally.
• Bar Italia, Torno: A historic bar on a picture-perfect lakeside square that’s beloved by locals. It’s a lovely stop before dinner at Il Sereno.
• The hotel terraces: Even if you aren’t staying at the grand hotels, stopping in for a drink is one of the best (and most affordable) ways to experience them.

Our Lake Como Tip Sheet

• When to go: Lake Como’s season runs from spring through early fall, and many of the grand hotels close for the winter. May, June and September offer the best weather with fewer crowds.
• Getting there: Fly into Milan (Malpensa or Linate) and arrange a private driver. The lake is roughly an hour away.
• Getting around: The public ferries are charming and easy, but nothing beats a private boat or water taxi. Rent a classic wooden boat for a day of villa-hopping.
• Must-see villas: Don’t miss Villa del Balbianello and the gardens at Villa Carlotta.
• Book early: The top hotels and restaurants fill up months in advance for summer, especially on weekends.
• What to pack: Flowy dresses, flat sandals for the cobblestones, a sun hat and a wrap for chilly boat rides in the evening.

Ciao for now, and enjoy every moment of la dolce vita!