| Check out our free interactive Como holiday guide and discover Como's biggest attractions, best restaurants and much more. If you've visited Como before tell us your holiday tips and help other travellers enjoy great holidays in Como, Italy. |
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Basilica di San Fedele – Located in the center of the old walled city you’ll find one of the two most recognizable buildings in Como, the Basilica di San Fedele. This ancient building is situated on the former sight dedicated to Santa Eufemia, but was renamed San Fedele when the remains of the martyr were buried here. You can often find a street market being held in the piazza in front of basilica, which has towns’ people selling crafts and souvenirs.
Tempio Voltiano - Alessandro Volta was an important inventor of his day and has made our lives much easier today. He is credited with inventing the battery and also measures of electricity, hence the word "volt." Tempio Voltiano is an architectural temple which, in between the marble columns and mosaic floors, houses some of his early apparatus. The city has also placed a somber statue of the man in a square of his own, Piazza Volta.
The Lighthouse – This is yet another landmark built in honor or dedicated to the inventor of the battery, Alessandro Volta. You can take the short walk to the top of the mountain, overlooking the inland Lake Como. From up here you’ll see some truly breathe taking views of Como and surrounds. (Brunate, Como)
Brunate Funicular Railway - Another great way to see the views is taking a trip on the Brunate Funicular Railway. Its lots of fun and the kids will have a ball staring out of the windows and enjoying the train ride. The train travels up the nearby mountain 1000m at 55 degrees. For about 3-4 Euros it’s definitely a huge bargain. (Tel: 031-303608) |
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Crotto Del Lupo - This restaurant, which sits on top of the mountain overlooking Lake Como, specializes in food from the Valtellina area of Italy. It's a real favorite among locals due to the delicious food that is served. Although it can be quite hard to find and you will need a car to get there, it's worth it. (Via Pisani Dossi 17) (Tel: 031-570881)
Caffe' Nova Comum – In his book “Italian Neighbors” Tim Parks say that when in Italy you should pick a bar and frequent it religiously. There must be many people that followed his advice, as some of the locals that come here are almost like décor already. In the mornings sit as long as you like in the padded booths, but come evening the bar becomes a place for young stylish Italians and gets very busy. (Piazza Duomo 2) (Tel: 031-260483)
Piadineria La Caveja – This small little café seems like every other small little café in Italy. But according to visitors, Piadineria La Caveja has the best piadine sandwiches in the whole of Como, and also the cheapest. The two in particular that are recommended are either the vegetarian piadina or the turkey (tacchino) piadina. (Largo Leopoldi 12) (Tel: 031-3372143)
Fenice – If you have had enough of the local Italian food try heading over to Fenice. Fenice is a small but stunning and cheap Chinese takeaway store. It always offers high quality & fresh food. (Via Milano, 162) |
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Lido di Lenno – About half an hour’s drive north of Como is this beach restaurant and bar, but on Friday and Saturday nights it turns into a pumping nightclub. The dance floor is covered and has it’s own bar, but there are gazebos on the beach with seats and candles, and people often dance on the beach. Highly recommend at least when the sky is clear. (Via Comoedia 1, Lenno) (Tel: 034-457093)
Milonga Pub – Milonga Pub is the place to go if you’re looking for a night out with good live music. This restaurant and bar has live music, which is usually of the rock or jazz genres, almost every night. As far as dress code goes it’s a laid-back place, so wear whatever you want. (Via Oltrecolle 23) (Tel: 031-280052)
Tartaruga – This disco pub has the strangest logo I have ever seen, it’s a green tortoise with a red tomato for a head. But all strangeness aside Tartaruga is another great live music venue, where the closing time is only 3am. So late night partying in Villa Guardia, a little town near Como, is very happening. (Via Belvedere 12) (Tel: 031-483290)
Cinemas – If you are in the mood for a good international blockbuster or maybe even something a little more local, try going to anyone of the 4 local cinemas in Como. (Cinema Astoria - Via XX Settembre, 5 – 031262170) (Cinema Astra - Via G.Cesare, 3 – 031261234) (Cinema Gloria - Via Varesina, 72 – 031523995) (Cinema Politeama - viale Cavallotti, 1 – 031273000) |
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Shopping in Como can be a very rewarding experience, with all the flea market type stores that are open all day Saturday, or on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Here you can buy a multitude of things such as incenses, jewels, clothes, toys, etc. Haggling isn’t really a routine practice, but you might be able to get a reduction, especially from the African sellers who tend to be chattier.
Please do take care of your personal belongings, as pickpockets and thieves may take advantage of any carelessness. Other items that you should consider at the local shops are personalized clothing, flowers and books which seem to be quite popular. |
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