Destination Italy: Lake Como, City of Milan and Bergamo – Day 1

For arriving in Italy you have to choose the airport more convenient for your transfer to Lake Como: Milan Malpensa or Milan Bergamo. If you choose Malpensa airport you will stop in Como and change transportation, and if you chose Bergamo airport, you will stop by in Lecco. We propose the charming town of Menaggio as a base to stay on Lake Como, offering some good accommodation options.

For the transfer from Milan Malpensa or Linate airport, you can take a shuttle or train to Milan Central Train Station, then a train to either Como San Giovanni (followed by a C10 bus to Menaggio) or Varenna-Esino (followed by a scenic ferry across Lake Como). Or if you want to spend a night in Milan, transfer from Milan airport to Milan and then go to Lake Como: take the train to Como or Varenna. Or, for the transfer from Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport, take a bus to Bergamo train station, then a train to Varenna-Esino via Lecco, and finally a ferry to Menaggio. These public transport options take around 3–4.5 hours and offer beautiful views of the lake. Alternatively, private transfers from any of the Milan airports are faster (about 1.5 to 2 hours) but more expensive, offering direct and comfortable transport to Menaggio.

We propose to choose Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport for your transfer at Lake Como, and Milan Malpensa Airport for living Italy.

Transfer from Bergamo Airport to Menaggio Accommodation; Milan – Lake Como Itinerary

Arrive at Bergamo Airport and transfer from the airport to the accommodation by the Lake Como: take a bus to Bergamo train station, then a train to Varenna-Esino via Lecco, and finally a ferry to Menaggio.

Take the ATB bus to Bergamo central train station. From AEROPORTO Arrivi Nazionali bus stop take bus 1 towards Bergamo Stazione F.s. Citta Alta, for 2 stops – 15 minutes, get off at Stazione Autolinee. Plan the itinerary on their website and then buy the tickets in the ATB app, C-3 zone tickets, 2.4 euros one ticket.

Then from Bergamo train station take the train to Lecco – it costs 3.7 euros per person; it is a 40 minutes trip. Check for available trains on trainline website or app and tickets can be bought also online.

Optional Visit in Lecco on the Milan – Lake Como Journey

We contacted the city hall of Lecco via the email address info.turismo@provincia.lecco.it asking them where we can storage our luggage in Lecco for a few hours in order to visit the city and then continue our way to the accommodation. You can do the same, so when you arrive at Lecco train station, you can leave our luggage inside the train station at a kiosk, they recommend to you.

You can visit Lecco a little, before continuing your way to the accommodation. Afterwards, from Lecco you will take the train to Varenna – 2.9 euros per person, 22 minutes trip. You can buy tickets online on the trainline website. And from Varenna you will take the boat to Menaggio – 4.6 euros per person – traghetto, 15 minutes duration. Last boat leaves at 8 pm. Tickets can be bought online here.

The transfer from Bergamo airport to the accommodation in Menaggio costs around 30 euros for 2 persons and takes around 2 hours.

Lecco – A Hidden Gem on the Milan – Lake Como Route

Arrive at Lecco train station. Get out of the train station. Cross the Piazza Stazione and go a little left. Head towards South-West on Piazza Armando Diaz. Pass by Hotel Moderno situated on the left.

Coffee and Pastries in Lecco

Continue left on Via Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour. At the first intersection to the right there is a nice classic espresso bar, Caffetteria Santa Marta Snc.. They serve pastries, brioches and coffee. Prices sitting at the table: coffee 1.80 euros, 90 cents brioche + 20 cents of stuffing. Then get back to Via Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour and continue straight. At the next intersection, on the left, there are Bar Centrale and Bar Café Union. Both are classic espresso bars and pastry shops. They have outside seating facing Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi. Turn right, towards North East on Via Nazario Sauro. On the right there will be La Caveja Piadineria serving good piadine – wraps at good prices. Finally arrive in the main street on the lake shore, Lungolago Isonzo and see Lecco Beach.

Piazza XX Settembre and Torre Viscontea

Afterwards, get back the same way on Via Nazario Sauro and at the intersection turn left on Via Roma. After a few meter you will finally arrive in Piazza XX Settembre and see the Torre Viscontea on the left. The medieval tower is the only construction remaining intact since the destruction of Lecco Castle. The upper part has a raised walkway. The building was also used as a prison. Now, it is used for art exhibits and conferences. The second and third levels host a museum. The entrance is free. Check their website for updates.

Restaurants and Bars to Try in Lecco

Continue ahead North on Piazza XX Settembre and find a series of places where you can eat. There is Coffee Shop Dersut on the left. It is an espresso bar with average prices. The shop has tables both inside and outside. They serve drinks and sandwiches. Overlooking the square, on the right, there is Frigerio Restaurant & Wine Bar. Prices range from 10 to 25 euros. They serve classic Italian dishes. Ahead on the right there is Cardamomo Persian Palace Lecco restaurant. Their Cardamomo World Pizza pizzeria offers a 25% discount on The Fork. It is a Persian restaurant, intimate and refined, serving Iranian cuisine. On the left side of the piazza there is the Palace of Fears museum. Near the museum there is InfoPoint Lecco. It is useful for tourist information. Email them if needed before arrival in Lecco: info.turismo@provincia.le-cco.it.

Continue ahead and exit the piazza. See Pasticceria Pontiggia Di Esposito Pietro Corrado on the right. Next to it there is Plaza Cafè – nice place in front of the lake, but maybe a little pricey.

Visit St. Nicholas Church and Campanile

Arrive in Piazza Mario Cermenati, overlooking the lake. Go straight and climb the stairs on the right and visit St Nicholas Church and Campanile.

The bell tower is 96 meters high. The Basilica’s facade overlooks the lake. Inside the basilica, there are frescoes on the walls and vaulted ceilings. These frescoes are from the nineteenth and twentieth century. The only part of the original church is the Chapel of the Baptistery, dating back to the twelfth century. On the left side of the church stands the bell tower with its nine bells. The tower is the symbol of the city. Check out the official website to book a visit with a volunteer guide. A time slot will be there to select while booking. The evening slot would be nice. The tour lasts approximately an hour.

The view of Lecco and Lake Como from the top of the tower has to be spectacular. It’s a 400-step climb to the top. The climb starts with an iron spiral staircase and then leads to a stone staircase. The tours offered by volunteers are free – but they deserve a tip.

Best Views Points in Lecco

Get back to Piazza Mario Cermenati and stroll along the lake shore, going North, on Lungolago di Lecco. When the road takes a turn to the right see Spiaggia di Lecco and San Nicolò Statue on the water – the golden statue of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of Lecco. This is the most exposed point of the coast of Lecco, where the wind often rises, but here you can admire the Alps on the horizon. Would be nice to sit there to enjoy the sunset. Opposite to it, on the right side of the road there is Piazza Antonio Stoppani and his monument.

Getting Back to the Train Station

Continue a little ahead North. Maybe go to Ristorante Tabula Rosa. Then get back to Piazza Mario Cermenati and back to Piazza XX Settembre. In front of InfoPoint Lecco, go East on Via Giuseppe Bovara and head towards the train station. On the way you can find Panificio Linfarinata – a little expensive, and forward on the left is Trattoria Corte Fiorina – good food with prices between 15 – 25 euros, 2.5 euro coperto. Continue ahead and at the roundabout go right and arrive at Lecco Train station. 

Milan – Lake Como Journey: Train to Varenna

Take the train to Varenna – 2.9 euros per person, 22 minutes trip. You can buy tickets online on the trainline website.

If you chose to skip the visit to Lecco, you will take the train from Bergamo directly to Varenna. You can buy tickets online on the trainline website or in the app. The trip costs around 5.6 euros per person and it takes around 1 h and 15 min. You have to change trains at Lecco.

Arrive at Varenna Esino train station before 7:30 pm (Last ferry to Menaggio leaves Varenna at 8:00 pm). Get out of the train station, climb down the stairs to Via per Esino or take the long way through the parking lot, turn left, South West. At the first intersection continue straight still on Via per Esino and go all the way to the lakeshore. Pass the nice iron bridge to the left. Continue on Via Imbarcadero and reach Varenna Ferry station.

Ferry to Menaggio. Scenic Milan – Lake Como Journey

Take the boat to Mennagio – 4.6 euros per person – traghetto, 15 min trip. Buy tickets online here.

Arrive at Menaggio Ferry station. Regarding accommodation options in Menaggio, we booked 3 nights at Lake Como Peace Lodge. For check-in, you first need to go to Lake Como Youth Hostel La Primula. It is the location of the main reception. It is open until midnight, but better check the website or contact them for the schedule: https://www.lakecomohostel.com/.

Menaggio. The Perfect Base for Your Milan – Lake Como Trip

From the ferry stop go left for a few meters, cross the street and continue left on the sidewalk to Lake Como Youth Hostel La Primula, there will be signs reading “pizzeria” – there is a restaurant within the hostel, called Hosteria de Menàs with affordable prices, open until mid night; they have 10 euros menu on The Fork. From the reception there is a 10 minutes walk to the Lake Como Peace Lodge accommodation, they will provide directions. The city tax is 1 euro per person per night (meaning 6 euros for our 3 nights there). Check in will be after 5 pm.

We chose Menaggio as our base for this journey to Lake Como, because it’s a picturesque town overlooking Lake Como. It is famous for its elegant lake promenade and its proximity to very popular towns such as Bellagio and Varenna where you can get by ferry in 15-30 minutes, and to Tremezzina reachable by bus in 10 minutes.

From the accommodation get to the main road Via Novembre, pass by the way leading to the ferry stop, see Grand Hotel Menaggio on the right, beautiful for a picture.

Where to Eat in Menaggio

At the first intersection go to the right on Via IV Novembre. There on the right is Dal Tato restaurant, ex. Ristorante La Conca situated on the lake, serving good food at medium prices: 16 – 25 euros, listed on the Fork but with no discount. Then continue forward on Via IV Novembre and find Ristorante Del Porto Menaggio on the right. The restaurant is overlooking Lake Como, just opposite the cape of Bellagio, has a wide terrace and private docking. Better book a a table overlooking the water, for the beautiful view. The prices are between 18 – 25 euros. The restaurant is listed on the Fork, no discount.

Continue on the lake shore and get to Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, a fantastic place to sit for a coffee or an ice cream while enjoying an amazing view of the most beautiful lake in the world.

Cafés and Ice Cream Spots Around Piazza Garibaldi

In the piazza on the left we have Ristorante Pizzeria with prices between 10 – 12 euros. On the opposite side of the square there is Cafè del Pess which is a great place with amazing views – the typical tourist place but you pay for the views. Customers say you must try the apple aperitif cocktail. They have low prices considering the area, around 4 -5 euros for a panini.

Then walk towards the Northern side of the piazza and there at the intersection see La Fabrica del Gelato selling reasonably priced ice cream considering the location, around 2 euros for a small cone.

Churches and Authentic Local Dining: Osterias and Trattorias

Next to La Fabrica del Gelato you can admire Chiesa di Santa Marta in the pedestrian area. Also visit the interior of the church containing frescoes and paintings from the 17th century.

In the back of the church there is Osteria Il Pozzo, a nice neighborhood osteria with a short menu with a selection of cured meats, cheese plates and also pasta dishes. The interior is nice with photos of historic Menaggio hanging on the walls. People say there is always a line that forms outside, so this is a good sign. Prices are reasonable, they rotate dishes every night so it’s interesting.

From the little square in front of Osteria Il Pozzo if you go North you can find a series of other places where you can eat: Bar Al Paladar De La Memoria Menaggio serving snacks with the aperitivi, a good place for a drink. Continue North on Via Carlo Camozzi and find on the right Pasticceria Cassera Moretti and near it is La Trattoria Costantin ex Menaggio Como. The pasticceria has affordable prices, they also have outdoor seating in a sheltered courtyard, they serve cakes, pastries, sweets, coffee, and also different kinds of tea and baked cookies. The trattoria: people say is serving authentic Italian food, people are queuing for a table. It is a nice local find, not a touristy place. The coperto is 2 euros per person.

Shopping and Local Crafts

Get back to Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi and in front of Chiesa di Santa Marta turn right on Via Calvi to find small boutiques and shops of craftsmen, who sell local products such as food, shoes, clothing, and home accessories. Then continue forward on Via Calvi and at the first intersection turn right on Via IV Novembre and find Bomboniere Susy on the left, selling a wide selection of bonbonnieres for ceremonies. Back at the intersection see St. Stephen’s Church, the main church of Menaggio, with richly decorated interiors with stuccos and frescoes, located in front of the most frequented shopping street of Menaggio.

From the church go up on Via delle Rose, at the first intersection go to the left and at the next intersection you can find Pizzeria Lugano – authentic, simple, family run place with low prices; customers say pizza is great and you can have 2 pizzas, drinks and a dessert for less than €30, and even dinner for 8 people can be under €55.

Exploring Menaggio Old Town and Via Strecium

This area is the old town of Menaggio, the upper part of the town still retaining a medieval look with its narrow alleys, steep stairs and stone walls and buildings. From Pizzeria Lugano you can go back to the intersection, keep forward on Via Leone Leoni and then turn left at the bifurcation on Strada Provinciale 7. If you want to visit the oldest part of Menaggio, at the next intersection get to Via Castellino da Castello and walk along the perimeter walls that once bordered the ancient castle, or go left and enter the narrow Via Strecium and see the picturesque bridge over the Senagra stream. On the bridge you will find a bas-relief by Vannuccini, as well as a chapel that is dedicated to the Madonna di Caravaggio.

Villa Mylius Vigoni in Loveno

If you walk along the footpath that starts from Via Strecium (or take bus C13) you can get to beautiful Villa Mylius Vigoni situated in Loveno, hamlet of Menaggio. It is surrounded by a large English garden and offers a breathtaking view of Lake Como. The villa currently houses the German-Italian Center for European Excellence. Guided tours to the villa and its park may be available upon booking; check their website for info: https://www.villavigoni.eu/contatti/villa-mylius-vigoni-2-4/?lang=en.

Lake Promenade Walks, Gelaterias and Restaurants, Lido Menaggio

The elegant lake promenade of Menaggio starts from Piazza Garibaldi and continues North on the lakeshore. Enjoy a walk between flower beds and colorful houses. Along the road there are many facilities that allow you to take a boat trip. Then, after exiting the piazza, after the first intersection you can see beautiful Grand Hotel Victoria Menaggio, after the hotel there is Gelateria il Gabbiano, nice small take away ice cream gelato store on the water, with good prices. Continue forward on the lakeshore and at the second intersection you find on the right La Grolla Menaggio restaurant listed on The Fork but no discount, prices around 16 – 23 euros a course, 2 euros per person coperto; the restaurant offers beautiful views, mini golf and other fun games.

And next to La Grolla Menaggio is Lido Menaggio – offering great views of Lake Como, has a fake sand beach and deck chairs. There’s a large pool and a kiddie pool. You have to wear a bathing cap which you will end up buying from them if you don’t have one.

Conclusion – Highlights of the Trip from Milan to Lake Como

A trip from Milan and Lake Como is the perfect mix of culture and scenery. From the lively streets of Milan to the peaceful lakeside towns like Lecco, Varenna, and Menaggio, every stop reveals the beauty of northern Italy. Whether traveling by train, ferry, or on foot, your Milan Lake Como journey promises stunning views, great food, and unforgettable memories.

Airport transfers from Milan to Lake Como can be arranged in several ways depending on your chosen airport and travel preferences. For convenience and scenic routes, Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport is an excellent choice for arriving in Italy, Milan low cost alternative, offering a smooth transfer to your accommodation in Menaggio via Lecco and Varenna Lake Como villages, while Milan Malpensa Airport works best for your departure transfer.

Travelers can reach Menaggio using a combination of bus, train, and ferry, therefore enjoying beautiful views of the lake along the way, or opt for a private transfer for a faster and more comfortable journey directly from Milan airport to their accommodation on Lake Como.

Choosing Menaggio for your accommodation on Lake Como is ideal—it’s a charming and well-connected town with lovely lake views, easy access by ferry to Bellagio and Varenna, and nearby attractions such as Tremezzina.

In Menaggio, accommodation options range from luxury lakeside hotels and boutique villas to cozy bed and breakfasts overlooking Lake Como. Whether you prefer a stylish resort with a pool or a quiet apartment in the historic center, combining a reliable airport transfer from Milan to Lake Como with accommodation in Menaggio ensures a relaxing and memorable visit. Also, with welcoming accommodations like the Lake Como Peace Lodge and Lake Como Youth Hostel La Primula, Menaggio offers a relaxing and affordable stay, making it the perfect hub for exploring the Milan–Lake Como itinerary.

Read On

Be sure to explore Destination Italy: Lake Como, City of Milan and Bergamo – Day 2 for the next chapter of our Italian journey — from hidden corners to breathtaking views, there’s so much more to discover. You can find all our posts about Lake Como on this page. For more inspiration and practical travel tips, don’t miss our maps and travel guides, and visit our Italy Travel Hub and Italy Bucket List — your go-to resources for exploring Italy in depth. Are you looking to expand your itinerary? Don’t miss our posts on Venice!

Thanks for reading!

Related:

• Italy Travel — All Our Posts and Guides for Italy
• Our Lake Como, City of Milan and Bergamo Italy Visit: Day 1 and 2
• Destination Italy: Lake Como, City of Milan and Bergamo – Day 7
• Our Lake Como, City of Milan and Bergamo Italy Visit: Day 3
• Our Lake Como, City of Milan and Bergamo Italy Visit: Day 4

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