Looking for the best things to do in Lake Como before or after your wedding? Most couples who come here to get married arrive a few days early or stay on afterwards, and I always encourage them to. The lake is not a place to rush through. After many years of planning weddings and elopements here, these are the things to do in Lake Como that I recommend most to my couples, so they can enjoy the lake as guests and not only as a backdrop for the big day.
Como is a lovely city to wander through, and most of the historic center is pedestrian. The streets are full of interesting shops and boutiques, and there are cafés and restaurants on almost every corner. Stop for lunch in Piazza Volta, then visit the Duomo, Como’s beautiful cathedral, which is just a few minutes’ walk away.
Como is also lively in the evening, with plenty of bars and restaurants open late, so it’s a nice place to spend a relaxed night out before or after the wedding.
Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio are the three most famous villages on the lake, and each one has its own character. The easiest way to see them is by ferry, which connects them in a few minutes across the water.
My advice is to stay in the central part of the lake, for example in the Tremezzina area. From there you can easily spend a whole day hopping from one village to the next: take the ferry to Bellagio, continue to Varenna, then on to Menaggio before heading back. It’s one of the most beautiful days you can spend on the lake, and you don’t need a car.
Unless you’re already getting married in one of them, don’t leave without visiting at least one of the lake’s historic villas.
Lake Como on the big screen
Villa del Balbianello will look familiar to film lovers: scenes from Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Casino Royale were filmed in its gardens. Other villas around the lake have their own stories too. Villa Balbiano appears in House of Gucci, and Villa Erba in Cernobbio was used in Ocean’s Twelve. Both are private, but you can admire them from the water as you travel around the lake.
If you have an extra day, Switzerland is closer than you think. From Como San Giovanni station, regional trains reach Lugano in about half an hour, which makes it an easy and very pleasant day trip.
Lugano sits on its own lake, surrounded by mountains, and has a completely different atmosphere from Lake Como: elegant, calm and very Swiss, while still speaking Italian. Walk along the lakefront promenade, stroll through the gardens of Parco Ciani, and browse the boutiques of Via Nassa in the old town. If the weather is clear, take the funicular up Monte San Salvatore or Monte Brè for a sweeping view over the lake.
Just remember to bring your passport, as you’ll be crossing the border, and keep in mind that the local currency is the Swiss franc, although many places also accept euros.
If you’re staying in or near Como, take the funicular from the lakeside up to Brunate. The ride takes only a few minutes, and at the top you’ll find one of the most beautiful views over the lake and the mountains.
Food is one of the great pleasures of a trip to Lake Como, and these are the places I recommend to my couples.
The season on Lake Como runs from mid-March to the end of October. Spring brings blooming gardens and mild days, while September and October offer warm light and fewer crowds. I don’t recommend July and August: it gets really hot, and the most popular places are very busy.
Ferry timetables and villa opening hours change with the seasons, so check them before you go. You’ll find the ferry schedules on the Navigazione Laghi website, and each villa publishes its opening times on its official site.
Your wedding day will pass in a moment, but the days around it are a chance to discover Lake Como slowly, the way it deserves, and these things to do in Lake Como are the perfect place to start.
If you’re still dreaming about your own celebration here, take a look at my guide to eloping on Lake Como, or discover our Lake Como elopement packages,
Thinking of popping the question? We can help you plan your proposal too.
We design luxury elopements and intimate weddings in Italy for couples who wish to celebrate their love in a refined, private, and deeply personal way. From Lake Como to Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast, each experience is thoughtfully curated with attention to every detail, combining creative vision, local expertise, and a discreet, hands-on approach. With years of experience planning destination weddings for international couples, we guide you through every step of the journey — from venue selection to logistics, styling, and coordination — ensuring a seamless and effortless celebration in Italy’s most iconic locations.
