We had the chance to spend half a day in Bellagio, and we weren’t disappointed. We’ve put together a detailed account of what we did there and what you really shouldn’t miss during your visit.
We’ve also written a comprehensive guide to help you plan your visit to Lake Como. As you might expect, Bellagio features in it.
Below, you’ll find all the information you need to plan your upcoming stay.
What is there to do in Bellagio?
The number 1 thing to do in Bellagio is to take a leisurely stroll through its charming, characterful streets, enjoy the cool breeze from the lake and walk along the waterfront promenade with an Italian ice cream. We recommend the excellent Gelateria del Borgo.
That said, there are still a few iconic sights in the town that you shouldn’t miss.
- Bellagio’s historic centre + the Basilica of St James in Bellagio
- Set off on a cruise to explore the lake
- Villa Melzi gardens
For a cruise after 31 October, we recommend Around the lake, which offers winter cruises (with blankets) so you can fully enjoy the magic of the lake at this time of year.
L'Hôtel Bellagio right in the centre of Bellagio.
1. Explore Bellagio’s historic centre
You can’t miss the old houses and villas in this beautiful village. Whether you arrive by water or road, these splendid homes will make an impression and leave you eager to explore the narrow streets in search of treasures.
2. Parco Martiri Della Libertà in Bellagio
The Martiri Della Libertà park is very well known and certainly one of the town’s must-see spots. Right on the edge of town, it’s a real breath of fresh air. It offers one of the best views of the lake and a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of Bellagio’s town centre.
It’s the perfect place to take a break during the day!
3. The Church of San Giacomo in Bellagio
The Basilica of San Giacomo in Bellagio is Romanesque in style. It was built between the late 11th and the 12th century, although the interior dates from the 18th century. It was declared a national monument in 1904 so that restoration work could begin, continuing until 1990 with work on the tower.
You’ll find it in the upper part of the village to the north, by following the main narrow streets. The adjoining square is a lovely spot to enjoy an ice cream in the shade (yum yum).
4. A walk along the lakeside
Heading south out of town, you can follow the shores of Lake Como and stroll towards the botanical garden and Villa Melzi. It’s lovely to get away from the crowds and noise and enjoy the breeze off the water and the fresh air.
We enjoyed taking a break on one of the benches facing the lake and soaking up the sunshine. It’s always lovely to enjoy the moment!
5. Visit the gardens of Villa Melzi
Exploring Lake Como by boat is an experience not to be missed. Aboard your boat, whether it requires a licence or not, you’ll see the lake in a whole new light and can even go for a swim.
We decided not to visit this villa because we were short of time and only the gardens are open to visitors. We did, however, walk to the villa from the centre of Bellagio.
Here’s a little information about the villa to give you an idea! Villa Melzi was built in the early 19th century by the architect Giocondo Albertolli as a summer residence for Francesco Melzi d’Eril. This magnificent house is surrounded by a large English-style garden, with a small chapel, Egyptian statues and a bust of Napoleon Bonaparte.
You’ll find all the information about Villa Melzi directly on their website.
6. Explore the lake by boat from Bellagio
Cruise from Bellagio
The company Bellagio Boat service, which runs the cruise, has an excellent reputation. We took the same cruise from the town of Como. Our guide shared several anecdotes about the places we visited.
We recommend booking your Lake Como cruise tickets online in advance (around €45 per person), especially during the tourist season, as these trips are very popular and places are limited.
Exploring Lake Como by boat is a must during your stay! From the middle of the lake, you’ll enjoy unforgettable views of the surrounding mountains and majestic villas. Best of all, you can swim away from the crowds.
For a cruise after 31 October, we recommend Around the lake, which offers winter cruises (with blankets) so you can make the most of the lake’s magic at this time of year.
Where to stay in Bellagio
As Bellagio is a tourist town, you’ll find plenty of accommodation in and around it.
We recommend staying in the centre of Bellagio. As you’ll see, well-located accommodation in Bellagio is limited, so we suggest booking as far in advance as possible.
Here are a few other places we had picked out, in case our first choice is fully booked.
Wondering which part of Lake Como to stay in during your trip? To help you plan your visit, we have put together an article covering the best villages to choose as your base on Lake Como, along with our top hotel recommendations.
How do you get to Bellagio?
If you are in Lombardy, you can easily drive to Bellagio after your visit to Milan or from the city of Como. Of course, we recommend taking a boat from Como.
From Como
Head to Como's harbour, where you can easily catch one of the ferries serving the lake's main towns: Como, Menaggio, Varenna, Lecco… You can find all the information you need about boat timetables and fares here.
This is a great opportunity to take plenty of photos of the lake. You will also enjoy exceptional views of all the towns and villages along its shores. We loved discovering Bellagio and its magnificent villas and hotels this way.
From Milan
If you would like to save time and let someone else guide you, you can book a ticket for a bus excursion to Lake Como, with stops in its most beautiful villages, Como, Bellagio and Varenna, as well as a 1-hour cruise to enjoy beautiful panoramic views from the lake.
Alternatively, allow around 1 hour 30 minutes to drive to the charming village of Bellagio.
💡 Another important point: the comprehensive insurance offered through DiscoverCars is often much cheaper than the cover added directly at the car hire desk, while offering broader protection. It’s a real time-saver and, above all, a way to avoid unpleasant surprises when collecting or returning the car.
When should you visit Bellagio?
Bellagio is a beautiful town that you’ll never tire of. You can enjoy it at any time of year, but if you’d prefer fewer tourists, you can visit in April, May and June.
At this time of year, the weather is fine and warm enough to enjoy the lake, its beautiful beaches and the surrounding towns.
Bellagio tourist information office
Bellagio’s tourist information office is at 2 rue du Baccio. You can contact them by phone or email, or visit their website.
As you’ll have gathered, we loved Bellagio’s old-world charm. Although the town is small, it’s a lovely place to spend a few days on the shores of Lake Como.
We hope you have a wonderful trip! Feel free to leave us a comment below to let us know if you’re planning this trip, or ask us any questions here or on Instagram. We’ll be very happy to reply.
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