Curator’s statement
There is no place in the world that feels as breathtaking to me as Lake Como, and Bellagio captures its magic perfectly. I could spend hours at the harbor simply watching ferries arrive and depart, seeing locals and visitors come and go against a backdrop that never looks real. Taking the ferry from town to town becomes part of the experience—slow travel, stunning views, and the joy of discovering each lakeside village at our own pace. The food, the scenery, and the peaceful rhythm of life here create a feeling that stays with me long after I leave, and sharing it on a mother–daughter trip made it even more meaningful.
The Fora Difference
Book with Lynn Staude to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Bellagio, Italy
Unlock perks by contacting Lynn Staude to book your trip.
Things to do in Bellagio, Italy
Mother–daughter moments at Villa del Balbianello—where lake views, history, and a little movie magic made our favorite memories together.
Sunset wooden boat tour of the villas: We pre-booked a classic wooden boat with prosecco and cruised past storied estates like Villa Fontanelle, Villa Oleandra, and Villa d’Este, arriving back to Bellagio harbor exactly at sunset—a core memory for us both.
Spa morning at Charming Bellagio Boutique Hotel & Spa: A private massage followed by time in the sauna, steam room, and pool overlooking the lake made for the most peaceful, indulgent start to our day together.
Boutique shopping for keepsakes: We wandered in and out of Cova Boutique, Carolina Boutique, Como 1907 Official Store - Bellagio, and Acqua Bellagio, finding silk scarves and the softest Lake Como sweatshirts as personal souvenirs.
DIY boat rental from Como. Before arriving in Bellagio, we rented our own small boat for two hours (about €150), got quick instructions, and leisurely explored the lake—even getting lightly sprinkled, which felt refreshing in the heat.
Strolling the gardens of Villa Melzi Gardens: These English-style lakeside gardens burst with exotic plants, sculptures, and color—perfect for slow wandering and mother-daughter photos.
Bellagio’s waterfront promenade (Lungo Lario Manzoni): Sitting by the harbor with a coffee or spritz, watching ferries load and unload, became our favorite simple ritual—peaceful, scenic, and mesmerizing.
Ferry hopping to neighboring towns: We used the ferry as our sightseeing tour to Varenna, Menaggio, and Lenno. Highlights included Varenna’s romantic Passeggiata degli Innamorati, shopping in Menaggio, and cappuccinos with chocolate croissants at Caffetteria Pasticceria Cassera Moretti.
Touring Villa del Balbianello: The 18th-century villa (seen in Casino Royale and Star Wars) surprised us with its history, breathtaking gardens, and interiors—our trip highlight and the backdrop for our favorite photos. We booked ahead and loved the self-guided pace.
Places to eat & drink in Bellagio, Italy
Dining beneath the wisteria in the garden at Hotel Florence — lake views, candlelight, and a meal we’ll never forget.
Breakfast at Charming Bellagio Boutique Hotel & Spa: Made-to-order breakfasts with nutella and pistachio pastries, prosciutto, eggs, yogurt, and the best cappuccino—enjoyed quietly overlooking the lake—made us feel like VIPs every morning.
Fresh takeaway pasta from Salita Serbelloni: From Salita Serbelloni Fresh Pasta, we grabbed pesto, ragù, lasagna, and carbonara to picnic by the water; the line is worth it, and they sell lovely limoncello gifts too.
Garden dining at Hotel Florence: Under a canopy of purple wisteria, we had seared scallops, a fresh seafood tower, impeccable service—and later, unforgettable espresso martinis at the bar.
Casual lunch at Barchetta Ristorante Pizzeria: Wood-fired margherita pizza and Aperol spritzes on their patio made for the perfect relaxed lakeside meal (no reservations; worth the wait).
Wine and risotto at Enoteca Cava Turacciolo: A tiny outdoor table in a tucked-away alley, Risotto alla Monzese with saffron and sausage, exceptional wine, and bottles purchased to enjoy later at our hotel.
Gelato stop in Lenno at La Fabbrica del Gelato: We stopped both before and after visiting Villa del Balbianello—the fruity flavors and gelato pops were unforgettable, and we even spotted their cart near the villa.
Need to know
While visiting Lake Como, take time to truly absorb it—admire the views, notice the scent of the flowers, savor long meals, enjoy the unhurried ferry rides, and explore neighboring towns with someone you love. That’s the real magic here. It is, without question, my favorite place in the world—there’s something about the light reflecting off the water, the mountain backdrop, and the stillness that feels almost surreal. Even now, I find myself scrolling back through my photos, wishing I could step right back onto the waterfront.
Consider extending your stay by pairing Bellagio with a few nights in Como as we did; it offers a different perspective of the lake and a charming town atmosphere. Most travelers fly in and out of Milan, which makes adding a couple of nights there effortless, and for a truly unforgettable addition, we rode the Bernina Express from Tirano into Switzerland as a spectacular day trip before arriving at the lake—one of the most scenic train journeys in the world.
Other beautiful combinations include pairing Lake Como with Lake Garda or Venice for a varied northern Italy itinerary.
This is an ideal destination for mother–daughter trips, best friends, couples, honeymoons, solo travelers, and anyone craving a slow, meaningful pace of travel—the kind where you linger over cappuccinos, stay for one more sunset, and let the lake set the rhythm of your days.
Travel Advisor
Lynn Staude
Lynn Staude
Get in touch with Lynn Staude
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Italy page.