🇮🇹Como

Como is a compact lakeside city in Lombardy with a medieval centre, free lakefront parks, a historic funicular, and some of the best lake fish in northern Italy.

Your family guide

Como with kids: medieval streets, lake views, and a funicular ride they will never forget

“Como is one of those places where history feels alive and the lake makes everything more beautiful.”

— San & Jo

Como is a compact lakeside city in northern Italy's Lombardy region, and it is one of those destinations that works brilliantly for families. You get a walkable medieval centre, a scenic funicular ride up to Brunate, a free lakefront park at Villa Olmo, and the sparkling waters of Lake Como right on your doorstep. It is genuinely easy to spend a couple of days here without ever feeling like you are rushing.

The historic core is small enough to explore on foot, with cobbled lanes, a stunning Gothic cathedral, and three lively piazzas where your kids can run around while you enjoy a coffee. The lake promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll, and boat access to nearby villages makes it easy to turn a city break into a proper lake adventure.

Como also has a chic, upscale atmosphere that feels welcoming rather than stuffy. There are great restaurants, interesting museums, and plenty of gelato stops along the way. Whether you are here for a day trip from Milan or a longer stay, Como delivers that classic northern Italian charm in a very manageable package.

LombardyNorthern Italy

Historic lakeside cityCompact and walkable

April to OctoberBest time to visit

Best things to do

Why we love Como for families

Ride the Como-Brunate Funicular

This historic cable car climbs from the edge of Como's old town up to the hilltop village of Brunate, rewarding your family with magnificent views over the city and the lake below. Kids absolutely love the ride itself, and the panorama at the top is one of the best in the whole Lake Como area.

Go early to beat the queues in summer

1-2 hours

Explore Villa Olmo and its lakefront park

This splendid neoclassical villa sits right on the lake shore and its surrounding park is completely free to enter. It is a lovely spot for a family picnic, a lakeside walk, or just letting the kids stretch their legs while you take in the elegant gardens and the water views.

Free entry to the park makes this a great budget stop

1-2 hours

Marvel at the Duomo di Como

Como's Gothic cathedral dates back to the 12th century and is one of the most impressive buildings in the city. The intricate facade and soaring interior give older kids a real sense of history, and the central location means it is easy to combine with a stroll around the surrounding piazzas.

Look for the carved figures on the facade before you go inside

30-45 minutes

Visit the Tempio Voltiano

Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the electric battery, was born right here in Como. This Palladian-style temple built in 1927 houses the Volta Museum, with original instruments and displays about his discoveries. It is a genuinely engaging stop for curious kids who want to know how batteries actually came to exist.

A great way to make science feel real for school-age kids

45-60 minutes

Wander the medieval historic centre

Como's old town is a joy to explore on foot, with cobbled lanes, charming boutiques, and the beautiful Basilica San Fedele tucked into its own piazza. The three main squares, Piazza Cavour, Volta Square, and San Fedele Square, are all surrounded by cafes and make natural resting points on a family wander.

San Fedele Square is quieter and less touristy than Piazza Cavour

1-2 hours

Take a boat trip on the lake

One of the best things about staying in Como is the easy boat access to the elegant villas and upscale towns that line the shores of Lake Como. Even a short ferry ride to a nearby village gives your family a completely different perspective on the lake and makes for a memorable afternoon.

The public ferry is much cheaper than private boat tours

Half day

Stroll the lake promenade

Como's waterfront promenade is one of the most pleasant walks in the city. It is a favourite spot for locals during the evening passeggiata, and the views across the lake are beautiful at any time of day. Little ones can watch the ferries come and go while you enjoy an aperitivo at one of the lakeside bars.

The stretch near Piazza Cavour is the most lively

30-60 minutes

Our verdict

How Como scores for families

Kids

The funicular, boat trips, and free lakefront park give kids plenty to enjoy. The compact, walkable centre makes logistics easy for families with pushchairs or young children.

Culture

A Gothic cathedral, a science museum dedicated to Volta, medieval streets, and beautiful historic villas make Como genuinely rich in culture for a city of its size.

Food

Lake fish, creamy risottos, and hearty polenta dishes give families a real taste of northern Italy. Most restaurants are welcoming to children and the food quality is high.

Nature

The lake and surrounding hills are beautiful, but Como itself is primarily a city experience. The real nature rewards come when you hop on a boat and head further along the lake.

Budget

Como is on the pricier side for Italy, with upscale restaurants and boutique hotels reflecting its chic reputation. That said, the park at Villa Olmo is free and the public ferry is affordable.

Planning your visit

How long should you stay in Como?

1 day

Day trip

Hit the Duomo, the promenade, and the funicular. A full day is enough to get a real feel for the city, which is why Como is so popular as a day trip from Milan.

sweet spot

2 days

Sweet spot

Two days lets you explore the historic centre properly, visit the Tempio Voltiano, take a boat trip to a nearby village, and enjoy a leisurely lakeside dinner without rushing.

3 days

Take it slow

Three days gives you time to do everything at a relaxed family pace, including a longer boat excursion along the lake and a proper morning at Villa Olmo.

Fun facts

Things about Como your kids will remember

The battery was invented here

Alessandro Volta was born in Como in 1745 and went on to invent the electric battery. The word 'volt', as in the unit of electricity you see on every battery, is named directly after him. That makes Como one of the most electrically significant cities in history.

The funicular has been running since 1894

The Como-Brunate Funicular first opened in 1894, which means it has been carrying passengers up the hillside for well over a century. It runs on a single track with two cars that pass each other in the middle, and it is still one of the most popular rides in the whole Lake Como area.

The Duomo took 400 years to finish

Construction on Como's cathedral began in the late 14th century and was not fully completed until the 18th century. That means different parts of the building were built in completely different architectural styles, which is why you can spot Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque details all on the same building.

Taste Como

What to eat with your family in Como

Risotto with perch fillets

Safe choice

Feel Restaurant, Via Armando Diaz

Creamy risotto topped with pan-fried perch in butter and sage is one of the most classic dishes you will find on Como restaurant menus. The mild flavour of the perch makes it a great introduction to lake fish for younger eaters.

Polenta uncia

Kids love it

Traditional trattorie in the historic centre

This is Como comfort food at its best: rich, creamy polenta made with melted local cheese and butter. It is warming, filling, and deeply satisfying, especially after a morning of walking the cobbled streets. Kids who are nervous about unfamiliar food almost always love it.

Missoltìn

Must try

Traditional lakeside restaurants

Sun-dried, salted shad that is grilled or fried and typically served with polenta or bread. This is one of Como's most distinctive local dishes and has been eaten on these shores for centuries. It is a must-try for adventurous eaters in your family.

Miascia

Local favourite

Local bakeries and traditional restaurants

A traditional Como dessert made from sweet bread pudding with raisins. It is simple, homely, and genuinely delicious, the kind of thing that grandmothers have been making in this region for generations. A lovely sweet finish to a lakeside lunch.

Pizzoccheri

Daily treat

Feel Restaurant, Via Armando Diaz

Buckwheat pasta from nearby Valtellina, cooked with potatoes, cabbage, and plenty of melted cheese. It is hearty, warming, and full of flavour, and it is one of the most popular pasta dishes you will find in the Como region. Great for hungry kids after a day of exploring.

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