Bellagio is one of the most famous towns to visit on Lake Como… but is it really worth visiting? Well, we went to see for ourselves and are happy to share our Bellagio Lake Como experience! Here’s all about our visit to Bellagio Italy, how to get there, pros and cons of the lakeside town, and the best things to do on a day trip.
How to Get to Bellagio on Lake Como Italy
There are a few different ways to get to Bellagio from around the Lombardy region. We were actually staying on nearby Lake Lugano in a small town called Albogasio-Oria, right on the Italian-Swiss border.
This made it easy to make the 30 minute drive to Menaggio and hop on the first ferry to Bellagio early in the morning. The ferry system is our favorite way to get around to all the beautiful towns of Lake Como. Varenna Italy was another gem we fell in love with during our recent trip.
No matter where you are coming from on the lake, we definitely recommend going by boat. However, you’ll want to be on the first one possible, which we talk more about soon! You can also hop on a small group boat trip from Como town.
Another affordable option is to take a bus to Bellagio Italy. Just be ready for a long ride filled with winding turns the entire way.
Some travelers even make a day trip all the way from the city of Milan via public transportation. There is a high speed train that goes to the main town of Como, and from there you can take a bus or ferry the rest of the way to Bellagio.
If you’re comfortable navigating the tight roads, you could consider renting a car and driving yourself. We always use DiscoverCars to find the best deals and compare companies. Yet, as you’ll see later in this article, there are several reasons why this might not be the way to go.
Why You Should Visit Bellagio Lake Como
Before we get into the drawbacks of Bellagio compared to other Lake Como towns, you should know one thing. It’s absolutely stunning!
This is no doubt one of the most gorgeous lakeside villages in Italy, and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. Once you stroll through the charming streets of old town and take in the magical lake views, you’ll know exactly what we mean.
One of the best things to do in Bellagio Italy when you first arrive is walk up Salita Serbelloni. This is the famous street you have probably seen in photos, with cobblestone steps going up to the upper part of town.
Don’t miss out on the colorful botanical gardens of Villa Melzi, where you can explore the walking paths filled with sculptures and exotic flowers. The villa itself is incredible, built in the early 1800’s by Francesco Melzi d’Eril as his summer residence.
More Things to do in Bellagio Italy
After you’ve seen the gardens and climbed the steps of Salita Serbelloni, there is plenty more to see and do in Bellagio Lake Como!
One thing we loved about it is that it’s small enough where you could see it in a day trip. Still, there is enough to keep you entertained for 1 or 2 nights, and you could totally use it as a base to see more of Como from.
With that said, Bellagio hotels do book out far in advance and will cost you a pretty penny. Palazzo Genazzini, Hotel Bellagio, and Hotel Du Lac & SPA are some of the most iconic places to stay in town if you’re thinking of spending the night.
If you have time, we highly recommend walking to Punta Spartivento to take in the views. It’s only 15 minutes from the center of old town and well worth it.
Once you’ve taken in the scenery, be sure to stop on the lake somewhere for a drink or gelato. There are so many great restaurants hidden in the backstreets of Bellagio, so don’t limit yourself to the expensive spots on the water when it comes time to eat.
You may be ready for a swim at some point if you’re visiting in the hot summer months like us. We took a long stroll to Spiaggia Pubblica di Bellagio beach to get away from crowds for a refreshing afternoon dip.
Cons of Visiting Bellagio Lake Como
Okay, so now that we’ve covered some of our favorite things to do in Bellagio Italy… what are some of the trade-offs? As we’ve noted, this is one of the most popular towns to visit on Lake Como, and with that comes the crowds.
This is especially true if you’re visiting during the peak summer months of July and August! By mid-afternoon, the streets will be packed with tour groups, and parts of old town can feel almost unbearably busy.
We were able to somewhat avoid this by arriving on the earliest ferry from Mennagio and hitting all the most well-known sites first. Once the crowds descended in the late morning, we were already out at the beach!
Another negative about Bellagio Italy is how expensive it truly is. You’ll see this right away walking the streets with high-end boutique shops around every corner.
This is not the place for budget travelers when it comes to restaurants and hotels. That’s why we preferred to visit on a day trip and head back to our town in the evening.
For food, we stuck to the small cafes on the backstreets, but you could even pack your own sandwiches to save some money. You also may want to only order drinks by the water, as some of the restaurants with a view can be overpriced for basic Italian meals.
→ 5 Must-Pack Lake Como Outfits (And What Not to Wear)
Is Bellagio Worth Visiting on Lake Como?
Yes! When it comes down to it, Bellagio Como is a super touristy town. Nevertheless, we’ve found that many of the most amazing places in Italy are going to have crowds.
Would you really go to Rome and skip the Colosseum? Are you heading to Pisa and missing out on the Leaning Tower, or hitting Florence and not stepping foot inside the cathedral? Of course you have to!
What we’re trying to say is Bellagio Lake Como is a must! It’s such a breathtaking lake town, you just need to be strategic with when and how you see it.
Go as early as possible in the morning, and even consider staying overnight to enjoy it once the day trippers are gone. If possible, you should also visit outside the months of July and August (May, June, September, and October are ideal) to experience Bellagio with fewer crowds.
Hopefully, this article gave you helpful tips with some of the best things to do in Bellagio Italy on your own trip!
Have any questions for us or want to share your own tips for visiting Bellagio Lake Como? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Pin for Later ↓
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
