Bellagio is one of the most iconic towns on Lake Como in Italy. Located right in the middle of the lake, its picturesque shores are dotted with cafes, hotels, gardens, villas, and shops. The majority of travelers to Lake Como stop here, and there’s no surprise why.
This guide has everything you need to know to plan your own dream trip to Bellagio, Lake Como!
This site is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. See below for full disclosures.
Click the links below to skip ahead to each section of my guide to Bellagio, Lake Como:
Want to earn free travel? Learn more about one of my favorite credit cards to get started!
The Best Time to Visit Bellagio, Lake Como
The most popular time to visit Bellagio and Lake Como is summer when the weather is generally beautiful, and most people are on summer vacation. Peak season is June to early September, and low season is around October to March.
While most days in summer are crowded, it’s significantly busier from Thursday to Sunday. So, plan to do the most popular activities from Monday to Wednesday if you can.
Locals say April to early May is the best time to visit. The weather isn’t as hot, although it rains on average 10-12 days out of the month. It’s less crowded than in summer, so you can wander the streets, explore the gorgeous villas, and ride the ferries without fighting the crowds. Just bring your best raincoat and umbrella for those rainy days!
Bellagio Weather
The weather on Lake Como varies seasonally but is fairly mild most of the year as it sits lower in the mountains.
- Spring (March-May): mild temperatures between 50-62°F (10-17°C).
- Summer (June-August): warm, around 77-86°F (25-30°C).
- Autumn (September-November): cools to 47°F to 65°F (8°C to 18°C).
- Winter (December-February): averages 39°F to 46°F (4°C to 8°C).
Bellagio is at its sunniest during summer, with more rainfall in spring and autumn. However, it’s still beautiful even when it rains, and the showers tend to come and go throughout the day.
How to Get to Bellagio, Lake Como
The best way to get to Bellagio is to fly into Milan and then take about an hour and a half train to the town of Como. From there, you can either take a bus or the Lake Como ferry to Bellagio. The train does not go all the way into Bellagio from Milan.
You can depart from any Milan train station, but there might be more options leaving from Milano Centrale. Search both Trenitalia and Italo Treno to find the best route, times, and prices for you.
Pro Travel Tip: Search for deals on flights with Daily Drop Pro. You can search by miles, points, or airline loyalty programs and even save up to 80% on international flights!
How to Fight Off Jetlag
Unless you’re flying to Italy from somewhere else in Europe, you’re likely going to be dealing with a significant time difference when you land. If you struggle with jetlag, I’ve got some great tips for you:
- Slowly adjust your sleep schedule leading up to your trip. This sunrise simulator alarm clock can help you get up more easily when it’s darker in the mornings.
- Take a nap on the plane if you’ll be arriving earlier in the day (this memory foam neck pillow, sleep mask, and ear plugs are great for this). If you’re arriving later in the day, try to stay awake for at least the second half of the flight.
- Pack little snacks to munch on between meals to keep your energy up (and the hanger away!). You can also buy tasty snacks at the local stores or markets while you’re there. These reusable bags are great to use for travel and on-the-go!
How to Get Around Bellagio & Lake Como
Bellagio, like most towns in Lake Como, is extremely walkable as it’s fairly small. It is situated on a hill with many steps and steep alleys. The streets can also be uneven and bumpy because they’re mostly cobblestone. Make sure you wear comfy sneakers or sandals that are easy to walk in!
As for getting around Lake Como in general, there are a lot of options:
- Ferries: The most popular and scenic way to get around is by ferry. Regular services connect towns up and down the lake, offering slow and fast options at an affordable price.
- Water Taxis: For more flexibility and privacy, water taxis and private boats offer direct routes between destinations, but they are much pricier.
- Buses: A bus network serves the lake area and can be an affordable option for shorter trips, but you’d have to go all the way around if you want to cross the lake.
- Car Rentals: You can rent a car if you prefer to drive, but the roads can be narrow, and parking is limited. You’re also restricted to the “traghetto” ferries that allow cars, so you’ll have fewer options.
- Bicycles: You can find places for bike rentals, and some areas have dedicated cycling paths for a leisurely way to explore.
How to Navigate the Ferries
The Lake Como ferries and timetables can be tricky to understand at first. If you don’t plan properly, they could throw off your entire day, and you might not have time for some of the things on your itinerary. But once you figure it out, you’ll be riding them like a local!
Check out my other post on Lake Como for more info on navigating the ferries.
Best Places to Stay in Bellagio, Lake Como
Bellagio is one of the most popular and iconic towns in Lake Como. If you’re staying during peak season, it’s best to book your Bellagio accommodations well in advance. Keep in mind it will be more expensive then, too.
Hotels in Bellagio
Bellagio has a range of hotel options to choose from, with a notable selection of charming mid-range and luxury hotels that perfectly fit its nickname as the “Pearl of Lake Como.”
For a taste of Bellagio’s elegance, stay at the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, a lavish historic hotel with stunning lake views, a private beach, and exquisite dining. Another excellent choice is the Hotel Belvedere, a family-run hotel perched on a hillside offering breathtaking panoramic views, beautiful gardens, and a tranquil atmosphere.
For a more boutique experience, the Hotel Florence is a charming option located right on the waterfront in the heart of Bellagio, providing easy access to the town’s attractions and offering rooms with lovely lake vistas.
Your FREE Carry-On Bag Travel Guide
Pack smarter and more efficiently with this FREE carry-on bag travel guide. Learn how to pack essentials, keep electronics safe, and more on your next travel adventure!
Other Accommodation Options
If you prefer vacation rentals, VRBO has good options for homes and apartments in Bellagio. Stay in a cozy apartment in the center of town or a spacious villa with a private garden and lake views. You’ll have more space and privacy, and it’s often more affordable for longer stays or group travel.
TrustedHousesitters is a unique way to stay in local homes and immerse yourself in the local experience. It connects homeowners with travelers willing to care for their homes and pets in exchange for much more affordable accommodations than a hotel. Use my special discount code, ABUNDANT25, for 25% off new annual memberships!
Most rental homes also have kitchens, so you can prepare your own meals using fresh, local ingredients from Bellagio’s markets. If you want to “live like a local,” this is the way!
Things to Do in Bellagio, Lake Como
Even though it’s fairly small, there are still plenty of things to do in Bellagio! From exploring gorgeous villas and gardens to enjoying delicious food and shopping for local goods.
It’s also a good jumping-off point for exploring the rest of Lake Como, and a lot of boat tours leave from Bellagio.
Explore the Villas & Gardens
A visit to Villa Serbelloni is a must for those who appreciate grand estates and breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Como. If you aren’t staying at the Grand Hotel, stop by for dinner or a drink to admire the interior. You can also take a tour of the Parco di Villa Serbelloni to explore the beautiful landscaped gardens, hidden grottoes, and unparalleled vistas of the lake.
Another jewel of Bellagio is Villa Melzi d’Eril and its gardens. Unlike Villa Serbelloni, the villa is generally not open to the public, but its extensive gardens are a popular attraction. Designed in the early 19th century, they feature Italian and English styles and picturesque views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Go On a Food Tour
I always recommend going on a food tour your first day in a new destination. It’s a great way to get a feel for the town and figure out what you want to spend the rest of your time doing. If you have a local guide, you can ask them for recommendations on things to do and other places to eat.
This food tour includes a stop at a local farm where you can meet the farmers and pick fruits and vegetables. If you like being more active, this food tour takes you around Bellagio and the surrounding area on e-bikes.
Can’t get enough of the incredible Italian food? Take a luxury cooking class in a villa so you know how to recreate it at home!
Use your phone data while you travel without racking up a high phone bill. Click the link to learn more and get a 5% discount on your purchase!
Take a Boat Ride on the Lake
No visit to Bellagio, Lake Como is truly complete without experiencing the magic from the water. Regular ferry services provide a convenient and scenic way to explore the lake’s many sites as you travel from town to town.
But for a more unique and intimate experience, consider hiring a private Lake Como boat tour from Bellagio for a bespoke tour of the lake’s most beautiful villas and hidden coves. You can learn a lot from your local guide that you wouldn’t be able to from simply using public transportation.
Enjoy Water Sports
If you’re someone who enjoys classic lake activities like wakeboarding and waterskiing, you’ll love this boat tour! The captain will even take you to hidden corners of the lake most tourists don’t know about. For a more relaxed experience, try this kayak tour around Lake Como that includes a refreshing aperitif.
Go Shopping
The famous and picturesque uphill street, Salita Serbelloni, is an iconic place to windowshop. As you wander up this charming cobbled street from the lakefront, you’ll find a variety of goods, including clothing, local crafts, and often, beautiful leather items.
The heart of Bellagio, Il Borgo, the town center, also has shops along its narrow, winding streets and stairways. You’ll find shops offering a selection of high-quality wallets, belts, bracelets, keychains, and other leather goods, providing a perfect souvenir or a timeless piece to take home.
Visit Nearby Towns
Bellagio’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the many other gems of Lake Como:
- Varenna: This charming and picturesque village on the eastern shore of Lake Como is known for its colorful houses clinging to the hillside, its romantic waterfront promenade, and attractions like Villa Monastero and Castello di Vezio.
- Menaggio: This charming town boasts a beautiful lakefront promenade perfect for evening strolls and people-watching. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere and is a great spot for families, with lidos and a central piazza.
- Bellano: Home to the awe-inspiring Orrido di Bellano gorge, a natural wonder carved by glacial waters. Visitors can walk along suspended walkways to witness the dramatic power of nature.
- Tremezzo: Visit the magnificent Villa Carlotta, where art and nature intertwine in its museum and botanical gardens. The famous Grand Hotel Tremezzo, popular with celebrities, is located here, too.
Are you loving The Abundant Traveler® content? Please support it!
If you’re loving what you’re seeing and learning, please consider supporting with a donation so I can continue providing this free for travelers like you. It could be as little as a cup of coffee or an Aperol spritz. I appreciate your support!
Restaurants in Bellagio, Lake Como
Bellagio is full of delicious restaurants and cafes for every meal of the day! Aperitivo et Al, ranked #1 in Bellagio, is a wine cellar and restaurant located at the top of Salita Serbelloni. Try their lunch or dessert wine pairing menu.
In the historical center, La Grotta is a characteristic restaurant specializing in lake and sea fish, alongside a wide selection of pizzas cooked in a wood oven. Also on Salita Serbelloni, Ristorante Billacus has a beautiful vine-covered terrace and serves risotto, handmade pasta, and freshwater fish.
Lastly, the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is a great spot to stop just for a drink or aperitivo. Verri’s Bar has a 19th-century ambiance, while the historic American bar offers live music at night. Terrazza Darsena is a beautiful terrace by the water that’s open late and great for sunset.
More Tips for Visiting Bellagio, Lake Como
Learn Some Italian Phrases Before You Go
Before your trip, try to learn some Italian to help you order food, ask for directions, and buy things in the shops run by locals who don’t speak a lot of English. In general, it’s considered good etiquette to make an effort at the local language, no matter where you travel.
Babbel and Rosetta Stone are great resources for this; you can start as a beginner or take more advanced lessons if you already speak some Italian.
Currency & Cash
As part of the Eurozone, Italy uses the Euro as its currency. While credit cards are widely accepted in most places, carry some cash for small purchases, tipping, and visits to local markets or smaller shops. When given the option, always choose to pay in Euros to avoid unfavorable exchange rates often applied to foreign currency transactions.
Check with your credit card company before you go to see what kind of foreign transaction fees they charge. And be sure to let them know when and where you’ll be, so your card isn’t declined for making a foreign purchase.
Planning a Lake Como Trip?
Enchanted by Lake Como? While Bellaio is iconic, there’s so much more to explore! My detailed 1-week itinerary has the best of Lake Como to help you plan an unforgettable trip!
Bring a Credit Card with Travel Perks
I always travel with one or more of my favorite credit cards for travel perks. I typically look for things like low or no foreign transaction fees, discounts on airport lounge access, and VIP customer service for booking exclusive events and experiences.
And, of course, I want one that has an amazing earning system that allows me to get points or miles with every purchase. I’ve saved thousands of dollars on flights and hotels using travel credit cards like these!
Andiamo a Bellagio (Let’s go to Bellagio)!
The “Pearl of Lake Como” is a destination that truly captivates visitors. From its stunning natural beauty and charming cobblestone streets to its elegant villas and exquisite restaurants, Bellagio is an iconic Italian vacation spot.
Whether you’re exploring historic gardens, indulging in Italian cuisine, or simply soaking in the breathtaking lake views, a visit to Bellagio promises an unforgettable and enchanting escape. So, pack your bags and prepare to be charmed by the timeless allure of this Italian gem!
Want to read this post later? Save it on Pinterest!
Looking for more Italy travel tips and inspiration? Check out my favorite travel products and some of my other posts on Italy below!
User-Generated Content (UGC) Disclosure: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means that, at no extra cost to you, The Abundant Traveler may earn a small commission. Using these links is a huge way to support me, and these will help keep the blog running and free for everyone to enjoy.
All my reviews and opinions are based on my own experience, which may not be the same for everyone. If you choose to use them, then thank you for your support.
Advertiser Disclosure: The Abundant Traveler is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as DailyDrop.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
