A Perfect Day in Lake Como
A lakeside lunch, a beach afternoon, a boat ride I never tire of — and dinner with a view
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Lake Como multiple times now, and every single time it steals my heart all over again. There’s just something about the light, the mountains, the elegance of it all… it’s hard to explain until you see it in person.
On this trip, I brought a group of my American friends with me and planned what ended up being the perfect day in Como. If you ever have the opportunity to visit—go. I mean it. It's one of those places that truly lives up to the hype.
Here’s exactly how we spent our day.
🛏 Where We Stayed: Hotel Metropole Suisse
We based ourselves at the Hotel Metropole Suisse, right on Piazza Cavour in Como. It’s an ideal choice if you want to wake up to lake and ferry views, stroll into town in minutes, and enjoy a solid continental breakfast with a lakeside outlook.
🚶 Morning: A Stroll Through Como’s Center
We kicked things off with a slow morning walk through Como’s historic center—cobbled streets, piazzas, little boutiques, and the stunning Duomo. It’s small enough to wander without a plan and still feel delighted at every turn.
🍕 Lunch at La Darsena Ristorante Pizzeria
For lunch, we headed to La Darsena Ristorante Pizzeria, right on the lakefront. The twirls of pasta, crunchy pizzas, and azure views made it the perfect lakeside welcome.
🌞 Beach Club Bliss at Giulietta al Lago
Post-lunch, we grabbed chairs at Ristorante Giulietta al Lago, paying just €22 for a full afternoon pass— chairs, umbrellas, swimming access, and the easy convenience of QR code ordering from our sunbeds. It’s low-key, chic, and exactly the chill Lake Como spot you’re dreaming of.
🚤 Afternoon: 2-Hour Boat Tour from Argegno
We made the scenic drive to Argegno and hopped on our favorite boat tour—my third time doing this exact one, and it’s still utterly magical. Friendly guides, unlimited prosecco, and stunning views of Como’s villas and cliffs. It’s my go-to, always.
🍝 Dinner at Una Finestra Sul Lago
We ended the day at Una Finestra Sul Lago in Carate Urio. As the name promises, the window–wall of glass and sunset views feel like a painting. The service is warm, the vibe is refined yet relaxed, and the view is unforgettable
I could do this day a hundred more times and never get tired of it. Lake Como is just one of those places where everything feels a little softer, slower, and more beautiful.
If you’re planning a trip and trying to decide if Como is worth it—it is. If you have the chance to go, go. And when you do, don’t rush it. Swim, sip prosecco on a boat, walk through the old towns, and eat all the pasta by the water.
I promise you’ll fall in love with it too.