3 Days in Milan and Lake Como – A Relaxed Ending to Our Italian Adventure

After almost three weeks exploring Italy from top to bottom, we reached our final destination: Milan and Lake Como. By this point, we were honestly quite tired — mentally and physically — from constantly moving, discovering new places, and taking in so much beauty. So, we decided to slow down and enjoy the last few days at a more relaxed pace.

We spent just one night in Milan, staying at a hostel since the city turned out to be shockingly expensive. No surprise, considering it’s the world-renowned fashion capital. Even with limited time, we couldn’t miss the chance to walk past the magnificent Duomo. Get a glimpse of the stylish locals, and feel the pulse of a city that blends Roman origins with sleek modern energy.

Historically known as Mediolanum, Milan was once a major city of the Roman Empire and later served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire. During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, it flourished under the Visconti and Sforza dynasties, who left behind architectural gems like the Sforza Castle. It’s also home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, one of the most iconic artworks of all time.

The next morning, we took a short and scenic train ride to Como, where we spent our final two days. Surrounded by alpine peaks and charming villages, Lake Como felt like the perfect escape — a place to breathe and reflect after weeks on the road. The lake has attracted Roman nobles, European aristocrats, and Hollywood celebrities for centuries, and it’s easy to see why. The views are breathtaking, the atmosphere peaceful, and the towns. Like Bellagio, Varenna, and Como itself offer a blend of elegance and authenticity that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Ending our trip here felt like the perfect farewell — a soft landing after a whirlwind of unforgettable moments.

Day 1 – A Short but Iconic Stay in Milan

Duomo di Milano – The Heart of the City

Even if you only have a few hours in Milan, you must visit the Duomo. The stunning Gothic cathedral that dominates the city’s central square. Construction began in the 14th century and took nearly six centuries to complete. Its intricate facade, thousands of statues, and rooftop views make it one of the most impressive churches in the world.

• Entry to the cathedral only: €5
• Cathedral + rooftop (stairs): €15
• Cathedral + rooftop (lift): €20
• Website: duomomilano.it

We didn’t go up to the rooftop due to time (and budget), but if you have the energy, the views are said to be absolutely worth it.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Right in front of the Duomo is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the oldest shopping malls in the world. Built in the 19th century, it’s more than just a mall — it’s a symbol of Milan’s elegance and fashion culture, with its glass dome, mosaics, and high-end shops like Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci.

Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth walking through and admiring the architecture and buzzing atmosphere.

Fontana di Leonardo da Vinci

At the end of the Galleria, we passed by the Leonardo da Vinci fountain. A small square with a statue dedicated to the legendary artist and inventor, who spent many years in Milan. After that, we were absolutely exhausted and called it a day.

💡 If you have more time and energy, we recommend visiting Sforzesco Castle, just a short walk away. It’s a grand medieval fortress that houses several museums and beautiful inner courtyards.

Day 2 – Welcome to Como: A Local’s Tour of the Lake Como

From Milan Central Station, we took a comfortable train to Como, where Piera, the mother of a close friend, welcomed us with open arms. She generously offered to show us around by car, which made all the difference in experiencing the lake in depth.

Duomo di Como (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta)

Our first stop was the Duomo of Como, a beautiful blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles, right in the heart of the city. Entry is free, and the interior is stunning, with elaborate altars, columns, and ceiling frescoes.

L’Ora della Pasta – Fresh Pasta Heaven

We grabbed lunch at L’Ora della Pasta, a cozy spot known for its handmade, fresh pasta. The sauces, the texture, the flavors — this place is a must for pasta lovers.

Strolling Along the Lake

After lunch, we walked through Como’s charming narrow streets down to the lake. The town has a relaxed vibe, and you can already feel the grandeur of the lakefront just a few steps away.

Funicolare Como–Brunate & the Lighthouse Viewpoint

We took the historic funicular, operating since 1894, that climbs from Como to the village of Brunate. From there, a short uphill walk takes you to the Volta Lighthouse, where you get an incredible panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

• Round-trip ticket: €6.70
• Pro tip: If the line is long, wait for the next car and aim to sit on the lower-left side for the best lake views during the ride up.

Aperol by the Lake at Da Luciano

Back in Como, we wrapped up the day with a couple of Aperol Spritz at Da Luciano – Bottega e Caffè, a laid-back lakeside bar. Watching the sunset over the water was the perfect end to our first full day at the lake.

Day 3 – Waterfalls, Bellagio and the Road Back

The next morning, we jumped back into the car and explored the eastern side of the lake.

Waterfall near Ponte della Civera

Our first stop was a hidden waterfall, tucked away near Ponte della Civera — a quiet, magical spot that feels miles away from any tourist route.

Bellagio – The Pearl of the Lake

Bellagio is the most famous town on Lake Como, and for good reason. Its cobblestone streets, flower-covered stairways, and centuries-old churches give it timeless charm. We wandered up and down its hilly alleys, got a delicious gelato, and simply got lost in its beauty.

From Bellagio, we boarded the car ferry to cross to the western side of the lake — a fun and scenic way to keep moving while taking in the views from the water.

Scenic Drive Back: Argegno and Brienno

On our way back down toward Como, we made short stops in Argegno and Brienno, two smaller lakeside villages that are just as picturesque as the more famous towns — and far less crowded.

A Perfect Ending at Giropizza

We ended our trip with a fun and delicious dinner at Giropizza, where you pay a fixed price and get served unlimited pizza slices with classic, strange, and even sweet dessert flavors. It was a playful and satisfying way to close our three-week journey through Italy.

🇮🇹 After 3 weeks, countless towns, and thousands of steps walked, these last days in Milan and Como were the calm, scenic farewell we didn’t know we needed.

Planning More of Your Italian Adventure?

If you’re continuing your journey through Italy, don’t miss our detailed itineraries for:

• Rome – Explore ancient ruins, Vatican treasures, and hidden corners.
• Naples – Dive into pizza, local chaos, and day trips to Pompeii and beyond.
• Florence – A deep dive into Renaissance art, stunning viewpoints, and Tuscan flavors.
• Venice – Discover canals, hidden alleys, and peaceful islands like Burano.
• Amalfi Coast – Our favorite beaches, villages, hikes, and tips for moving around.

All packed with maps, prices, walking times, and personal travel tips to help you plan a smooth and unforgettable trip through Italy.