In early February, Matthew and I had the opportunity to visit Italy during the 2026 Winter Olympics. We were due in Milan for several work events February 10th through 15th, so we took three days to explore Lake Como before we joined our group for a Foodie Tour in Parma. We stayed in Cernobbio, about a 15 minute drive from Como. from the Below is an overview of our trip and recs if you plan to visit Lake Como!
Thursday, February 5th, 2026 – Como and Cernobbio
Arrived at the Malpensa Airport in Milan around 7am and picked up rental car via Sixt. The rental car process was pretty easy. We had to adjust to a smaller car and driving in an unfamiliar place (Italians are very confident drivers and drive on super narrow roads), but otherwise we were glad to have the car to explore as we pleased.
And then we were off to Como! We couldn't check into our Airbnb in Cernobbio until ~2pm, so we explored the Town of Como.
Morning | Loved the Brothers Cafe in the town of Como. It was so cozy and inviting, and an espresso + latte was necessary to stay awake for the rest of the day after basically pulling an all-nighter with travel.
Afternoon | Explored downtown Lake Como, toured the Como Cathedral, and picked up groceries at the local Granmercato
The Como Cathedral is breathtaking inside. It is the tallest structure in the historic city center of Como. The artistry is incredible throughout.
I loved this Italian grocery store. It was a cultural experience in and of itself!
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Late Afternoon | Checked into Charming Airbnb in Cernobbio managed by Jennifer at @jco_homes
Aperitivo hour enjoying the views with a cheese and fruit tray from our grocery run
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Evening | Dinner at Osteria Beuc in Cernobbio
Okay, I have to say, this specialty Como dish on the right was a dried fish with polenta, and yes, it did taste like a giant sardine, and no, I did not finish it. The pasta was incredible though!
Friday, February 6th, 2026 – Como and Cernobbio
Morning | Walk around hills of Cernobbio
Initially, the weather forecast called for rainy and cold days while we were in Como. It's the winter season, after all. We didn't have rain a single day while we were there! In fact, it was sunny! We felt so lucky to have sunny days to really enjoy exploring.
Lunch | Pizza at Giuliani
We considered a ride on the Como-Brunate funicular, but it was closed for the season. We found that many shops and general tourist attractions were closed until March, but we were glad to explore Como regardless. Visiting during the off season meant we could explore with less tourists and experience restaurants that were more popular for the locals.
Gelato at Gelateria Rossetti
SO good!
This recommendation came from our friend Elizabeth De Filippo-Jones, whose business is based in Milan.
If you're looking for a food tour guide in Milan and Beyond, reach out to Elizabeth via her tour website, Fazool. She has all of the best recs!! Her IG is @fazoolfoodtours
After shopping around, we walked down the dock for a better view of the lake and the Life Electric Sculpture. Below, this is a contemporary sculpture by Daniel Libeskind, dedicated to the physicist Alessandro Volta, a pioneer in electricity and power. Volta, from Como, is credited as the inventor of the electric battery.
Golden hour on Lake Como.
Dinner at Trattoria del Glicine
How cute is this dachsund draft stopper?
Can't think of a cuter way to insulate drafty windows!
Saturday, February 7th, 2026 – Lenno, Bellagio, Cernobbio
Breakfast at Dascanio Café
Scenic Drive to Lenno along Lake Como
Ferry to Bellagio. We found that many shops and tourist attractions -- gardens and historic sites -- are closed in the winter. Bellagio was beautiful and boasted incredible scenic views, but it's extremely touristy. I would alot 3-4 hours max to spend there, max. We probably would not opt to come back a second time, but wanted to explore this jewel in Lake Como's crown.
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Pizza at Ristorante La Fontana Bellagio
We walked to Parchetta della Punta and Punta Spartivento in Bellagio for views of the lake with less tourists.
Explored Tremezzo - Grand Hotel Tremezzo was on our list, but it was closed for the winter season with plans to reopen in March. It looked like it was under construction, but it would be fun to come back and visit on a sunny spring or summer day. My friend Gray, a travel advisor in Charleston, recommends it for an aperitivo during spring or summer season.
Back to Cernobbio for the evening | Explored and shopped. Love this charming town.
Matthew read at the Osteria Enoteca Restaurant while I shopped around
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Dinner at Trattoria Nisciolano - excellent. By far our favorite meal while in Como.
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At first, it seemed a little risky to dine here. There were no other patrons in sight, other than one guy who raved about the menu. However, as the clock ticked on, more and more locals filed in and we could tell this was a very popular local place. We were clearly on the early side, arriving around 7:30pm and we learned throughout the trip that Europeans dine much later (8 or 9pm). Can't recommend this spot enough!
Sunday, February 8, 2026
Breakfast at Pasticceria Salotti in Cernobbio before driving to Parma! This was my favorite cafe we visited, because it seemed like a local favorite. There were long lines and the cafe was filled with activity this morning. I was sentimental leaving Cernobbio! It's a really special place, and I can definitely see ourselves returning on a future spring, summer, or early fall day.
We stopped in Town of Como one last time before leaving as well. Ciao Cernobbio and Como!
