Looking for a walking tour in Como?
Discover the old town, the Cathedral and the lakefront with a licensed local guide on a 2-hour small-group walk from Piazza Cavour.
Many travellers search for a “free walking tour” in Como before their visit. It is a good question to ask: walking is the best way to see Como, because the historic centre is compact and flat and most of the sights are a few minutes apart. This guide explains, in a fair and simple way, how a tip-based free walking tour usually works, what a booked guided tour of Como includes, and how to choose the one that fits your day.
Quick answer
- A “free” walking tour is usually tip-based: you pay what you think is fair at the end
- Dates, guides and group size depend on each operator, so check with them directly
- A booked guided tour gives you a confirmed date and time, a licensed local guide and a small group
- Our Como walking tour lasts 2 hours and starts at 2:00 PM in Piazza Cavour
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, with instant confirmation
How does a free walking tour work?
Free walking tours are popular in many European cities. The idea is simple: you join a group walk without paying a fixed ticket, and at the end you give the guide a tip based on how much you enjoyed it. For many travellers this is a nice, flexible way to get to know a new place.
Because every operator works in its own way, it is worth checking a few things before you go: whether you need to reserve a spot, how big the group can be, which language the tour is in, and whether it runs on the day you are in Como.
What a guided Como walking tour includes
Our Como walking tour is a booked tour run by RomaeTravel, the local team behind it. Here is what is included, as described on the tour page:
- Duration: 2 hours on foot
- Route: Como’s historic centre, Piazza Cavour, the Cathedral of Como and the lakeside promenade
- Guide: a licensed local guide
- Group: small-group experience
- Start: 2:00 PM, in front of the main entrance of Hotel Barchetta Excelsior, Piazza Cavour
- Booking: instant confirmation and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Free walking tour vs guided tour: side by side
| Tip-based free walking tour | Our 2-hour Como walking tour | |
|---|---|---|
| How you pay | A tip at the end, the amount is up to you | Booked and paid in advance online |
| Guide | Depends on the operator | Licensed local guide |
| Group size | Can vary from day to day | Small group |
| Date and time | Depends on the operator’s schedule | Confirmed when you book, starting at 2:00 PM |
| Meeting point | Set by each operator | Hotel Barchetta Excelsior, Piazza Cavour |
| Cancellation | Depends on the operator | Free up to 24 hours before |
Walk Como with a local guide
A 2-hour small-group walk through the historic centre, the Cathedral and the lakefront, starting at 2:00 PM in Piazza Cavour.
Which one is right for you?
A tip-based tour can suit you if your plans are very flexible, you like to decide on the day, and you are happy with whatever group size and schedule you find.
A booked guided tour is a better fit if you are in Como for a short time and want a fixed plan: you know the date, time and meeting point in advance, you walk in a small group, and you can ask your licensed guide all the questions you like. It is also practical if you arrive by train from Milan (about 40 minutes) and want to use your afternoon well.
What you see on the Como walking tour
The tour starts in Piazza Cavour, the main square facing the lake, and walks through the lanes of the historic centre. A highlight is the Cathedral of Como, the Duomo of Santa Maria Assunta, which mixes Gothic and Renaissance styles. The walk also includes the lakeside promenade, with views over the water and the hills around the town.
As one of our guests wrote on Viator: “The guide was excellent, very informative, comfortable to talk to with questions.” (Gerald, September 2026)
Como walking tour
2 hours through Como’s historic centre and lakefront with a licensed local guide, in a small group. Starts in Piazza Cavour at 2:00 PM.
Practical tips for walking in Como
- Wear comfortable shoes: the old town has cobbled lanes.
- Cover shoulders and knees if you want to go inside the Cathedral and churches.
- Bring a light jacket: it can feel cooler by the water, especially outside summer.
- After the tour, you can take the Como–Brunate funicular from the lakefront (about 7 minutes) for a view over the lake. Check the operator’s website for the day’s service before you go.
- If you come from Milan, check the train times back before the tour so you can relax during the walk.
More ideas for your trip
Planning your day? Read what to see in Como in a few hours and our guide to Lake Como in winter, or browse all our Lake Como tours. Based in Milan? You can also plan a Venice day trip from Milan. Spending the holidays in Rome? Join our Christmas walking tour of Rome.
FAQ
Is there a free walking tour in Como?
Tip-based walking tours, often called free walking tours, are offered in many European cities, and you may find them in Como too. Availability, dates and group size depend on each operator, so check directly with them before you go.
What is the difference between a free walking tour and a guided tour of Como?
A free walking tour is usually paid with a tip at the end and the group size can vary. Our Como walking tour is booked in advance with instant confirmation: a 2-hour small-group walk with a licensed local guide, starting at 2:00 PM in Piazza Cavour, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
How long is the Como walking tour?
The Como walking tour lasts 2 hours. It covers the historic centre, Piazza Cavour, the Cathedral of Como and the lakeside promenade.
Where does the Como walking tour start?
The tour starts at 2:00 PM in front of the main entrance of Hotel Barchetta Excelsior, in Piazza Cavour, on Como’s lakefront.
Can I cancel the Como walking tour?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.