Visiting Como in winter?
The old town is open all year: discover it with a licensed local guide on a 2-hour small-group walk from Piazza Cavour.
Lake Como in winter is quieter, cooler and much less crowded than in summer. Many lakeside hotels and some villas close for the season, but the town of Como itself stays fully alive: people live and work here all year, and the historic centre, the Cathedral, the squares and the lakefront are always there to enjoy. This guide explains what to do in Como in winter, what is open and how to plan a relaxed day.
Quick answer
- Focus on the town: the old town, Como Cathedral, Piazza San Fedele, Porta Torre and the lakefront are all on foot
- Boats run on a reduced winter timetable (2 November 2026 – 14 March 2027)
- The Brunate funicular runs most of the year but can close for works: check before you go
- Days are short: plan the outdoor part around midday and early afternoon
- Easiest option: a 2-hour guided walk with a local guide, starting at 2:00 PM in Piazza Cavour
Is Como worth visiting in winter?
Yes, especially if you like walking and history. In summer most visitors rush to the boats; in winter you can enjoy the town at a slower pace. Como has Roman origins, a medieval street plan and one of the most beautiful cathedrals in northern Italy, and all of this is open in every season. On a clear day the views of the lake and the mountains are often sharper than in the summer haze.
What to do in Como in winter
- Walk the old town: the walled historic centre is compact and flat. Its lanes connect Piazza Cavour, Piazza Duomo, Piazza San Fedele and Porta Torre in a short loop.
- Visit Como Cathedral: the Duomo of Santa Maria Assunta, which mixes Gothic and Renaissance styles, is a perfect stop on a cold day. The basic visit route does not need a ticket; a ticket gives access to the transept, the sacristies and the balconies.
- See the Broletto and Piazza San Fedele: the 13th-century town hall stands next to the Cathedral, and Piazza San Fedele, once the Roman forum, is a few steps away.
- Walk the lakefront: from Piazza Cavour the promenade leads along the water to the Tempio Voltiano, built in 1927 in honour of Alessandro Volta.
- Go up to Brunate: the funicular climbs from the lakefront in about 7 minutes, with a wide view over the lake and the town when the sky is clear.
- Take a short boat ride: even in winter you can sail from Como to lakeside villages such as Cernobbio or further to Bellagio, following the winter timetable.
What is open in Como in winter?
| What | In winter |
|---|---|
| Historic centre, squares, lakefront | Open all year, free to walk |
| Como Cathedral | Open for visits: Mon–Fri 10:30–17:30, Sat 10:45–16:30, Sun 11:00–11:45 and 13:00–16:30 (may change for celebrations) |
| Como–Brunate funicular | Usually 6:00 to midnight; closed from 9 to 27 November 2026 for planned works |
| Lake Como boats | Winter timetable from 2 November 2026 to 14 March 2027, with fewer departures and changes on 24, 25, 26 and 31 December and 1 January |
| Lakeside hotels and villas | Many close for the season: check each one before planning |
Sources: Cattedrale di Como official website, ATM (operator of the Como–Brunate funicular) and Navigazione Laghi. Always check the latest information before your visit.
Como in winter, 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.
A simple winter day in Como
| Time | What to do |
|---|---|
| Late morning | Arrive by train from Milan (about 40 minutes), walk to Piazza Cavour and along the lakefront |
| Midday | Visit Como Cathedral, then lunch in the old town |
| 2:00 PM | Join the 2-hour Como walking tour from Piazza Cavour |
| Late afternoon | Funicular to Brunate for the view, if it is running, or coffee by the lake before the train back |
Discover Como with a local guide
In winter a guided walk is one of the best ways to enjoy Como: you keep moving, you hear the stories behind the squares and churches, and you do not waste daylight on planning. Our Como walking tour is a 2-hour small-group walk through the historic centre, Piazza Cavour, the Cathedral of Como and the lakeside promenade, with a licensed local guide. It starts at 2:00 PM in front of the main entrance of Hotel Barchetta Excelsior, in Piazza Cavour, and is rated 4.6/5 from 35 reviews on Viator.
As one of our guests wrote on Viator: “This was a fun walking tour! Our guide knew so much about Como – there is so much more history here than we originally thought!” (Neel, June 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 Como in winter
- Dress in layers and bring a warm jacket: it can feel cold by the water.
- Wear comfortable shoes with a good grip: the old town has cobbled lanes.
- Check the boat timetable and the funicular status on the official websites on the day of your visit.
- Cover shoulders and knees if you want to go inside the Cathedral and churches.
- Plan outdoor sightseeing for the middle of the day, when the light is best.
More ideas for your trip
Short on time? Read what to see in Como in a few hours, 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 Como worth visiting in winter?
Yes. Como is a real town, not only a summer resort: the historic centre, the Cathedral, the squares and the lakefront are there all year, with fewer crowds than in summer.
Do Lake Como boats run in winter?
Yes. Navigazione Laghi runs a winter timetable on Lake Como, valid from 2 November 2026 to 14 March 2027, with fewer departures than in summer and changes on some holidays. Check the official timetable before you go.
Is the Como–Brunate funicular open in winter?
The funicular normally runs all year and the ride takes about 7 minutes, but it can close for planned works: for example it is closed from 9 to 27 November 2026. Check the ATM website before you go.
What are the opening hours of Como Cathedral?
According to the Cathedral’s official website, tourist visits are Monday to Friday 10:30–17:30, Saturday 10:45–16:30 and Sunday 11:00–11:45 and 13:00–16:30. Times can change for religious celebrations.
Is there a guided walking tour of Como in winter?
Yes. Our Como walking tour is a 2-hour small-group walk through the historic centre with a licensed local guide, starting at 2:00 PM in front of Hotel Barchetta Excelsior in Piazza Cavour. Check availability for your date on the tour page.