Comparison · Lake Como vs Milan · Italy
Lake Como vs Milan
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Luca Casartelli, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Quick answer
Choose Lake Como for Villa del Balbianello and Bellagio; choose Milan for Duomo di Milano, The Last Supper, lower day-to-day costs and nightlife. Milan is generally less expensive, and the two are about 58 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 58 km
- Less expensive
- Milan
- Best time for Lake Como
- April–June and September
- Best time for Milan
- April–June and September–October
Side by side
| Lake Como | Milan | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Italy | Italy |
| Known for | Villa del Balbianello, Bellagio and Villa Carlotta | Duomo di Milano, The Last Supper and Fashion |
| Best time to visit | April–June and September | April–June and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $220–$400 | $180–$330 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 28°C (82°F) | July, 30°C (86°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 7°C (45°F) | January, 6°C (43°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 8 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 7 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | MXP, LIN, BGY | MXP, LIN, BGY |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Lake Como for…
Villa del Balbianello and Bellagio. Lake Como is a deep, narrow glacial lake about 50 km north of Milan, shaped like an upside-down Y with the city of Como at the foot of the western arm, Lecco at the foot of the eastern arm and Bellagio on the point where they meet. Most visitors stay in the…
Choose Milan for…
Duomo di Milano, The Last Supper, lower day-to-day costs and nightlife. Italy's business and fashion capital is more about substance than postcard looks, but its centre holds some of the country's great sights: the Gothic Duomo with its walkable roof, the glass-domed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, La Scala opera house and…
Top sights compared
| # | Lake Como | Milan |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Villa del Balbianello | Duomo di Milano and its rooftop terraces |
| 2 | Villa Carlotta | The Last Supper |
| 3 | Villa Melzi gardens | Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II |
| 4 | Bellagio old town and Punta Spartivento | Sforza Castle |
| 5 | Varenna and the Passeggiata degli Innamorati | Teatro alla Scala |
Food compared
| Lake Como | Milan |
|---|---|
| Risotto with perch | Saffron risotto |
| Missoltini | Breaded veal cutlet |
| Lavarello | Ossobuco |
| Polenta uncia | Mondeghili |
Which is cheaper?
Milan is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $180–$330 per person there, against $220–$400 in Lake Como (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Milan on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Lake Como and Milan are about 58 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Lake Como and 3 in Milan.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Lake Como or Milan cheaper?
Milan is usually less expensive: about $180–$330 a day mid-range against $220–$400 (estimates).
+Is Lake Como or Milan better for a first trip?
Pick Lake Como for Villa del Balbianello and Bellagio, or Milan for Duomo di Milano, The Last Supper, lower day-to-day costs and nightlife.
+How far is Lake Como from Milan?
About 58 km in a straight line.