Things to do in Varese

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Collina d'Oro

Old Town Lugano

Old Town Lugano is located in the Canton of Ticino in southern Switzerland, nestled on the shores of Lake Lugano and bordering Italy. Palm trees and outdoor cafes can be seen on the streets, and the Mediterranean-style laid-back atmosphere makes it stand out at the foot of the Alps. Piazza Riforma is surrounded by cafes and restaurants and is a gathering hub for locals. Turning from here into Via Nassa, the old arcades are lined with watch shops, jewelry stores, and boutiques, where you can admire the historic buildings along the street while shopping. The steps of the Cathedral of Saint Lawrence are a great spot to overlook the lake, while the Church of Santa Maria degli Angioli houses large frescoes by Renaissance painter Bernardino Luini. Parco Ciani by the lake was originally a 19th-century private estate. Today, it is surrounded by greenery with neat flower beds and is a place for locals to go for morning jogs and picnics. The lakeside promenade connects to the pier, where you can take a boat to tour the lake during the day and visit the small stone-house fishing villages on the opposite shore. If you want to enjoy the view from above, take a cable car up to Monte San Salvatore or Monte Brè, where you can take in the lake scenery, the ridges of the Alps, and the valleys toward Italy. On summer evenings, the lakeside is exceptionally comfortable with a gentle breeze, the outdoor cafes are bustling, and street performances often light up the night, creating a perfect vacation atmosphere.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Collina d'Oro

Lake Lugano

Lake Lugano is a beautiful lake located in Switzerland. Its shores are dotted with many beautiful villages, making it a popular vacation spot for locals and tourists alike. On sunny days, you can swim, boat, and fish on its calm and inviting waters.

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Milan Cathedral

•Located in the center of Milan, the cathedral is a landmark of Milan •Admire the enchanting hall, towering stone pillars, and dazzling stained glass windows while studying design elements of various styles •On the platform level, you can see the exquisite spires of Milan Cathedral and the statues on top of them. The statues vary in form and are lifelike. △The church has 135 spires of varying sizes, each topped with a statue. Carvings and spires are one of the defining features of Gothic architecture, and Milan Cathedral exemplifies this characteristic to the fullest. As such, it is also the Gothic church with the most statues in the world, featuring approx. 6,000 marble statues in total. △Immerse yourself in the treasures and artistic touches within the magnificent church. Admire the incredible nave and the way light flickers through the stained glass windows. Study the sarcophagi and approach the exquisitely decorated altar.

Palazzo e Giardini Estensi

No. 4 of Night Attractions in Italy

Piazza del Duomo

Piazza del Duomo is located in the center of Milan, surrounded by many important buildings, including the landmark of Milan, the cathedral. The square gradually developed with the construction of the cathedral and was named after it. In the center of the square stands the equestrian bronze statue of Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of the Kingdom of Italy. Around the square, there are also a series of important buildings such as the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the neoclassical-style royal palace, and the cathedral museum. On the square, you can see flocks of leisurely strolling pigeons, and sometimes in the evening, you may encounter impromptu street performances. The area near the square is home to many shopping malls, boutiques, and high-end restaurants, making it a well-known leisure and shopping district in Milan.

Lido di Gavirate

No. 2 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Italy

Lake Como

Lake Como is a lake carved by glacial movement, with an inverted Y-shaped surface that branches into three arms and a depth of over 400 m. The mild microclimate regulated by the lake allows Mediterranean plants like olives and citrus to grow along the shores, creating a distinct transition to the alpine vegetation on the hillsides. For centuries, the landscape here has attracted numerous artists, and composer Verdi once drew inspiration here. The eastern shore also features the Traveler's Path, a hiking route restored along ancient trails, where climbing to a higher vantage point offers a panoramic view of the Bellagio peninsula at the confluence of the lake's two branches, making it a classic spot to overlook the entire lake region.

Sacro Monte di Varese (Unesco site)

Villa e Collezione Panza

No. 13 of Best Things to Do in Italy

Santa Maria delle Grazie

Santa Maria delle Grazie is located in the western part of Milan, to the south of Sforza Castle. This red Catholic complex consists of a church and a Dominican convent, and is world-renowned for the mural The Last Supper painted by Leonardo da Vinci in the convent's refectory. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. The last supper "The Last Supper" was created by Leonardo da Vinci in the 15th century, using an innovative and bold painting technique that combined oil painting with tempera, creating a unique perspective effect, but it was also highly susceptible to deterioration. On August 15, 1943, the church and the convent were bombed by British and American aircraft, and most of the convent refectory was destroyed, but the wall where "The Last Supper" is located survived. Several centuries later, 80% of the painting's colors had faded. Restoration work began in 1977 and continued for 22 years. Currently, there is extremely strict control over the number of visitors, with no more than 40 people per visit. Church buildings In addition to "The Last Supper," the building itself is also worth seeing. The church was constructed under the auspices of Duke Sforza and was completed in its entirety in 1497, once serving as the burial chamber for the Sforza family. Later, when the French army invaded, the cultural relics and treasures inside the church were looted, but the exquisite dome and frescoes were preserved. The sacristy now serves as the Dominican cultural center, frequently hosting salons and art exhibitions.