Como is a fantastic city to explore on foot and by boat, especially because of its compact size and stunning lakeside setting. Wandering its streets reveals centuries of architecture, from Romanesque churches to elegant piazzas. We particularly love how some tours combine city walking with scenic lake cruises, giving visitors a full picture of Como’s charm. Whether you prefer a focused historical walk or a boat trip with panoramic views, Como offers options that match different interests and schedules.
One of our favorite experiences is the Guided City Tour, which offers a deep dive into Como’s historic center, packed with monuments and narrow streets. Another excellent choice is the City Tour with Duomo Visit and Lake Cruise, perfect for those wanting a mix of history and water views. For a more comprehensive day, the Guided City Tour & Lake Cruise combines walking and boat rides for a memorable experience. Below, we detail each tour so you can choose the best fit for your trip.
1. COMO: GUIDED CITY TOUR
At number 1 on our list is the Como: Guided City Tour, which earns a solid 4.3 out of 5 stars from 34 reviews. For around $43, you’ll spend about 2 hours exploring Como’s historic center, focusing on its Romanesque streets and notable monuments. The tour begins at Frigerio Viaggi Como and takes you through Piazza Cavour, passing by the Como Cathedral, Teatro Sociale, and Basilica San Fedele, all rich in art, history, and local color.
What makes this tour stand out is its walking format, allowing you to absorb the unique atmosphere of Como’s old quarter and see the main sights up close. The guide shares stories about the city’s past, from Roman roots to modern times, making it engaging for history lovers but still accessible for casual visitors. The tour’s short duration makes it a good choice if you’re short on time but eager to get a feel for Como’s core.
Bottom Line: This guided walk hits the highlights and is perfect if you want a relaxed, informative introduction to Como’s history and architecture. The reviews suggest it’s a reliable choice for first-time visitors.
2. COMO: CITY TOUR WITH DUOMO VISIT AND FIRST BASIN LAKE CRUISE
Holding a 3.7-star rating from 14 reviews, the Como: City Tour with Duomo Visit and First Basin Lake Cruise offers a well-rounded 3-hour experience. It begins with a guided tour of Como’s main sights, including Piazza Volta, where you can see the statue of Alessandro Volta, and then includes tickets to explore the Duomo—a prime example of Lombard Romanesque architecture, known for its frescoes and elegant facade.
After the walking portion, you’ll hop aboard a boat for a scenic cruise across the first basin of Lake Como, giving you a different perspective of the city and its lakeside villages. The boat ride is a highlight for many, providing a tranquil way to see lakeside villas, quaint towns, and lush hills from the water.
This tour appeals especially to those interested in combining cultural sights with a scenic boat trip. The inclusion of the Duomo and boat cruise makes it good value for travelers wanting a rundown in just a few hours.
Bottom Line: Ideal for visitors who want to see the cathedral and enjoy a peaceful lake cruise, all in one easy-paced tour. It’s particularly suited for those short on time but eager for variety.
3. COMO: GUIDED CITY TOUR & LAKE CRUISE
Our top-rated choice with a 4.5-star rating from reviews, the Como: Guided City Tour & Lake Cruise combines the best of both worlds — city walking and a boat ride. Over approximately 3 hours, you start at Frigerio Viaggi Como and walk through key sites like Piazza Cavour, Como Cathedral, Teatro Sociale, and Basilica San Fedele—each offering a glimpse into Como’s artistic and architectural heritage.
The added highlight is the lake cruise, which takes you across the first basin of Lake Como, revealing stunning lakeside villages and the lush scenery that makes this region famous. The cruise is described as authentic and memorable, providing spectacular views of the shoreline and the mountains beyond.
Reviewers praise this tour for its balanced approach, with many noting that the boat ride is a highlight on sunny days. It’s perfect if you want a comprehensive, well-paced experience that captures both Como’s urban charm and lakeside beauty.
Bottom Line: For travelers wanting a full-day experience in a manageable timeframe, this tour offers a seamless combination of walking and boating, earning the highest rating of the bunch.
How to Choose
When deciding between these tours, consider your interests and schedule. If you want a quick, focused introduction to Como’s history and architecture, the Guided City Tour is ideal. For those who love combining cultural sights with lakeside scenery, the City Tour with Duomo and Lake Cruise offers great value. If you’re after an all-in-one experience with a relaxed pace, the Guided City Tour & Lake Cruise is your best bet.
Think about your timing — tours vary from 2 to 3 hours, so plan accordingly for your day. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred time slot.
Final Thoughts
Como’s compact size and rich sights make it perfect for exploring both on foot and by boat. For a short visit, the guided walks provide a rich sense of history, while combining a lakeside cruise adds a layer of breathtaking scenery. The top-rated Guided City Tour & Lake Cruise is a great all-rounder for its balanced itinerary and stunning views.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a scenery lover, or someone wanting a taste of both, these tours offer options that fit different styles. To get the most out of your trip, consider booking ahead, especially during busy months. With either choice, you’ll leave Como with wonderful memories of this elegant lakeside town.