Why Lecco Is the Best Place to Stay on Lake Como

My sister and her family had the incredible opportunity to travel to Lake Como last summer, and after seeing their pictures, I knew I had to visit one day. Less than a year later, that same sister and I hopped on a plane to visit her son studying abroad in Italy. We had a few days before meeting up with him and decided that Lake Como would be the perfect place to start our adventure. After some quick research we landed on Lecco, a small city on the southeastern shore of Lake Como. My hopes were high for this place and let me tell you, Lecco did not disappoint. After visiting two other cities during our brief visit, I can honestly say that Lecco is the best place to stay on Lake Como.

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All photos in this post were taken by me during our trip. I love capturing real experiences to give you an authentic look at what to expect.

Where to Stay on Lake Como: Why Lecco Stands Out

Lake Como has several popular places to stay, with Bellagio and Varenna often topping the list. We visited both during our trip, and while they were undeniably beautiful, I was grateful to return to our hotel in Lecco at the end of the day.

Strolling down the cobblestone streets of Bellagio and Varenna and soaking in the stunning views of the lake framed by the Alps is one of my favorite memories. However, both towns felt noticeably touristy – crowded streets, higher prices, and a less relaxed atmosphere. While I highly recommend visiting them, they didn’t feel like the best places to stay overnight.

Lecco, on the other hand, is a breath of fresh air. It has fewer crowds, is significantly more affordable, and feels like a place where locals actually live rather than just a tourist hub. The streets were well-lit, and we felt safe the entire time. Plus, the food was fantastic and reasonably priced. Staying in Lecco provided a more authentic Lake Como experience without sacrificing comfort or charm.

How to Get to Lecco from Milan

We flew into Milan on Scandinavian Airlines, and thankfully our flight was uneventful and quiet – the best kind, in my opinion. From the airport, reaching Lecco required two train rides and about two hours of travel time.

Navigating the airport was surprisingly easy. Signs to the train station were clear, tickets were simple to purchase, and most of the signage included English translations beneath the Italian. Even on little sleep, we successfully boarded the train to Milan Central Station and even managed to grab two window seats together. We originally planned to venture into Milan before boarding our train to Lecco, but the weather was cold and rainy, it was nearly sunset, and we were exhausted. So we decided to make time for seeing the Duomo and Milan city on the way back through at the end of our stay in Lecco.

Once in Milan Central, we used Google Maps to find the correct train and make our way to platform 7 – where our train to Lecco was supposed to be. We did not find any signs to confirm we were in the right place, so we decided to do what two lost Americans do in a new city – ask for help. After a hilarious 2 minute conversation between us who spoke no Italian and an elderly Italian man who spoke no english, we confirmed we were indeed on the right train. Our southern American pronunciations really confused the poor man and he laughed with us once he realized what we were trying to say. We sank into our seats in exhausted relief excited to finally be on the last leg of our long journey to Lecco.

Things to Do in Lecco, Italy

My favorite way to experience a city is like the locals – so that’s what we did. We meandered down the cobblestone streets of Lecco, popping in shops like the two local bookstores we found and heading down a side street for cappuccinos and cornetto. You can hear the church bells ringing and echoing across the alps. It really is as dreamy as it sounds. Lecco is a lovely city with a calm atmosphere. It is not a city in a rush which only adds to its charm. Locals walk down the streets throughout the day with their pups perusing the shops. They stop to chat with friends they see on the street and pop in cafes for lunch.

Walk Along the Lungolago di Lecco

Another one of my favorite things to do in Lecco is the river walk, Lungolago di Lecco. It is a paved path along the shores of the Adda River and Lake Como. It is the perfect place for a peaceful walk to take in the landscape. Sailboats dot the water, you can see the bell towers of each town across the lake, and the peaks of the alps rise in the distance. There are benches, cafes, and beautiful views the entire way. Our hotel was on the river walk so after breakfast, we got a cappuccino to go and strolled along the river towards the train station. It was a longer walk, certainly, but I almost always prefer the scenic route. The path is wide, never felt crowded, and is great for walking, biking, or even a morning jog. During peak season there is a ferry along this path that will take you to other cities on Lake Como.

Visit Piazza XX Settembre and the Basilica di San Nicolò

We took the river walk to another iconic spot in Lecco – the historic square Piazza XX Settembre. This is the heart of Lecco and you can see the bell tower of Basilica di San Nicolò. The tower, one of the tallest in Italy, stands as a symbol of Lecco and offers stunning panoramic views of the lake and mountains if you climb to the top. We didn’t have time to climb the tower, so we stood at its base to take in the view of the mountains and listen to it chime.

Where to Stay in Lecco

During our visit to Lecco, we stayed at Hotel NH Lecco Pontevecchio, a beautiful 4-star hotel along the river. Its location was ideal – just a short walk from the train station and nestled in a picturesque part of the city.

Our room featured large windows that opened fully, offering breathtaking views of the river, lake, and surrounding mountains. Each evening, we left the windows open to hear the soothing chimes of the nearby bell tower. The beds were incredibly comfortable, the room was spacious, and after a long day of walking and exploring, the shower’s massage setting was a welcome luxury.

One of the highlights of our stay was the hotel’s included breakfast – a delicious and extensive spread. My favorite part? The coffee machines that freshly ground beans for each cup, ensuring the freshest coffee possible. It was the perfect start to our mornings in Lecco. You can read our full review of Hotel NH Lecco here.

Is Lecco Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Lecco is a picturesque town on Lake Como that offers a quieter, more authentic experience compared to the more tourist-heavy cities. This charming lakeside town is filled with cozy cafés, local shops, and stunning mountain views at every turn.

One of my favorite ways to start the day was a peaceful walk along the Lungolago di Lecco, where the sound of church bells echoed across the lake. The wide streets, relaxed atmosphere, and lack of large crowds made exploring even more enjoyable. Plus, the food was not only delicious but also far more affordable than in other Lake Como towns.

Lecco is a fantastic place to stay overnight while visiting other cities around Lake Como, and I wouldn’t hesitate to return. If you’re looking for the best place to stay on Lake Como that’s both beautiful and budget-friendly, I highly recommend Lecco.