Hello, legend!
Since you’ll be traveling in for your photoshoot experience it's important to know where you're going, where you're staying, and...let's be honest...most importantly: Where to EAT! Enjoy this "Welcome to Como" guide - as according to Kara Marie herself - to make the most of your trip!
GETTING AROUND:
When planning your travel, please keep in mind that there are three airports that serve the Milan area (the closest destination to Como).
Milano-Malpensa Airport (MXP) - we highly recommend flying into Malpensa airport. It is the largest airport in the area and closest to Como with the most transportation available to and from. From MXP, it is very easy to catch a train to Como (see train details below). By train, expect roughly 15-20 euro ticket price and a 90 minute trip (with transfers). By taxi, expect a roughly 100 euro price with a 40-50 minute drive (traffic dependent).
Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY) - The Bergamo airport is roughly one hour from Como by car, but can be much further as you must drive near Milan and traffic can be heavy. There is also no direct train from the Bergamo airport. There is a shuttle bus option that will transport you from the BGY airport to Milano Centrale train station for 12 euro that takes approximately 1 hour. Taxi or car rental recommended if your travels bring you through this airport.
Milano Linate Airport (LIN) - Located very near downtown Milano. Traffic can be intense and some areas cannot be accessed by non-locals, so car rental is not recommended. The easiest way to Como from LIN is to take a taxi from Linate to the Milano Centrale train station and then a train to Como.
Como Train Stations - there are two main train stations in Como: Como S. Giovanni and Como Lago. Depending on your hotel choice, you may want to choose one or the other. The Como S. Giovanni station is only a 4 minute walk from our photo studio.
Como city where we are located is very walkable, however, if you are staying in another village up the lake or if your accommodations are in a more remote part of the area, you may need another means of transportation to get around. Public buses and ferries are widely used and relatively simple to navigate. I suggest using this amazing website called Rome2Rio to navigate your trip. It will give you detailed directions on how to transfer from the airport to your destination.
Uber is available in MILAN, but not in COMO, and while we do have a couple of cab services, you’ll want to pre-book any needed cab transfers.
Local cab services:
WHERE TO STAY:
Our studio is located just outside the city center of Como near the Como S. Giovanni train station. As such, it is easily reachable by foot if you stay anywhere in the city of Como. However, some of the most beautiful hotels in the area (and the most beautiful views) can be found a bit farther north on the lake. Here are some of our favorites:
Nearest to the studio:
Hotel Borgo Vico - 2 minute walk
Hilton Como -8 minute walk
Park Hotel Meuble - 6 minute walk
Budget Hotels
Park Hotel Meuble - 6 minute walk
Albergo Firenze - 10 minute walk
Posta Design Hotel - 10 minute walk
Mid-Range Hotels
Sheraton Lake Como - 45 minute walk, or public bus, or ferry from Cernobbio to Como
Palace Hotel- 15 minute walk
Hotel Villa Flori- 25-30 minute walk or public bus
Luxury Hotels
Il Sereno- Cab or private transfer required. The hotel has transfer options, inquire within.
Hotel Villa D’Este- Cab, ferry, or private transfer required. The hotel has transfer options.
Mandarin Oriental Lake Como- Cab or private transfer required. The hotel has transfer options, inquire within.
WHERE TO EAT:
You’re coming to Italy and Italy means FOOD. While we could fill a book with all the amazing food options in the Lake Como area, here are a few of our favorites to get you started.
Casual/Cafe
Dolciamo- For the best croissants and pastries in town. Try the Pistacchio brioche and a cappucino!
Spirit Cocktail- My favorite little cocktail spot. There are only 8 seats inside, and about 10 tables outside, but if you can snag a spot, I recommend them for a glass of wine and aperitivo (light bites that are a daily tradition here in Italy).
Luce- For great brunch, light bites, and cocktails. Both indoor and outdoor seating, no reservation required.
Sit-down lunch and Dinner
Numero 9- Great pizza and local dishes
La Vita e Bella- This place has a huge menu with loads of salads, buddha bowls, pastas, and local dishes.
Figli dei Fiori - Part bistro, part plant/flower shop with an amazing grill menu. This is a crowd-pleaser and where we take most of our out-of-town guests for lunch or dinner.
More formal & Fine Dining
Figli dei Fiori - Part bistro, part plant/flower shop with an amazing grill menu. This is a crowd-pleaser and where we take most of our out-of-town guests for lunch or dinner.
Kitchen - Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in unique takes on Italian classics. Transportation from Como required, or take a long walk along the “lungolago.” This restaurant is situated on the property of the Sheraton just a town away from Como.
Ristorante Rino - Classic Tuscan cuisine.
Crotto dei Platani - Lake-side restaurant with one of the most beautiful dining views on the lake. Transportation from Como required.
Da Luciano - A limited seating lake-side gem. Try the tagliere board and the polpette. Transportation from Como required.