For many, Bellagio is the best town to stay in Lake Como. It's one of the most famous locations on the lake and is well-known to be a luxury location. This is the place to stay if you really want to splash out during your trip.

The "best" part of Lake Como depends on your travel goals for 2026. For first-time visitors, the "Mid-Lake" area is the most practical choice, specifically the towns of Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. Bellagio, known as the "Pearl of the Lake," offers the most central location for ferry access but is also the busiest and most expensive. Varenna is arguably the most picturesque and is unique because it has a direct train connection to Milan, making it the best base for those without a car. For travelers on a budget or those visiting in the winter, the town of Como at the southern tip is the best choice; it is a lively, year-round city with the best transport links and a wider variety of affordable shops and restaurants. If you are traveling with a family, Tremezzo on the western shore is highly recommended for its lush botanical gardens and more relaxed pace. Regardless of where you stay, the efficient ferry system allows you to easily explore the entire "reversed Y" shape of the lake within a few days.