Best things to do in Bellagio, Italy
Here are some of the best things to do in Bellagio, Italy (with or without kids!).
When we got off the bus at Bellagio we were greeted with the site of a beautiful, white gravel path along the lakeshore with trees either side and statues throughout. What a fantastic view to start your trip with!
Most of the best things to do in Bellagio are along the water or in the side streets. Along the water you’ll find many places to eat as well as the docks for water taxis. These will take you to all the surrounding towns along Lake Como.
Coming off the main strip, there are many little side streets. These are packed with lovely craft shops, art galleries and gellato stalls.
At the higher level of the town you’ll find more shops, gelato bars, market stalls and the Basilica di San Giacomo.
Best things to do in Bellagio, Italy
Visit the Giardini Di Villa Melzi
The Giardini Di Villa Melzi is one of the best things to do in Bellagio and is easily walkable from the centre.
When you enter you come into a gorgeous area with a Koi pond, a cute little bridge and Oriental trees. The design is inspired by Chinese gardens. I recommend coming early so you can get some good photos. We arrived when it opened and there were barely any people there. By the time we came back, though, there were so many people that you’d never be able to get an photo of the garden without someone else trying to take a photo from the other side of the pond!
Walking into the garden a little further you’ll find gravel paths, sweeping lawns, huge cedar and pine trees and well kept flowerbeds. It’s a gorgeous, peaceful, lovely area that everyone should go and see.
Included in the price of admission (6.50 Euro) you can you into the little chapel. It’s small but pretty with a domed roof and sculpted ceiling.
The garden is on an incline and there are paths both along the bottom of the hill and up it. There are also lots of little staircases like this to explore:
I did bring my pushchair (a Babyzen Yoyo). I managed but it wasn’t the easiest thing to push around. If you have a more rugged pushchair it should be ok.
We spent about an hour and a half there, with a fair amount of picture taking and sitting down to enjoy the views. I’d recommend getting there when it opens if you’re a keen photographer as it can be tough to get shots without people in once it gets busier.
Other things to do in Bellagio, Italy
Walking round Bellagio
Bellagio is lovely, but it’s not for those who don’t want to walk.
There are things to do in Bellagio next to the water and up along the main road. Between the two you’ll find many staircases in narrow alleyways like this:
Very picturesque but not very pushchair friendly!
There’s not much you can do other than carry the pushchair or take your child out and then fold it, as you’ll want to explore both parts. There aren’t always pavements, but the streets aren’t too busy, so it’s fine to walk along the road.
There are many olive trees and pear trees around Bellagio. Like most of the areas around Lake Como the buildings are painted yellow or orange and contrast beautifully with the dark green foliage. It’s a lovely place to explore.
Basilica di San Giacomo – things to do in Bellagio, Italy
The Basilica Di San Giacometti is a small church, but very peaceful and calming inside. There are various sculptures on the lectern and font to look at as well as a decorative altar at the front.
It’s situated on the higher level of town. There are plenty of other things to do in Bellagio around the Basilica – the Missoni shop is close by, as well as other craft shops and gellato stalls. It’s well worth a visit.
Shopping in Bellagio
What list of things to do in Bellagio would be complete without mentioning the shopping? If you’re a fan of Italian shopping, you’ll love Bellagio.
There are jewellery shops, glass, ceramics, art shops and more.
There’s also a good number of brand shops, so if you haven’t managed to buy that leather handbag or Missoni bathrobe in Milan you can certainly get it here.
Visit the other areas around Lake Como by Water taxi
If you’re looking for things to do in Lake Como, then you can get a water taxi from Bellagio to various different areas. Going on the water taxis around Lake Como with kids is a lot of fun in itself, and they’re really good about helping you on an off boats with pushchairs.