Varese

Travel Guide
Varese featuring street scenes and night scenes
The palace, basilica and castle of this enchanting city north of Milan lie between the Campo dei Fiori mountain range and Lake Varese.

Near Milan in northern Italy is Varese, a picturesque city surrounded by mountains and lakes. It is known for its historical landmarks, including a basilica, a palace and a castle. See the Campo dei Fiori mountain range on one side of the city and Lake Varese on the other.

In the city centre, visit the 16th-century Basilica di San Vittore with an elegant façade full of columns and grand entrances. Atop its baroque bell tower are bells that chime throughout the day. Enjoy the neoclassical design of the basilica’s interior. Admire paintings inside the church by well-known 17th-century local artists. Browse the stores in the shopping area near the church.

Make your way to the baroque Estense Palace, built in 1760 for the duke Francesco III d’Este. Admire the elegant balconies of the pink-and-white buildings now used as the city’s Town Hall and a principal tourist attraction.

Behind the palace, stroll through the Estensi Gardens to see well-kept lawns and hedges. Have a drink or snack at the café on the grounds. Let your kids play at the children’s area or feed the ducks and swans in the lake.

The renovated Masnago Castle on the outskirts of Varese was owned by an aristocratic family in the 1500s. Admire the frescoes on its interior walls and discover historical relics from many different centuries. A guided tour is available.

Visit the Sacro Monte (Sacred Mountain) di Varese just north of the city. This 17th-century religious monument attracts pilgrims from around the world. Photograph the remarkable white building and its picturesque forest backdrop.

Varese is the site of a bitter 19th-century battle with Austrian forces. Now the city’s tranquil charm is the perfect partner for the Milanese urban sprawl and a pleasant escape for outdoor activities.

The city is about an hour’s drive north of Milan. Several railway stations scattered throughout the city provide excellent links to neighboring towns.

Where to stay in Varese

Varese showing street scenes, night scenes and a square or plaza

Downtown Varese

5/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Varese, Corso Matteotti and Piazza Monte Grappa are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Varese
Varese showing street scenes, night scenes and a square or plaza

Aggregazione Rionale 1

While visiting Aggregazione Rionale 1, you might make a stop by sights like Estensi Gardens and Estense Palace.

Aggregazione Rionale 1
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Casbeno

4/5(2 area reviews)

While visiting Casbeno, you might make a stop by sights like Estensi Gardens and Villa Recalcati.

Casbeno
Varese showing street scenes, night scenes and a square or plaza

Old Town

Old Town is beloved for its panoramic lake views. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Corso Matteotti and San Vittore Basilica.

Old Town
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Aggregazione Rionale 9

While Aggregazione Rionale 9 may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Piazza Monte Grappa and Castiglione Olona.

Aggregazione Rionale 9
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Bustecche

While Bustecche may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Palazzo e Giardini Estensi and Castiglione Olona.

Bustecche
Bis Hotel Varese
Bis Hotel Varese
4 out of 5
Via A. Fusinato, 35, Varese, VA
The price is S$126 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
S$126
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Varese. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (331 reviews)
Most of what you need & comfy
"Room was big and comfy enough, shower doors didnt exatly keep all the water in but just being picky. I did have my do no disturb on the front door, staying for 3 nights so dont need towles of sheets changing & removed complications if something goes missing, however each day dispite asking personally ..."

Reviewed on 7 Mar,2024

Bis Hotel Varese
Sheraton Milan Malpensa Airport Hotel & Conference Center
Sheraton Milan Malpensa Airport Hotel & Conference Center
4 out of 5
S.S. 336, Ferno, VA
The price is S$283 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
S$283
per night
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Ferno. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,740 reviews)
"Construction was going on and it was very noisy 24 hours a day."

Reviewed on 26 Mar,2024

Sheraton Milan Malpensa Airport Hotel & Conference Center
Palace Hotel
Palace Hotel
4 out of 5
Lungo Lario Trieste, 16, Como, CO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$399 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
S$399
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Como. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,012 reviews)
"Love this hotel! Our view of Lake Como from the room was spectacular. Breakfast was outstanding. The city and dining was within easy walking distance, but watch out for the buses; the drivers are less cautious about pedestrians. Otherwise the city is very safe, clean and energetic."

Reviewed on 25 Mar,2024

Palace Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Residence Diaz
Residence Diaz
Via Diaz, 86, Como, CO
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Como. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle, and a terrace. Popular attractions Civic Art Gallery and Piazza Vittoria ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (194 reviews)
"The apartment was perfect for my daughter and I. It’s centrally located and walkable to everything in Como. Only a 12 minute walk to the central station. A good grocery store just down the street. I would definitely stay here again and highly recommend. The staff were very helpful and friendly."

Reviewed on 17 Nov,2023

Residence Diaz
Residence Lenno
Residence Lenno
Via Statale 123/A, Lenno, Tremezzina, CO
Stay at this residence in Tremezzina. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Villa ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (207 reviews)
"The room itself was great and well equipped, it is upgrades and we received a free upgrade with a lake view including a balcony. Our air conditioning did not work the greatest and it was warm getting ready and the Wi-Fi did not work great. The staff was excellent though and accommodated us with our ..."

Reviewed on 2 Oct,2023

Residence Lenno
Aquazzurra Resort & Aparthotel
Aquazzurra Resort & Aparthotel
4 out of 5
Viale Vittorio Veneto 37, Cannobio, Provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Cannobio. Enjoy an outdoor pool, WiFi, and a terrace. Popular attractions Cannobio Ferry Terminal and Vittorio Emanuele III ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (11 reviews)
Better now.
"Been to the location over a period of 15 years, new owners have invested money on the amenities and staff, the manageress added that continued improvements are planned over the winter making this the best resort in the area - we tend to agree!"

Reviewed on 5 Jul,2023

Aquazzurra Resort & Aparthotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Varese

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
" "5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
25 Feb 2020

Great shopping, especially in the sales! Fantastic restaurants and bars, plenty of choice for both. Everything is easily accessible

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
23 Feb 2019

Dining time is too short