Our guide on the most common Tourist Traps To Avoid In Lake Como and how to avoid them.
Lake Como, with its dramatic alpine backdrop, sparkling waters, and luxurious villas, has long been a favorite escape for celebrities, honeymooners, and travelers craving a taste of Italian elegance. While the region absolutely lives up to its beauty, it’s also become a hotspot for overhyped experiences and overpriced attractions—especially in high season. Many visitors arrive expecting old-world charm but find themselves tangled in crowds, tourist menus, and photo-op chaos. The good news? Lake Como still holds authentic magic—it just takes a bit of insider knowledge to find.
Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic boat ride, lakeside dining, or wandering through historic towns, you’ll want to avoid the common traps that can quickly derail your experience. From navigating ferry schedules to knowing which towns are worth a stay (and which to simply pass through), planning wisely can help you discover the peaceful, enchanting side of the lake that locals know and love. Most traps are easy to avoid once you understand what to expect—and how to do things differently.
In this post, we break down six of the most common tourist traps in Lake Como and how to avoid them—so you can spend less time frustrated and more time enjoying aperitivos by the water, hiking hidden trails, or exploring the kind of quiet, cobbled alleys that still feel untouched by mass tourism.
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Quick & Easy Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps in Lake Como
Stay in smaller towns like Varenna or Menaggio instead of busy and pricey Bellagio.
Take public ferries instead of private boats to save hundreds and enjoy the same views.
Avoid lakefront restaurants with tourist menus—walk a few blocks inland for better prices and more authentic food.
Visit early in the morning or off-season (April, September) to avoid cruise crowds.
Download ferry timetables in advance—last-minute plans often lead to long waits or missed connections.
One of the more debated aspects of visiting Lake Como is the idea that tourists themselves have made certain villages almost unvisitable during peak season. Critics argue that the obsession with Bellagio and Varenna has turned them from charming lakeside gems into overcrowded stage sets. Others push back, saying that tourism keeps the area thriving and that crowding is simply part of visiting iconic destinations.
Another contentious point is whether Lake Como has become too focused on luxury branding, overshadowing the simpler, authentic experiences that existed long before it became a celebrity magnet. Some believe the glamour drives up prices and creates unrealistic expectations. Others claim that luxury and authenticity can coexist if travelers take time to explore the smaller, less curated towns that locals love.
And then there’s the ongoing debate about transportation. Some visitors insist Como is perfectly accessible and easy to navigate, while others describe it as a logistical nightmare. The truth sits somewhere in between: the lake isn’t difficult, but it does require understanding the rhythm of ferry schedules, crowds, and limited road access. Those who adapt to that rhythm enjoy their trip; those who don’t often walk away frustrated.
Tourist Traps To Avoid In Lake Como
1. Overpriced Restaurants Near Major Tourist Spots
Restaurants in the immediate vicinity of major tourist attractions and along the prime lakefront spots in towns like Bellagio, Varenna, and Como often have inflated prices.
How to Avoid:
Explore Side Streets: Walk a few blocks away from the main tourist areas to find dining spots that are more favored by locals and likely to be less expensive.
Ask Locals for Recommendations: Engage with local shop owners or your accommodation host to get recommendations for where they eat.
2. Generic Souvenir Shops
Many souvenir shops around the main tourist areas sell items that are generic and sometimes not even locally made. These can be overpriced and not reflective of true Italian craftsmanship.
How to Avoid:
Seek Authenticity: Look for shops that sell products made by local artisans. Lake Como is known for its silk, so visiting a shop that sells locally made silk products can be worthwhile.
Market Visits: Try visiting local markets where you can find genuine products ranging from food to handicrafts.
3. Crowded Public Ferries
The ferries are a popular and scenic way to explore Lake Como, but they can get extremely crowded, especially during peak tourist season, which can detract from the experience.
How to Avoid:
Travel Off-Peak: Use ferries early in the morning or later in the evening when there are fewer tourists.
Buy Tickets in Advance: If possible, purchase your tickets in advance to avoid long lines at the ticket counters.
4. Expensive Boat Tours
While private boat tours offer a unique way to see the lake, some can be excessively pricey without offering a proportional value in return.
How to Avoid:
Compare Offers: Check and compare different service providers for the best deals. Sometimes smaller, less-advertised companies offer better rates.
Group Tours: Opt for a small group tour which can be less expensive than a private tour but still offers a good experience.
5. Luxury Shops and High-End Boutiques
Especially in Como and Bellagio, the shopping scene includes numerous high-end boutiques. While tempting, prices can be much higher than in less tourist-centric areas.
How to Avoid:
Budget Accordingly: If you’re keen on shopping, set a budget beforehand to avoid overspending on impulse buys.
Research Prices: Sometimes, prices at these shops can be higher than in other parts of Italy or even back home. A quick online check of prices may save you from overspending.
6. Parking Woes
Finding parking can be a challenge around the major areas of Lake Como, and the fees can be quite high.
How to Avoid:
Use Public Transport: Consider using public transportation where possible. Trains and buses are plentiful and can take you close to major attractions without the hassle of parking.
Look for Approved Parking Areas: Use designated parking areas rather than risking a fine or a tow by parking in unauthorized spots.
Final Thoughts
Lake Como is one of those destinations that feels effortlessly magical, but the reality is that many travelers accidentally complicate their trip by falling into the same predictable traps. From timing your visit poorly to misjudging transportation, even seasoned travelers can end up spending more time stressing than soaking in the beauty of the lake. The region rewards those who slow down, plan smartly, and know what pitfalls to sidestep.
What makes Lake Como unique is that it’s both glamorous and deeply local at the same time. If you only stick to the postcard-famous villages and overlook the quieter corners, you miss the real heart of the area. Thoughtful planning doesn’t ruin spontaneity; it actually gives you more room to enjoy the lake without frustration or crowds shaping your day.
When you understand what typically goes wrong for first-timers, it becomes easier to craft a trip that feels relaxed, scenic, and genuinely memorable. Lake Como isn’t difficult to navigate once you know what to expect. A bit of preparation ensures you spend your time admiring golden-hour reflections on the water instead of waiting in unnecessary lines or scrambling for boats.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.