Varese

Nestled at the foot of the pre‑Alps and framed by lakes and hills, Varese is often nicknamed the “Garden City” for its elegant parks and verdant setting just north of Milan. Between Lake Varese and the Campo dei Fiori mountains, it's a natural-art destination where baroque palaces, lakeside trails, and UNESCO heritage sites meet serene landscapes

 Top Things to Do

1. Palazzo Estense & Giardini Estensi
This grand 18th‑century palace, once the seat of Duke Francesco III d’Este and now city hall, is flanked by lush formal gardens known as the Estensi Gardens — walking paths, shaded trees, and a butterfly garden included, free entry 

2. Sacro Monte di Varese
A UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage site featuring 14 chapels leading up to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Monte atop the mountain. Enjoy panoramic views, artistic chapels, and walks through nature within the Campo dei Fiori Regional Park 

3. Castello di Masnago (Masnago Castle)
Perched above the city, this medieval castle houses Varese’s civic art museum with frescoes and works by regional artists. Set in Parco Mantegazza, which includes a botanical garden 

4. Villa Panza & Villa Toeplitz
Villa Panza — an elegant historic villa transformed into a contemporary art museum with a rich collection of post‑war works. Villa Toeplitz is surrounded by expansive gardens with rare trees and peaceful pathways 

5. Historic Center & Basilica di San Vittore
Stroll the cobbled streets, visit Piazza Podestà and Basilica of San Vittore—an architectural blend of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles with a commanding bell tower 

6. Lake Varese Cycling & Walking Trail
A scenic 28 km loop around the lake offers cycling, picnics, rowing, and nature watching — ideal for outdoor relaxation and local exploration

7. Excursions Nearby
Visit the Sacro Monte, explore Campo dei Fiori Regional Park’s caves and trails, or head to Rocca Borromeo di Angera overlooking Lake Maggiore, with a well-preserved medieval fortress and doll museum

Eat & Drink

• Aperitivo & Buosino: Join locals in Piazza Monte Grappa for an aperitivo, or try the signature Buosino—a rich blend of coffee, chocolate, and foam at Pasticceria Buosi, often served with Amor Polenta (Dolce di Varese) 

• Dolce di Varese (Amor Polenta): A soft corn‑flour almond cake, the traditional sweet of the city—light, nutty, and perfect with tea or milk 

Where to Stay & Recommendations

• Historic center B&Bs & boutique hotels: Stay near Piazza Podestà to be within easy walking distance of museums, churches, shops, and gardens.

• Countryside villas or agriturismi: Surrounding hills or lakeside villas near lovely estates offer peaceful settings and natural beauty just beyond town.

• Lake area lodging: Ideal for cyclists and nature lovers wanting to access Lake Varese trails easily.

Travel Tips

• Getting There: Only about an hour by train from Milan – take a train from Milan Porta Garibaldi to Varese. Convenient if flying via Malpensa Airport too 

• Getting Around: Varese’s city center is very walkable. Bike rental is ideal for lakeside routes. Local buses connect to Sacro Monte and surrounding sites (€1.40 tickets available at cigar shops or onboard)

• Best Seasons: Spring to early autumn is perfect for garden walks, hiking and cycling. Autumn harvest time brings festivals and crisp air. Lake Maggiore visits and day trips are ideal in mild weather .

• Events & Culture: From June to September, look out for seasonal events organized by the local visitors bureau at venues including Sacro Monte and Fiesta markets 

• Nature escapes: Explore Campo dei Fiori Park with its 150 km of trails, diverse flora and fauna, caves and mountain panoramas. The Sacro Monte link is accessible via a funicular on weekends for part of the climb