Varese​

Latest page update: 21 August 2025
By: Dion Protani

Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Varese
Varese has a strong selection of established hotels, with reputable properties both in the historic centre and around the lakes and gardens that characterise the city. The best-reviewed options combine reliable service, comfortable rooms and convenient access to the town’s main sights, transport links and scenic walking areas.
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Hotel di Varese is one of the most highly regarded choices, offering modern interiors, polished service and a central location that consistently earns excellent guest feedback (€€€). Art Hotel Varese provides an elegant alternative close to the historic centre, appreciated for its stylish décor, comfortable rooms and welcoming atmosphere (€€€). Palace Grand Hotel Varese, set in a panoramic position above the city, offers historic character, spacious communal areas and impressive views, making it a popular option for guests seeking a more scenic setting (€€€).

Where is

Where is Varese?
The city of Varese is the capital city of the Province of Varese with a population of 80,559 inhabitants.

Standing at an elevation of 382 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 54 km² and lies 50 kilometres north west of Milan, the regional capital of Lombardy.

​Aside from its own charms, Varese sits in an enviable location with Lake Maggiore, Lake Como and Lake Lugano all within striking distance and a series of smaller lakes even closer to the city centre.
Comune di Varese
Province: Varese

Region: Lombardy

Population: 78,819​ (in 2024 - source)

Size: 54 km²

Elevation: 382 metres

Highlights: Giardini Estensi, Basilica di San Vittore, shopping

​Close by: Lake Varese, Sacro Monte di Varese, Lake Comabbio

What People Ask About Varese

Is Varese worth visiting?
Yes, Varese is a city in northern Lombardy known for its villas, gardens, and proximity to the Sacro Monte di Varese, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It also offers good access to lakes and mountain walks.
What are the main attractions in Varese?
Highlights include the Sacro Monte pilgrimage complex, the 18th-century Villa Panza with contemporary art, the historic centre, and Lake Varese, which has a walking and cycling path around it.
How do you get to Varese?
Varese has its own train station with regular services from Milan and other cities in Lombardy. It’s also accessible by car via the A8 motorway and is close to Milan Malpensa Airport.
What is Sacro Monte di Varese?
Sacro Monte di Varese is a religious complex with 14 chapels and a sanctuary, located on a hillside above the city. It’s part of the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy and offers panoramic views.
When is the best time to visit Varese?
The best time to visit is from April to October, when the gardens are in bloom and the weather is good for walking around the town, the lake, and nearby hills.
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Discover

Discover Varese
The main square in Varese is Piazza Monte Grappa; largely consisting of Fascist-era architecture from the 20th century it's quite different from typical piazzas throughout Italy but no less charming.

​From Piazza Monte Grappa you can take a short walk along the main shopping street: Corso Matteotti, before turning towards the Basilica di San Vittore. Replete with its own impressive bell tower, the Basilica is the main religious building in the city and stands on the square named after it: Piazza San Vittore. 
​Once you've explored the porticoed streets around the Basilica, you can head back towards Piazza Monte Grappa and edge away from the city centre. In this south-western area of the city you'll find the Giardini Estensi, the public gardens (free to enter) of the Palazzo Estense which is these days the home to Varese's town hall. A pleasant stroll through the gardens will bring you to Villa Mirabello which houses the Civic Museum and Archaeological Museum.
On the opposite side of the city to the Giardini Estensi is perhaps Varese's most famous visitor attraction: Villa Panza. To reach the villa it's either a 15 minute walk or around 10 minutes if you take the Line A bus from Verratti 14 (del Cairo) stop. On display at the villa is a selection of contemporary art pieces combined with historic furniture and surroundings, making for an unusual and appealing combination.
Further still from the city centre is the Sacro Monte di Varese. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the mountain can be reached by the Line C bus in 18 minutes. Another sight on the outskirts of the city is Lake Varese, the largest of a group of three lakes that lie to the south of the city. ​

Things to Do

Things to Do in Varese
  • Sacro Monte di Varese: Part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, this sacred complex includes a pilgrimage route with 14 chapels leading up to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Monte. Set on a wooded hillside above the city, the route combines religious art, Renaissance architecture, and panoramic views over the Lombardy lakes and Prealps.
  • Villa Panza and Contemporary Art Museum: Housed in an 18th-century villa surrounded by formal gardens, Villa Panza is renowned for its collection of contemporary American art. Works by artists such as Dan Flavin and James Turrell are displayed alongside period furnishings, blending modern creativity with historical elegance.
  • Centro Storico and Corso Matteotti: Varese’s historic centre is focused around Piazza Monte Grappa and Corso Matteotti, with arcaded walkways, boutiques, cafés, and civic buildings. The area retains a refined atmosphere, with Art Nouveau and neoclassical details throughout its architecture.
  • Lake Varese and Cycling Trail: Just outside the city, Lake Varese offers a 28-kilometre cycling and walking path that loops around the shoreline. The route passes through woodlands, wetlands, and small villages, with views of the Alps and birdwatching spots along the way.
  • Day Trip to Campo dei Fiori and Villa Toeplitz: The nearby Campo dei Fiori Regional Park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and views from the summit over Lake Maggiore and the Alps. Villa Toeplitz, within the park, features terraced gardens, fountains, and a historic residence, making for an easy and scenic escape from the city.

Tours and Activities

Varese Tours and Activities

Where to Eat

Where to Eat in Varese
  • Ristorante Teatro: Located near the historic centre of Varese, Ristorante Teatro serves elegant Italian cuisine in a refined, contemporary setting. The menu focuses on seasonal ingredients and features dishes such as risotto, fresh fish, and delicately prepared meats. The professional service and quiet atmosphere make it well suited for a special occasion. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
  • Il Polpo Fritto: Also in central Varese, this popular seafood restaurant specialises in southern Italian flavours, with an emphasis on fresh fish and shellfish. The menu includes grilled octopus, pasta with clams, and a variety of antipasti. The lively setting and attentive staff create a relaxed yet vibrant dining experience. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Trattoria Cavallotti: Situated in the old town, Trattoria Cavallotti offers a menu of traditional Lombard and northern Italian dishes. Highlights include ossobuco, polenta, and hearty stews, served in a cosy interior with wood-panelled walls and a homely atmosphere. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Ristorante 3 Risotti: Found slightly outside the centre, this modern restaurant is named after its signature risotto dishes, though it offers a full menu of Italian and Mediterranean options. Known for its creative plating and quality ingredients, it’s a solid choice for a more contemporary meal. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Pizzeria Ristorante Il Veliero: Located near the lake area, Il Veliero serves a large selection of pizzas alongside pasta dishes and grilled meats. With a casual setting and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a convenient option for a relaxed evening out. Price guide: € (Budget-friendly)

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Places Close to [Place Name]

Places Close to Varese
  • Lugano (approx. 30 km north of Varese): Located just over the border in Switzerland, Lugano is a picturesque lakeside city known for its beautiful lake, the Lago di Lugano, and surrounding mountains. Visitors can stroll along the lakeside promenade, visit the Parco Ciani, or explore the charming historic centre with its squares, shops, and cafes. Lugano also offers a variety of cultural attractions, including museums and galleries.
  • Como (approx. 30 km west of Varese): A stunning town on the shores of Lake Como, Como is famous for its dramatic landscape, historic buildings, and the beautiful Como Cathedral. Visitors can take a funicular ride to Brunate for panoramic views, visit Villa Olmo with its picturesque gardens, or enjoy a relaxing boat trip on the lake. The town is also a hub for shopping, with many boutiques and high-end stores.
  • Mendrisio (approx. 35 km north of Varese): A small town in Switzerland, Mendrisio offers a charming historic centre with traditional architecture and a lively atmosphere. The town is famous for its proximity to the FoxTown Factory Stores, a large outlet mall offering luxury shopping at discounted prices. Mendrisio also serves as a gateway to the surrounding region, which offers hiking and nature trails.
  • Sesto Calende (approx. 20 km south of Varese): Situated on the shores of Lake Maggiore, Sesto Calende is a quaint town with a lovely lakeside promenade and a rich history. Visitors can enjoy boat trips on the lake, visit the Parco del Ticino for outdoor activities, or explore the charming streets of the town with its local shops and restaurants.
  • Angera (approx. 15 km south of Varese): A small town on the southern shore of Lake Maggiore, Angera is home to the impressive Rocca di Angera, a medieval castle that offers stunning views over the lake and a fascinating museum of dolls and toys. The town also features a charming historic centre and beautiful lakeside views, making it a great destination for a relaxing day trip.
​Lombardy Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Lombardy

1. Lake Como
2. ​Milan
3. Lake Garda
4. Mantua
5. Lake Maggiore
6. Cremona
7. Lake Iseo
8. ​Lake Lugano
9. Pavia
10. San Pellegrino Terme

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Lombardy

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Varese
​Varese's train station is situated half a kilometre west of the city centre, an 8 minute walk from Piazza Monte Grappa. Trains run south from here to Milan with a journey time of 52 minutes to Milan's Porta Garibaldi station. Heading east by train you can reach Como in around 45 minutes, a route that temporarily passes through Switzerland. Another popular route from here is to the town of Laveno-Mombello on Lake Maggiore, a journey of 36 minutes. 

The most convenient airport for Varese is Milan Malpensa Airport which is a 35 minute car journey away (40 km), while a second option is Milan Linate Airport which is just over an hour away (75 km).
​Public transport: ​central train station, local buses

By train: ​Laveno-Mombello - 36 mins, Milan Porta Garibaldi - 52'
By car: ​Como - 54 mins (29 km), Monza - 1 hour 7 mins (67 km)

Fly to: ​Milan Malpensa Airport - 35 minutes by car (40 km)

Private Transfers

Varese Private Transfers
A private transfer is a convenient and comfortable way to travel to or from Varese, particularly if you're arriving at one of the Milan airports or heading to Lake Maggiore or nearby Swiss towns. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and driven directly by a local driver—no changes, no delays, and no need for car hire.

From Varese, the drive to Milan Malpensa Airport takes around 35 minutes (approx. 35 kilometres), while Linate Airport is about 1 hour 15 minutes away. Lugano in Switzerland can be reached in around 1 hour, and transfers to Lake Maggiore towns such as Laveno, Stresa, or Angera typically take between 30 and 50 minutes by car.
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