Varese​

Latest page update: 9 April 2025
By: Dion Protani
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.
Related links
Varese Overview
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. ​
Top 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.
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
Where to Stay in Varese - My Recommended Accommodation
  • Palace Grand Hotel Varese Set in a historic Liberty-style building on a hill above the city, this elegant hotel offers panoramic views, a large park, and classic rooms with period furnishings. Guests appreciate the peaceful setting, extensive breakfast, and convenient access to both the city centre and Sacro Monte. €€€ (high-end)
  • Hotel di Varese Located in the heart of the city, just a short walk from Corso Matteotti and the train station, this modern boutique hotel features stylish rooms, a wellness area, and private parking. Visitors enjoy the contemporary design, helpful staff, and proximity to shops and restaurants. €€€ (high-end)
  • Hotel Ungheria Varese 1946 Situated just outside the centre, this eco-friendly, family-run hotel offers comfortable rooms, bike rental, and secure parking. Guests value the warm atmosphere, quality breakfast, and convenient links to the motorway and Lake Varese. €€ (mid-range)
  • Art Hotel Varese Located near the Villa Panza and surrounded by a garden, this refined hotel combines modern art with period architecture. Visitors enjoy the quiet location, free parking, and easy walk to the historic centre. €€€ (high-end)
  • B&B Villa Adriana Positioned in a residential area a few minutes from the centre, this bed and breakfast offers cosy rooms in a 1920s villa with a garden. Guests appreciate the homely feel, friendly hosts, and relaxing environment just outside the hustle of the city. €€ (mid-range)
Where to Eat in Varese - My Recommended Restaurants
  • 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)

Varese  Gallery

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.

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  Transfer  Request

    WE OFFER PRIVATE TRANSFERS ACROSS THE WHOLE OF ITALY!
    To request the price and availability of any transfer route in Italy please use the form below or contact us via the [email protected] mailbox. Make sure you've included details such as the name of the hotel, name of the town/city or which airport/train station where relevant. Our English booking team will get back to you ASAP to assist with your enquiry.

SITE SEARCH

If you want to find a page quickly and you're not sure where to look you can use the Site Search box below and it'll point you in the right direction. 

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO ITALY

Italy Review is an independent guide to Italy, showcasing the very best that the country has to offer. Throughout the four thousand pages of the website you'll find comprehensive tourist information, opinion and original photos.

​Alongside the major tourist destinations that you've already heard of, there are thousands of others that may come as a surprise with the intention of the website to provide inspiration for your future trips to the country. 

The photos and descriptions on the website are all my own work and are the fruit of my extensive travels around the country. I've visited every place that's listed on the website which means I'm able to give useful advice for first-time visitors. 

​You can keep in touch with the latest developments in Italy via  my Facebook and Instagram pages. 

If you'd just like to start your exploration of Italy with some ideas of places to go then I'd recommend starting at the highlighted must see Italy page.  Or using the grid to your right you can click a photo to enter  the main menus.                 
Booking.com

THE ITALY REVIEW NETWORK SISTER SITES:

​All photos and images on the site that are marked with the © copyright symbol or with the Italy Review series logos are the property of Italy Review and must not be used elsewhere without prior permission. All written content on the website is also the property of Italy Review and its use is strictly limited to this website alone.