Things to do in Varese

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A historic building with a large courtyard surrounded by trees and manicured gardens.
A cobblestone street lined with historic buildings, storefronts, and a pedestrian walkway.
A detailed ceiling with ornate sculptures and frescoes.
A historic square with a prominent clock tower, illuminated buildings, and a bustling crowd.
An art gallery with paintings and sculptures on display.

Things to do

Casalzuigno: Villa della Porta Bozzolo

Casalzuigno: Villa della Porta Bozzolo

￥2,232
per adult
Casalzuigno: Villa della Porta Bozzolo
Lake Como: Adventure day in Spina Verde Regional Park

Lake Como Rebels: Adventure day in Spina Verde Regional Park

￥28,828
per adult
Lake Como Rebels: Adventure day in Spina Verde Regional Park
Cantonese dimsum

Cantonese Dimsum Cooking Lesson in Como or Lugano with Chef Ling

￥8,369
per adult
Cantonese Dimsum Cooking Lesson in Como or Lugano with Chef Ling
Locarno and Ascona: Scenic Electric Bike Cycling Tour

Locarno and Ascona: Scenic Electric Bike Cycling Tour

￥29,455
per adult
Locarno and Ascona: Scenic Electric Bike Cycling Tour
Pizza course and tasting on Lake Maggiore

Pizza course and tasting on Lake Maggiore

￥19,529
per adult
Pizza course and tasting on Lake Maggiore
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Tours & day trips

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Castelli di Cannero Boat Transfer & Audio Guide

Castelli di Cannero Boat Transfer & Audio Guide

Activity duration is 2 hours
Price is ￥4,822 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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Lake Maggiore: Arona & Stresa, Cooking Lesson with Dinner and Music

Lake Maggiore: Arona & Stresa, Cooking Lesson with Dinner and Music

Activity duration is 4 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥23,926 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 4 activities
Como: Lugano and Swiss Chocolate Factory Day Trip

Como: Lugano and Swiss Chocolate Factory Day Trip

Activity duration is 6 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥29,998 per adult
Como: Lugano and Swiss Chocolate Factory Day TripOpens in new tab

What to do in Varese

Stay near popular Varese attractions

A historic plaza with a church, a clock tower, and a modern building.

San Vittore Basilica

9.0/10 (6 reviews)
This 16th-century basilica blends neoclassical, Baroque, and Mannerist elements into a harmonious architectural masterpiece. Inside, discover impressive frescoes and artworks by renowned Lombard artists.
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Where to stay in Varese

Find the best Varese areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Varese
Learn more about Varese
A historic square with a prominent clock tower, illuminated buildings, and a bustling crowd.

Downtown Varese

While visiting Downtown Varese, you might make a stop by sights like San Vittore Basilica and Corso Matteotti.

A historic square with a prominent church, colorful buildings, and a clear sky.

Old Town

Travelers to Old Town praise its panoramic lake views. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by San Vittore Basilica and Corso Matteotti.

A historic building with a red-tiled roof and white shutters, surrounded by a well-maintained lawn and trees.

Casbeno

Casbeno might not have many top sights, but San Vittore Basilica and Estense Palace are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

A large pink building with green shutters and a central entrance.

Aggregazione Rionale 1

If you're spending some time in Aggregazione Rionale 1, San Vittore Basilica and Estense Palace are top sights worth seeing.

A mountainous landscape with a lake, snow-capped peaks, and a distant castle.

Aggregazione Rionale 9

Aggregazione Rionale 9 might not have many top sights, but Lake Varese bicycle trail and San Vittore Basilica are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Popular day trips from Varese

A stone bridge over a river, surrounded by greenery and houses.

Induno Olona

A hillside town with red-roofed buildings and a prominent tower, surrounded by mountains and trees.

Sacro Monte

A tall stone tower with a steep roof and a shorter building with arched windows.

Cantello

A hillside town with red-roofed buildings and a prominent tower, surrounded by mountains and trees.

Santa Maria del Monte

Frequently asked questions

Is Varese worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor adventures and history, there are loads of great things to do in Varese. Make sure to experience the area's blend of unmissable sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Varese?
Once you've visited top attractions like Masnago Castle and Estense Palace, spend the rest of your day enjoying the food and retail options in Varese.
What is the top tourist attraction in Varese?
Masnago Castle is one of the top tourist attractions in Varese and deserves a spot on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Varese?
Three days will be plenty of time to tick off popular city highlights, such as Masnago Castle, Estense Palace and Villa Menafoglio Litta Panza and Collection. The average stay in Varese is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your trip, Milan isn't far away.
Is Varese a walkable city?
It depends on what you want to do and see in Varese. Several top attractions, such as Masnago Castle and Estense Palace, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Varese's neighborhoods, Aggregazione Rionale 1 is 0.32 kilometers away from downtown, while Downtown Varese is 0.16 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Varese with kids?
If you're looking for attractions and activities for all ages, check out these awesome ideas for what to do in Varese with kids.

What to do in Varese for adults?
Le Cappelle and Collegiata Museum are just two of the things to do in Varese. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Varese?
In Varese, Lake Varese bicycle trail is a popular spot for anyone looking to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the parks and other neighborhoods, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a top way to learn about the best free things to do in Varese.