A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Como and its Breathtaking Lakeside

Explore Como at Your Own Pace with a Self-Guided Tour

For those seeking an flexible way to discover Como’s charming old town and stunning lakeside scenery, the self-guided walking tour offered by VoiceMap Audio Tours is an excellent choice. Priced at just $19.99 per person, this tour provides lifetime access to an engaging audio narration, maps, and geodata that work offline, making it easy to navigate without worries about internet connection.

With a duration of approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, this experience is perfect for independent travelers looking to explore at their own rhythm. The tour starts from Piazza Alessandro Volta, a lively square honoring the inventor of the electric battery, and ends at the Funicolare Como-Brunate, offering panoramic views and additional exploration options. While it doesn’t include guided interaction, it’s a practical and cost-effective way to see the city’s top sights without a tour group or guide.

Key Points

• Self-guided smartphone audio tour offers complete independence.
• Lifetime access includes offline audio, maps, and geodata.
• Tour covers major landmarks like Piazza Alessandro Volta, Porta Torre, and Como Cathedral.
• Ideal for solo travelers who enjoy exploring at their own pace.
• Approximate duration is 75 to 90 minutes.
• Tour ends near the Funicolare Como-Brunate for panoramic city views.

Starting at Piazza Alessandro Volta

The tour begins at Piazza Alessandro Volta, a vibrant square named after the renowned physicist. Here, a statue dedicated to Alessandro Volta stands prominently, marking the city’s appreciation for its scientific history. This starting point sets the tone for a walk through Como’s blend of historic and cultural landmarks. The self-guided narration provides background on the square’s significance and the inventor’s legacy.

The convenience of starting in this lively area means visitors can immediately enjoy Como’s energetic atmosphere. The offline maps and geodata ensure you move confidently through the historic streets, even without an internet connection.

Discovering Palazzo del Pero’s Architectural Charm

Next, the tour guides you to Palazzo del Pero, a building celebrated for its architectural craftsmanship. The structure reflects Como’s cultural evolution and architectural heritage. Visitors can admire intricate details and appreciate how this historic building encapsulates the city’s artistic character.

Further, the Palazzo del Pero Orologi e Gioielli offers a glance into the world of watch and jewelry artisans, showcasing Como’s long-standing dedication to timeless craftsmanship. These stops highlight the city’s reputation for precision and elegance.

Enjoying Como’s Culinary Scene at Pasticceria Cremeria

A highlight of this tour is the stop at Pasticceria Cremeria Ristorante Arte Dolce Lyceum, a local pastry shop and restaurant. Here, culinary artistry takes center stage, inviting visitors to savor regional flavors. This is an ideal spot to pause, relax with a cappuccino, and appreciate Como’s food culture.

The tour’s ability to pause at these points of interest allows for personalized breaks for browsing shops or enjoying a snack, without missing out on key sights.

Exploring Medieval and Religious Landmarks

The tour takes you to Porta Torre, a fortified tower dating back to the 1100s. Visitors see remnants of ancient city walls that survived centuries of history. This site offers a tangible connection to Como’s medieval past.

Next, the San Pietro in Atrio church provides insight into Como’s religious heritage. Its architectural beauty and cultural significance make it a notable stop, allowing visitors to appreciate the city’s spiritual history.

Central Squares and Historic Markets

Piazza San Fedele, once known as Grain Square, served as Como’s Roman forum and remains a bustling hub today. Walking through, visitors experience the vibrant market atmosphere and the lively social scene that continues to define the square.

Close by is the Basilica di San Fedele, an architectural masterpiece that combines sacred space with historical storytelling. The tour narration helps visitors understand its religious and cultural importance, adding depth to the sightseeing experience.

Savoring Local Delicacies at Enosalumeria

As part of the walking route, the tour pauses at Enosalumeria del Centro, a place dedicated to local gastronomy. Visitors can taste regional delicacies and explore Como’s culinary traditions. This stop enhances the experience with authentic flavors and gives insight into the city’s food culture.

Visiting Iconic Landmarks: Como Cathedral and Teatro Sociale

The Saint Mary Assunta Cathedral is a highlight, showcasing grand architectural design with a Swiss-sourced marble facade. Its religious significance and historic architecture make it a key stop on the tour. The narration offers insights into its role in shaping Como’s spiritual identity.

Teatro Sociale adds an artistic touch to the itinerary, highlighting Como’s cultural scene. This historic theater serves as a venue for performances and arts, emphasizing the city’s ongoing commitment to creative expression.

Unique Architectural Features and Public Spaces

The Portale della Rana introduces visitors to quirky architecture, adding a whimsical element to the walk. Its stories and design stand out as a distinctive feature of Como.

Meanwhile, Broletto offers a glance into medieval governance, where public councils once gathered. Its preservation underscores Como’s political history and community life over the centuries.

Lakeside Views and the Final Stop at the Funicular

No visit to Como is complete without experiencing its breathtaking lakefront. The tour includes a stroll along Lungo Lario Trieste, where spectacular views of historic villas and Lake Como provide perfect photo opportunities. The tranquility of the lake and majestic landscapes are central to Como’s charm.

The tour concludes at the Funicolare Como-Brunate, offering panoramic vistas and a chance for further exploration. This final stop allows visitors to reflect on the city’s diverse history and continue their journey up the mountain for even more stunning sights.

Practicalities and Accessibility of the Tour

This self-guided experience is accessible via the VoiceMap app for both Android and iOS, with offline access to all materials. The tour starts at Piazza Alessandro Volta and ends near the Funicolare station, which is close to public transportation.

It’s designed to be suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed and the flexibility to pause or resume at any point. The duration of about 75 to 90 minutes makes it manageable even for those with limited time.

Who Will Benefit from This Tour

This self-led tour appeals most to travelers who prefer independent exploration and want to control their pace. It is especially suited for solo visitors who enjoy listening to detailed narration while walking through historic streets and lakeside scenery. The cost-effectiveness and lifetime access make it a practical choice for those who want to revisit or customize their experience.

While it offers a thorough overview of Como’s top sights, it lacks a guide to answer specific questions in real-time, so those seeking personalized guidance might prefer guided tours. However, for flexibility and affordability, this option provides a well-rounded glimpse of Como’s architectural, cultural, and natural treasures.

Final Thoughts on the Como Self-Guided Walk

The $19.99 self-guided walking tour from VoiceMap offers a comprehensive and flexible way to explore Como’s historic core and lakeside beauty. It scores well on value, providing lifetime access and offline usability for independent travelers.

While it may benefit from more detailed explanations at some sites, such as the Duomo, the overall experience earns a 4-star rating based on its engaging narration, well-curated stops, and beautiful scenery. It’s especially ideal for solo visitors or those on a budget who want to see the city at their own pace without sacrificing depth or quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, the tour’s flexible pacing and scenic stops make it appropriate for families, though it’s best for children who enjoy walking and listening to audio narration.

Do I need to bring my own smartphone and headphones?
Yes, the tour includes offline audio, maps, and geodata, but smartphone and headphones are not provided and must be brought by participants.

Can I start this tour at any time?
Yes, the tour is available 24/7 from Piazza Alessandro Volta, and you can begin whenever it suits your schedule.

Is there any guided interaction during the tour?
No, this is a self-guided experience, meaning no live guide or group interaction is included.

How long does the tour last?
The estimated duration is around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, but you can pause and explore stops longer if you wish.

What landmarks are included in the tour?
Key stops include Piazza Alessandro Volta, Palazzo del Pero, Porta Torre, San Pietro in Atrio, Piazza San Fedele, Como Cathedral, Teatro Sociale, and the lakeside promenade.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
While the tour covers streets and historic sites, specific accessibility details are not provided, so travelers with mobility concerns should plan accordingly.

Can I revisit the tour later?
Absolutely, the lifetime access means you can listen to the narration as often as you like, making it easy to revisit Como’s highlights whenever you wish.