Visiting Bellagio? Honest Suggestions From a Local Photographer

So you’ve arrived in Bellagio. You likely hopped off a ferry and now have a full day ahead of you. Or perhaps you braved that crazy drive from Como or Lecco—narrow roads, buses brushing past you at every turn—but you’ve managed to park the car safely and are now wondering what to do first. To be honest, there is only one answer: those iconic stairs.

The stairs are always packed with fellow travelers, so getting a great photo is a real challenge, especially during the season that kicks off in May. The only way to get a shot without the crowds is to arrive around 6:00 or 7:00 am. By 8:00 am, the restaurant and shop suppliers start arriving, and workers carrying boxes and bags will be walking up and down constantly. But just before that, the stairs are all yours. Most photographers head there at that exact time to capture that iconic shot for their Instagram feed. Did you know these stairs are actually called the Salita Serbelloni? They are the most photographed spot in town for a reason, acting as a steep, scenic gateway that perfectly captures the timeless, vertical charm of Bellagio.

If you head up, the top of the stairs opens onto another street bustling with shops, restaurants, and fellow travelers. This road eventually leads you to the Basilica of St. Giacomo. Fun fact: this beautiful Romanesque church dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries and was originally built to serve the town's defensive walls! If you’re lucky, you might even stumble upon a concert or a local market right by the church. Keep an eye out for the posters scattered around town—they’re the best way to stay in the loop with the latest event schedules.

So, you’ve successfully climbed the stairs, enjoyed a nice gelato at the top, and wandered over to the church. Suddenly, you realize two hours have flown by and you’ve already seen most of the town. What’s next? This is where I can help—I've rounded up a few great spots to visit, especially if you have some extra time or a car.

Punta Spartivento

Since you’re already at the Basilica, you aren't too far from the most scenic viewpoint on the lake: Punta Spartivento. The name itself is quite poetic—it translates to "the point where the wind divides"—because this is the exact spot where the lake splits into its two southern branches, forming that famous "Y" shape of Lake Como. It’s a bit of a hidden gem; as you walk there from the Basilica, you might feel like you're heading down a road to nowhere. Keep going, though—you’ll eventually arrive at a beautiful spot featuring a restaurant, a pier, and a charming vista looking out toward Varenna and Menaggio on either side of the lake. You’ll find some fellow travelers here, but far fewer than on the main stairs, as not many people venture out to this "hidden" location.

Spiaggetta

The next spot I’d like to suggest is the "Small Beach," or Spiaggetta as it’s known in Italian. To be honest, I rarely see anyone actually swimming there, but the location is incredibly scenic for two reasons: the ancient heart of the town tucked away here, and the quiet pier filled with yachts and small fishing boats.

First, take about 20 minutes to just wander through this part of the town. It is truly old and impressive, filled with stone arches, narrow alleys, and original cobblestone paths. To me, this is the most beautiful version of Bellagio. Did you know that this area—the Borgo di Loppia—is one of the oldest parts of the village, historically serving as a quiet fisherman’s district that has remained largely unchanged for centuries?

Once you’ve soaked in the atmosphere, find a bench or simply sit on the beach stones and take in the view. From here, you’re looking out toward the Lecco branch of Lake Como. It’s a much quieter, less busy side of the lake, which is why I call this a "location for yourself." Very few tourists wander this far, making it the perfect spot for some quiet reflection and a real viva la vie moment.

If you’ve parked in the spot I suggested, the old town and that "Small Beach" I mentioned are just a few meters away. If you prefer to start with the main tourist areas, it’s only about a 10-minute walk to the iconic stairs—but at least your car will be safe and your parking sorted for the entire day.

By the way, this area is also a great place to find local food that’s both more affordable and away from the dense crowds. One such spot is La Bellagina Ristorante Pizzeria, which is just a few minutes away on the main road.

Driving & Parking in Bellagio

Since the next spot I’m going to recommend is a bit further away (though you could still walk there if you’re up for it), we need to talk about cars. If you’re planning to drive, there are a few things you really should know. Bellagio is essentially a maze of stairs and pedestrian paths, with only a single main road circling the town—and parts of it are one-way only.

You’ll usually see cars parked along the side of the road, but since everyone has the same idea, finding a spot after 8:00 am is nearly impossible. There is a car park near the promenade by the ferry pier, but it’s quite small. Even if you manage to snag a space there, you’ll face another challenge: the payment machines. They aren't the easiest to operate, which is why you’ll often see long, frustrated queues waiting to pay.

Don't panic, though—I can show you where you can park easily, even in high season. My biggest piece of advice is to download the EasyPark app on your phone before you arrive. It accepts cards and PayPal, and it’s incredibly user-friendly. You can set your parking duration, and the app will notify you when your time is running out, allowing you to extend it remotely or stop the timer early if you decide to head off.

The best parking spots are marked on the map below. A word of warning: don't get lured by signs in Google maps for "Free Parking." Only God knows where those elusive two or three free spots actually are! When you arrive, just open your app and park wherever you feel comfortable. I’d much rather pay a few euros than risk a fine from the local authorities.

A quick tip: try to avoid asking "what’s the best place to eat" on the internet. Most restaurants around Bellagio are actually quite good, but keep in mind that in the town center, you’ll often be charged €15–€20 for a basic plate of pasta. As someone who cooks, I can tell you there is no pasta, pizza, or salad that costs more than €5 to make at home. So, if you’re looking for a Michelin-star experience, that’s one thing, but don't fall into the trap of thinking the town center is the only (or best) place for authentic flavor. The food is amazing everywhere—it’s just the prices that vary!

San Giovanni

If you still have some time and don’t mind a bit of a walk, the last place I want to suggest is the charming area of San Giovanni, just near Bellagio. Interestingly, this little hamlet is a hidden gem for local history; it’s actually home to the Museum of Navigational Instruments, which houses an incredible collection of antique nautical tools from across the centuries.

If you’re driving, there is free parking available in the area, but keep a close eye on your GPS; the turn-off is very steep and easy to miss, and you don’t want to end up driving too far before you can find a spot to turn around.

Once you’re exploring on foot, you’ll find beautiful old buildings, including one spot where the walls are decorated with vintage bicycles hanging all the way up to the second floor! After grabbing some cool photos, keep heading toward the San Giovanni pier and the Church of St. John the Baptist. This church is a local treasure, famous for its stunning 18th-century Baroque interior and a prized altar painting that dates back to the early 1700s.

From here, you’ll have a stunning view of the lake stretching toward the town of Como, and if you look to your left, you can spot the famous hill of Villa del Balbianello, which many recognize as a filming location for Star Wars and Casino Royale. It’s a wonderfully quiet place to take a seat on a bench and soak it all in. The only "traffic" you’ll see is out on the water, where a constant stream of boats rushes to every corner of the lake.

The Gardens of Villa Melzi

The only villa you can visit directly in Bellagio is Villa Melzi. It’s one of the rare estates around that features a long, flat promenade, meaning you can enjoy the grounds without having to climb any stairs. While it functions mostly as a relaxing walk, there is an option to head to the second level of the gardens to observe the same beauty from a higher vantage point. If you’re into gardening, you’ll find plenty of interesting exotic trees and rare flowers to admire.

As a professional photographer, I don’t find this location ideal for full wedding photoshoots, but there is one spot—a charming little pavilion—that is famously used for marriage proposals.

Fun fact: Villa Melzi was built in the early 19th century for Francesco Melzi d'Eril, who served as Vice President of the Italian Republic under Napoleon Bonaparte. It even hosted famous historical figures like Franz Liszt and Stendhal, who were inspired by its beauty.

If you have plenty of time, definitely visit. It’s a perfect stroll on your way to San Giovanni. At the far end of the villa grounds, there is an exit that leads you back toward the old town of Bellagio, and from there, you can reach San Giovanni on foot in about 10 minutes.

For a Longer Stay

If you’re planning to stay in Bellagio for more than a day, here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of your trip:

1. For a bit more adventure, hop on a ferry to explore Menaggio, Lenno, and Varenna. My advice is to always buy a return ticket, which gives you the flexibility to travel throughout the entire day. You can check the latest ferry schedules on the official website: https://lakecomotravel.com/boat-tours-ferry-lake-como/

2. If you find yourself needing to do some laundry, there is a convenient spot right in the heart of Bellagio on Salita Grandi called La Lavandera. Don’t let the 3-star reviews worry you; the machines work perfectly fine, and you shouldn’t have any issues getting your clothes clean.

3. If you need to pick up some groceries, there is a handy store on the upper road of Bellagio, located on Via Giuseppe Garibaldi. While you’re there, if you love authentic Italian pasta, make sure to stop by a shop on that same street called Dai Viga. They specialize in fresh, handmade pasta, just keep in mind that they tend to close quite early!

   For a more substantial grocery run, there is a larger supermarket called Supermarket MIGROSS-Consorzio Agrario located at Via Alessandro Volta, 40. The parking area is a bit tight, but the store itself is spacious and carries a great variety of food and daily essentials.