Visiting Varese in a single day can be a real surprise! Also called the Garden City, Varese is rich in parks, historic villas, sacred art, and stunning natural landscapes. Thanks to its strategic position between Milan, Switzerland, and the Lombard lakes, it is an ideal destination for a day trip. In this guide, we’ll explore what to see in Varese and its surroundings, with practical tips to make the most of your day.
What to see in Varese: the Main Attractions
Varese is a city with many different souls: the elegance of its palaces, the greenery of its parks, and the spirituality of its churches and sanctuaries. The main attractions are located not only in the city center but also in its surroundings, and they can easily be visited in one day.
1. The Historic Center of Varese
The heart of the city is a maze of pedestrian streets, elegant squares, and arcades that tell the story of Varese. Strolling through the alleys, you’ll arrive at Piazza Monte Grappa, the main square dominated by the Civic Tower and the War Memorial. From there, you can continue along Corso Matteotti, the shopping street filled with historic cafés and boutiques.
Not far away stands the majestic Basilica of San Vittore, with its baroque bell tower, and the fascinating Baptistery of San Giovanni, one of the oldest buildings in the city. Walking through the center means breathing in the atmosphere of a city built on a human scale, which still preserves its authentic soul.
2. Palazzo Estense and the Estensi Gardens
The Palazzo Estense, built in the 18th century, is one of the symbols of Varese. Today it serves as the Town Hall and houses richly decorated rooms. It overlooks a park reminiscent of Vienna’s Schönbrunn gardens. A walk among the neat pathways, flower beds, and fountains is a unique experience that reveals why Varese is known as the Garden City.
3. The Must-See Historic Villas
Varese is also famous for its villas, a testament to its aristocratic and cultural heritage. Villa Mirabello, surrounded by a large park, houses the Civic Archaeological Museum, with artifacts that tell the ancient history of the area. Villa Panza is an international landmark for contemporary art, with a collection that combines minimalism, light, and space in extraordinary ways. Finally, the spectacular Villa Toeplitz impresses with its terraced gardens, fountains, and panoramic views over the city—a perfect place for a slow, contemplative stroll.
The Sacro Monte of Varese
Among the must-see sites in Varese is the Sacro Monte, included in the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2003. It is a two-kilometer route along a cobbled road, dotted with 14 baroque chapels, frescoed and decorated with statues that depict the Mysteries of the Rosary. The path culminates at the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Monte, which overlooks the city from above.
Climbing Sacro Monte is an experience that blends spirituality, art, and nature. The walk takes about an hour and offers breathtaking views over the city and the Lombard plain. Those who prefer can take the funicular, which goes directly to the village of Santa Maria del Monte, with its medieval alleys, small museums, and panoramic viewpoints. Sunsets from here are truly unforgettable.
Its Historical Curiosity?
The Sacro Monte is not only a religious route but also a collective masterpiece, created with the contribution of architects, painters, and sculptors over more than two centuries. Each chapel is a small treasure chest of art, telling biblical stories and reflecting the popular devotion of the time.
The Beauty of Lake Varese
If you love nature and relaxation, you’ll be glad to know that just a few kilometers from the city center lies Lake Varese, a natural setting perfect for recharging your energy. The 28-kilometer cycle path around the lake is ideal for a bike ride or a long walk. Along the way, you’ll find rest areas, viewpoints, and peaceful spots for observing nature.
The lake is also a reference point for sports and cultural discovery. In addition to cycling, you can take boat trips to Isolino Virginia, a small gem that preserves Neolithic remains and is a UNESCO heritage site. For birdwatchers, the natural reserve around the lake is home to herons, coots, and numerous migratory species.
Lake Varese is also very popular among locals, who come here for Sunday walks, picnics, and sports activities. This makes it an authentic place, where you can experience the city like a true Varese native.
What to see in Varese and its surroundings
While the city itself boasts many wonders, the surrounding area is equally worth exploring. Varese is surrounded by natural parks, historic villages, and lakes that deserve a visit—even on a one-day itinerary.
1. Campo dei Fiori
The Campo dei Fiori Regional Park is a nature reserve offering dozens of trails through the woods, caves to explore, and spectacular views from its peaks. From the Forte di Orino, you can enjoy a panorama stretching from the Alps to the Lombard lakes. It’s the ideal destination for hiking and nature lovers.
2. Castiglione Olona
Just a few kilometers away lies Castiglione Olona, described by Gabriele D’Annunzio as “a piece of Tuscany in Lombardy.” Here, the Collegiata with its Renaissance frescoes by Masolino da Panicale and the Palazzo Branda Castiglioni tell a story rich in art and culture. Walking through its streets feels like stepping back in time, into a perfectly preserved medieval village.
3. Lake Maggiore and Laveno
If time permits, it’s worth heading to Laveno Mombello on Lake Maggiore. From here, a panoramic cable car takes you up to Monte Sasso del Ferro, a natural terrace with breathtaking views. It’s also a perfect spot for paragliding and hang gliding enthusiasts, who take flight against an unforgettable backdrop.
Suggested itinerary for one day in Varese
For a complete experience, start your morning with a walk through the historic center and a visit to the Estensi Gardens, perhaps stopping for breakfast in one of the historic cafés. By late morning, head up to the Sacro Monte, exploring the chapels and the medieval village. After lunch in a traditional trattoria, spend your afternoon at Lake Varese, either by renting a bike or enjoying a relaxing walk along the shores. To end your day, if time allows, you can hike in the Campo dei Fiori Park or visit Castiglione Olona, a village with Renaissance charm.
What to eat in Varese
The culinary tradition of Varese offers genuine and flavorful dishes. Try the risotto with perch, served with butter and sage, or bruscitt, minced beef slowly cooked with red wine and spices. Local cheeses from the surrounding valleys, such as fresh goat cheese and aged caprino, are also worth tasting. To finish on a sweet note, indulge in the Dulcissima di Varese, a cake made with hazelnuts and amaretti, best paired with a glass of Ronchi Varesini IGT wine. These local wines, little known yet of excellent quality, perfectly complement the traditional cuisine.
Practical tips for visiting Varese
Varese is easily accessible by train from Milan in about an hour, with the station just a short walk from the city center. Many sites can be reached on foot or by public transport. The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn, when the city’s gardens and surrounding landscapes are at their most colorful. In summer, longer days allow you to combine cultural visits with a stop by the lake or a mountain hike. In winter, the nearby mountains make Varese a great starting point for snowshoeing and winter hikes.
Conclusions
Choosing what to see in Varese in one day is not easy, as the city and its surroundings offer so much: art, nature, spirituality, and delicious food. From the Sacro Monte to Lake Varese, from historic palaces to nearby villages, every stop delivers authentic emotions. Varese is the perfect destination for a day trip, but also a great starting point for exploring the lakes and mountains of Lombardy. It’s a place worth experiencing without rushing, letting curiosity and the joy of discovery guide you.
