Varese

Varese is a refined hillside city in Lombardy, just a few kilometres from the Swiss border. Its strong tourist vocation developed by the early 20th century with quick connections to Milan, making it a perfect base for visiting Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, and Swiss cities like Lugano, Locarno, and Bellinzona. The city offers a cosy historic centre with pedestrian streets, stunning views of the namesake lake and the Alps, and access to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites within the city territory.

Varese is small enough to explore on foot, with many pedestrian-only streets in the historic centre. For reaching towns and villages spread over the area, such as Sacro Monte and Sant'Ambrogio Olona, use the public transport network operated by CTPI. Tickets can be purchased at newsstands and bars before boarding, or on board at the same price of €1.40 for 90 minutes. Taxis can be found on main roads or reserved by calling +39 0332 241-800.

Varese can be visited year-round. Summer offers pleasant weather for exploring the lake areas and outdoor activities, while winter provides opportunities for skiing in the nearby Campo dei Fiori area. The city hosts various local events throughout the year, and the Convention & Visitor's Bureau website (varese turismo it) provides current event information.

Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hotels like Hotel Ungheria (Viale Borri, 98) and Hotel Europa (Piazza Beccaria, 1) to mid-range options like Hotel Colonne (Via Fincarà, 37) and Art Hotel (Viale Aguggiari, 26). For a splurge, the historic Palace Grand Hotel (Via Manara, 11) offers elegant rooms in a grand setting.

Varese offers diverse dining from small pizzerie to top-end restaurants. Local specialities include traditional Lombard dishes. For lakeside dining with spectacular Alpine views, visit the area around Villa Panza and Villa Ponti, where Hotel al Borducan and Ristorante Albergo Colonne offer excellent experiences. Trattoria Il Ceppo in piazza Pogliaghi near Sacro Monte serves tasty dishes in a traditional setting. Bakeries throughout the city provide inexpensive pizza and focaccia for quick lunches.

The Sacro Monte of Varese, one of the nine UNESCO-listed Sacred Mountains in Lombardy and Piedmont, features fourteen chapels built between 1604 and 1623, culminating at the shrine of Santa Maria del Monte dating to the 5th-6th century. The Palazzo and Estensi Gardens house the Baroque palace built by Giuseppe Bianchi (1766-1771) and the Tudor-style Villa Mirabello, now home to the Archeological Museum. Lake activities are available at Schiranna, and rowing clubs like Società Canottieri Varese welcome visitors. Winter sports and hiking opportunities exist in the Campo dei Fiori natural reserve, 6 km north of the city.

Varese is generally a safe city with low crime rates typical of Northern Italian cities. Standard urban precautions apply in the city centre at night. The main safety considerations are typical of any European city.

WiFi is available at most hotels and many cafes in the city centre. Italian mobile carriers (TIM, Vodafone, Wind, and Tre) provide coverage throughout the area. Italian electrical outlets use Type F/L plugs (220V/50Hz).

As a mid-range Italian city, Varese offers options for various budgets. Budget travellers can expect to spend €60-100 per day covering accommodation in budget hotels, meals at pizzerias and bakeries, and local transport. Museum entrances typically cost €5-15. The Varese tourist card may offer savings for multiple attractions.

From Varese, easily reach Lake Maggiore and Luino (east), Orta San Giulio (northwest), or cross into Switzerland to visit Lugano, Locarno, or Bellinzona. Italian destinations like Como, Milan, Lecco, and Bergamo are all within day-trip range by train or car.

Onward destinations from Varese include: Luino and Lake Maggiore (east); Orta San Giulio (northwest); Milan (south, with quick rail connections); Como and Lake Como (southwest); Lecco (southeast); Bergamo (east); and Swiss cities of Lugano, Bellinzona, and Locarno (north, across the border).