• Active & Green

Discover Varese and the history of the "Garden City"

contacts
Contacts

Amongancient villas, crystal clear lakes and enchanted villages, Varese invites you on a journey where nature meets history in a timeless embrace.

If you're wondering what to see in Varese in a day or what to do in Varese in a weekend, you've come to the right place. The province of Varese, the green heart of Lombardy, offers a unique mix of art, culture, nature and tradition, ideal for all types of travelers: families, couples, outdoor lovers or history buffs.

An itinerary among historic villas and villages to explore

The city center of Varese is a real gem to discover. Prominent among Varese's tourist attractions is Villa Panza, a period residence transformed into a contemporary art museum, set in a garden of rare beauty. Not far away, the Sacro Monte of Varese, a UNESCO heritage site, offers an unforgettable walk among historic chapels and breathtaking views.

If, on the other hand, you wish to immerse yourself in the charm of the villages, villages near Varese to visit such as Castiglione Olona or Laveno Mombello await you with their cobbled streets and authentic Lombard tradition.

Nature and lakes: walks and outdoor activities

Nature lovers will find Varese a paradise to explore. The walk around Lake Varese is an experience not to be missed, with 28 km of bicycle and pedestrian path through reed beds, parks and scenic spots. For those seeking outdoor activities in Varese, Campo dei Fiori Park offers hiking, trekking and relaxation trails surrounded by greenery.

Not just Lake Varese: also discover lesser-known lakes in Lombardy, such as Lake Monate and Lake Comabbio, perfect for a day of relaxation, water sports or family picnics.

Family experiences and out-of-town trips

Not sure what to do in Varese with children? Villa Mylius and its park are perfect for a family day outdoors, while its proximity to Milan makes Varese an ideal destination for an out-of-town excursion full of culture and nature.

Plan your trip to Varese with us!

Varese is a destination that surprises and conquers, including unspoiled nature, art and history. Explore Varese with us and be inspired by its views, authentic villages and historic villas.
Find out more on our website for detailed itineraries, events and suggestions to make your visit unforgettable.
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Other links

Take me here: Scopri Varese e la storia della "Città Giardino"

Places

Campo dei Fiori Regional Park

  • Itinerari

Palazzo Estense

  • Art & Culture
114 mt

Arco Mera and Basilica of San Vittore

View of the ceiling of Arco Mera with some zodiac signs and the dome of the Basilica of San Vittore in Varese
  • Art & Culture
127 mt

Varese: the old town

Varese: the old town
  • Lifestyle
127 mt

The Gardens of Palazzo Estense

The Gardens of Palazzo Estense
  • Active & Green
160 mt

Basilica di San Vittore

Entering the historical core, walking through the streets of the center you'll be enchanted by the vision of the Basilica
Basilica di San Vittore, Churches of Varese
  • Religious Tourism
175 mt

The Ginkgo Biloba in the Estensi Gardens

  • Art & Culture
196 mt

Cloister of S. Antonino

One of the most historic places in the centre of Varese, known for the spring blossoming of azalee.
Chiostro di Sant'Antonino - Varese
  • Art & Culture
212 mt

Infopoint Varese

  • Infopoint
221 mt

Waterfalls | Varese Convention & Visitors Bureau

Waterfalls | Varese Convention & Visitors Bureau
  • Active & Green
257 mt

Estense Gardens, Villa Mirabello and Civic Archaeological Museum

Estense Gardens, Villa Mirabello and Civic Archaeological Museum
  • Art & Culture
316 mt

The Plane Tree of Villa Mirabello

  • Art & Culture
331 mt

The Cedar of Villa Mirabello

The majestic tree dominates the historic centre of Varese and leaves anyone standing under its imposing foliage speechless.
  • Art & Culture
331 mt

Villa Menafoglio Litta Panza

Villa Menafolio Litta Panza (VA) is a Mecca for art lovers and tourist who come to visit the contemporary art exhibitions it hosts.
  • Art & Culture
770 mt

Villa Torelli Mylius

Villa Torelli Mylius
  • Parks
797 mt

Ville Ponti

An ancient residential complex owned by a Ponti’s family and now an efficient Congress Centre, property of Varese Chamber of Commerce.
  • Art & Culture
847 mt

Panza Art Collection

Panza Art Collection
  • Art & Culture
847 mt

The Cork Oak of Villa Augusta

With its thick, wrinkled bark, it amazes visitors of Villa Augusta Park.
  • Art & Culture
1 km

The Beech of Masnago Castle

With its purple leaves and size, the large red beech embellishes the atmospheric Mantegazza Park.
  • Art & Culture
1.98 km

Masnago Castle and Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art | Varese Convention & Visitors Bureau

Masnago Castle and Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art | Varese Convention & Visitors Bureau
  • Art & Culture
2.13 km

Events

Questo Otello è tutta un'altra storia - 18 aprile 2026 Nibionno

  • Art & Culture
34.83 km

Il nostro Dante

  • Art & Culture
35.5 km

Spettacolo di primavera

  • Art & Culture
35.5 km

La ranocchietta cerca amici

  • School
35.5 km

51^ camminata dell'amicizia

  • Sport
36.04 km
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Mattoncini

  • Art & Culture
36.05 km

Impressioni di Primavera

  • School
36.71 km

Mercatino Svuota soffitta

  • Lifestyle
39 km

Mercatino Svuota soffitta

  • Lifestyle
39 km

Quater pass in di Pra. 37^ edizione

  • Sport
39.3 km

Il silenzio è dolo

  • Art & Culture
39.38 km

La nascita di un genere: dal sublime romantico al paysage historique

  • Art & Culture
39.38 km

Impressione di paesaggio: la nascita della pittura en plen air

  • Art & Culture
39.38 km

La lista di Socrate

  • Art & Culture
39.46 km

Le grandi interpreti della canzone italiana

  • Music and show
39.51 km

Curare i bambini è la mia medicina

  • Art & Culture
39.51 km

Malala

  • Art & Culture
39.51 km

La nostra storia, tutto il mondo di Happy Days

  • Art & Culture
39.51 km

Chi apre serra

  • Art & Culture
39.51 km

Cartoon music. Esecutori di metallo su carta

  • Music and show
39.62 km

Activities

Bike Tour around the Lakes of Comabbio and Varese

Bike Tour around the Lakes of Comabbio and Varese
  • Cycle Tourism
14.15 km

Italian cooking class

  • Food & Wine
17.21 km

English Style Riding Weekend

  • Active & Green
17.55 km

E-Bike Tour Lake View, Old Hamlets & Vineyards

  • Cycle Tourism
18.83 km

Ghisallo & Muro di Sormano

  • Cycle Tourism
18.83 km

Bike & Sail to Bellagio

  • Cycle Tourism
18.83 km

Mountain Bike in "Spina Verde Park"

  • Cycle Tourism
18.83 km

Lake Como Villas

  • Lakes
19.56 km

Le Robinie Golf Club Resort, Varese - Golf travel

  • Golf
19.7 km

Como Food Tour

  • Lakes
19.78 km

The avelli's mystery, the pendula stone and the boulders

  • Active & Green
19.97 km

A day on Lake Como

  • Lakes
20.02 km

Bike Rental: City or Electric & Luggage Storage

  • Cycle Tourism
20.13 km

Guided eBikes Tour with Multi-Lingual iPad Guide

  • Cycle Tourism
20.13 km

WEEKEND - TRAVERSATA DEL TRIANGOLO LARIANO - DA COMO A BELLAGIO

A META' PERCORSO
  • Active & Green
32.21 km

VILLA DEL BALBIANELLO AND SACRO MONTE IN OSSUCCIO along the Greenway

Lago di Como
  • Active & Green
33.47 km

Teenagers and adults Package

  • Lakes
34.93 km

Baby Package

  • Lakes
34.93 km

Kids and Teenagers Package

  • Lakes
34.93 km

Kids Package

  • Lakes
34.93 km

Where to sleep

LANCASTER HOTEL

Milano
46.38 km

HOTEL ASTORIA

Cremona
120.48 km

HOTEL IMPERO

Cremona
120.55 km
S

DELLE ARTI DESIGN HOTEL

Cremona
120.79 km

CONTINENTAL

Cremona
120.8 km

LUNA RESIDENCE HOTEL

Casalmaggiore
The structure seen from entrance, at your left you can find the Reception Desk and the Residence Wing, at your right you can find the Relaxation area, the Hall with the bar and the Hotel Wing
153.69 km