What to do in Varese

Activities, attractions and tours

Varese
Varese
Varese
Varese
Varese

Varese Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Varese has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Varese is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Varese to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Varese Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Varese.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Varese attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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History & culture
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Recommended things to do in Varese

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What to do in Varese

Discover the most popular places to visit in Varese

Lake of Varese, the Mount Rosa on the background

Lake Varese bicycle trail

You can take time to visit Lake Varese bicycle trail during your travels to Varese. Wander the lakeside in this culturally rich area.

Lake Varese bicycle trail
Masnago Castle

Masnago Castle

Set on a hillside overlooking Lake Varese is a historic castle that showcases frescos and paintings from the 15th century to the present day.

Masnago Castle
Corso Matteotti

Corso Matteotti

During your trip to Varese, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Corso Matteotti.

Corso Matteotti
Estense Palace

Estense Palace

One of the city’s most important public buildings is a stately Baroque palace nicknamed the Versailles of Milan for its grandeur.

Estense Palace
San Vittore Basilica

San Vittore Basilica

Beautiful frescos, Baroque architecture and a huge bell tower are some of the charms of this church dedicated to Varese's patron saint.

San Vittore Basilica
Estensi Gardens

Estensi Gardens

One of the city’s most important public buildings is a stately baroque palace nicknamed the Versailles of Milan for its grandeur.

Estensi Gardens

Sacro Monte di Varese

Learn about the local history of Sacro Monte when you spend time at Sacro Monte di Varese. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Sacro Monte di Varese

Campo dei Fiori di Varese

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Campo dei Fiori di Varese during your travels in Varese. Wander the gardens and lakeside in the area.

Campo dei Fiori di Varese

Castiglione Olona

You can find out about the history of Varese with a visit to Castiglione Olona. Wander the lakeside and picturesque gardens in this culturally rich area.

Castiglione Olona

Explore areas of Varese

Downtown Varese

Downtown Varese

While visiting Downtown Varese, you might make a stop by sights like Corso Matteotti and Estense Palace.

Downtown Varese
Casbeno

Casbeno

Casbeno might not have many top sights, but Estense Palace and Corso Matteotti are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Casbeno
Historic center and pedestrian area in Varese, an important city in northern Italy. Basilica of San Vittore, among eighteenth-century, nineteenth-century and twentieth-century palaces

Old Town

Travelers to Old Town praise its panoramic lake views. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Corso Matteotti and San Vittore Basilica.

Old Town
Aggregazione Rionale 1

Aggregazione Rionale 1

If you're spending some time in Aggregazione Rionale 1, Estense Palace and Corso Matteotti are top sights worth seeing.

Aggregazione Rionale 1
wide angle view of the Lake Maggiore and the Alps from Mount Campo dei Fiori

Aggregazione Rionale 9

Aggregazione Rionale 9 might not have many top sights, but Lake Varese bicycle trail and Mercato are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Aggregazione Rionale 9
Aggregazione Rionale 4

Aggregazione Rionale 4

If you're spending some time in Aggregazione Rionale 4, Sacro Monte di Varese and Baroffio Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Aggregazione Rionale 4

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Varese

Architettura romanica in Italia. La chiesa di Santa Maria In Campagna a Cantello, in provincia di Varese.

Cantello

Santa Maria del Monte

Santa Maria del Monte

Castello Cabiaglio
Photo by Alexreynam (page does not exist) (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0)

Castello Cabiaglio

Frequently asked questions

Is Varese worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor adventures and history, there are loads of great things to do in Varese. Make sure to experience the area's blend of unmissable sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Varese?
Once you've visited top attractions like Masnago Castle and Estense Palace, spend the rest of your day enjoying the food and retail options in Varese.
What is the top tourist attraction in Varese?
Masnago Castle is one of the top tourist attractions in Varese and deserves a spot on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Varese?
Three days will be plenty of time to tick off popular city highlights, such as Masnago Castle, Estense Palace and Villa Menafoglio Litta Panza and Collection. The average stay in Varese is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your trip, Milan isn't far away.
Is Varese a walkable city?
It depends on what you want to do and see in Varese. Several top attractions, such as Masnago Castle and Estense Palace, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Varese's neighbourhoods, Aggregazione Rionale 1 is 0.32 kilometres away from downtown, while Downtown Varese is 0.16 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Varese with kids?
If you're looking for attractions and activities for all ages, check out these awesome ideas for what to do in Varese with kids.
What to do in Varese for adults?
Le Cappelle and Collegiata Museum are just two of the things to do in Varese. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Varese?
In Varese, Lake Varese bicycle trail is a popular spot for anyone looking to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a top way to learn about the best free things to do in Varese.

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