Varese

Travel Guide

Estense Palace which includes a square or plaza, landscape views and a small town or village
Varese showing street scenes and night scenes
San Vittore Basilica showing a church or cathedral, art and interior views
Varese which includes a square or plaza, night scenes and street scenes
Masnago Castle showing art and interior views

The palace, basilica and castle of this enchanting city north of Milan lie between the Campo dei Fiori mountain range and Lake Varese.

Near Milan in northern Italy is Varese, a picturesque city surrounded by mountains and lakes. It is known for its historical landmarks, including a basilica, a palace and a castle. See the Campo dei Fiori mountain range on one side of the city and Lake Varese on the other.

In the city center, visit the 16th-century Basilica di San Vittore with an elegant façade full of columns and grand entrances. Atop its baroque bell tower are bells that chime throughout the day. Enjoy the neoclassical design of the basilica’s interior. Admire paintings inside the church by well-known 17th-century local artists. Browse the stores in the shopping area near the church.

Make your way to the baroque Estense Palace, built in 1760 for the duke Francesco III d’Este. Admire the elegant balconies of the pink-and-white buildings now used as the city’s Town Hall and a principal tourist attraction.

Behind the palace, stroll through the Estensi Gardens to see well-kept lawns and hedges. Have a drink or snack at the café on the grounds. Let your kids play at the children’s area or feed the ducks and swans in the lake.

The renovated Masnago Castle on the outskirts of Varese was owned by an aristocratic family in the 1500s. Admire the frescoes on its interior walls and discover historical relics from many different centuries. A guided tour is available.

Visit the Sacro Monte (Sacred Mountain) di Varese just north of the city. This 17th-century religious monument attracts pilgrims from around the world. Photograph the remarkable white building and its picturesque forest backdrop.

Varese is the site of a bitter 19th-century battle with Austrian forces. Now the city’s tranquil charm is the perfect partner for the Milanese urban sprawl and a pleasant escape for outdoor activities.

The city is about an hour’s drive north of Milan. Several railway stations scattered throughout the city provide excellent links to neighboring towns.

Where to stay in Varese

Varese which includes a square or plaza, night scenes and street scenes

Downtown Varese

5/5(1 area review)

While visiting Downtown Varese, you might make a stop by sights like San Vittore Basilica and Corso Matteotti.

Downtown Varese
Varese which includes a square or plaza, night scenes and street scenes

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 San Vittore Basilica and Corso Matteotti.

Old Town
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Aggregazione Rionale 9

Aggregazione Rionale 9 might not have many top sights, but Castiglione Olona and Piazza Monte Grappa are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Aggregazione Rionale 9
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Casbeno

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

While visiting Casbeno, you might make a stop by sights like Villa Recalcati and Estensi Gardens.

Casbeno
Varese which includes a square or plaza, night scenes and street scenes

Aggregazione Rionale 1

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

Aggregazione Rionale 1
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Sant'Ambrogio

While Sant'Ambrogio isn't home to many top sights, Masnago Castle and Sacred Mountain of the Rosary are some notable places to visit nearby.

Sant'Ambrogio
Palace Grand Hotel Varese

Palace Grand Hotel Varese

4 out of 5
Via Luciano Manara, 11, Varese, VA
The price is NT$4,140 per night from Oct 26 to Oct 27
NT$4,140
NT$4,767 total
Oct 26 - Oct 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Varese. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (998 reviews)
"Very nice"

Reviewed on 2025/9/4

Palace Grand Hotel Varese
Bis Hotel Varese

Bis Hotel Varese

4 out of 5
Via A. Fusinato, 35, Varese, VA
The price is NT$2,365 per night from Oct 12 to Oct 13
NT$2,365
NT$2,816 total
Oct 12 - Oct 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Varese. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (448 reviews)
"After an initial disaster at a "centrally" located hotel around Lake Como, this Hotel was a godsend. Wonderfully comfortable bed, cool A/C (heatwave at the time - our other hotel had NO A/C) and modern bathroom with powerful shower. Rooms were quiet despite hotel being quite full, and blackout blinds ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/16

Bis Hotel Varese
Crystal Hotel Varese

Crystal Hotel Varese

4 out of 5
Via Speroni 10, Varese, VA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$2,969 per night from Oct 15 to Oct 16
NT$2,969
NT$3,479 total
Oct 15 - Oct 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Varese. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Corso Matteotti and San Vittore Basilica are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (65 reviews)
"Staff . Especially Melanie.Amazing stay.Tasty Breakfast.Easy check in and check out.Strongly Recommend it .Thanks Crystal .Thanks Melanie.Well Done!!!!!"

Reviewed on 2024/10/19

Crystal Hotel Varese
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Residence Diaz

Residence Diaz

Via Diaz, 86, Como, CO
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Como. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Como-Brunate ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (255 reviews)
"Like the apartment and the location was very adequate. My 2 negatives would be that there was very little room on the vanity for anything. The sink took up most of the space. The apartment was not on the ground level, but did face the street. Cars do drive on this street in the morning and the garbage ..."

Reviewed on 2025/9/21

Residence Diaz
VISIONAPARTMENTS Lugano

VISIONAPARTMENTS Lugano

3 out of 5
17A Viale Carlo Cattaneo, Lugano, TI
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Lugano. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Lake Lugano and Parco Ciani are ...
7.6/10 Good! (19 reviews)
"Perfect"

Reviewed on 2025/9/25

VISIONAPARTMENTS Lugano
GuestHouse Lugano University

GuestHouse Lugano University

2 out of 5
23 Via Madonnetta, Lugano, TI
Stay at this aparthotel in Lugano. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lake Lugano and BSí are located nearby.
7/10 Good! (17 reviews)
good place, many communication problems
"The studio is basic, but has anything you need - small kitchen, microwave, dishes (no dish sope, however). The bathroom needs some repairs, but is spacious. The place, however, despite being mordern, has literally zero charm. But it is very well located, and the price is absolutely right. My main ..."

Reviewed on 2025/4/15

GuestHouse Lugano University
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Varese

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
6
4 - Good 60%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Like most old European cities, driving is challenging, GPS a must, and a navigator is recommended.

5/5 - Excellent

Danibeta

Great little town, full of fantastic restaurants and good shopping. The town itself is safe, charming and very easy to get around.