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
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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 Corso Matteotti are top sights worth seeing.

Aggregazione Rionale 1
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Aggregazione Rionale 9

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

Aggregazione Rionale 9
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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Calcinate del Pesce

While there might not be top attractions in Calcinate del Pesce, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Lake Varese and Varese Golf Club.

Calcinate del Pesce
Palace Grand Hotel Varese
Palace Grand Hotel Varese
4 out of 5
Via Luciano Manara, 11, Varese, VA
The price is NT$5,229 per night from Aug 8 to Aug 9
NT$5,229
NT$5,957 total
Aug 8 - Aug 9
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! (991 reviews)
"The breakfast was excellent. The pool is beautiful. The view was beautiful"

Reviewed on 2025/7/6

Palace Grand Hotel Varese
Bis Hotel Varese
Bis Hotel Varese
4 out of 5
Via A. Fusinato, 35, Varese, VA
The price is NT$2,471 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
NT$2,471
NT$2,923 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
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! (419 reviews)
"I had a good stay. The staff was awesome."

Reviewed on 2025/6/8

Bis Hotel Varese
Sheraton Milan Malpensa Airport Hotel & Conference Center
Sheraton Milan Malpensa Airport Hotel & Conference Center
4 out of 5
S.S. 336, Ferno, VA
The price is NT$4,723 per night from Aug 2 to Aug 3
NT$4,723
NT$5,298 total
Aug 2 - Aug 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Ferno. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,338 reviews)
"Hotel was lovely! Elevator bank is pretty far from the 3100 rooms. Try to get below 3100 for an easier walk."

Reviewed on 2025/7/7

Sheraton Milan Malpensa Airport Hotel & Conference Center
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! (239 reviews)
"Not too easy for parking and overall process, but really nice place when you have time and you’re in vacation."

Reviewed on 2025/7/1

Residence Diaz
Residence Lenno
Residence Lenno
Via Statale 2395/B, Tremezzina, CO
Stay at this residence in Tremezzina. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and satellite TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (249 reviews)
"Lenno is really nice"

Reviewed on 2025/6/18

Residence Lenno
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 ...
7.4/10 Good! (15 reviews)
"We really appreciated the ability to use the laundry room. We used it twice during our stay. The rooms were nice with a beautiful view from the balcony, but definitely could have been cleaner ahead of our check in."

Reviewed on 2025/7/6

VISIONAPARTMENTS Lugano
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
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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.