What to do in Varese

Activities, attractions and tours

Estense Palace which includes a small town or village, landscape views and a square or plaza
Varese showing night scenes and street scenes
San Vittore Basilica featuring religious aspects, art and a statue or sculpture
Varese showing street scenes, night scenes and a square or plaza
Masnago Castle showing art and interior views
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What to do in Varese

Popular places to visit

Masnago Castle which includes art, a castle and interior views

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
Lake Varese bicycle trail

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
Estense Palace which includes a small town or village, landscape views and a square or plaza

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
Corso Matteotti

Corso Matteotti

During your trip to Varese, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Corso Matteotti.

Corso Matteotti
San Vittore Basilica showing religious aspects, interior views and heritage elements

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
Estense Palace showing a park

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 Santa Maria del Monte with a stop at Sacro Monte di Varese. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Sacro Monte di Varese

Sacred Mountain of the Rosary

Learn about the local history of Santa Maria del Monte with a stop at Sacred Mountain of the Rosary. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Sacred Mountain of the Rosary

Sacro Monte Funicular

Enjoy an outing to Sacro Monte Funicular during your stay in Sacro Monte. Wander the lakeside and picturesque gardens in the area.

Sacro Monte Funicular

Explore areas of Varese

Varese showing street scenes, night scenes and a square or plaza

Downtown Varese

5/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Varese, San Vittore Basilica and Corso Matteotti are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Varese
Varese showing street scenes, night scenes and a square or plaza

Aggregazione Rionale 1

While visiting Aggregazione Rionale 1, you might make a stop by sights like Estense Palace and Piazza Monte Grappa.

Aggregazione Rionale 1
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Casbeno

4/5(2 area reviews)

While Casbeno may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Estense Palace and Piazza Monte Grappa.

Casbeno
Varese showing street scenes, night scenes and a square or plaza

Old Town

Old Town is beloved for its panoramic lake views. Take some time to explore sights in the area like San Vittore Basilica and Corso Matteotti.

Old Town
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Calcinate del Pesce

When in Calcinate del Pesce, you can plan a visit to Lake Varese and Varese Golf Club, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Calcinate del Pesce
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Biumo Superiore

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Biumo Superiore and surrounding area, you can visit Villa Menafoglio Litta Panza and Collection and Villa Mylius.

Biumo Superiore

Day trip destinations from Varese

Induno Olona

Induno Olona

Photo by Anders Hakstun

Santa Maria del Monte

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.