Things to do in Varese

Activities, attractions and tours

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

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What to do in Varese

Popular places to visit

Masnago Castle showing art, chateau or palace 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 showing a square or plaza, landscape views and a small town or village

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 search for that perfect souvenir at Corso Matteotti.

Corso Matteotti
San Vittore Basilica showing religious aspects, heritage elements and a church or cathedral

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 featuring a garden

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 when you spend time 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

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

Areas of Varese

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

Downtown Varese

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

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

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

Casbeno
Varese which includes night scenes, a square or plaza 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
Induno Olona

Induno Olona

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 neighborhoods, Aggregazione Rionale 1 is 0.32 kilometers away from downtown, while Downtown Varese is 0.16 kilometers away from the center 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 neighborhoods, 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.