What to do in Varese

Activities, attractions and tours

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

Places to Visit in Varese

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Varese, Lombardy while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Varese attractions from NZ$17, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Varese tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 15 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Varese. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Recommended things to do in Varese

Number of things to do
15
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Morazzone: Casa Macchi Entry Ticket: NZ$17
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Varese

Discover the most popular places to visit in Varese

Masnago Castle which includes a castle, interior views and art

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 featuring 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 interior views, religious aspects 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 featuring a park

Estensi Gardens

Wander through an attractive parkland modeled on the gardens of a royal household and explore its archeological museum.

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

Castiglione Olona

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

Castiglione Olona

Explore areas of Varese

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

Downtown Varese

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

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

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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Aggregazione Rionale 9

While Aggregazione Rionale 9 may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Castiglione Olona and Piazza Monte Grappa.

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 showing a square or plaza, night scenes and street scenes

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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Sant'Ambrogio

When in Sant'Ambrogio, you can plan a visit to Masnago Castle and Sacred Mountain of the Rosary, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Sant'Ambrogio

 

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

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 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.