Overview
Varese is a mid-sized city in Lombardy, northwestern Italy, sitting between Milan and the Swiss border. It is often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours, which makes it a rewarding destination for travellers who want a genuine Italian city experience without the crowds.
The city sits amid a cluster of lakes — Lake Varese, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Como are all within easy reach — and its surrounding hills give it a green, relaxed character. Its historic centre is compact and walkable, with a pleasant mix of Baroque churches, Liberty-style (Italian Art Nouveau) palazzi, and pedestrianised shopping streets.
Varese has long been associated with cycling: the UCI Road World Championships were held here in 2008, and the surrounding hills attract serious riders. The area also has strong industrial heritage, particularly in fashion and footwear manufacturing, though this is largely invisible to the casual visitor.
Before You Go
Visas
Italy is a member of the Schengen Area. Visa requirements vary significantly by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official Italian immigration authority or your nearest Italian consulate before travel.
Health
No vaccinations are specifically required for travel to Varese beyond standard up-to-date routine immunisations. Tap water is safe to drink. EU/EEA citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC); all other travellers should arrange comprehensive travel health insurance before departure.
What to Pack
- Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and hillside paths
- Layers for variable spring and autumn temperatures
- Sun protection for summer visits
- A small daypack if you plan to explore the Sacro Monte trail on foot
Getting There
By Air
The nearest major international airport is Milan Malpensa (MXP), approximately 25–30 km southeast of Varese. Transfer options include train (via Gallarate or Busto Arsizio, with a change), direct bus services, and taxi. Verify current schedules and operators locally or on official transport websites, as routes and frequencies change.
Milan Linate (LIN) and Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY) are further away but usable if you find a suitable connection through Milan.
By Train
Varese has two main rail stations — Varese FS (Ferrovie dello Stato, national rail) and Varese Nord (Ferrovie Nord Milano, regional network). Trains connect to Milan (roughly 50–70 minutes depending on the service and route), Gallarate, and other Lombard cities. Check Trenitalia and Trenord for current schedules.
By Car
Varese is accessible via the A8 motorway from Milan. A car is especially useful if you plan to explore the surrounding lakes and hills, though parking in the city centre requires attention to ZTL (limited traffic zone) restrictions.
Getting Around
The historic centre of Varese is compact enough to explore on foot. The pedestrianised Corso Matteotti is the main axis connecting key sights.
Local buses operated by ATCM/Autolinee Varesine serve the city and nearby towns, including the route up to the Sacro Monte. Verify current lines and fares at the local transport authority or the main bus station.
For the wider lake district — Villa Taranto, the Borromean Islands, and Lake Como — a combination of regional trains, ferries, and, where practical, a rental car or organised day tours will give you the most flexibility. Ferry timetables on Lake Maggiore are operated by Navigazione Laghi; check their official site for current schedules and fares.
Cycling is popular in the area and some rental options exist; verify availability locally as operators change.
Things to See & Do
Sacro Monte di Varese
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this pilgrimage route winds up a wooded hillside through 14 chapels, each containing 17th-century frescoes and terracotta figures depicting the Mysteries of the Rosary. The route is walkable and takes around 1–2 hours at a gentle pace. The village of Santa Maria del Monte at the summit offers panoramic views and a small medieval core worth exploring.
Palazzo Estense and Gardens
This 18th-century palace now houses the city's municipal offices, but its formal Italian gardens are open to the public and are one of the most pleasant green spaces in Varese. Verify opening hours locally.
Villa Mirabello and Civic Museums
The Villa Mirabello complex near the gardens houses municipal museum collections including archaeology and natural history. Confirm current opening status and admission fees before visiting.
Lake Varese
The lake on the city's doorstep is calmer and less visited than Maggiore or Como. It is popular for rowing — Varese has a strong competitive rowing tradition — and pleasant lakeside walks can be taken around its shores.
Day Trips
- Castiglione Olona: A small town roughly 10 km south containing remarkable 15th-century Renaissance frescoes by Masolino da Panicale, considered a hidden gem.
- Campo dei Fiori Regional Park: The hill above Varese offers walking trails, a meteorological observatory, and wide views toward the Alps and the Po Plain on clear days.
- Lake Maggiore: Stresa, the Borromean Islands (Isola Bella, Isola Madre), and Verbania are all reachable within an hour.
Food & Drink
Varese sits in Lombardy, and local cuisine reflects the broader regional tradition: risotto (often prepared with local ingredients), polenta, braised meats, and freshwater fish from the lakes. Cotoletta alla milanese (breaded veal cutlet) is common on menus across the province.
The city centre has a good range of bars, cafés, and restaurants ranging from traditional trattorie to more contemporary spots. The morning ritual of an espresso or cappuccino at a stand-up bar counter is deeply embedded in daily life here.
Markets are a useful way to sample local produce. Varese holds regular markets; verify current days and locations locally.
- Look for risotto con il pesce persico (risotto with perch), a classic lake-district dish
- Local bakeries stock amaretti and other Lombard pastries
- Wines from the Piemonte region just across the border feature heavily on local wine lists
Shopping for lunch ingredients at a local deli (salumeria) or alimentari is a practical and enjoyable option.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
- General Emergency (EU standard): 112
- Police (Carabinieri): 112 or 113
- Medical Emergency: 118
- Fire Brigade: 115
Money
ATMs (bancomat) are widely available in the city centre. Credit and debit cards are broadly accepted, though smaller bars and some market vendors prefer cash. Notify your bank of travel plans before departure.
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is available in some public spaces and most accommodation. Italian SIM cards can be purchased at tobacconists (tabaccherie) and phone shops with a valid passport.
Pharmacies
Farmacie are identified by a green cross sign. A rotating duty system (farmacia di turno) ensures at least one pharmacy is open nights and weekends; the schedule is posted on pharmacy doors.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory in Italy. Rounding up a bill or leaving small change is appreciated but not expected. A service charge (coperto) is sometimes included in restaurant bills — check before adding extra.
Safety
Varese is generally a safe and orderly city. Standard urban precautions apply: be aware of your belongings in crowded spaces, keep an eye on bags in outdoor café settings, and use official taxis or verified ride-share apps rather than unlicensed drivers.
The hillside paths to the Sacro Monte are well-maintained but can be slippery after rain; wear appropriate footwear. Mountain rescue services cover the wider Campo dei Fiori area for hikers — always tell someone your plans if heading into the hills and check weather forecasts before departing.
As with all travel to Italy, check your government's current travel advisory for Italy before departure for the most up-to-date guidance.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Varese has a quiet civic pride and a strong sense of local identity that does not depend on tourism. Residents appreciate visitors who make basic efforts with Italian, even limited phrases such as 'buongiorno', 'grazie', and 'per favore' go a long way.
Dress modestly when visiting churches and the Sacro Monte chapels — shoulders and knees should be covered. Some churches may decline entry to visitors in beachwear.
Varese's cycling culture is genuine rather than decorative. Locals follow professional cycling closely, and the Tre Valli Varesine classic race has been held in and around the city for decades. If your visit coincides with a local race or cycling event, expect some road closures and a festive atmosphere.
Shops and businesses often observe a midday break (roughly 12:30–15:00 or 16:00), particularly in smaller establishments. Plan errands accordingly.