Last Updated on May 8, 2026 by Sarah Wilson
I spent two days exploring Varese while I was house sitting nearby and taking care of two adorable rabbits. Getting to Varese from Milan is simple. I took the Trenord regional train on the Milano Cadorna to Varese line, which runs often throughout the day.
Trains leave Milano Cadorna station about every 30 minutes, and the trip takes just under an hour. When I arrived, I saw that Varese is a great place to stay on its own. It’s calm, scenic, and only about an hour from Milan. I booked my train tickets through OMIO.
Whether you’re just visiting for the day or taking your time like I did, here are some of the best things to do in Varese.
1. Explore the Old Town
Start by wandering through the old town. You’ll find arcades, narrow lanes, independent shops, and lots of cafés for a quick break. The area is small and easy to explore on foot.
2. Ride the Funicular to Sacro Monte di Varese (Thurs–Sun Only)
One of the top sights in Varese is the UNESCO-listed Sacro Monte di Varese, which stands above the city.
Take Bus C from the centre, and it will drop you near the first chapel. Most people walk from there, but you can also take a short minibus ride to the funicular. Your bus ticket includes the minibus, but the funicular costs an extra €1.60.
You can buy your tickets on the bus with cash or a card. Hold onto your ticket if you want to take the minibus to the funicular. At the funicular, there’s a ticket machine and someone nearby to help if you need it.
⚠️Important: The funicular only operates Thursday to Sunday.
If you visit between Monday and Wednesday, you’ll have to walk up. The climb is fairly steep and not suitable for people with limited mobility or wheelchair users. The path is cobbled and can be tough even if you have some mobility concerns. For the easiest and most accessible visit, go between Thursday and Sunday when the funicular is running. The funicular gives step-free access to the top, but some parts of the village and Sanctuary still have uneven ground and steps.
3. Wander the Hilltop Village of Santa Maria del Monte
At the top, whether you took the funicular or walked, you’ll reach the small medieval village of Santa Maria del Monte. It has cobbled lanes, archways, viewpoints, and a few cafés and restaurants.
I stopped for coffee at Café Borducan, which has a cozy feel and great views.
The village is about 900 meters above sea level and has lots of narrow stone paths and balconies with flowers. There are many spots where you can see the Alps and the nearby lakes.
4. Visit the Sanctuary at the Top
The sanctuary is peaceful, has a special atmosphere, and is beautifully decorated. It’s not big, but it’s worth seeing before you head back.
5. Walk the Chapels Route (Highly Recommended)
If you took the funicular up like I did, I really recommend walking down the Chapel Path (Viale delle Cappelle).
The Chapels’ Trail ends in Santa Maria del Monte, or in my case, starts there. This two-kilometre cobbled path has 14 chapels, each showing the Mysteries of the Rosary with detailed frescoes and clay statues. You can’t go inside the chapels, but you can press a button to light up the interiors and see the artwork through the windows.
It’s a peaceful walk downhill with great views and takes about 45 to 60 minutes if you go at a relaxed pace.
The path is free and always open.
At the bottom, simply take Bus C back to the centre.
If you don’t want to walk the whole way back down, you can visit the first few chapels and then go back to the funicular for the ride down.
6. Have Lunch in the Centre
Once you’re back in Varese, head into the centre for lunch.
I had lunch at Premiata Gnoccheria and really recommend the gnocchi with boar. There are also lots of casual restaurants and trattorias nearby if you want to try something else.
7. Enjoy a Gentle City Stroll
Varese has several popular gelaterias that are always busy. I’m not a big gelato fan myself, so can’t recommend any – sorry!
Whether you get gelato or not, taking a slow walk along the pedestrian streets and arcades is a great way to relax.
8. Visit Villa Toeplitz
The gardens at Villa Toeplitz are a peaceful place to relax, with fountains, terraces, and lots of shady paths.
You can get to the villa by taking Bus C. From the bus stop, it’s an easy 10-minute walk to the entrance.
Plan to spend about 45 to 60 minutes here.
Other villas worth visiting, which I didn’t get to this time but plan to see on my next trip, include Villa Panza. It’s an elegant eighteenth-century mansion with a large Italian garden and a collection of 20th-century American art.
Next door is Ville Ponti, which is a pair of elegant villas in a large park.
9. Stroll the Gardens of Palazzo Estense
The gardens of Palazzo Estense are often called a mini-Versailles. They are formal, beautifully landscaped, and easy to reach if you’re already in the center.
10. Step Inside Basilica di San Vittore
Just a short walk from the gardens, the Basilica di San Vittore has a beautiful, dramatic interior and only takes a few minutes to visit.
11. Wander Along Corso Matteotti
End your visit with a walk along Corso Matteotti, the main pedestrian street. It’s lined with small shops, cafés, and lots of great spots for people-watching.
Final Thoughts
Varese was a lovely surprise: elegant, calm, and full of interesting corners to discover. Whether you’re visiting from Milan or staying nearby (as I was during my rabbit-sitting adventure), it’s an easy and rewarding place to spend a day. If you are short on time, a well-planned day is enough to see the main highlights and enjoy the city’s relaxed atmosphere.
But if you like to take your time, enjoy long meals, and explore the beautiful villas and gardens at a slower pace, staying overnight is definitely worth it. You’ll get to see Varese in the evening and discover its quieter side after most visitors have gone.
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