Things to do in Varese

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Visit Varese

Types of activities

Where to stay

Varese Travel Guide

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

Varese showing street scenes and night scenes

San Vittore Basilica showing a church or cathedral, art and interior views

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

Masnago Castle showing art and interior views

Varese Attractions

If you're on the lookout for exciting things to see and do in Varese, expect to be busy. This thriving city knows how to have a good time. Whatever your tastes, you'll be amazed by the array of attractions to get stuck into here. Keep reading to learn about a few of our favorites.

If you're ready to explore Varese, sign up for one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have an expert show you some of the most popular attractions. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {17 fun activities in Varese fun activities in Varese} are also worth looking into.

Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.

Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.

One Key members save 10% or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.

Recommended things to do in Varese

Number of things to do	17
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	Torba: Torba Monastery Entry Ticket: $10
Top 5 things to do	Torba: Torba Monastery Entry Ticket Morazzone: Casa Macchi Entry Ticket Varese: Villa and Panza Collection Entry Ticket Lugano, Tur Del Parco SwissMiniatur with lunch at the Grotto Italian Cooking Private Class on Lake Maggiore
Under $25	Torba: Torba Monastery Entry Ticket Morazzone: Casa Macchi Entry Ticket Varese: Villa and Panza Collection Entry Ticket Casalzuigno: Villa della Porta Bozzolo
With kids	Italian Cooking Private Class on Lake Maggiore Lugano Museum Tour From the Grotto with Lunch Pizza course and tasting on Lake Maggiore Lake Como Rebels: Adventure day in Spina Verde Regional Park Passion in Italian cuisine

What to do in Varese

Free Things to Do in Varese

Escaping to Varese on a budget? The following can be experienced for nothing.

Città Vecchia - Stop by this historic attraction and learn something about the region's cultural heritage.

Piazza Monte Grappa - Mingle with some locals and discover the real personality and charm of this fascinating place.

Mercato - Stop here and learn about the importance of this place to the locals.

San Vittore Basilica - No matter what you believe in, this site is sure to inspire a sense of reverence in you.

Lake Varese bicycle trail - Slip away from the concrete jungle and get back to Mother Nature at this beautiful place.

Estensi Gardens - Organize a picnic and enjoy a stroll around the interesting plants.

Things to Do in Varese with Kids

Varese is an excellent place for a family getaway. Bring the little ones along and have a go at these family friendly experiences together:

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Varese? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

Discover the most popular places to visit in Varese

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.

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.

Estense Palace

One of the city’s most important public buildings is a stately Baroque palace nicknamed the Versailles of Milan for its grandeur.

Corso Matteotti

During your trip to Varese, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Corso Matteotti.

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.

Estensi Gardens

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

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.

Sacred Mountain of the Rosary

4/5(68 reviews)

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.

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.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Varese

Downtown Varese

5/5(1 area review)

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

Casbeno

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

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

Aggregazione Rionale 1

If you're spending some time in Aggregazione Rionale 1, Estense Palace and Corso Matteotti are top sights worth seeing.

Biumo Superiore

When in Biumo Superiore, you can plan a visit to Villa Menafoglio Litta Panza and Collection and Villa Mylius, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Aggregazione Rionale 9

Aggregazione Rionale 9 might not have many top sights, but Mercato and Castiglione Olona are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

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.

See our Where To Stay guide

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.

Popular day trips from Varese

Induno Olona

Sacro Monte

Valganna

Santa Maria del Monte

Castello Cabiaglio

Frequently asked questions

Is Varese worth visiting?

From retail therapy to outdoor pursuits and history, there are plenty of great things to do in Varese. Be sure to experience the area's blend of awesome attractions, local charm and culture.

How do I spend a day in Varese?

Begin your day with a visit to Masnago Castle and Estense Palace. Then, explore different areas of Varese for local dining and a little retail therapy.

What is the top tourist attraction in Varese?

You can't go home without checking out Masnago Castle, ranked the top tourist attraction in Varese.

Is three days enough to stay in Varese?

Three days in Varese is more than enough to enjoy the city's main highlights. Many guests stay for two days on average. Masnago Castle, Estense Palace and Villa Menafoglio Litta Panza and Collection are top-rated sights. Like to see more? Stick around a while longer to explore nearby hotspots like Milan.

Is Varese a walkable city?

Some leading sights in Varese, such as Masnago Castle and Estense Palace, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Only 0.2 miles from the city center of Varese is Aggregazione Rionale 1 and Downtown Varese is 0.1 miles away.

What are some activities to do in Varese with kids?

If you're looking for tours and attractions for all the family, check out these terrific ideas for what to do in Varese with kids.

What to do in Varese for adults?

Collegiata Museum and Le Cappelle are just a couple of the things to do in Varese. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.

Are there free things to do in Varese?

In Varese, Campo dei Fiori di Varese is a popular spot for anyone wishing to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the other neighborhoods and green spaces, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's a good way to find out about the best free things to do in Varese.

Unlock instant savings with Member Prices