Packing for Lake Como is a little different from packing for a city break in Rome or Florence. The lake sits in the foothills of the Alps, so even in June and July the mornings and evenings can turn genuinely cool, the churches have a strict dress code, and the cobbled lakeside villages are no place for heels. After a recent solo trip — a week on the lake plus a few days in Milan and Turin — here is the honest, tried-and-tested checklist of what earned its place in my suitcase, plus the one thing I was most glad I planned in advance: how to get from Malpensa Airport to Bellagio with a suitcase.
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📑 Contents
Documents & Travel Essentials
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates)
- Printed and digital copies of your passport — keep them separate from the original
- Travel insurance documents — saved offline on your phone
- Hotel booking confirmations — occasionally requested at passport control
- Flight e-tickets — a printout is handy as a backup
- An emergency contact card (embassy, card-cancellation numbers)
- A slim RFID travel document organizer keeps everything in one place
Tip: make two photocopies of your passport — one for your suitcase, one for your day bag. If the original is ever lost, the embassy process is far smoother.
Money & Cards
Italy is very card-friendly, but small cafés, markets, and village shops are sometimes cash-only. Bring at least two cards from different networks, plus a little cash.
- Two credit/debit cards — stored in separate places
- A small amount of euros for buses, small cafés, and tips
- A discreet hidden money belt for spare cash and a backup card
Clothing: What to Wear at Lake Como
Early summer days can climb above 30°C, yet the same evening on the water can feel chilly. The secret is light layers you can add and remove through the day. For a fuller seasonal breakdown, see our guide to what to wear in Italy in June.
- 5–6 quick-dry t-shirts and tops — quick-dry fabric is a lifesaver for hand-washing
- 2 light cardigans or a thin jacket — for air-conditioning and church visits
- A packable down jacket — honestly the item I was most grateful for. Even in June the mornings and evenings at Lake Como turned genuinely cold, and on the early boats I was so glad to have it. It folds away to almost nothing in your bag, so there is no reason to leave it behind
- A packable rain jacket — mountain weather by the lake changes fast, and a passing shower caught me out more than once. A light waterproof shell that packs down small earns its place
- 2 pairs of comfortable trousers (one lightweight, one warmer)
- A cashmere wrap or large scarf — doubles as a shoulder cover for churches and a blanket on chilly ferries
Important: Italian churches do not allow bare shoulders or knees. Always carry a scarf or cardigan so you are never turned away at the door.
Footwear
- Comfortable flat walking shoes — the cobbles are merciless; leave the heels at home
- A pair of lightweight sneakers for longer walking days
Safety & Anti-Theft Items
The thing solo travellers worry about most is safety. These are the items that genuinely helped me feel secure around busy piers, stations, and city crowds.
- An anti-theft crossbody bag — a chain-reinforced strap adds peace of mind
- A security neck or waist pouch for your passport and main card
- A retractable card holder so essentials stay attached to your bag
Hotel & Comfort Items
- A TSA-approved padlock for your suitcase
- A portable door alarm — a small thing that makes a solo room feel safer
- Ear plugs — older European hotels can have thin walls
- An eye mask
- A folding travel hanger and a travel clothesline for hand-washing
- Compression packing cubes to save suitcase space
Tech & Connectivity
- A European travel adapter (Type C/F) — Italy uses Type C/F sockets
- A portable power bank — essential for a full day out with maps and photos
- Your phone with roaming checked, or a local eSIM or data plan
- A full set of charging cables
Getting to Lake Como from Malpensa — With a Suitcase
This is the one logistics decision I am most glad I planned in advance. I was travelling solo and staying in Bellagio, so before the trip I researched the easiest way to get there while dragging a suitcase on my own.
In the end I took the bus from Malpensa Airport to Como San Giovanni, then changed to the bus bound for Bellagio — and it turned out to be exactly the right call. Each leg takes about an hour. The airport bus drops you right in front of Como San Giovanni station, and the Bellagio bus departs from that very spot, so I was guaranteed a seat the whole way.
When you are moving alone with a suitcase, an easy, low-stress transfer matters more than anything, and this route delivered. By contrast, if you arrive by ferry you have to drag your suitcase roughly 20 minutes on foot from Como San Giovanni station (where the bus drops you) to the ferry pier — doable, but not much fun with luggage. So while the ferry is wonderful for sightseeing once you have settled in, for the airport-to-hotel leg with a suitcase, the bus was hands-down the most comfortable choice.
For everything about exploring the lake once you arrive, see our Lake Como Ferry Guide and our complete first-timer’s guide to Lake Como.
Once your bags are packed, the fun part is planning what to do. Boat tours, villa visits, and lake day trips book up fast in summer — it is worth reserving ahead.
What I Wish I’d Left at Home
- Too many “just in case” outfits — a tight, mix-and-match capsule of layers covered everything
- Heeled shoes — never wore them once on the cobbles
- A bulky hairdryer — every hotel I stayed in already had one
- Large amounts of cash — cards worked almost everywhere; a small reserve was plenty
Packing FAQ
Do I really need a warm layer for Lake Como in summer?
Yes. The lake is in the Alpine foothills, so mornings, evenings, and boat rides can feel cool even in July. A packable down jacket and a wrap are the two layers I used most.
What should I wear to visit the churches and villas?
Cover your shoulders and knees. A large scarf or a light cardigan is the easiest way to meet the dress code without carrying extra clothes.
Carry-on or checked suitcase?
For a week or more I prefer a small checked suitcase, but plan your airport transfer around it — see the bus route above, which avoids the long walk to the ferry pier.
Ready to Pack for Lake Como
Pack light, pack in layers, and sort out your airport transfer before you fly — do those three things and the rest of your Lake Como trip will feel effortless. Next, read our complete Lake Como guide, the ferry guide, and our June packing guide to finish planning your trip.