Water, city life, culture, shopping and nature: on the East Side, just a few kilometres are enough to move from one experience to another and create a different day every time.
One of the most interesting features of the eastern shore of Lake Como is the variety of experiences concentrated within a relatively small area. The lake and the mountains are undoubtedly the main features of the landscape, but between them lie towns, villages, art venues, shops, museums and historic landmarks, making it easy to shape the day around different interests and rhythms.
It is precisely this proximity that makes something quite special possible: starting the morning by the lake, spending a few hours discovering Lecco and finding yourself surrounded by mountains in the afternoon.
Morning: Malgrate and Lecco
The day can begin in Malgrate, before heading to Lecco and spending the morning exploring the city.
In the historic centre, you can wander between Piazza XX Settembre and Piazza Cermenati, browse shops and boutiques or stop at one of the cafés. Shopping enthusiasts can explore the pedestrian streets around Via Roma and Via Cavour, combining stores and independent businesses with glimpses of the city.
Just a few steps away is the Basilica of San Nicolò, one of Lecco’s most recognisable landmarks, immediately identifiable by its imposing bell tower. A visit adds an opportunity to discover the city’s history and religious heritage.
Art, culture and Manzoni
Before leaving Lecco, there are several other experiences to choose from depending on your interests.
Palazzo delle Paure, in the historic centre, hosts exhibition spaces dedicated to art, while those interested in exploring the city’s connection with Alessandro Manzoni can visit Villa Manzoni or head to Pescarenico, one of the places most closely associated with the world of The Betrothed (I Promessi Sposi).
In just a few hours, the experience shifts from landscape to culture, without the need for long journeys.
Credits: Holidoit
After lunch, a complete change of scenery
The afternoon is the perfect time to discover one of the East Side’s most distinctive characteristics: how quickly the lake gives way to the mountains.
One option is Piani Resinelli, at the foot of the Grignetta, where trails of varying difficulty lead towards panoramic viewpoints overlooking the surrounding area.
Alternatively, Monte Barro offers paths surrounded by nature and sweeping views over lakes, mountains and the Brianza region.
For something less demanding, choose Piani d’Erna, accessible by cable car from Lecco. Within just a few minutes, you can leave the city behind and find yourself in a completely different mountain setting. There is no need to take on a challenging hike: a short walk or simply stopping to admire the view can be enough.
More than just trekking
Experiencing the mountains does not necessarily mean setting out on a long hike. It can simply mean spending a few hours surrounded by nature, reaching a scenic viewpoint, photographing the landscape or taking a break before heading back towards the lake.
This freedom is precisely what makes a day on the eastern shore so interesting: there is no single itinerary to follow. Shopping and mountains, art and nature, a historic church and a cable-car ride can all be part of the same day.
Evening: choose another experience
Back by the lake, the day can continue in different ways. Enjoy an aperitif at People Cocktail Bar & Café in Malgrate, stop for dinner at Da Giovannino Bistrot, or stay in Lecco and discover the city after dark.
For a cultural evening, check the programme at Teatro della Società, which reopened in 2026 following its restoration, and end the day with a performance, concert or one of the events on its calendar.
It is difficult to define the East Side through a single experience — and perhaps that is precisely its strength.
Lake, shopping, art, history, mountains, nature and city life can all be enjoyed within the same day, leaving everyone free to decide how much time to dedicate to each experience.
Rather than an itinerary to follow step by step, this is an invitation to make the most of one of the eastern shore of Lake Como’s most distinctive qualities: the possibility of completely changing scenery without travelling far.
