Brunate Funicular Viewpoint Milan
Ascend via funicular for breathtaking panoramic views of Milan and Lake Como, especially magical at sunset.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic over Milan
Brunate Funicular Viewpoint Milan
Best Time
Golden hour magic over Milan
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend via funicular for breathtaking panoramic views of Milan and Lake Como, especially magical at sunset.
"Watching Milan transform at sunset is truly a must-do in Milan."
🌅 Book Sunset Tickets Early
Sunset slots for the Duomo terraces sell out fast! Book online in advance to secure your spot.
🚶♀️ Consider Weekday Visits
To avoid long queues for the funicular, try visiting on a weekday.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Milan Skyline
Brunate
Witness Milan's iconic skyline stretch out before you, especially magical at sunset.
The Brunate Funicular Ride
Como-Brunate Funicular
A scenic ascent offering glimpses of Lake Como and the surrounding Alps.
Lake Como Vistas
Brunate
Beyond Milan, enjoy stunning views of Lake Como and its picturesque shores.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Funicular Access & Queues
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Book Sunset Tickets Early
Sunset slots for the Duomo terraces sell out fast! Book online in advance to secure your spot.
🚶♀️ Consider Weekday Visits
To avoid long queues for the funicular, try visiting on a weekday.
🧥 Dress in Layers
The viewpoint can be breezy, even on warm days. Bring an extra layer for comfort.
📸 Capture the Cityscape
Bring your camera or phone for stunning photos of Milan and Lake Como.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Book Sunset Tickets Early
Sunset slots for the Duomo terraces sell out fast! Book online in advance to secure your spot.
🚶♀️ Consider Weekday Visits
To avoid long queues for the funicular, try visiting on a weekday.
🧥 Dress in Layers
The viewpoint can be breezy, even on warm days. Bring an extra layer for comfort.
📸 Capture the Cityscape
Bring your camera or phone for stunning photos of Milan and Lake Como.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking panoramic views of Milan and Lake Como from Brunate, especially during sunset. The scenic funicular ride adds to the charm. However, some find the queues for the funicular can be long, and the cost of the ride might be a consideration for budget travelers.
"This view point is located high in the mountain above Como on the city's eastern side.
Have in mind you can reach it by funicular, but also with your car after series of hairpin turns and with limited parking spaces up.
Views are really amazing with entire city, western mountains across and lake Como to the north"
Dejan Braki
"Probably one of the best view points of the area, easily accessible just by doing a 2 minutes walk from the funicular station. If you go in the morning is better because you don't have the sun directly facing you, but you can literally go there at anytime because it's completely worth it."
Gabriele Vinci
"Stunning natural scenery. We got there via a funicular ride. The ticket lines were long, but it was absolutely worth it."
Amal Nassar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach the Brunate Funicular viewpoint from Milan, you'll first need to take a train from Milan to Como. The journey typically takes about 40 minutes to an hour. From Como's train station (Como San Giovanni), you can walk or take a local bus to the funicular station in Como city center. The funicular then takes you up to Brunate. +1
While Brunate is scenic, reaching it solely by public transport can be challenging depending on your starting point. The funicular from Como is the primary method, but be aware of potential queues.
The most efficient way to travel between Milan and Como is by train. Frequent services run from Milan's main stations to Como San Giovanni.
Driving directly to Brunate is not recommended as parking can be difficult. It's best to park in Como and take the funicular up.
The funicular ride from Como to Brunate is a short and scenic journey, typically lasting around 7-10 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The funicular ride to Brunate costs approximately 7 euros per ride. It's advisable to check the latest prices before your visit, as they can change.
While you can often buy tickets at the station, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak times, to avoid potentially long queues.
The viewpoint in Brunate is generally accessible without a separate entrance fee once you've reached the town via the funicular. The cost is primarily for the funicular ride itself.
The funicular typically operates daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official schedule online before your trip to confirm operating times.
No, the Brunate Funicular takes you to the town of Brunate, which offers views of Milan. To access the Duomo terraces in Milan, you need to purchase separate tickets for the Duomo itself. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset is widely considered the most magical time for photos, as the city lights begin to twinkle and the sky is painted with color. Golden hour offers a softer, warmer light. +1
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive city and lake views. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on specific Milan landmarks.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, always be respectful of private property and any posted signage.
Absolutely! Brunate offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Como, making it a fantastic spot for landscape photography.
Experiment with different vantage points. The main viewpoint offers a broad sweep, but exploring slightly different paths can reveal unique perspectives of the Milan skyline.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the day rather than sunset to avoid potential crowds and ensure younger children don't get overtired. The funicular is generally safe and well-maintained, making it a manageable adventure for families looking for a scenic outing.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring your best lenses, including a wide-angle lens for expansive shots and a telephoto lens for capturing distant details of Milan. Don't forget a tripod if you plan on shooting in low light conditions during sunset.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Traveling on a weekday can also help avoid peak season crowds and potentially higher prices for accommodation if you were considering staying nearby. The train from Milan to Como is generally an affordable option.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Brunate Funicular Experience
Opened in 1894, the funicular has been a beloved way to access Brunate for over a century. The ride is relatively short, taking about seven to ten minutes, but it packs a visual punch. As you climb, the colorful buildings of Como shrink below, and the vast expanse of Lake Como unfolds. It's a smooth and enjoyable ride, setting the stage for the stunning scenery that awaits at the top.
Once you arrive in Brunate, a short walk will lead you to various viewpoints. The most famous offers an unparalleled panoramic vista of Milan, especially striking during sunset when the city lights begin to glow. You can also enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and a different perspective of Lake Como.
Capturing the Milan Panorama
To make the most of your photography, consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the scene. A telephoto lens can also be useful for isolating specific landmarks or details within the cityscape. Many visitors find that the best shots are taken from the main viewing areas, but exploring the small paths around Brunate might reveal less crowded spots with equally impressive angles.
Remember that weather plays a crucial role. On hazy or cloudy days, the visibility of Milan might be reduced. However, even on less clear days, the view of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains can still be incredibly rewarding. Always check the weather forecast before you go to manage your expectations and plan your visit accordingly.
Brunate as a Day Trip Destination
While Brunate offers stunning views, some travelers suggest it's not the ideal base for extensive day trips due to its location and the potential for queues on the funicular. It's best enjoyed as a destination for its unique vantage points and relaxed atmosphere rather than a central hub for further exploration.
For those interested in a more comprehensive experience, combining a visit to Brunate with exploring Como town, a boat trip on Lake Como, or even a quick trip to Milan (as many do) provides a well-rounded taste of the region's diverse attractions.
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