Located on the foot of the Alps in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, the picturesque Lake Como is the third largest lake in the country. The area is filled with centuries-old towns and a shoreline that's next to none, which is perhaps why Lake Como has a reputation for being the playground of the rich, where A-listers like George Clooney and Sir Richard Branson fly to for downtime at their lakeside villas.

But there's much to do in Lake Como for common folks, including renting their own Clooney-style villa for the night. From magnificent architecture and impressive art to boat rides on the lake and strolls through forts and gardens, these are the best things to see and do in Lake Como.