There are few destinations in Italy that attract more attention than Como. There are few football clubs in Italy that attract more attention than Como.

Put those two together and you get one of calcio’s most eye-catching experiences, with the promise of football by the lake attracting supporters from 162 countries last season.

For those looking to join the throng, Destination Calcio has a few pointers on how to enjoy matchday in the picturesque surroundings of Stadio Sinigaglia.

Stay In… The City Centre

If you’re going to do Como properly, then there is only one place to stay – right in the heart of it. The city is split into nine districts, but the centre is where you’ll find the charm of winding side streets, bustling piazzas and, of course, panoramic views of the lake. It is also just a five-minute waterfront stroll to the stadium.

While it has a well-earned reputation for being high-end, you can still stay in the area without breaking the bank for one of the four or five-star hotels, with AirBnB and private rentals offering affordable stays right where the action is.

Go and See… The Lake

To be fair, you can’t miss it. The city’s culture is geared around the vast blue body of water that attracts 1.4million visitors each year. The stunning scenery and chance to sneak a peek at some of the private villas called home by the world’s rich and famous is enough for most to take to the lake, be that by ferry, private boat or even sea-plane.

There are plenty ways to enjoy the lake from the land, too, with benches and green spaces by the water becoming prime real-estate on warm days. You can even enjoy the views from your seat in the Sinigaglia if you happen to be in the main stand.

Grab Food At… Ristorante Sociale

As with any Italian city, it’s hard to find bad food, but Como has its fair share of tourist traps. A row of restaurants line the shore near the entrance to the funicolare that takes visitors up to the hill-top town of Brunate, while the centre also has its collection of catering employees offering a table to anyone within earshot.

It is always the way that the best places to eat don’t have to shout as loud, and Ristorante Sociale falls into that category. Tucked away in the unassuming Via Rodare, a small menu devoid of pizzas and a clientele carrying almost exclusively local accents let you know that you’ve stumbled across a gem. The three courses that follow only serve to underline the fact, and the wine isn’t bad either.

At €20-€40 a head, you won’t be left with the feeling that you were only paying for the view.

Get the pre-match buzz at… Bar Pino

As far as finding a bar close to the stadium goes, nowhere in Italy will you find a drinking hole in closer proximity than Bar Pino is to the Stadio Sinigaglia in Como.

Nestled in the north-west corner of the ground, beside the Aero Club – this small establishment is the go-to spot for Como fans before matches. It is here you will find the majority of the club’s most ardent supporters sipping beer by the waterfront, catching up with friends and taking in the views ahead of kick-off.

There is even a floating BBQ stall on some days just a few strides away on the water.

Toast victory in… Piazza Alessandro Volta

Named after the man who was a pioneer for electricity, the Piazza Alessandro Volta is the place to spark life into your evening (and nope, I won’t apologise for that).

Blessed with an array of fine restaurants and bars open until late, the square has a relaxed feel, with open-air diners on every corner. You can take your pick for one last night-cap before a stroll back to your city-centre accommodation.