Any thoughts on Varese?
 

Hello Fodorites and fellow Italy lovers,

Next week we'll be in the area of the Italian lakes Como and Lago Maggiore on our way from Italy to Northern France. (via Luzern and Basel)
Initially we had planned to stay overnight in Bellagio but with the weather in this part of the world quickly turning from Summer to Fall we are a little bit undecided and thinking that spending an afternoon and evening in a city might be a better idea. We are now thinking of Varese. Any suggestions (also on towns on Lago Maggiore) most welcome!

If you plan to go on (by train or car) to Lucerne - Basle - France, Como, Lugano, Locarno or Bellinzona might be a better choice.
You may also be interested in the churches of Como, Lugano or Locarno (Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso), in the 3 medieval castles of Belllinzona or in Swissminiatur at Lugano/Melide.
https://www.swissminiatur.ch/info-contact/?lang=en
If the weather is fine, there are many viewpoints around Lake Lugano which can be reached by cog railway, by rope railway or by gondola:
Monte Generoso, Monte San Salvatore, Monte Bre, Monte Lema, Monte Tamaro, Cardada (Locarno).