Even on a rainy day, Stresa keeps all its charm. The elegant lakeside, historic buildings and refined cafés make the town an ideal place to spend a few pleasant hours sheltered from the bad weather. Here is a complete guide on what to do in Stresa when it rains, with real ideas that work and don’t require leaving the city.

Strolling through the historic center among shops, arcades and traditional boutiques

When it rains heavily, Stresa is still enjoyable thanks to its central streets filled with shops and sheltered areas. Corso Umberto and the nearby lanes allow you to walk around comfortably under arcades, close doorways and shop windows. Here you’ll find boutiques, artisan shops, bookstores, gourmet stores and small cafés where you can stop when the rain becomes more intense.

The historic center is also the perfect place to buy local products. Many shops offer tastings or suggestions on how to use them — a simple and pleasant way to discover the traditions of the lake without getting wet.

Visiting churches and historic sites

Rain is an excellent opportunity to explore Stresa’s most atmospheric indoor spaces. The Parish Church of Sant’Ambrogio, with its frescoes and baroque decorations, offers a chance to learn about the city’s religious history in a quiet and intimate environment. The Church of Saints Ambrogio and Theodulo, located in the heart of the center, is also ideal for a short but meaningful visit, with its elegant architecture and peaceful atmosphere that invites contemplation.

These places, easily reachable on foot, offer an authentic way to experience Stresa when the weather doesn’t allow for long walks.

Cafés and pastry shops: the pleasure of a slow afternoon

If there is a moment when Stresa’s historic cafés truly shine, it’s during the rain. Large windows overlooking the lake, cozy tables and artisanal pastries create the perfect setting to relax for a couple of hours.
You can read a book, plan the rest of your trip, or simply watch the lakeside while raindrops draw circles on the water. Many cafés offer selected teas, rich hot chocolate and traditional local desserts, ideal for warming up when the air outside turns damp.

Enjoying local cuisine in the town’s restaurants

Rainy days are often the best time to explore local cuisine. Restaurants in the historic center are easy to reach and offer a welcoming atmosphere that feels especially pleasant on grey days. Risotto, lake specialties or polenta with local cheeses become even more enjoyable when you hear the rain outside.

On a rainy day, a long lunch or an early dinner can turn into a true cultural experience — slower, richer and relaxing.

Spas, indoor pools and wellness in Stresa’s hotels

Many hotels in Stresa open their wellness areas even to non-guests, offering the perfect solution to spend a warm and relaxing afternoon. Heated pools, saunas, Turkish baths and relaxation rooms allow you to recharge while avoiding the bad weather completely.

This activity is especially suitable for couples or anyone looking to treat themselves to a moment of wellbeing during a weekend in Stresa. Availability varies depending on the season, so checking in advance is recommended.

Exhibitions, events and cultural activities indoors

Depending on the time of year, Stresa hosts temporary exhibitions, displays by local artists, cultural events and presentations. These often take place inside municipal halls, historic buildings or exhibition areas set up for the occasion. Even if not always widely advertised, they offer a great alternative for those wanting to explore the cultural side of the town.

A cozy refuge: the apartments of Loving Stresa

If the rain lasts all day or if you prefer a more intimate atmosphere, a comfortable apartment can become part of the experience. On Loving Stresa, you’ll find many apartments located in the center or along the lakeside — perfect to cook something, watch a movie or simply enjoy the sound of the storm in a warm and welcoming setting.

Choosing the right accommodation can turn a rainy day into a pleasant moment, especially for families or groups of friends.

Enjoying Stresa even in the rain

Stresa is charming in every season, and even bad weather can become an opportunity to discover it with a slower and more authentic perspective. Between churches, shops, spas, historic cafés, restaurants and cozy apartments, the town offers many ways to spend a relaxing and enjoyable day. Just choose the activity that best suits your pace and let yourself be guided by the peaceful atmosphere that only rain on the lake can create.