Fun and entertainment Lacs italiens

An Internet café in studious decor with several computers.

A historic address in Bergamo, the Cavour pastry shop attracts many a gourmet at breakfast time and throughout the day. In the Italian style, between 8 and 10 a.m., people line up at the beautiful 19th century wooden counter for a cappuccino or a macchiato coffee to be sipped with a brioche filled with jam or custard. The tea room, on the other hand, will welcome the regulars of the 5pm tea who will be spoilt for choice in front of the cake buffet and always under the benevolent eye of Cavour's portrait.

At the end of a small cul-de-sac, our curiosity led us to visit the Spanish-influenced wine café-bar La Chicchera di Jesus. A very cozy room with bistro-style tables reminiscent of old cafés. Perfect for sipping a Spanish wine from the owner's selection, who will take the time to advise you, or enjoying a wonderful cappuccino outside on the small terrace set into the cobblestones of the street. A stopover full of flavour and sunshine!

This café-restaurant is located near the pier of the boats that leave for the Borromean Islands. It is therefore perfectly located to wait patiently for your turn if there are many people who want to embark or just to take a break. Its terrace of about fifty seats overlooks the lake, the view is breathtaking. We would not necessarily choose this address for a bite to eat, but for a drink or an aperitivo, the atmosphere is authentic and the service quite relaxed. In the evening, you can listen to live music.

With live music in the evening and come out in front of the hotel to recover.

This wine bar, which has been open since 1930, has acquired all its letters of nobility through the use (or rather "by the glass") of prosecco, sangiovese, vermentino, barolo and amarone among the 500 labels and 200 liqueurs and brandies. In the past wine was poured directly from the barrels to the glasses; today the shop has been modernized, but the bon vivant spirit remains the same. Small tables and stools serve as armrests for tastings. The aperitif is always accompanied by cheese boards and cold meats.

As its name suggests, within the Old England Pub, you are transported to a real English pub in the heart of Cernobbio - ideally located - just a few steps from the Villa d'Este. Dozens of labels of beers, cognacs, whiskies... and good music, it's the winning combo for a good evening with friends in a warm atmosphere. A few burger style dishes for the little ones, really delicious. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. Ideal for evenings, or afternoons when the weather is not good.

Not to be missed, Harry's Bar is the Café de Flore of Lake Como. In the heart of Cernobbio, located in a delightful little square, this café has seen a parade of intellectuals, stars and businessmen of all nationalities. Ideal for an aperitif to see and be seen, and why not for dinner, although, taking advantage of its reputation, the establishment is inflating its prices. The ravioli are delicious for example! Early in the morning, you drink your coffee on the terrace, taking your time and enjoying the atmosphere of the place, the lake and Cernobbio.

On the beach in front of the lake, a few kilometres from the centre of Desenzano, Coco Beach is another unmissable event for night owls in the Lake Garda region. The club even has a restaurant and bar, but the regulars mainly go there to dance the night away. The fact that it is outdoors in the summer is particularly appreciated: people have a drink on the beach, standing and dancing or sitting at one of the many tables. The cocktails are excellent, the music sets the mood... It's a very good evening.

The Balzer, opened in 1850, is one of the best historical coffee bars in Italy. It has the charm of the square, the arcades for shelter, the elegant classic interior, the tradition and quality of the handcrafted products. Early in the morning, you can have breakfast here and then the place comes alive with espresso at the counter. From 11:00 to 12:30 and in the evening, it's time for an aperitivo. You can eat here. In the afternoon, the place becomes perfect for an ice cream, a pastry or a sweet. Good cocktails are also available, with or without alcohol.

In the heart of the city, this wine bar, also called La Mandorla, is exceptional for its atmosphere, which recalls that of the 1950s and 1960s, with its black and white photos on the walls. Ideal to drink something at the end of the day in a vintage atmosphere. The choice of craft beers is vast, as well as regional wines and cocktails; a little originality, the traditional Spritz is served here in jam jars! As a side dish, meat or rice croquettes, focaccia and mini-pizzas.

In the very south of Verona, here is the most popular nightclub in the city with a musical program that does not stand out in the world of the genre. Friday and Saturday evenings are the hottest; in two communicating rooms, they vibrate to the rhythm of the most commercial hits, but also to the sounds of songs from the 1990s or 1980s. A few djs sometimes launch themselves into the most diverse experiments. For those who have had enough of operatic arias, the club also offers food and drink on site

For lovers of the little black Italian boy, this café is a real paradise. It is probably here that you will taste the best coffee in Verona in a very small room with enough space for a few tables, the counter and an impressive collection of teapots (120 varieties of tea for tea lovers). Let yourself be tempted by the various gourmet coffees and chocolates, or by a marocchino (small coffee served on a creamy chocolate base), either black or white. Among the accompaniments: fresh cream, chocolate chips or caramel syrup... To discover!

Perched on the hillside of Castel San Pietro, this restaurant has a beautiful terrace set in a large garden, overlooking the Teatro Romano and the rooftops of Verona. The view dominates the whole city, offering sublime sunsets. After climbing the long staircase leading up to the castle, it is the perfect stop for a spritz or a well-mixed cocktail. As an accompaniment, crunchy little pizzas covered with tomato, string cheese and cold cuts. Among the dishes, burgers and pasta remain the best choices.

Resolutely contemporary with a sleek, stylish design, Café Locarno delights a trendy clientele who enjoy generous aperitivi. In the evening, the lights dim, the bar lights up in pink and the cocktails become architectural feats. An elegant ambience of Italian sweetness, where you can spend a pleasant moment savouring the flavours of Ticino. The team is young and dynamic, and offers excellent advice on which local wines to choose. It's a very pleasant place to live, with an atmosphere that changes according to the time of day.

This bar is perfect for any time of day. In the morning, you can sit at the counter for a coffee. At lunchtime, you can nibble a bite while sipping a drink. But it's especially in the late afternoon and evening that the atmosphere gets interesting. The bar organizes live concerts and DJ evenings on weekends, making for a very convivial atmosphere. The waitress is adorable, and at aperitif time - except Sundays - you'll be served a few side dishes to nibble on with your drink. There's also a high-speed internet café.

Facing the lake, this bar-restaurant is the ideal place to take a break before going for a swim. Ideally located, you can also rent a deckchair on the terrace. Here you can come and have a drink or a bite to eat. For many locals, this is one of the best spots, whether for the quality, the welcome or simply the view and the possibility to take a dip between two sips! You chill, you enjoy and you take your time, what more could you ask for?