Experience in Lecco, Italy by Elena

What is it like to live in Lecco? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

I actually live about 10km far from Lecco, in a very small village.

Lecco is a small city, like a town. The nature and landscape are amazing, the lake and the mountains make it look like a super cute place. The historical centre is quite small and "nothing special", but still nice. In Lecco there is also a big building designed by the famous architect Renzo Piano, La Meridiana, which is half shopping mall - half apartments.

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If you like quiet places and nature, the yes, I would recommend living in Lecco.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lecco?

I studied in Milan and commuted every day to University from Lecco, so I do not really have an idea of the typical "student life" in Lecco. I guess there are not many facilities for students or student parties once the University is quite small.

How much does it cost to live in Lecco?

As I said above, I live with my family in a small village and I do not know how much may the rent of a room be, I do know they have just renovated a building and turned it into a student house/dormitory. Shopping in Lecco is definitely less expensive than in Milan, though more expensive than in southern Italy. It also depends in which supermarket you shop.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Lecco? Is there any advice you can give?

Unfortunately I can not help here, I have no clue. I guess it is not that easy since Lecco does not have a big University.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Food is great, as it is all the Italian food, of course!; )

I love pasta, pizza, vegetables and ice cream!

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What places would you recommend visiting in Lecco?

There are not that many great places to "visit" in Lecco. Though I highly recommend to spend as much time as you can at lakeside or in nature. It is possible to take also boat tours at a reasonable price. I once found one for 5 euros. Lecco is famous for the book "I Promessi Sposi", written by Alessandro Manzoni (1827), once the story takes place there. You can take a tour of the typical places of the story and it is quite interesting if you have read the book.

Is it good to eat out in Lecco? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Eating out in Lecco is cool, there are not many particular restaurants, but you have some choice. There are a lot of pizza places or döner kebab "fast-food" restaurants and an awful lot of ice-cream shops. There are a couple of Indian restaurants, an Indian take-away, a Greek restaurant/take-away close to the hospital, a Persian tea-room/restaurant, very unexpensive Chinese restaurants... and close to the University there is a very particular "fast-food" restaurant: the Polent-One which sells the typical dish of northern Italy, polenta at very low prices (3-8 euro).

Is the nightlife good in Lecco? Where is good to go?

In my opinion nightlife in Lecco is nothing special. During the summer there are concerts or music events. In May there is the European Market which lasts a weekend and it's cool. In general, there is a disco (which is on the lake, further from the centre so you better go by car), "Orsa Maggiore", and there are a few pubs. There is an Irish pub/brewery which is quite popular, I like Mojito bar or Barcaiolo, which is close to the lake in Pescarenico neighbourhood. And if you like reggae, metal, rock'n'roll music or even cultural events, I highly recommend you to check what kind of event is planned at Circolo Libero Pensiero in Rancio neighourhood.

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What advice would you give future students heading to Lecco?

Do not expect the student lifestyle you would find in Milan, or better Bologna, Pisa, Pavia, Padova, Turin, Venice, Trento, Trieste, and so on. Lecco is quiet and small, but if you like nature and calm you have found your place!