It is a well-to-do place, beautifully situated near the Lake of Varese, and for this reason a favourite summer and autumn resort of the Milanese, who have numerous country houses in the vicinity.
There is an archaeological museum with prehistoric antiquities from the lake-dwellings on an island in the Lake of Varese.
Varese is the seat of active silkspinning, tanning, paper-making and the manufacture of organs and vehicles.
Varese is a junction for Porto Ceresio and Laveno.
Of a wholly different character is the Lago di Varese, between the Lago Maggiore and that of Lugano, which is a mere shallow expanse of water, surrounded by hills of very moderate elevation.
