Venice or Lake Como?

In December, and with only one day, spend that day in Venice, not Lake Como. Since you're coming from Paris on an overnight train, Venice will be better than Lake Como. Also, Lake Como is not a good December destination.

A whole day for all of Italy? That's sad. Venice would be the place to go for just one day. Although, you might run into one of their high tides at that time of year. Part of the fun!

I agree that Venice would be better than Lake Como in December. Where are you coming from and where are you going to after Italy? One day doesn't seem like much time. Another place I really liked in Northern Italy is Verona. You can see quite a bit of it in one day.

Thais, As you'll be "traveling through a few countries", be sure to allow adequate travel time to get to and from Italy. Depending on where you're travelling from, it could take the better part of a day just to get to Italy! It's difficult to answer your question regarding Venice or Lago di Como without having more details on your trip.

" I'll be traveling through a few countries and I can spend a whole day in Italy. "
" I'm open to suggestions." I wouldn't bother. What until you can see Italy.

personally i would choose como over venice especially if this is your one relax day on your trip. But i guess if you really want to see "sites" then go to venice, but my vote in for varenna where you are up close enough to the alps to get great scenic views. Sure its "dead" but i would take that over a crownded venice and possibly flooded one at that.

I like both places, and depending where you are entering Italy from whatever country you are departing from, ie Austria, Switzerland, France, makes your decision a little easier. If you only have one day in Italy on your trip, then I would chose Venice, it is a unique city and one that not everyone sees. The St Marks Square and the Cathedral are beautiful and the Rialto Bridge is different. It is once in a lifetime to see this city. Of course, I did enjoy the area around Lake Como, but that you can see anytime when you make your next trip to Italy. Have fun.

A whole day in Italy, eh? How are you getting around? Venice is not exactly central to anywhere. Neither is Como, really. Most of your 1 day will be spent travelling no matter if you are flying, driving, or on the train. Bus? Longer. Probably best to concentrate on your other few countries and save Italy for when you can enjoy it.

Thanks everybody for your help. I think it will be Venice then. Of course I know Italy cannot be seen/enjoyed/appreciated in one day. I wish I could spend more time there and go to different cities, but for this trip it will only be one day. (Better 1 than none though). My next trip, I'll make sure I spend much more time to see everything else this wonderful country has to offer. I am traveling by train. I'm taking an overnight train from Paris to Venice, then another overnight to Innsbruck. That is why I will be able to enjoy it the whole day, because I get there early in the morning and then leave late at night. I find this very convenient given that I save the money I would spend in a hotel, plus I'm traveling while I sleep. ;) Anyone has any recommendations for a good restaurant in Venice? I've heard their seafood and their risotto is excellent and I'm dying to try some.