I haven't been to Como but here are our observations from a trip to Lugano in October, 2002, with lots of pictures that make me want to go back.
http://www.craftpeople.com/Lugano%20Up/lugano.html
It was pretty quiet- we just enjoyed the scenery and the atmosphere. I remember LOTS of jewelry stores with delectable merchandise and a few of the fabled Swiss banks. The slightly drab-looking church next to our hotel that had an inside festoooned with beautiful frescoes by one of Da Vinci's students was one of those wonderful travel surprises.
There's also a bus to MXP from Lugano. We didn't take that- the scenery from the train was memorable.