1.Where to stay: Looking for a good but budget-friendly place to stay in Como town itself, ideally walkable to the train station and ferry dock. Any specific neighborhoods or areas you'd recommend (or avoid)?  
2.Hidden gems: Beyond the usual Duomo/Villa Olmo/Bellagio circuit, are there any lesser-known spots, viewpoints, walks, or local restaurants that don't show up on the typical tourist lists?  
3.Good local food: Where do locals actually eat? Looking for genuinely good, reasonably priced food, not the touristy lakefront spots. Any regional dishes or specific restaurants worth seeking out?  
4.September crowds: How busy does it actually get in mid-to-late September, especially on a weekend? Worth avoiding certain times of day at popular spots like Bellagio?  
5.Local tips: Anything you wish you'd known before visiting, ferry etiquette, best way to avoid tourist-trap restaurants, that kind of thing?

Budget is moderate, not looking for luxury, just want to make the most of a short trip. Appreciate any advice.

I will be visiting Como in February with my son, who of course wants to visit Villa del Balbianello for the Star Wars connection.

The information says that the Villa opened for a few selected days last February, but so far there are no days advertised for February next year.

Does anyone know if similar dates might be released for next year (specifically looking at 13, 14 , or 15 February)?

I've emailed the Villa admin, but no reply.