If you don't want to see a "ghost city", take the funicular (on your right hand of the train station) early in the morning, during the rush hours, 'cause Brunate is a very small neighbourhood and its conservative residents stay home most of the day!!
Don't spend money and time on a boat trip at the lake. The city of Como is much more interesting and beautiful! But if you insist on trying it, ask for a round-trip by the slow-going ferry till Villa Carlota, not till Bellaggio, so that you don't risk your return..
