A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amsterdam vs. Como for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Amsterdam or Como?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Como, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a canal-lined, party-oriented, and laid-back city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the live music, shopping, and museums.

Como

Como is a fun, vibrant, and scenic lake area. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Amsterdam and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Amsterdam or Como?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Amsterdam than Como, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Amsterdam is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, and big city activities, while Como is known for its food, beaches, hiking, and shopping. Amsterdam is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Rijksmuseum. Como is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers.

How is Amsterdam different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Como and Amsterdam. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Amsterdam or Como?

Amsterdam is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Como is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Amsterdam can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.

Como offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.

Is the Food Better in Amsterdam or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Como is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Como is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

Amsterdam may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!

Is Amsterdam or Como Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Amsterdam is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.

Como has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

Is Amsterdam or Como Better for Music?

Amsterdam is renowned for its music scene. However, Como is not a live music destination.

Amsterdam has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Como is not a live music destination.

Is Amsterdam or Como Better for Beaches?

Como is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

Como has a beach worth visiting. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.

Amsterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Amsterdam or Como Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Como does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Amsterdam to see the historical old town. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Amsterdam or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Como. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Amsterdam or Como?

Como is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Como make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Amsterdam. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.

Is Amsterdam or Como Better for Families?

Como is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Como is a very kid-friendly lake area. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.

For families, Amsterdam is not always the best place to visit. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.

Is Amsterdam or Como Better for Couples?

Como is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Como has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

Amsterdam is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.

Is Amsterdam or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Amsterdam, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Como. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

Is Amsterdam or Como Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Amsterdam is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Amsterdam has a great public transit system. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.

You'll find some public transit in Como, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Is Amsterdam or Como a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Amsterdam. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.

Como is very walkable. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

For even more information, also check out Is Amsterdam Worth Visiting? and Is Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Amsterdam?

How long in Amsterdam or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Amsterdam or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Amsterdam due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Amsterdam, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

Families should spend more time in Como than Amsterdam. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Como, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Como than Amsterdam. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Como that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Amsterdam than Como if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Amsterdam.

One day in Amsterdam or Como?

Amsterdam is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the lake area of Como. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Amsterdam or Como?

Amsterdam is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the trendy destination of Como. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this lake area has to offer. This lake area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Amsterdam or Como?

Amsterdam is a laid-back big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the trendy lake area of Como. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Amsterdam or Como?

Amsterdam is a laid-back city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Como is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amsterdam and Como, we can see that Como is more expensive. And not only is Amsterdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Amsterdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Amsterdam and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Como would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Como than you might in Amsterdam.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Amsterdam Expensive? and Is Como Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Como?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam and Como, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Amsterdam or Como?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Como in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Como. The summer months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Como this time of year.

In the summer, Amsterdam is cooler than Como. Typically, the summer temperatures in Amsterdam in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Como averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Como. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amsterdam this time of the year. In the summer, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Como. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets more rain in July than Como. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Como in the Autumn?

Both Como and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Amsterdam is generally cooler than Como. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 11°C (51°F), and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Como during autumn. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Como. In October, Amsterdam usually receives less rain than Como. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Como in the Winter?

Both Como and Amsterdam during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Como in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Como can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Amsterdam. Amsterdam is much colder than Como in the winter. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Como. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Como. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Como in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Como. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Como for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Amsterdam is much colder than Como. Typically, the spring temperatures in Amsterdam in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Como averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Amsterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Como during spring. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Amsterdam usually receives less rain than Como. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Como and Amsterdam