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

Should you visit Antwerp or Como?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Antwerp and Como can help you decide which place is right for you.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a genuine, cultural, and historical port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, 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 hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Antwerp and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antwerp or Como?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Antwerp than Como, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Antwerp is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Como is known for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Como is more touristy than Antwerp and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Antwerp is popular for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town. It is also home to Antwerpen-Centraal.

How is Antwerp different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Antwerp 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 Antwerp can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a number of cathedrals, museums, and art galleries that are fun to explore. The history and culture of the town is best experienced by wandering the streets and soaking up the architecture.

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 Antwerp or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Como is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Como has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Antwerp is becoming an appealing option for foodies. People with a sweet tooth will enjoy the chocolates and biscuits that make this city famous. You'll also find plenty of fries and casual dining options to choose from. Local favorites include mussels and fish and chips, and of course, you must try the beer!

Is Antwerp or Como Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Antwerp has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. With its large student population and young vibe, you'll find an active nightlife scene around town. Many of the the clubs and bars are concentrated in the docklands, but you'll also find places to hang out everywhere around town.

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 Antwerp or Como Better for Beaches?

Como is very good for the beache. However, Antwerp is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Como to enjoy the beach. 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.

Antwerp is not a beach destination.

Is Antwerp or Como Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp 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 Antwerp to see the historical old town. The old city has a long running history and many unique spots to explore. At the heart of the old town is Grote Markt, which is surrounded by beautiful buildings and cobblestone streets. There are a diversity of restaurants including local cuisines, Italian restaurants, and a number of different ethnic food. You'll also find local chocolate shops, waffle vendors, and ice cream.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Antwerp or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Antwerp 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.

Antwerp is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antwerp or Como?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Como and Antwerp.

The abundance of shops in Antwerp make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has become known for its fashion scene. The main shopping street is Meir, which is where you'll find a variety of European fashion chains. It's also fun to buy chocolates, art, or other souvenirs around town. You'll find both locals and tourists perusing the main shopping areas around town.

Many people travel to Como specifically to go shopping. 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.

Is Antwerp or Como Better for Families?

Como is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Antwerp offers lots of family activities. Favorite kid-friendly activities around town include taking a ride on the Ferris Wheel, going to the local zoo, or exploring the indoor play area Plopsa Station. Kids will also enjoy exploring the underground canals or taking a boat ride. Chocolate lovers will have fun checking out the many chocolate shops around town.

Is Antwerp or Como Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Como has plenty to offer. 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.

Antwerp is a good port city for couples to visit. The city has a wonderful café culture with great restaurants and beautiful neighborhoods to explore. There are many great restaurants as well as plenty of shopping opportunities.

Is Antwerp or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como is well known for backpackers. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Como is a great lake area to visit for backpackers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Antwerp. With a handful of hostels and a variety of free activities, this is an affordable place to visit. It's often overlooked by backpackers so those that visit will be rewarded. It has a vibe of authenticity which is great for backpacker's who are a bit jaded from the tourism scene.

Is Antwerp or Como Better for Students?

Antwerp is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Como is not popular with students.

Antwerp is a great port city to visit as a student. There's a good student culture and a lot of activities that give the city a fun and youthful vibe. It's a relatively big city with a lot of transportation connections, so it makes a great base for exploring other areas.

Como is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Antwerp and Como.

You'll find some public transit in Antwerp, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are both tram and bus lines around town. The city also has a large and impressive train station with many connections, making it a good base for exploring other areas.

While Como offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Is Antwerp or Como a more walkable city?

Antwerp and Como both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Antwerp is a very walkable port city. The old town can be comfortably explored on foot, particularly the area around Grote Markt.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Como or Antwerp?

How long in Antwerp or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Antwerp or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Como due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Antwerp, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

Families should spend more time in Como than Antwerp. 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 Antwerp. 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 Como than Antwerp 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 Como.

One day in Antwerp or Como?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Antwerp. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Como, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This lake area offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Antwerp or Como?

Antwerp is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. 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.

In Como, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Como has to offer.

Five days in Antwerp or Como?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Antwerp. This port city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Como is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Antwerp or Como?

The cultural port city of Antwerp offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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's hard to know how much time to spend in Como. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Como. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Brussels, 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 Antwerp and Como, we can see that Como is more expensive. And not only is Antwerp much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Antwerp would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Antwerp 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 Antwerp.

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

Which is Bigger, Antwerp or Como?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Antwerp 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 Antwerp 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 Antwerp or Como in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Antwerp as well as Como. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Como for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Antwerp is cooler than Como. Typically, the summer temperatures in Antwerp in July average around 17°C (63°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 Antwerp this time of the year. In the summer, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Como. Antwerp gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets more rain in July than Como. Antwerp gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Como in the Autumn?

Both Como and Antwerp are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Antwerp for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Como in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Antwerp is generally cooler than Como. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 12°C (54°F), and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Como during autumn. Antwerp gets 105 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, Antwerp usually receives less rain than Como. Antwerp gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Antwerp or Como in the Winter?

Both Como and Antwerp during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Antwerp in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Como for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Como can be very cold during winter. Antwerp can get quite cold in the winter. Antwerp is cooler than Como in the winter. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Como. Antwerp gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets less rain in January than Como. Antwerp gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Como in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Antwerp and Como. Most visitors come to Antwerp for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Como because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Antwerp is much colder than Como. Typically, the spring temperatures in Antwerp in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Como averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Como during spring. Antwerp gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Antwerp usually receives less rain than Como. Antwerp gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Como and Antwerp