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

Should you visit Basel or Como?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel 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.

Basel

Basel is a easily accessible, beautiful, and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Como

Como is a scenic, trendy, and fun lake area. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Basel and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Como?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Como than Basel. While Basel is larger than Como, Como has more sights and attractions for tourists. Como is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Basel is known for its museums and historical sights. Como is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. It is also home to the lakeside setting. Basel is popular for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Basel different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Basel 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 Basel can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

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 Basel or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Como is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Is Basel or Como Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Basel and Como.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Como. 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 Basel or Como Better for Beaches?

Como is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Basel 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.

Basel is not a beach destination.

Is Basel or Como Better for its Old Town?

Basel 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 Basel to see the historical old town. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Basel or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Basel is not a hiking destination.

Como is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Basel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Como?

Como is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 Basel. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

Is Basel or Como Better for Families?

Basel and Como are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Basel is a very kid-friendly city. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Como. 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.

Is Basel or Como Better for Couples?

Como is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Basel is a good city for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Basel or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como is notable for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Basel is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Is Basel or Como Better for Students?

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

Basel is a great city to visit as a student. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

Como is not popular with students.

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

Basel is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Basel. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

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 Basel or Como a more walkable city?

Basel 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 Basel. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible 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 Basel Worth Visiting? and Is Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Basel?

How long in Basel or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Basel 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 Basel, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

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

Couples should spend more time in Como than Basel. 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 Basel 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 Basel or Como?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Basel. 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, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this vibrant destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This lake area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Basel or Como?

Basel 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Como. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Basel or Como?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Basel. This 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Como. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Basel or Como?

The easily accessible city of Basel 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the scenic destination of Como. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Basel and Como, we can see that Basel is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Como?

Basel has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Basel 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 Basel 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 Basel or Como in the Summer?

Both Como and Basel during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Basel because of 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, Basel is around the same temperature as Como. Typically, the summer temperatures in Basel in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Como averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Como, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Basel. In the summer, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Como. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in July than Como. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Como. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Basel 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, Basel is generally cooler than Como. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 13°C (56°F), and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Como during autumn. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Como receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Basel usually receives less rain than Como. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Basel or Como in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Basel as well as Como. Many travelers come to Basel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 Basel. Basel is much colder than Como in the winter. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Basel often gets less sunshine than Como. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in January than Como. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Como in the Spring?

Both Como and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Basel in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Como for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Basel is cooler than Como. Typically, the spring temperatures in Basel in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Como averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Como during spring. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Basel usually receives around the same amount of rain as Como. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Como and Basel