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

Should you visit Bath 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 Bath and Como can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bath

Bath is a beautiful, architectural, and charming spa town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Como

Como is a trendy, fun, and vibrant lake area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Bath and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bath or Como?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Como than Bath, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Como is better known for its food, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Bath is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm. Como is more touristy than Bath and is known for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Also, Como is famous for the lakeside setting. Bath is well known for its world-renowned Roman built baths as well as its historical architecture and many museums.

How is Bath different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bath is renowned for its museums and history. However, Como is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Bath has many famous sights for visitors. The main draw to Bath is the rich history and most sights are focused on the area's spa city past. The Roman Baths are a highlight of a trip to the city, but other not to be missed places include Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, and Pulteney Bridge.

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 Bath or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Como is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bath. Sample afternoon tea or try some local fish and chips. There are a diversity of restaurants to choose from so it's easy to find local favorites, vegetarian options, or international cuisine.

Is Bath or Como Better for Nightlife?

Both Bath and Como have notable vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bath. Head to George Street, which is the liveliest part of the city at night. You'll find a mix of high end restaurants, pubs, and cocktail bars that keep the energy high. One of the most popular nightlife venues in Bath is Bath Komedia, which is a popular music and comedy club.

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 Bath or Como Better for Beaches?

Como is very good for its beaches. However, Bath 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.

Bath is not a beach destination.

Is Bath or Como Better for its Old Town?

Bath 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 Bath to see the historical old town. The Roman old town has charming streets and a vibrant environment. On pleasant weekends you'll find tourists and locals alike filling the restaurants and town squares, giving the city an energy and lively atmosphere.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Bath or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Bath is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Bath is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bath or Como?

Como is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Como. 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.

Bath is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Stall Street and Union Street for the most popular shopping streets in town. Many visitors pick up jewelry, glass, and fudge or other sweets while exploring the area.

Is Bath or Como Better for Families?

Como is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Como is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bath. The city is all about history and architecture, so at times it can be challenging for the kids to stay entertained. For a change of pace, take a boat on the canal or explore one of the beautiful gardens.

Is Bath or Como Better for Couples?

Both Bath and Como are terrific destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Bath has plenty to offer. With its beautiful architecture and fascinating history, this city is perfect for couples. Take a canal cruise or wander through the scenic areas to enjoy a romantic trip.

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.

Is Bath or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Como is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Bath. You'll find a surprising number of hostels around town so it's not hard to meet other backpackers while you're in the area.

Is Bath or Como Better for Students?

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

Bath is a great spa town to visit as a student. The University of Bath offers a number of different programs so this is a popular city for local and international students.

Como is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Bath and Como.

Bath has some public transit options. You likely won't need public transit because it's easy to walk most places, but there are buses 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 Bath or Como a more walkable city?

Bath 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 Bath. It is a very walkable city with most sights and activities packed into a very compact area. There are also many pedestrian areas that are easy to explore 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 Bath Worth Visiting? and Is Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Bath?

How long in Bath or Como?

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

Families should spend more time in Como than Bath. 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 Bath. 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 Bath 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 Bath or Como?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bath. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Como. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bath or Como?

Bath is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. 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.

Como is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Five days in Bath or Como?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Bath. This spa town 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic destination of Como. This lake area offers something for everyone. 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 Bath or Como?

The architectural spa town of Bath 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.

The scenic lake area of Como offers shopping and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, 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 Bath and Como, we can see that Como is more expensive. And not only is Bath much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bath would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bath 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 Bath.

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

Which is Bigger, Bath or Como?

Bath has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Bath 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.