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

Should you visit Belfast or Como?

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

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

Belfast

Belfast is a authentic, affordable, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife and shopping.

Como

Como is a scenic, trendy, and fun lake area. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for shopping, nightlife, and food.

Belfast and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Como?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Como than Belfast. While Belfast is larger than Como, Como has more sights and attractions for tourists. Como is better known for its museums, food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Belfast is more popular for its big city activities. Como is more touristy than Belfast and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Also, Como is famous for the lakeside setting. Belfast is well known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Belfast different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Como is a moderate lake area for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Como is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Como Better for Nightlife?

Both Belfast and Como are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

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 Belfast or Como Better for Beaches?

Como is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Belfast 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.

Belfast is not a beach destination.

Is Belfast or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Belfast 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.

Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Como?

Como is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Como is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Belfast or Como Better for Families?

Como is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Como is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Belfast is a family-friendly city. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Is Belfast or Como Better for Couples?

Como is an unbeatable place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Belfast or Como Better for Students?

Belfast is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Como is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

Como is not popular with students.

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

Como is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Como has a few public transit options. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Como a more walkable city?

Como is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Como or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Como?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Belfast. 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 Belfast or Como?

Belfast is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 Belfast or Como?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Belfast. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Belfast or Como?

The authentic city of Belfast offers nightlife and shopping. 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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to 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 Belfast and Como, we can see that Como is more expensive. And not only is Belfast much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Belfast would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Belfast 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 Belfast.

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

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Como?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Como in the Summer?

Both Como and Belfast during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Como this time of year.

In July, Belfast is generally much colder than Como. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 15°C (59°F), and Como fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Como, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Como. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in July than Como. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Como. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Belfast is much colder than Como in the autumn. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Como during autumn. Belfast gets 92 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, Belfast usually receives less rain than Como. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Belfast or Como in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Como. Many travelers come to Belfast for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, 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 Belfast. In the winter, Belfast is cooler than Como. Typically, the winter temperatures in Belfast in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Como averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Como. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in January than Como. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Como in the Spring?

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

In April, Belfast is generally much colder than Como. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 8°C (46°F), and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

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

In April, Belfast usually receives less rain than Como. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Como and Belfast