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

Should you visit Bonn or Como?

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

Should I visit Bonn or Como? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bonn

Bonn is a cultural, beautiful, and outdoorsy city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Como

Como is a vibrant, scenic, and trendy lake area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Bonn and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or Como?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Como than Bonn. While Bonn is larger than Como, Como has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Como is better known for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Bonn is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere. Como is more touristy than Bonn and is known for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Also, Como is famous for the lakeside setting. Bonn is well known for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

How is Bonn different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bonn 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 Bonn can be an interesting and educational experience. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

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 Bonn or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Como is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Como is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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 Bonn. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Is Bonn or Como Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Bonn and Como.

If you're looking for night time activities Bonn has a few options to choose from. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 Bonn or Como Better for Beaches?

Como is a popular place for its beaches. However, Bonn is not a beach destination.

Como is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Bonn is not a beach destination.

Is Bonn or Como Better for its Old Town?

Bonn 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 Bonn to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Bonn or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is a great lake area for hiking. However, Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Como for the hiking trails. 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.

Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Como?

Como is very popular for shopping. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Bonn is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

Is Bonn or Como Better for Families?

Bonn is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Bonn is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

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.

Is Bonn or Como Better for Couples?

Como is very popular for romance. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Como makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Bonn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

Is Bonn or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como is a great lake area for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Bonn is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Is Bonn or Como Better for Students?

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

Bonn is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

Como is not popular with students.

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

Bonn 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 Bonn. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

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 Bonn or Como a more walkable city?

Bonn and Como are very good when it comes to walkability.

Bonn is very walkable. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Como or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Como?

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bonn. 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 Bonn or Como?

Bonn 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.

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 Bonn or Como?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Bonn. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the trendy 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 Bonn or Como?

The outdoorsy city of Bonn 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 fun 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 from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, 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 Bonn and Como, we can see that Como is more expensive. And not only is Bonn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bonn would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bonn 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 Bonn.

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

Which is Bigger, Bonn or Como?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Bonn 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 Bonn or Como?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bonn or Como in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Como. Many travelers come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Como in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bonn is generally cooler than Como. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 19°C (66°F), and Como fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Como this time of the year. Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Como during summer. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bonn usually receives more rain than Como. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bonn or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Como. Many visitors come to Bonn in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Bonn is cooler than Como in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Como. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Como. Bonn usually gets less rain in October than Como. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Como in the Winter?

Both Como and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bonn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Como because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Como can be very cold. Bonn can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Bonn is much colder than Como. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bonn in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Como averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Como during winter. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bonn usually receives less rain than Como. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bonn or Como in the Spring?

Both Como and Bonn during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Como this time of year.

In April, Bonn is generally cooler than Como. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 10°C (50°F), and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Como. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in April than Como. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Como and Bonn