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

Should you visit Brussels or Como?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Brussels and Como. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Brussels

Brussels is a colorful, multicultural, and historic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. 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. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Brussels and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Como?

You'll generally find more things to do in Brussels than Como. Brussels is bigger than Como, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Brussels is better known for its museums, historical sights, and big city activities, while Como is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Como is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Brussels is well known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. Also, Brussels is famous for La Grand Place (Grote Markt).

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Brussels 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 Brussels can be an interesting and educational experience. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

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 Brussels or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Como is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Como, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Brussels has a huge number of terrific restaurants. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

Is Brussels or Como Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Brussels and Como.

Brussels has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

If you're looking for night time activities Como has a few options to choose from. 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 Brussels or Como Better for Beaches?

Como is a good destination for its beaches. However, Brussels is not a beach destination.

Como offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Brussels or Como Better for its Old Town?

Brussels 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 Brussels to see the historical old town. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Brussels or Como Better for Hiking?

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

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Como?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Como and Brussels.

Brussels is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.

Known for shopping, Como draws large crowds to its 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.

Is Brussels or Como Better for Families?

Both Brussels and Como are great family-friendly destinations.

Brussels is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Como is very family-friendly. 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 Brussels or Como Better for Couples?

Como is renowned for romance. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Como is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Brussels is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

Is Brussels or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels and Como are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Brussels. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

Many backpackers 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.

Is Brussels or Como Better for Students?

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

Brussels is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

Como is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Brussels has a great public transit system. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

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 Brussels or Como a more walkable city?

Brussels and Como both are great when exploring on foot.

Brussels is very walkable. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

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 Brussels Worth Visiting? and Is Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Brussels or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Brussels due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

Couples should spend more time in Como than Brussels. 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 Brussels than Como 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 Brussels.

One day in Brussels or Como?

Brussels is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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.

The beautiful lake area of Como offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Brussels or Como?

Brussels 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.

Como is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this lake area makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Como, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Como?

Brussels is a historic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Como is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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 entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brussels or Como?

The multicultural city of Brussels 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.

Como is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This lake area offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, 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 Brussels and Como, we can see that Como is more expensive. And not only is Brussels much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Brussels would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brussels 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 Brussels.

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Como?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Brussels 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 Brussels 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 Brussels or Como in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Como. Many visitors come to Brussels in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Como for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Brussels is generally cooler than Como. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 18°C (65°F), and Como fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Como. In the summer, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Como. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in July than Como. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Como in the Autumn?

Both Como and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Como because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Brussels is cooler than Como in the autumn. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Como during autumn. Brussels gets 114 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, Brussels usually receives less rain than Como. Brussels 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 Brussels or Como in the Winter?

Both Como and Brussels during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Brussels because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Como this time of year.

It's quite cold in Como in the winter. The weather in Brussels can be very cold. In the winter, Brussels is much colder than Como. Typically, the winter temperatures in Brussels in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Como averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Como. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Como. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Como in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Como. The activities around the city are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Como for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Brussels is generally cooler than Como. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 10°C (49°F), and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Como during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Brussels usually receives less rain than Como. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Como and Brussels