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

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

Budapest

Budapest is a artistic, historic, and authentic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Como

Como is a vibrant, scenic, and trendy lake area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Budapest and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Budapest or Como?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Budapest than Como, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Budapest is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Como is known for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Como is more touristy than Budapest and is known for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Budapest is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Hungarian Parliament Building.

How is Budapest different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Budapest 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 Budapest can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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 Budapest or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Como is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Budapest or Como Better for Nightlife?

Budapest is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Budapest has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

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 Budapest or Como Better for Beaches?

Como is very good for the beache. However, Budapest 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.

Budapest is not a beach destination.

Is Budapest or Como Better for its Old Town?

Budapest 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 Budapest to see the historical old town. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Budapest or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is great for hiking. However, Budapest 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.

Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Budapest or Como?

Como is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Is Budapest or Como Better for Families?

Como is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Budapest or Como Better for Couples?

Como is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Como has plenty to offer. 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.

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for couples. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

Is Budapest or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Budapest, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other 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.

Is Budapest or Como Better for Students?

Budapest is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Como is not popular with students.

Budapest is a great destination for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Como is not popular with students.

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

Budapest 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.

Budapest has a great public transit system. The metro, 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 Budapest or Como a more walkable city?

Budapest 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 Budapest. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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 Budapest Worth Visiting? and Is Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Budapest?

How long in Budapest or Como?

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

Families should spend more time in Como than Budapest. 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 Budapest. 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 Budapest 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 Budapest.

One day in Budapest or Como?

Budapest 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. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Budapest or Como?

Budapest 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 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 Budapest or Como?

Budapest is a authentic 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 Budapest or Como?

The artistic city of Budapest offers museums and nightlife. 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 10-Day Tours from Budapest, The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest, 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 Budapest and Como, we can see that Como is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest 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 Budapest.

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

Which is Bigger, Budapest or Como?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Budapest 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 Budapest 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 Budapest or Como in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and Como. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Budapest this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Como for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Budapest is around the same temperature as Como. Typically, the summer temperatures in Budapest in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Como averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Como this time of the year. In Budapest, it's very sunny this time of the year. Budapest usually receives more sunshine than Como during summer. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Budapest usually receives less rain than Como. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Budapest or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Como. Many travelers come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Como in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Budapest is generally cooler than Como. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 12°C (53°F), and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Budapest often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Como. Budapest gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Como. Budapest usually gets less rain in October than Como. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or Como in the Winter?

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

Como can be very cold during winter. Budapest can get quite cold in the winter. Budapest is much colder than Como in the winter. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around -1°C (31°F) in January, and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Como during winter. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Budapest usually receives less rain than Como. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Budapest or Como in the Spring?

Both Como and Budapest during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Budapest for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Como because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Budapest often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Como. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in April than Como. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Como and Budapest