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

Should you visit Caen 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 Caen 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.

Caen

Caen is a important, historic, and park-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

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 food, beaches, and hiking.

Caen and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caen or Como?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Como than Caen. While Caen 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 Caen is more popular for its museums and big city activities. Como is more touristy than Caen and is known for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Also, Como is famous for the lakeside setting. Caen is well known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Caen different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Caen 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 Caen can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

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 Caen or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Como is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Caen. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

Is Caen or Como Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Caen and Como.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Caen. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

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 Caen or Como Better for Beaches?

Como is a good destination for its beaches. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not a beach destination.

Is Caen or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Caen or Como?

Como is renowned for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Caen or Como Better for Families?

Como is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Caen 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 Caen. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

Is Caen or Como Better for Couples?

Como is renowned for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Caen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Caen or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Caen 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Caen. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

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

Caen 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 Caen. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

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 Caen or Como a more walkable city?

Como is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Caen is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Como or Caen?

How long in Caen or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Caen or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Como due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Caen, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

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

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Caen. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Caen or Como?

Caen 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.

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 Caen or Como?

You'll find food and museums around the historic destination of Caen. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Caen or Como?

The historic city of Caen offers museums and nightlife. 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 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, 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 Caen and Como, we can see that Como is more expensive. And not only is Caen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Caen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Caen 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 Caen.

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

Which is Bigger, Caen or Como?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Caen 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 Caen 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 Caen or Como in the Summer?

Both Como and Caen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Caen 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, Caen is generally cooler than Como. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 18°C (64°F), and Como fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Como. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Caen. Caen usually receives less sunshine than Como during summer. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Caen usually receives less rain than Como. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Caen or Como in the Autumn?

Both Como and Caen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Caen for the city's sights and attractions during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Como because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Caen often gets less sunshine than Como. Caen gets 128 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.

Como gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Caen usually gets less rain in October than Como. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Como in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and Como. The winter months attract visitors to Caen because of the museums 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 Caen can be very cold. In the winter, Caen is around the same temperature as Como. Typically, the winter temperatures in Caen in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Como averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Como during winter. Caen gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Caen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Como. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Caen or Como in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Caen as well as Como. The activities around the city are the main draw to Caen this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Como for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Caen is generally cooler than Como. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 9°C (49°F), and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Caen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Como. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets less rain in April than Como. Caen gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Como and Caen