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

Should you visit Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a fairytale, medieval, and historical town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

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.

Carcassonne and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Carcassonne or Como?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Como than Carcassonne, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Como is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Carcassonne is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm. Como is more touristy than Carcassonne and is known for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Also, Como is famous for the lakeside setting. Carcassonne is well known for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle.

How is Carcassonne different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne can be an interesting and educational experience. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

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 Carcassonne or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Como is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

Is Carcassonne or Como Better for Nightlife?

Como is a good destination for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Carcassonne or Como Better for Beaches?

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

Carcassonne is not a beach destination.

Is Carcassonne or Como Better for its Old Town?

Carcassonne is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Como does not have a historic old town.

Carcassonne has an old town worth visiting. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Carcassonne or Como Better for Hiking?

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

Carcassonne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Carcassonne or Como?

Como is very popular for shopping. However, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Carcassonne or Como Better for Families?

Como is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Carcassonne or Como Better for Couples?

Como is very popular for romance. Also, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

Is Carcassonne or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Carcassonne and Como are both great destinations for backpackers.

Carcassonne is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

Como is a great town to visit for backpackers. 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 Carcassonne or Como Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Carcassonne and Como.

Carcassonne has some public transit options. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town 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 Carcassonne or Como a more walkable city?

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

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 Carcassonne Worth Visiting? and Is Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Carcassonne?

How long in Carcassonne or Como?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Carcassonne. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the trendy lake area of Como. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Carcassonne or Como?

Carcassonne 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fun destination of Como. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This lake area offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Carcassonne or Como?

You'll find museums and food around the medieval destination of Carcassonne. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The scenic lake area of Como offers shopping and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Carcassonne or Como?

The historical town of Carcassonne offers food and museums. 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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Como. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Carcassonne or Como?

Como has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne or Como in the Summer?

Both Como and Carcassonne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Carcassonne in the summer for the small town charm 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, Carcassonne is generally around the same temperature as Como. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 24°C (75°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 Carcassonne. Carcassonne usually receives more sunshine than Como during summer. Carcassonne gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Como. Carcassonne gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Como in the Autumn?

Both Como and Carcassonne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area 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.

Carcassonne is a little warmer than Como in the autumn. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Carcassonne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Como. Carcassonne gets 161 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. Carcassonne usually gets less rain in October than Como. Carcassonne gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Como in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Carcassonne and Como. The winter months attract visitors to Carcassonne 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. In the winter, Carcassonne is much warmer than Como. Typically, the winter temperatures in Carcassonne in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Como averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Carcassonne usually receives less sunshine than Como during winter. Carcassonne gets 88 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Como. Carcassonne gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Como in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Carcassonne as well as Como. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Como for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Carcassonne is generally around the same temperature as Como. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 14°C (56°F), and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

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

Carcassonne usually gets less rain in April than Como. Carcassonne gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Como and Carcassonne