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

Should you visit Cologne or Como?

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

Should I visit Cologne 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.

Cologne

Cologne is a colorful, fun, and accessible city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. 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. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Cologne and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Como?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cologne than Como. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cologne is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Como attracts visitors for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Como is more touristy than Cologne and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Cologne is famous for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. It is also well known for The Cologne Cathedral.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Cologne different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cologne 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 Cologne can be an interesting and educational experience. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

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 Cologne or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Como is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Cologne. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

Is Cologne or Como Better for Nightlife?

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

Cologne has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

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 Cologne or Como Better for Beaches?

Como is a popular place for the beach. However, Cologne 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.

Cologne is not a beach destination.

Is Cologne or Como Better for its Old Town?

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

Cologne has an old town worth visiting. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Cologne or Como Better for Hiking?

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

Cologne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Como?

Como is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Como is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cologne. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

Is Cologne or Como Better for Christmas?

Cologne is renowned for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Como does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, Cologne draws large crowds. Cologne is one of the top Christmas destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Como does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Como Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is renowned for visiting Christmas markets. However, Como does not offer Christmas markets.

People travel to Cologne specifically to enjoy its famous Christmas markets. Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Como does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cologne or Como Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cologne or Como.

Cologne is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.

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.

Is Cologne or Como Better for Couples?

Como is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Cologne is a nice destination for couples. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.

Is Cologne or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como is well known for backpackers. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Como is a very popular lake area for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Cologne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

Is Cologne or Como Better for Students?

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

Cologne is a great city to visit as a student. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.

Como is not popular with students.

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

Cologne 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.

Cologne has a great public transit system. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

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 Cologne or Como a more walkable city?

Cologne and Como both are very good when exploring on foot.

Cologne is a very walkable destination. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily 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 Cologne Worth Visiting? and Is Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Como?

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

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

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

Cologne is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Como, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This lake area offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Cologne or Como?

Cologne 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.

In Como, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Como has to offer.

Five days in Cologne or Como?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun big city of Cologne. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Como is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cologne or Como?

The fun city of Cologne offers nightlife and food. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Como. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Como. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Como?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Como. Many travelers come to Cologne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Como in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cologne is cooler than Como in the summer. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Como fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Como. In the summer, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Como. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in July than Como. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Como in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Cologne is cooler than Como. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cologne in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Como averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Como during autumn. Cologne gets 104 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, Cologne usually receives less rain than Como. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cologne or Como in the Winter?

Both Como and Cologne during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cologne for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, 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. Cologne can be very cold during winter. In January, Cologne is generally much colder than Como. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 3°C (37°F), and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Como. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets less rain in January than Como. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Como in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Como. The spring months attract visitors to Cologne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Como this time of year.

Cologne is cooler than Como in the spring. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Como during spring. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cologne usually receives less rain than Como. Cologne gets 55 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 Cologne