A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Como vs. Bari for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Como or Bari?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Como or Bari, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Como

Como is a vibrant, scenic, and trendy lake area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and hiking.

Bari

Bari is a cultural, authentic, and local port 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 and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Como or Bari?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bari than Como. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bari is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Como attracts visitors for its hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Como is more touristy than Bari and is known for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Bari is famous for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. It is also well known for San Nicola.

How is Como different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bari 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 Bari can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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 Como or Bari? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at world-class restaurants in both Como and Bari.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Como is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Many restaurants in Bari have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

Is Como or Bari Better for Nightlife?

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

Bari has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

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 Como or Bari Better for Beaches?

Both Como and Bari have nice beaches worth visiting.

Como has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Bari. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Is Como or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Bari 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 Bari to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Como or Bari Better for Hiking?

Como is a great lake area for hiking. However, Bari 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.

Bari is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Como or Bari?

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

Many people travel to Como specifically to go shopping. 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.

Bari is a great destination for shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Como or Bari Better for Families?

Como and Bari are both great destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Como. 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.

Bari is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

Is Como or Bari Better for Couples?

Como is terrific for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

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.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Como or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como and Bari are both great destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

Is Como or Bari Better for Students?

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

Bari is a great port city to visit as a student. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

Como is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Como and Bari.

Como has some public transit options. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

You'll find some public transit in Bari, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Como or Bari a more walkable city?

Como and Bari are great when it comes to walkability.

Como is a very walkable destination. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

Bari is very walkable. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Como?

How long in Como or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Como and Bari. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Como than in Bari. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Como, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bari.

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

Couples should spend more time in Como than Bari. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Como that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bari 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 Bari.

One day in Como or Bari?

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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bari. 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.

A weekend in Como or Bari?

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.

Bari is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. 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.

Five days in Como or Bari?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Bari. This port city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Como or Bari?

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.

The cultural port city of Bari 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome, The Best 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Como and Bari, we can see that Como is more expensive. And not only is Bari much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bari would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bari 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 Bari.

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

Which is Bigger, Como or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Como and Bari, 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 Como or Bari?

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 Como or Bari in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Como and Bari. Many travelers come to Como for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bari in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Como is around the same temperature as Bari in the summer. The daily temperature in Como averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari this time of the year. In Como, it's very sunny this time of the year. Como usually receives less sunshine than Bari during summer. Como gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Como usually receives more rain than Bari. Como gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Como or Bari in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Como is cooler than Bari. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Como in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Bari averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Como often gets less sunshine than Bari. Como gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun.

Como receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Como usually gets more rain in October than Bari. Como gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Como or Bari in the Winter?

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

Como can be very cold during winter. In January, Como is generally much colder than Bari. Daily temperatures in Como average around 5°C (41°F), and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Como usually receives more sunshine than Bari during winter. Como gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Como usually receives more rain than Bari. Como gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Como or Bari in the Spring?

Both Bari and Como during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Como because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

Como is around the same temperature as Bari in the spring. The daily temperature in Como averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Como often gets less sunshine than Bari. Como gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun.

Como usually gets more rain in April than Bari. Como gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bari and Como