A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Como vs. Bergamo for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Como or Bergamo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Como or Bergamo, 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 scenic, trendy, and fun lake area. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Bergamo

Bergamo is a historical, fascinating, and beautiful city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Como and Bergamo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Como or Bergamo?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Como than Bergamo. While Bergamo is larger than Como, Como has more sights and attractions for tourists. Como is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Bergamo is known for its museums and historical sights. Como is more touristy than Bergamo and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. It is also home to the lakeside setting. Bergamo is popular for its historical buildings and beautiful squares.

How is Como different from Bergamo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bergamo 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 Bergamo?

Bergamo is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Como is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bergamo. There are historical buildings as well as fascinating museums that are worth checking out. Highlights include the Basilica of St. Mary Major, Colleoni Chapel, the Accademia Carrara, and the Cathedral of Sant'Alessandro.

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 Bergamo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Como is an amazing lake area to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Bergamo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find traditional restaurants around town that serve the local specialties, many of which have their roots in peasant dishes. The flavors are humble but high quality and the food is fresh and masterfully prepared.

Is Como or Bergamo Better for Nightlife?

Both Como and Bergamo have good vibes after the sun sets.

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.

Bergamo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Despite not being high on the itinerary of many travelers, the city has a great nightlife scene that includes many local bars and clubs. You can enjoy a local brew or sip some Italian wine while you enjoy the atmosphere of the old town.

Is Como or Bergamo Better for Beaches?

Como is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Bergamo is not a beach destination.

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.

Bergamo is not a beach destination.

Is Como or Bergamo Better for its Old Town?

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

Bergamo has an old town worth visiting. Since the old town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town has become more popular with visitors. Still, you can enjoy the authentic and less touristy vibe of this beautiful city.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Como or Bergamo Better for Hiking?

Como is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Bergamo is not a hiking destination.

Como is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Bergamo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Como or Bergamo?

Como is an amazing lake area to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Como make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Bergamo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas around town including shopping malls and shopping streets. You'll find most of the major brands as well as some interesting boutique shops.

Is Como or Bergamo Better for Families?

Como is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Bergamo is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Como is a very kid-friendly lake area. 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.

Bergamo is not always a place people visit with their families. It's a beautiful city that is filled with history, and for kids there are pedestrian streets to explore and great Italian food. There's also the Museo di Scienze Naturali, which is worth checking out.

Is Como or Bergamo Better for Couples?

Como is an amazing lake area to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Como has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Bergamo is a good lake area for couples to visit. Couples will appreciate the beautiful architecture and impressive squares. There are also great restaurants and pedestrian streets that are fun to wander through.

Is Como or Bergamo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como is notable for backpackers. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Como is a great lake area 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.

Bergamo is a good lake area to visit for backpackers. While it's not the most popular backpacker city in Italy, it does have a couple of hostels and guesthouses that offer affordable rates and a young vibe.

Is Como or Bergamo Better for Students?

Bergamo is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Como is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Bergamo. The university attracts international students and the city makes a great base for learning and exploring.

Como is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Como and Bergamo.

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 Bergamo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town as well as two funiculars, one connecting Città Bassa with the Città Alta and the other connecting Città Alta to San Vigilio.

Is Como or Bergamo a more walkable city?

Como and Bergamo are superb 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.

Bergamo is very walkable. There are many pedestrian streets and the best way to explore the city is on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergamo or Como?

How long in Como or Bergamo?

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

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

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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bergamo. 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 Como or Bergamo?

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.

Bergamo 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.

Five days in Como or Bergamo?

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.

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

A week in Como or Bergamo?

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.

The fascinating city of Bergamo 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.

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 Bergamo, we can see that Como is more expensive. And not only is Bergamo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bergamo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bergamo 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 Bergamo.

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

Which is Bigger, Como or Bergamo?

Bergamo has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Como and Bergamo, 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 Bergamo?

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 Como or Bergamo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Como as well as Bergamo. The summer months attract visitors to Como because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bergamo this time of year.

In July, Como is generally around the same temperature as Bergamo. Daily temperatures in Como average around 23°C (73°F), and Bergamo fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bergamo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Como this time of the year. In the summer, Como often gets less sunshine than Bergamo. Como gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bergamo receives 286 hours of full sun.

Como usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bergamo. Como gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Como or Bergamo in the Autumn?

Both Bergamo and Como are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Como this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bergamo for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Como is around the same temperature as Bergamo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Como averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Bergamo fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Como usually receives more sunshine than Bergamo during autumn. Como gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Bergamo receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergamo. It's quite rainy in Como. In October, Como usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bergamo. Como gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Como or Bergamo in the Winter?

Both Bergamo and Como during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Como for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bergamo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bergamo can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Como. In the winter, Como is much warmer than Bergamo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Como in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Bergamo averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Como often gets more sunshine than Bergamo. Como gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bergamo receives 98 hours of full sun.

Como usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bergamo. Como gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Como or Bergamo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Como and Bergamo. Many visitors come to Como in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bergamo for the natural beauty during these months.

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

Como usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bergamo during spring. Como gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Bergamo receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Como usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bergamo. Como gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergamo and Como