A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Como vs. Bressanone for Food, Couples, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Como or Bressanone?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Como or Bressanone, 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 fun, vibrant, and scenic lake area. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Bressanone

Bressanone is a quaint, picturesque, and idyllic town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Como and Bressanone: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Como or Bressanone?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Como. Although Como and Bressanone are popular destinations, Como has more sights and attractions for tourists. Como is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Bressanone attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm. Como is more touristy than Bressanone and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. It is also well known for the lakeside setting. Bressanone is famous for its charming old town and its idyllic setting.

How is Como different from Bressanone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Como
Bressanone

Bressanone 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 Bressanone. Most visitors simply enjoy soaking up the town's atmosphere, but sights around town include The Royal Palace, the cathedral, and Franzenfeste Fortress.

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 Bressanone? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Como
Bressanone

Como is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Como have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Bressanone. Despite its small size, there are many family run restaurants that make use of ingredients from local farms. The town also hosts a few culinary festivals throughout the year.

Is Como or Bressanone Better for Nightlife?

Como
Bressanone

Como is a lake area with good options for its evening party scene. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

Bressanone doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small town with some quaint bars and pubs where you can enjoy a beer and chat with other visitors.

Is Como or Bressanone Better for Beaches?

Como
Bressanone

Como is a lake area with good options for the beach. However, Bressanone is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Como. 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.

Bressanone is not a beach destination.


Is Como or Bressanone Better for its Old Town?

Como
Bressanone

Bressanone 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 Bressanone to see the historical old town. The cathedral and beautiful old buildings make this a charming place to explore.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Como or Bressanone Better for Hiking?

Como
Bressanone

Como and Bressanone are both places where visitors can find high quality hiking trails.

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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Bressanone. There's a huge variety of hikes in the surrounding countryside. You can walk alongside the river, head into the foothills, or explore the nearby vineyards.

Is the Shopping Better in Como or Bressanone?

Como
Bressanone

Como is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Bressanone 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Bressanone. The medieval streets are lined with family-owned shops, boutique clothing stores, and other unique local shopping opportunities.


Is Como or Bressanone Better for Families?

Como
Bressanone

Como is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Como is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

For families, Bressanone is not always the best place to visit. It's a great town to take a lunch break. The kids will enjoy wandering the alley-like streets. There's a river through town and great views of the Alps.

Is Como or Bressanone Better for Couples?

Como
Bressanone

Como is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Como is a great lake area for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Bressanone is a great lake area if you're traveling as a couple. This charming town is seeped in romance. The quaint streets and surrounding mountain setting make this an idyllic place to take a romantic trip.

Is Como or Bressanone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como
Bressanone

Como is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Bressanone 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bressanone. There's a couple of hostels and cheaper guesthouses in town, so backpackers can enjoy a few days in this picturesque alpine town.


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

Como
Bressanone

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

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 Bressanone, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Como or Bressanone a more walkable city?

Como
Bressanone

Como and Bressanone are high quality 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.

Bressanone is very walkable. The town is compact and small enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bressanone or Como?

How long in Como or Bressanone?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Como or Bressanone to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Como than Bressanone because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Como, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bressanone.

Families should spend more time in Como than Bressanone. 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 Bressanone. 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 Bressanone 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.


  • How many days in Como or Bressanone? Ideal Length of Stay
    Como 2-4 
    Bressanone 1-2

One day in Como or Bressanone?

With shopping and nightlife around the vibrant lake area of Como, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Bressanone is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.


A weekend in Como or Bressanone?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Como, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this lake area.

Bressanone is a fun place to experience. 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 Bressanone?

Como, a popular lake area, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bressanone is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town 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 Como or Bressanone?

Como is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Because Bressanone is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Bressanone or Como?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Como is €214, while the average daily cost in Bressanone is €138. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Como and Bressanone in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Como 146
    Bressanone 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Como 292
    Bressanone 144
Compare Hotels in Como and Bressanone

Looking for a hotel in Como or Bressanone? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Como


Hotels in Bressanone


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Como Hotel Prices and Bressanone Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Como 14
    Bressanone 23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Como

Also for Como, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Argegno: Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $240
  • Bellagio to Malpensa Airport Milan (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $80
  • Cernobbio to Malpensa Milan Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • Como Private Transfer from Como city centre to Milan Malpensa Airport: $225
  • Como to Malpensa Airport Milan (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • Como/Cernobbio/Moltrasio to/from Milan City (private transfer): $266
  • From Bellagio or Como hotels to Venice (+water taxi) - Private Transfer: $196
  • From Como : Private 1-Way Transfer to Malpensa airport: $342
  • From Private 1-Way Transfer to Linate airport: $311
  • From Milan center : Private 1-Way Transfer to Como: $280
  • Milan Private Transfer from Cernobbio (Como) to Milan airports (LIN or MPX): $247
  • Pirvate transfer from Malpensa airport to Como and Cernobbio: $211

Is it cheaper to fly into Como or Bressanone?

Prices for flights to both Bressanone and Como change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Como 60
    Bressanone 47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Como

For Como, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • COOKING, EATING, LOVING - Lasagna cooking Class for everyone!: $46
  • Cantonese Dimsum Cooking Lesson in Como or Lugano with Chef Ling: $50
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cernobbio with Show Cooking: $94
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Lentate Verbano with Show Cooking: $94
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Lecco with Show Cooking: $94
  • Lake Como Food Tour - Eat like a real Local: $110
  • Cesarine: Como Show Cooking & Dining Experience at Local's Home: $122
  • 3 Hours Pizza and Tiramisù Workshop in Como: $125
  • Small-group Street food tour in Como: $132
  • Candlelight Dinner Experience on Lake Como: $133
  • Tour and historical dinner: Lake Como 1690: $133
  • Pasta Fresca Hands-on Cooking Class with a Local in Como: $139

Typical Food Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bressanone:


  • Gelato
    2.20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Como -
    Bressanone 20

Tours and Activities in Como

For Como, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Lake Como's Greenway: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.22
  • Agra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.78
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Como: $8.87
  • Como Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.04
  • Como Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.26
  • Forte Montecchio Nord Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Lake Como Volta Lighthouse and Brunate Jeep Sightseeing Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Tour of Como and its Breathtaking Lakeside: $20
  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Como and its Breathtaking Lakeside: $20
  • Lake Self-Guided Walking Tour - Downtown Como: $22
  • Lake Self-Guided Walking Tour - Downtown Como: $22
  • Como City Audio Guide and Skip The Ticket Line to Brunate: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Como -
    Bressanone 26

Sample the Local Flavors in Como

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Como:

  • Domaso: Wine Tasting at the Winery on Como Lake: $61
  • Italian Wine Tasting & Food Como Lake: $71
  • Panoramic Wine Tasting in Bellagio area: $105
  • Exclusive wine tasting in Brunate: $105
  • Top Italian Wine Tasting & Food Como Lake: $133
  • Wine Tastings with Chef Luigi Gandola: $137
  • Bellagio Wine Tasting + Villa Melzi : $144
  • Food and Wine Tours Lake Como: $189
  • Private Wine Tasting in Bellagio with Chef Luigi Gandola: $189

Typical Alcohol Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Bressanone:


  • 1/2 Litre of wine
    9.00
  • 2 Glasses of Wine
    7.00


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

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


Which is Bigger, Como or Bressanone?

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