A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Como vs. Kotor for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Como or Kotor?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Como or Kotor, 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. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a scenic, beautiful, and charming coastal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Como and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Como or Kotor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Como than Kotor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Como is better known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Kotor is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Como is more touristy than Kotor and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Also, Como is famous for the lakeside setting. Kotor is well known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs.

How is Como different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Como is a lake area with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Como or Kotor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at terrific restaurants in both Como and Kotor.

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 Kotor have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

Is Como or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Como is very good for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Como or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Como is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Kotor as a resort destination, but it has a few places. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Como is not a resort destination.

Is Como or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Como is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Kotor has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Como is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Como or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Both Como and Kotor have notable 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 Kotor. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Is Como or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Como does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Kotor is one of the most recognized in the world. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Como or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is renowned for its hiking trails. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Known for its hiking, Kotor draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Como or Kotor?

Como is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Como is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Como or Kotor Better for Families?

Como is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Como is 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.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Como or Kotor Better for Couples?

Como is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Como 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.

Kotor is a great lake area if you're traveling as a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Como or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como and Kotor are both excellent 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 Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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

Como is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Como or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor 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 Kotor. The old town is best explored 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 Como Worth Visiting? and Is Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Como?

How long in Como or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Como or Kotor. In our opinion, Como has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Como than Kotor. In general, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Como, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

One day in Como or Kotor?

In Como, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this fun destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This lake area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Kotor is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. 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.

A weekend in Como or Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Como. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor is a fun place to experience. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Como or Kotor?

Como is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Como. 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.

Kotor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This coastal 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 Kotor?

You'll find nightlife and food around the fun destination of Como. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Because Kotor 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.

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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Como or Kotor?

Como has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Como and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor and Como during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Como for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Como is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Como in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Kotor averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Como. In the summer, Como often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Como gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.

Como usually gets more rain in July than Kotor. Como gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Como or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Como and Kotor. The autumn months attract visitors to Como because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

In October, Como is generally cooler than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Como average around 15°C (58°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. Como usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during autumn. Como gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Como gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Como usually receives less rain than Kotor. Como gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Como or Kotor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Como as well as Kotor. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Como this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Kotor for the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Como in the winter. Como is cooler than Kotor in the winter. The daily temperature in Como averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Como often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor. Como gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Como usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. Como gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Como or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Como are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Como for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Como is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Como in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Kotor averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Como usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during spring. Como gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In April, Como usually receives less rain than Kotor. Como gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Como