A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Como vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Hiking

Should you visit Como or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Como or Mont-Saint-Michel, 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. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a inspiring, iconic, and religious island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Como and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Como or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Como. Although Como and Mont-Saint-Michel are both popular with visitors, Como has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Como is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Mont-Saint-Michel is known for its museums. Como is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. It is also home to the lakeside setting. Mont-Saint-Michel is popular for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base.

How is Como different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel is renowned for its museums and history. However, Como is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Mont-Saint-Michel has many famous sights for visitors. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Como has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Como or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Como is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Como or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Beaches?

Como is very good for the beache. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Como to enjoy the beach. 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Is Como or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Como is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel has hiking trails worth exploring. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Is the Shopping Better in Como or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Como is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Como or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Como is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options 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.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Como or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Como and Mont-Saint-Michel are both terrific to visit as a couple.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great lake area for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

Is Como or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Como or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Como and Mont-Saint-Michel.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Como or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Como and Mont-Saint-Michel are excellent 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is very walkable. There are many stunning walks in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Como Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Como?

How long in Como or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Como or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Como than Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel.

Families should spend more time in Como than Mont-Saint-Michel. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Como or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With food and shopping around the trendy lake area of Como, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the vibrant destination of Como. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

You'll find museums and food around the breathtaking destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. This island offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Como or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Como is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This lake area offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The breathtaking island of Mont-Saint-Michel offers food and museums. 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 River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Como or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Como has a larger population, and is about 980 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Como and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel 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. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Como is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Como average around 23°C (73°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

In Mont-Saint-Michel, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Como. In the summer, Como often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel. Como gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun.

Como usually gets more rain in July than Mont-Saint-Michel. Como gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Como or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Como and Mont-Saint-Michel. The autumn months attract visitors to Como because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

Como is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Como averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Como usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during autumn. Como gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Como gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Como usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Como gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Como or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Como as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Como this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Como in the winter. In the winter, Como is around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Como in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Como often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Como gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun.

Como usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Mont-Saint-Michel. Como gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Como or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Como is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Como average around 13°C (55°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Como usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel during spring. Como gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Como usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Como gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Como