A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dublin vs. Como for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Dublin or Como?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dublin or Como, 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.

Dublin

Dublin is a welcoming, fun, and laid-back 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 live music.

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 shopping, nightlife, and food.

Dublin and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dublin or Como?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dublin than Como, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dublin is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, and big city activities, while Como is known for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Como is more touristy than Dublin and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Dublin is popular for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. It is also home to The Guinness Storehouse.

How is Dublin different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dublin 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 Dublin can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

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 Dublin or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Como is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Dublin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Dublin or Como Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Dublin is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

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 Dublin or Como Better for Music?

Dublin is an excellent place to visit for its music scene. However, Como is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Dublin has diverse options. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Como is not a live music destination.

Is Dublin or Como Better for Beaches?

Como is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Dublin 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.

Dublin is not a beach destination.

Is Dublin or Como Better for its Old Town?

Dublin 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 Dublin to see the historical old town. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Dublin or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Dublin is not a hiking destination.

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.

Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dublin or Como?

Como is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Dublin. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

Is Dublin or Como Better for Families?

Dublin and Como are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Dublin is a very kid-friendly city. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

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.

Is Dublin or Como Better for Couples?

Como is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Dublin is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

Is Dublin or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin and Como are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Dublin is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

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.

Is Dublin or Como Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Dublin. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

Como is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Dublin and Como.

You'll find some public transit in Dublin, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

While Como offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Is Dublin or Como a more walkable city?

Dublin 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 Dublin. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center 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 Dublin Worth Visiting? and Is Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Dublin?

How long in Dublin or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Dublin or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dublin due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Dublin, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

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

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

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

One day in Dublin or Como?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Dublin. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Como. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Dublin or Como?

Dublin is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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.

Como is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dublin or Como?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly destination of Dublin. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Como. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Dublin or Como?

The welcoming city of Dublin offers shopping and museums. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Como. This lake area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dublin or Como?

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

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 Dublin or Como in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Dublin is cooler than Como. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dublin in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Como averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Como. In the summer, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Como. Dublin gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets less rain in July than Como. Dublin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or Como in the Autumn?

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

In October, Dublin is generally cooler than Como. Daily temperatures in Dublin average around 11°C (52°F), and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Como during autumn. Dublin gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Como. In October, Dublin usually receives less rain than Como. Dublin gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dublin or Como in the Winter?

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

Como can get quite cold in the winter. Dublin is a little warmer than Como in the winter. The daily temperature in Dublin averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Como. Dublin gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Como. Dublin gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or Como in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Dublin is much colder than Como. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dublin in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Como averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Como during spring. Dublin gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dublin usually receives less rain than Como. Dublin gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Como and Dublin