A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Florence vs. Como for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Florence or Como?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Florence 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.

Florence

Florence is a historical, artistic, and iconic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Como

Como is a vibrant, scenic, and trendy lake area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Florence and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Florence or Como?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Florence than Como, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Florence is more popular for its museums and historical sights, while Como is known for its beaches, hiking, and shopping. Florence is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also home to The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Como is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers.

How is Florence different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Florence 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, Florence has many famous sights for visitors. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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 Florence or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Florence and Como can be an enjoyable experience.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Florence is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

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.

Is Florence or Como Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find good options in both Florence and Como.

If you're looking for night time activities Florence has a few options to choose from. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Is Florence or Como Better for Beaches?

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

Florence is not a beach destination.

Is Florence or Como Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Florence is one of the most recognized in the world. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Florence or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is a great lake area for hiking. However, Florence is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Como for the hiking trails. 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.

Florence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Florence or Como?

Como is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Como draws large crowds to its 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Is Florence or Como Better for Families?

Como is a great lake area for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Como is very family-friendly. 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.

Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Florence or Como Better for Couples?

Florence and Como are both amazing to visit as a couple.

Florence has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

Como is a great city 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.

Is Florence or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Florence, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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 Florence or Como Better for Students?

Florence is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Como is not popular with students.

Florence is a great destination for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

Como is not popular with students.

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

Florence and Como both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Florence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Como has a few public transit options. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Is Florence or Como a more walkable city?

Florence 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 Florence. Most people explore the city 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 Florence Worth Visiting? and Is Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Florence?

How long in Florence or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Florence or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Florence due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Florence, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

Families should spend more time in Como than Florence. 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.

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

One day in Florence or Como?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Florence. 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.

The beautiful lake area of Como offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Florence or Como?

Florence 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.

Como is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this lake area makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Como, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Florence or Como?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the alluring destination of Florence. 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.

Como is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Florence or Como?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the artistic city of Florence. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Como is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This lake area offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Florence or Como?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Florence 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 Florence or Como?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Florence or Como in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Florence and Como. The summer months attract visitors to Florence because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Como this time of year.

In the summer, Florence is around the same temperature as Como. Typically, the summer temperatures in Florence in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Como averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Como this time of the year. In Florence, it's very sunny this time of the year. Florence usually receives more sunshine than Como during summer. Florence gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Florence usually receives less rain than Como. Florence gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Florence or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Florence as well as Como. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Florence this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Florence is generally around the same temperature as Como. Daily temperatures in Florence average around 16°C (61°F), and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Florence often gets more sunshine than Como. Florence gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Como. Florence usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Como. Florence gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Florence or Como in the Winter?

Both Como and Florence are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Florence 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. Florence is a little warmer than Como in the winter. The daily temperature in Florence averages around 7°C (45°F) in January, and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Florence usually receives less sunshine than Como during winter. Florence gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Florence usually receives around the same amount of rain as Como. Florence gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Florence or Como in the Spring?

Both Como and Florence during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Florence in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Como for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Florence is around the same temperature as Como. Typically, the spring temperatures in Florence in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Como averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Florence often gets more sunshine than Como. Florence gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.

Florence usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Como. Florence gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Como and Florence