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

Should you visit Heidelberg or Como?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Heidelberg and Como. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a energetic, lively, and charming town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Como

Como is a vibrant, scenic, and trendy lake area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and hiking.

Heidelberg and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Como?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Como than Heidelberg. While Heidelberg is larger than Como, Como has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Como is very popular for its museums, food, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Heidelberg attracts visitors for its nightlife, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere. Como is more touristy than Heidelberg and is known for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. It is also well known for the lakeside setting. Heidelberg is famous for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town.

How is Heidelberg different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Como is adequate for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Como specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Como is an amazing lake area to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Como, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Heidelberg makes for a great culinary experience. The old town is filled with local restaurants that offer an assortment of traditional dishes. The restaurants offer a mix of outdoor and indoor seating and classic dishes include saumagen, lewwerkneedl, and dampfnudeln.

Is Heidelberg or Como Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Heidelberg has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

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 Heidelberg or Como Better for Beaches?

Como is a good destination for the beach. However, Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

Como offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

Is Heidelberg or Como Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Heidelberg is one of the most recognized in the world. The charming old town, or Altstadt, is lined with cafes that spill out onto the street and churches with bells that chime hourly. The area is filled with activity and there are many shops, ice cream vendors, and restaurants to choose from.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Heidelberg or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is a great lake area for hiking. However, Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heidelberg or Como?

Como is an amazing lake area to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many people travel to Como specifically to go shopping. 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.

Heidelberg is a great destination for shopping. The pedestrian area is the best place to pass your time shopping. There are name brand stores mixed in with local independent shops which you'll mostly find on the side streets. Popular items to buy include wooden toys, Christmas decorations, and candy.

Is Heidelberg or Como Better for Families?

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

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.

Heidelberg is a family-friendly place to visit. With its many ice cream shops, playgrounds, and impressive castle, this city makes a nice stop for families with kids. The restaurants usually have a kid's menu and there are a number of kid-friendly museums and activities.

Is Heidelberg or Como Better for Couples?

Como is an amazing lake area to visit for couples. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Como is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Heidelberg is a very popular place to visit for couples. This beautiful city offers an impressive backdrop for a couple's getaway. The view from the castle looks out beautifully over the city and the old town has many excellent restaurants and activities that are great for couples.

Is Heidelberg or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Heidelberg and Como are great places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Heidelberg. Prices are reasonable and there are a handful of hostels around town. As a university town, you can be assured there are plenty of fun activities and cheap places to eat.

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 Heidelberg or Como Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Heidelberg. It is a beautiful student town with a lot of activities for young visitors. This is not the most popular study abroad destination, but it does have a lot to offer for those who visit.

Como is not popular with students.

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

Heidelberg is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Heidelberg. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

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.

Is Heidelberg or Como a more walkable city?

Heidelberg and Como are great when it comes to walkability.

Heidelberg is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable.

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 Heidelberg Worth Visiting? and Is Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Heidelberg or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Como due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heidelberg, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

Families should spend more time in Como than Heidelberg. 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 Heidelberg. 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 Como than Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg or Como?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Heidelberg. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With shopping and nightlife around the scenic 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.

A weekend in Heidelberg or Como?

Heidelberg 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.

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.

Five days in Heidelberg or Como?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Heidelberg. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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.

A week in Heidelberg or Como?

The historic town of Heidelberg offers shopping and nightlife. 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany, 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 Heidelberg and Como, we can see that Como is more expensive. And not only is Heidelberg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Heidelberg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg.

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

Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Como?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg or Como in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Como. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Como for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Heidelberg is cooler than Como in the summer. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Como fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Como this time of the year. In Heidelberg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Como during summer. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Como. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Como. Most visitors come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Como because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Heidelberg is cooler than Como. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heidelberg in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Como averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Como. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Como. Heidelberg usually gets less rain in October than Como. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Como in the Winter?

Both Como and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Como this time of year.

It's quite cold in Como in the winter. The weather in Heidelberg can be very cold. In January, Heidelberg is generally much colder than Como. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 3°C (37°F), and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Como during winter. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heidelberg usually receives less rain than Como. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Como in the Spring?

Both Como and Heidelberg during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Como for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Heidelberg is cooler than Como in the spring. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Como. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets less rain in April than Como. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Como and Heidelberg