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

Should you visit Interlaken or Como?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Interlaken and Como can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a world-class, stunning, and adventurous town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and food.

Como

Como is a trendy, fun, and vibrant lake area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Interlaken and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Como?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Como than Interlaken, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Como is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Interlaken is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is well known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Como is well known for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Also, Como is famous for the lakeside setting.

How is Interlaken different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Como Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a nice place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Como is not a skiing destination.

Head to Interlaken for some great skiing and other winter activities. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Como is not a skiing destination.

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

Como is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Como is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Is Interlaken or Como Better for Nightlife?

Como is very good for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Como Better for Beaches?

Como is very good for its beaches. However, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Is Interlaken or Como Better for Hiking?

Interlaken 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, Interlaken draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

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 Interlaken or Como?

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

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Como. 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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Como Better for Families?

Interlaken is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Interlaken is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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.

Is Interlaken or Como Better for Couples?

Both Interlaken and Como are terrific destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Interlaken has plenty to offer. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

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.

Is Interlaken or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Como is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

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

Interlaken 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 Interlaken. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

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 Interlaken or Como a more walkable city?

Como is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Como is very walkable. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Interlaken Worth Visiting? and Is Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Como?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Como than Interlaken. 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 Interlaken 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 Interlaken or Como?

Visitors enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the destination of Interlaken. 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.

With shopping and nightlife around the vibrant 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 Interlaken or Como?

Interlaken is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Interlaken or Como?

Visitors enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the adrenaline-filled destination of Interlaken. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Interlaken or Como?

The adventurous town of Interlaken offers skiing and food. 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.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome.

When comparing the travel costs between Interlaken and Como, we can see that Como is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Como?

Como has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken 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 Interlaken 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 Interlaken or Como in the Summer?

Both Como and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Como for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Interlaken is generally around the same temperature as Como. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 21°C (70°F), and Como fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Como. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Interlaken. Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Como during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Como. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Interlaken or Como in the Autumn?

Both Como and Interlaken during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Como in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Interlaken is cooler than Como in the autumn. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Como. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.

Como gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Interlaken usually gets less rain in October than Como. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Como in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Como. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the winter for the skiing and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Como for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Como can be very cold during winter. Interlaken can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Interlaken is much colder than Como. Typically, the winter temperatures in Interlaken in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Como averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Como during winter. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Como. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Interlaken or Como in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Como. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Como because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Interlaken is generally cooler than Como. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 12°C (53°F), and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Como. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Como. Interlaken gets 79 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 Interlaken