A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Rochelle vs. Como for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Hiking

Should you visit La Rochelle or Como?

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

Should I visit La Rochelle or Como? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a charming, peaceful, and relaxing coastal town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Como

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

La Rochelle and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Rochelle or Como?

Tourists will generally find more to do in La Rochelle. Although La Rochelle and Como are both popular with visitors, La Rochelle has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. La Rochelle is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm, while Como is known for its hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Como is more touristy than La Rochelle and is known for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. La Rochelle is popular for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. It is also home to The Old Port.

How is La Rochelle different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Rochelle or Como?

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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 La Rochelle or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both La Rochelle and Como offer fantastic local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, La Rochelle is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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.

Is La Rochelle or Como Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both La Rochelle and Como.

If you're looking for night time activities La Rochelle has a few options to choose from. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

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 La Rochelle or Como Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both La Rochelle and Como are good choices.

La Rochelle is a good option for a beach vacation. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

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.

Is La Rochelle or Como Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of La Rochelle is one of the most recognized in the world. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is La Rochelle or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is great for hiking. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting La Rochelle. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Is the Shopping Better in La Rochelle or Como?

Como is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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.

Many visitors go to La Rochelle to go shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is La Rochelle or Como Better for Families?

Como is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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.

La Rochelle is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is La Rochelle or Como Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both La Rochelle and Como make for a fantastic place to visit.

La Rochelle makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

For those traveling as a couple, Como 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 La Rochelle or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for backpackers.

Many 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.

La Rochelle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is La Rochelle or Como Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit La Rochelle. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Como is not popular with students.

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

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

While La Rochelle offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

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

Is La Rochelle or Como a more walkable city?

La Rochelle and Como are very good when it comes to walkability.

La Rochelle is a very walkable coastal town. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Como or La Rochelle?

How long in La Rochelle or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either La Rochelle or Como. In our opinion, Como has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Como than La Rochelle. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Como than La Rochelle. 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 Como than La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle or Como?

La Rochelle is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant lake area of Como. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in La Rochelle or Como?

La Rochelle is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Como. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This lake area offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in La Rochelle or Como?

La Rochelle is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This coastal 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.

The scenic lake area of Como offers shopping and nightlife. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in La Rochelle or Como?

Because La Rochelle is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Como. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, 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 La Rochelle and Como, we can see that Como is more expensive. And not only is La Rochelle much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Rochelle would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

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

Which is Bigger, La Rochelle or Como?

Como has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle or Como in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both La Rochelle and Como. Many travelers come to La Rochelle for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Como in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, La Rochelle is cooler than Como. Typically, the summer temperatures in La Rochelle in July average around 20°C (67°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 La Rochelle, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Rochelle usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Como during summer. La Rochelle gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, La Rochelle usually receives less rain than Como. La Rochelle gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to La Rochelle as well as Como. Many visitors come to La Rochelle in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, La Rochelle is generally around the same temperature as Como. Daily temperatures in La Rochelle average around 15°C (59°F), and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, La Rochelle often gets less sunshine than Como. La Rochelle gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Como. La Rochelle usually gets less rain in October than Como. La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle or Como in the Winter?

Both Como and La Rochelle are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to La Rochelle for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Como because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Como can be very cold. La Rochelle is a little warmer than Como in the winter. The daily temperature in La Rochelle averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

La Rochelle usually receives less sunshine than Como during winter. La Rochelle gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, La Rochelle usually receives more rain than Como. La Rochelle gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Como in the Spring?

Both Como and La Rochelle during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the beaches and the small town charm. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Como this time of year.

In the spring, La Rochelle is cooler than Como. Typically, the spring temperatures in La Rochelle in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Como averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, La Rochelle often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Como. La Rochelle gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.

La Rochelle usually gets less rain in April than Como. La Rochelle gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Como and La Rochelle