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

Should you visit Lillehammer or Como?

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

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

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a adventure-filled, sporty, and natural city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Como

Como is a fun, vibrant, and scenic lake area. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, nightlife, and food.

Lillehammer and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lillehammer or Como?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Como than Lillehammer, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Como is better known for its food, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Lillehammer is more popular for its skiing, museums, and small town charm. Como is more touristy than Lillehammer and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Also, Como is famous for the lakeside setting. Lillehammer is well known for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics.

How is Lillehammer different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Lillehammer or Como Better for Skiing?

Lillehammer is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Como is not a skiing destination.

Lillehammer draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Como is not a skiing destination.

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

Lillehammer is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Como is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lillehammer. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

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 Lillehammer or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Como is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

Is Lillehammer or Como Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Lillehammer and Como.

Lillehammer has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

If you're looking for night time activities Como has a few options to choose from. 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 Lillehammer or Como Better for Beaches?

Como is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer is not a beach destination.

Is Lillehammer or Como Better for Hiking?

Lillehammer and Como are both places where visitors can find superb hiking trails.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Lillehammer. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Lillehammer or Como?

Como is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Como is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lillehammer. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Lillehammer or Como Better for Families?

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

Lillehammer is a very family-friendly place to visit. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

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.

Is Lillehammer or Como Better for Couples?

Como is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Lillehammer is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

Is Lillehammer or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como is well known for backpackers. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget 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.

Lillehammer is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Is Lillehammer or Como Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Lillehammer. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

Como is not popular with students.

Is Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer and Como.

You'll find some public transit in Lillehammer, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

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 Lillehammer or Como a more walkable city?

Como is well known for its walkability. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

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

Should I spend more time in Como or Lillehammer?

How long in Lillehammer or Como?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lillehammer. 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.

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 Lillehammer or Como?

Lillehammer is a fun place to experience. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fun 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 Lillehammer or Como?

You'll find food and shopping around the sporty destination of Lillehammer. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Lillehammer or Como?

The natural city of Lillehammer offers shopping and museums. 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.

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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway, 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 Lillehammer and Como, we can see that Como is more expensive. And not only is Lillehammer much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lillehammer would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer.

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

Which is Bigger, Lillehammer or Como?

Como has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Lillehammer. When comparing the sizes of Lillehammer 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.