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

Should you visit Lucerne 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 Lucerne 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.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a cultural, historic, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. 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. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and hiking.

Lucerne and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Como?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lucerne than Como. While Como is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lucerne is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Como attracts visitors for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Como is more touristy than Lucerne and is known for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Lucerne is famous for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also well known for The Chapel Bridge.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lucerne 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 Lucerne can be an interesting and educational experience. Top sights in town include the famous Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and the town walls and towers. There are also a number of museums including the Swiss Transport Museum and Museum Sammlung Rosengart.

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 Lucerne or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Como is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Lucerne offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Food is expensive around town, but there are some unique specialties like fondue, brätwurst, and of course, chocolate. It's nice to sit out by the river and enjoy a hearty meal while you soak up the view.

Is Lucerne or Como Better for Nightlife?

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

Lucerne has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland, with many lively clubs, bars, and pubs. There are also many local events that are hosted in town and bring in a crowd.

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 Lucerne or Como Better for Beaches?

Como is a good destination for the beach. However, Lucerne 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.

Lucerne is not a beach destination.

Is Lucerne or Como Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Como does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Lucerne to see the historical old town. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Lucerne or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is great for hiking. However, Lucerne 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.

Lucerne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Como?

Como is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Lucerne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city is filled with high end shopping opportunities with everything from boutique shops to major chains. Popular items to purchase in town include chocolate, watches, jewelry, and Swiss army knives.

Is Lucerne or Como Better for Families?

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

Lucerne is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with history and there are a number of playgrounds around town. Also make sure you pop in a chocolate shop so that everyone can enjoy a sweet treat. If the weather's warm, you can also take a swim in Lake Lucerne. Many kids enjoy escaping the city and doing a day trip to the amazing Mt. Titlis, or other peaks that are nearby.

Is Lucerne or Como Better for Couples?

Como is very popular for couples. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Lucerne is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city has many pleasant squares, excellent restaurants, and a romantic atmosphere that makes for a great couple's getaway. There are a number of nice hotels to choose from as well.

Is Lucerne or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Lucerne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Prices are high everywhere in the area but there are a few hostels that attract backpackers. It's also possible to find free activities like swimming in the lake or simply wandering around town. Prices at restaurants are very high, so you'll do best to pick up food at supermarkets and prepare your own meals. Because it's a larger city, there are options that you might not find in smaller towns around Switzerland.

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

Lucerne and Como both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Lucerne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.

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

Is Lucerne or Como a more walkable city?

Como is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Lucerne is somewhat walkable. The major tourist areas are fairly walkable if your hotel is in a convenient location.

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

Should I spend more time in Como or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Lucerne 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 Lucerne, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

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

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

In Como, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This lake area offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Lucerne or Como?

Lucerne 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.

In Como, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Como has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Como?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Lucerne. This city 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 is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Lucerne or Como?

The vibrant city of Lucerne offers nightlife and food. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Como. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Como. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome.

When comparing the travel costs between Lucerne 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 Lucerne Expensive? and Is Como Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Como?

Como has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne 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 Lucerne 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 Lucerne or Como in the Summer?

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

Lucerne is around the same temperature as Como in the summer. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 21°C (70°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 Lucerne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Como during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Como. Lucerne 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 Lucerne or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Como. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, 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, Lucerne is cooler than Como. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lucerne in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Como averages at about 15°C (58°F).

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

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

Both Como and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the museums, 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 Lucerne can be very cold. In January, Lucerne is generally much colder than Como. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 3°C (37°F), and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

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

In January, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Como. Lucerne 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 Lucerne or Como in the Spring?

Both Como and Lucerne during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Como for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Lucerne is cooler than Como in the spring. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

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

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