A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Messina vs. Como for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Messina or Como?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Messina and Como can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Messina

Messina is a local, historic, and bustling port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

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 nightlife, food, and beaches.

Messina and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Como?

Both Como and Messina have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Messina is better known for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Como is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Como is more touristy than Messina and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Messina is well known for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Messina different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Messina 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 Messina. There are a number of historic sights around town including the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, and the Regional Museum. There are also many ornate fountains around town.

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 Messina or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Como is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Como have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Messina has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city's cuisine is a mix of the cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. The city has a longstanding fishing industry and one of the most popular dishes are swordfish rolls. Also try the pidone (similar to calzones with different fillings), and the focaccia (a local bread).

Is Messina or Como Better for Nightlife?

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

Messina has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the old town and you'll find a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in pubs and bars. During the summer months there are often free outdoor concerts to enjoy.

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 Messina or Como Better for Beaches?

Como is a lake area with good options for its beaches. However, Messina is not particularly known for the beache.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Como. 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.

You can check out the beach in Messina. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Is Messina or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Messina is not a hiking destination.

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.

Messina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Como?

Como is renowned for shopping. Also, Messina 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 Messina. The best shopping is around Piazza Cairoli with the main shopping streets being Viale Europa and Viale San Martino. There are many small boutiques that have cheaper prices than some of the more upscale Sicilian towns.

Is Messina or Como Better for Families?

Both Messina and Como are high quality to visit with kids.

Messina is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number outdoor activities that kids will enjoy including Parco Avventura Dei Peloritani, which has ropes and obstacle courses. There's also the Karting Center, which is fun for the whole family, or a small aquarium in town. If you're looking for an excursion outside of town, head to Cascata Cataolo waterfall, which is very kid-friendly.

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 Messina or Como Better for Couples?

Como is renowned for romance. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Como is a great lake area for couples, as it 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.

Messina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors see the city as an arrival or departure point for Sicily, but those couples who linger will appreciate a number of historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Messina or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como is well known for backpackers. Also, Messina 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Messina. If you're traveling by train or ferry, you'll likely arrive or depart from this city. There are a number of hostels and cheap guesthouses around town that offer affordable accommodation.

Is Messina or Como Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Messina. There are a few study abroad opportunities that bring international students to town. The city also have good transportation connections and a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to students.

Como is not popular with students.

Is Messina 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 Messina and Como.

You'll find some public transit in Messina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

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 Messina or Como a more walkable city?

Messina and Como both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Messina is very walkable. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot and the port is a ten to fifteen minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Como or Messina?

How long in Messina or Como?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Messina. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Messina or Como?

Messina is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 Messina or Como?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Messina. This port city offers something for everyone. 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 Messina or Como?

The local port city of Messina offers nightlife and food. 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Messina and Como, we can see that Como is more expensive. And not only is Messina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Messina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Messina 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 Messina.

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

Which is Bigger, Messina or Como?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Messina 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 Messina or Como?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Messina or Como in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Messina as well as Como. Most visitors come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Como because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Messina is generally a little warmer than Como. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 27°C (80°F), and Como fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Como. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In the summer, Messina often gets more sunshine than Como. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in July than Como. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Como in the Autumn?

Both Como and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Messina because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Como this time of year.

Messina is a little warmer than Como in the autumn. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Messina usually receives more sunshine than Como during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Como. It's quite rainy in Messina. In October, Messina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Como. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or Como in the Winter?

Both Como and Messina during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Como for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Como. In the winter, Messina is much warmer than Como. Typically, the winter temperatures in Messina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Como averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Como. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets more rain in January than Como. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Como in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Como. Many travelers come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Como in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Messina is generally a little warmer than Como. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 16°C (60°F), and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Como during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Messina usually receives less rain than Como. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Como and Messina