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

Should you visit Nantes or Como?

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

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

Nantes

Nantes is a friendly, historical, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Como

Como is a trendy, fun, and vibrant lake area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Nantes and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantes or Como?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Como than Nantes. While Nantes is larger than Como, Como has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Como is very popular for its beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Nantes attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights. Como is more touristy than Nantes and is known for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. It is also well known for the lakeside setting. Nantes is famous for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Nantes different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nantes 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 Nantes can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

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 Nantes or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Nantes and Como can be an enjoyable experience.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Nantes is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

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.

Is Nantes or Como Better for Nightlife?

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

Nantes has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

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 Nantes or Como Better for Beaches?

Como is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Nantes 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.

Nantes is not a beach destination.

Is Nantes or Como Better for its Old Town?

Nantes is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Como does not have a historic old town.

Nantes has an old town worth visiting. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Nantes or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantes or Como?

Como is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Nantes is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

Is Nantes or Como Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nantes. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

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 Nantes or Como Better for Couples?

Como is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Couples visit Nantes frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

Is Nantes or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options 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.

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Nantes or Como Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Nantes. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

Como is not popular with students.

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

Nantes 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 Nantes. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

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 Nantes or Como a more walkable city?

Nantes and Como are superb when it comes to walkability.

Nantes is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Como or Nantes?

How long in Nantes or Como?

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

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Como. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Nantes or Como?

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

Como is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Nantes or Como?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Nantes. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Como. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Nantes or Como?

The vibrant city of Nantes 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the trendy destination of Como. This lake area offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, 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 Nantes and Como, we can see that Como is more expensive. And not only is Nantes much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nantes would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nantes 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 Nantes.

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

Which is Bigger, Nantes or Como?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Nantes 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 Nantes 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 Nantes or Como in the Summer?

Both Como and Nantes are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Nantes because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Como this time of year.

Nantes is cooler than Como in the summer. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, 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 Nantes. Nantes usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Como during summer. Nantes gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nantes usually receives less rain than Como. Nantes gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nantes or Como in the Autumn?

Both Como and Nantes during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nantes this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nantes is around the same temperature as Como. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nantes in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Como averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Nantes often gets less sunshine than Como. Nantes gets 141 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. Nantes usually gets less rain in October than Como. Nantes gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantes or Como in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantes and Como. Many travelers come to Nantes for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Como in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Como can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Nantes is generally a little warmer than Como. Daily temperatures in Nantes average around 6°C (42°F), and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

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

In January, Nantes usually receives more rain than Como. Nantes gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nantes or Como in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nantes as well as Como. Many visitors come to Nantes in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Como for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Nantes is cooler than Como in the spring. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

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

Nantes usually gets less rain in April than Como. Nantes gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Como and Nantes