A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nice vs. Como for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit Nice 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 Nice 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.

Nice

Nice is a trendy, chic, and glamourous seaside destination. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Como

Como is a scenic, trendy, and fun lake area. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Nice and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nice or Como?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nice than Como, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Nice is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere, while Como is known for its museums, hiking, and shopping. Nice is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. It is also home to The Promenade des Anglais. Como is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers.

How is Nice different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Como is a moderate lake area for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Nice or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at first-rate restaurants in both Nice and Como.

Many restaurants in Nice have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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.

Is Nice or Como Better for Nightlife?

Nice is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Nice is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice or Como Better for Resorts?

Nice is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Como is not a resort destination.

Nice offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Como is not a resort destination.

Is Nice or Como Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Como is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Nice has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Como is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nice or Como Better for Beaches?

Nice is an excellent place to visit for the beach. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Nice. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

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.

Is Nice or Como Better for its Old Town?

Nice 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 Nice to see the historical old town. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Nice or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Nice is not a hiking destination.

Como is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Nice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nice or Como?

Como is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Como make it a world-class shopping destination. 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 explore the shopping areas in Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Is Nice or Como Better for Families?

Como is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Como is a very kid-friendly lake area. 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.

Nice is a family-friendly seaside destination. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Nice or Como Better for Couples?

Both Nice and Como are first-rate destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nice is a great seaside destination for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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.

Is Nice or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Como is a great lake area to visit for backpackers. 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 Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

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

Nice 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 Nice. There are both buses and trams.

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 Nice or Como a more walkable city?

Nice is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Nice. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Worth Visiting? and Is Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Nice?

How long in Nice or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Nice or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Nice due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Nice, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

Couples should spend more time in Nice than Como. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nice that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Como than Nice 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 Nice or Como?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Nice. 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 shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Como. 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.

A weekend in Nice or Como?

Nice is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Como 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.

Five days in Nice or Como?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the chic destination of Nice. This seaside destination offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the fun destination of Como. This lake area 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.

A week in Nice or Como?

The opulent seaside destination of Nice 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.

The vibrant lake area of Como offers shopping and nightlife. 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.

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 Nice and Como, we can see that Como is more expensive. And not only is Nice much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nice would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nice 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 Nice.

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

Which is Bigger, Nice or Como?

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

Both Como and Nice during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Como because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nice is around the same temperature as Como. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nice in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Como averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Nice usually gets less rain in July than Como. Nice gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nice or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nice and Como. The autumn months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Como this time of year.

In October, Nice is generally a little warmer than Como. Daily temperatures in Nice average around 17°C (63°F), and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Como receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nice gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nice usually receives around the same amount of rain as Como. Nice gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nice or Como in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nice as well as Como. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Nice this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Como for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Como. Nice is much warmer than Como in the winter. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Nice usually gets more rain in January than Como. Nice gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nice or Como in the Spring?

Both Como and Nice are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Como in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Nice is around the same temperature as Como. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nice in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Como averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In April, Nice usually receives less rain than Como. Nice gets 62 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 Nice