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

Should you visit Pamplona or Como?

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

Should I visit Pamplona or Como? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a elegant, laid-back, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, 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 beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Pamplona and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pamplona or Como?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pamplona than Como, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Pamplona is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Como is known for its food, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Como is more touristy than Pamplona and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Pamplona is popular for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. It is also home to The Running of the Bulls Festival.

How is Pamplona different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pamplona 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 Pamplona. Although most people visit in July for the Running of the Bulls, throughout the year there are some interesting museums and sights around town. You can check out the Cathedral of Pamplona, the Museo de Navarra, and the main plaza in town, Plaza del Castillo.

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 Pamplona or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Como is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Como is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Pamplona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local cuisine includes lots of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, and onion. You'll find many unique dishes in the area, and you shouldn't leave without trying the txistorra (sausage), revuelto de setas (eggs and mushrooms), and ajoarriero (cod).

Is Pamplona or Como Better for Nightlife?

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

Pamplona has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There's a good sized university population that keeps the nightlife active around town. The Old Quarter is likely where you'll find the most going on, particularly around Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta. Earlier in the evening the crowd is pretty young, but as the evening passes you'll find the crowd matures a bit.

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 Pamplona or Como Better for Beaches?

Como is a popular place for the beache. However, Pamplona is not a beach destination.

Como is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Pamplona is not a beach destination.

Is Pamplona or Como Better for its Old Town?

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

Pamplona has an old town worth visiting. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Pamplona or Como Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Pamplona and Como both have very good trails.

Pamplona is a popular spot for hiking. It's a stop off on the famed Camino de Santiago, so if you want to walk part of the route, this is a nice place to explore.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Pamplona or Como?

Como is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Pamplona has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Is Pamplona or Como Better for Families?

Como is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Pamplona is a family-friendly city. The city is very green, with many parks and gardens where kids can stretch their legs. There's also the Pamplona Planetarium and several museums that relate to environmental education.

Is Pamplona or Como Better for Couples?

Como is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Como makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Pamplona is a good city for couples to visit. Although it's most known for the Running of the Bulls in July, the city also has some interesting sights at other times of the year. Couples can walk around the city walls, or explore the many parks in town. There are also some interesting museums.

Is Pamplona or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Pamplona and Como are very good destinations for backpackers.

Pamplona is a great city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers are drawn to this city during July for the Running of the Bulls festival. It's also a stop along the Camino de Santiago, which brings in a young, budget-oriented crowd.

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.

Is Pamplona or Como Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Pamplona. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.

Como is not popular with students.

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

Both Pamplona and Como offer good public transit options.

Pamplona has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town.

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

Is Pamplona or Como a more walkable city?

Pamplona and Como both are very good when exploring on foot.

Pamplona is a very walkable city. It's a stop off on the Camino de Santiago, so many people arrive on foot. It's also an easy city to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Como or Pamplona?

How long in Pamplona or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Pamplona or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Como due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Pamplona, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

Families should spend more time in Como than Pamplona. 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 Pamplona. 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 Pamplona than Como 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 Pamplona.

One day in Pamplona or Como?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Pamplona. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The beautiful lake area of Como offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Pamplona or Como?

Pamplona 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.

Como is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this lake area makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Como, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Pamplona or Como?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid-back destination of Pamplona. 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.

Como is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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 entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Pamplona or Como?

The elegant city of Pamplona offers nightlife and food. 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.

Como is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This lake area offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, 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 Pamplona and Como, we can see that Como is more expensive. And not only is Pamplona much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pamplona would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pamplona 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 Pamplona.

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

Which is Bigger, Pamplona or Como?

Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Pamplona 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 Pamplona 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 Pamplona or Como in the Summer?

Both Como and Pamplona during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Pamplona for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Como in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Pamplona is cooler than Como. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pamplona in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Como averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Como, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pamplona. In the summer, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Como. Pamplona gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun.

Pamplona usually gets more rain in July than Como. Pamplona gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pamplona or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamplona and Como. Many visitors come to Pamplona in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Pamplona is generally around the same temperature as Como. Daily temperatures in Pamplona average around 16°C (60°F), and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Pamplona usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Como during autumn. Pamplona gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Como receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Como. Pamplona gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Pamplona or Como in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pamplona as well as Como. Most visitors come to Pamplona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Como because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Como can be very cold. Pamplona is much warmer than Como in the winter. The daily temperature in Pamplona averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Como. Pamplona gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun.

Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pamplona usually gets more rain in January than Como. Pamplona gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pamplona or Como in the Spring?

Both Como and Pamplona are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Como this time of year.

In the spring, Pamplona is around the same temperature as Como. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pamplona in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Como averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Como during spring. Pamplona gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. In April, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Como. Pamplona gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Como and Pamplona