A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Pisa vs. Como for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Pisa or Como?

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

Should I visit Pisa 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.

Pisa

Pisa is a charming, iconic, and world-famous city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Como

Como is a vibrant, scenic, and trendy lake area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Pisa and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pisa or Como?

Both Como and Pisa have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Pisa is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights, while Como is known for its food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Como is more touristy than Pisa and is known for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Pisa is popular for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere.

How is Pisa different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pisa 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 Pisa can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

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 Pisa or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Dining out in Pisa is an experience not to be missed. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

Is Pisa or Como Better for Nightlife?

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

Pisa has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

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 Pisa or Como Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Pisa and Como are good choices.

Pisa is a good option for a beach vacation. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Many people head to Como to enjoy the beach. 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 Pisa or Como Better for its Old Town?

Pisa 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 Pisa to see the historical old town. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Pisa or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is a great lake area for hiking. However, Pisa 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.

Pisa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pisa or Como?

Como is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Como draws large crowds to its 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Pisa. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

Is Pisa or Como Better for Families?

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

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.

Pisa is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Pisa or Como Better for Couples?

Como is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Pisa is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Pisa or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Pisa and Como are very good places to visit.

Many backpackers visit Pisa. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

Como is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Pisa or Como Better for Students?

Pisa is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Como is not popular with students.

Pisa is a great destination for students. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

Como is not popular with students.

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

Pisa and Como both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Pisa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

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

Is Pisa or Como a more walkable city?

Pisa and Como are very good when it comes to walkability.

Pisa is a very walkable city. The city is a great place 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 Pisa Worth Visiting? and Is Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Pisa?

How long in Pisa or Como?

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

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

One day in Pisa or Como?

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

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 Pisa or Como?

Pisa 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.

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 Pisa or Como?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the iconic destination of Pisa. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant 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 Pisa or Como?

The charming city of Pisa 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 scenic 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Pisa or Como?

Pisa has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Pisa 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 Pisa 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 Pisa or Como in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pisa and Como. Many travelers come to Pisa for the beaches 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, Pisa is around the same temperature as Como. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pisa in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Como averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Como this time of the year. In Pisa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pisa usually receives more sunshine than Como during summer. Pisa gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pisa usually receives less rain than Como. Pisa gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pisa or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pisa as well as Como. Many visitors come to Pisa in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

In the autumn, Pisa often gets more sunshine than Como. Pisa gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Como. Pisa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pisa usually gets more rain in October than Como. Pisa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pisa or Como in the Winter?

Both Como and Pisa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Pisa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, 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. Pisa is a little warmer than Como in the winter. The daily temperature in Pisa averages around 7°C (45°F) in January, and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Pisa usually receives less sunshine than Como during winter. Pisa gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Pisa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Como. Pisa gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pisa or Como in the Spring?

Both Como and Pisa during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Pisa because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Como this time of year.

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

In the spring, Pisa often gets more sunshine than Como. Pisa gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pisa. Pisa usually gets more rain in April than Como. Pisa gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Como and Pisa