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

Should you visit Rome 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 Rome 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.

Rome

Rome is a popular, ancient, and archeological city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Como

Como is a fun, vibrant, and scenic lake area. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Rome and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rome or Como?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rome than Como. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Rome is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Como attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Rome is famous for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also well known for The Colosseum. Como is famous for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers.

The Colosseum

How is Rome different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rome is renowned for its museums and history. However, Como is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Rome has many famous sights for visitors. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

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 Rome or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Many restaurants in Rome have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

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 Rome or Como Better for Nightlife?

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

Rome is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

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 Rome or Como Better for Music?

Rome is renowned for its music scene. However, Como is not a live music destination.

Rome has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Como is not a live music destination.

Is Rome or Como Better for Beaches?

Como is a lake area with good options for the beach. However, Rome is not a beach destination.

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.

Rome is not a beach destination.

Is Rome or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Rome 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.

Rome is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rome or Como?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Como and Rome.

Rome is a world class destination for shoppers. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Como. 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.

Is Rome or Como Better for Families?

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

Rome is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

Como is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Rome or Como Better for Couples?

Como is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Rome is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Rome is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Is Rome or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Rome, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

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.

Is Rome or Como Better for Students?

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

Rome is a great destination for students. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

Como is not popular with students.

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

Rome is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Rome has a great public transit system. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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 Rome or Como a more walkable city?

Rome 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 Rome. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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 Rome Worth Visiting? and Is Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Rome?

How long in Rome or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Rome or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Rome due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Rome, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

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

Couples should spend more time in Como than Rome. 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 Rome 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 Rome.

One day in Rome or Como?

Rome is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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 Rome or Como?

Rome is a fun place to experience. 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 Rome or Como?

Rome is a ancient big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. 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 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 Rome or Como?

Rome is a popular city where you can fill many days. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Rome or Como?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Rome 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 Rome 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 Rome or Como in the Summer?

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

Rome is around the same temperature as Como in the summer. The daily temperature in Rome averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, 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 Rome this time of the year. In the summer, Rome often gets more sunshine than Como. Rome gets 338 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun.

Rome usually gets less rain in July than Como. Rome gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rome or Como in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Rome is a little warmer than Como. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rome in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Como averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Rome usually receives more sunshine than Como during autumn. Rome gets 198 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. In October, Rome usually receives less rain than Como. Rome gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Rome or Como in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Como. In January, Rome is generally much warmer than Como. Daily temperatures in Rome average around 8°C (47°F), and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Rome often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Como. Rome gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun.

Rome usually gets more rain in January than Como. Rome gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rome or Como in the Spring?

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

Rome is around the same temperature as Como in the spring. The daily temperature in Rome averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Rome, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rome usually receives more sunshine than Como during spring. Rome gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rome usually receives less rain than Como. Rome gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Como and Rome