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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Como?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Rotterdam and Como. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a high energy, modern, and trendy port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Como

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

Rotterdam and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Como?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rotterdam than Como. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Rotterdam is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Como attracts visitors for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Como is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Rotterdam is famous for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. It is also well known for The Cube Houses.

The Cube Houses

How is Rotterdam different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam. Although many of the historic buildings around town were destroyed during World War II, there are still a number of sights worth checking out. Head to the Old Harbor and Marine Museums, the Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen, or the Wereldmuseum to see some interesting places.

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 Rotterdam or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Como is an amazing lake area to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Rotterdam offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains.

Is Rotterdam or Como Better for Nightlife?

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

Rotterdam has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It is a trendy city with an active nightlife. You can relax with a beer or hit up one of the clubs around town. Popular options are Club Vibes, Toffler, and Club Vie.

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 Rotterdam or Como Better for Beaches?

Como is a good destination for the beach. However, Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Como offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Rotterdam is not a beach destination.

Is Rotterdam or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is great for hiking. However, Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Como?

Como is an amazing lake area to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Rotterdam is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find fashion and clothing shops in the area around Lijnbaan and Beurstraverse. This is also where you'll find the shopping mall of Bijenkorf.

Is Rotterdam or Como Better for Families?

Both Rotterdam and Como are great family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Rotterdam. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

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 Rotterdam or Como Better for Couples?

Como is an amazing lake area to visit for couples. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

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.

Rotterdam is a nice destination for couples. It is a modern city with good restaurants and some fun activities.

Is Rotterdam or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Rotterdam. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.

Is Rotterdam or Como Better for Students?

Rotterdam is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Como is not popular with students.

Rotterdam is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

Como is not popular with students.

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

Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

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 Rotterdam or Como a more walkable city?

Rotterdam and Como are great when it comes to walkability.

Rotterdam is a very walkable destination. There are broad streets with wide sidewalks that are pedestrian friendly.

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 Rotterdam Worth Visiting? and Is Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Como?

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

Families should spend more time in Como than Rotterdam. 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 Rotterdam. 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 Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam or Como?

Rotterdam is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the lake area of Como. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Rotterdam or Como?

Rotterdam is a fun place to experience. 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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Como. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this lake area has to offer. This lake area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Rotterdam or Como?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the trendy lake area of Como. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Rotterdam or Como?

The modern port city of Rotterdam 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.

Como is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Como?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam or Como in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Como. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Como for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Rotterdam is cooler than Como in the summer. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Como fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Como this time of the year. In Rotterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Como during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Como. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Como. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Como because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Rotterdam is cooler than Como. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rotterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Como averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Como. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Como. Rotterdam usually gets less rain in October than Como. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Como in the Winter?

Both Como and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Como this time of year.

It's quite cold in Como in the winter. The weather in Rotterdam can be very cold. In January, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Como. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Como during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Como. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Como in the Spring?

Both Como and Rotterdam during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Como for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Rotterdam is much colder than Como in the spring. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Como. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets less rain in April than Como. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Como and Rotterdam