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

Should you visit Utrecht or Como?

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

Should I visit Utrecht 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.

Utrecht

With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Como

Como is a scenic, trendy, and fun lake area. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Utrecht and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Utrecht or Como?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Como than Utrecht. While Utrecht is larger than Como, Como has more sights and attractions for tourists. Como is better known for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Utrecht is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere. Como is more touristy than Utrecht and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Also, Como is famous for the lakeside setting. Utrecht is well known for its beautiful canals, huge number of bikes, and charming old town.

How is Utrecht different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Utrecht 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 Utrecht. The Dom Tower and St. Martin's Cathedral is a highlight of the city, but you'll also find smaller, more local museums and several beautiful churches. If you're up for heading out of town, you can visit De Haar Castle, which is most accessible if you have a private vehicle.

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 Utrecht or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Como is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

Utrecht has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of interesting international restaurants around town including Greek, Italian, and Spanish tapas. It's particularly fun to dine canal-side and sip wine as the boats pass by.

Is Utrecht or Como Better for Nightlife?

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

Utrecht has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The student population keeps the nightlife scene fun and lively. There are plenty of bars in the old town and you'll find tourists and locals hanging out at the same spots.

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 Utrecht or Como Better for Beaches?

Como is a popular place for its beaches. However, Utrecht 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.

Utrecht is not a beach destination.

Is Utrecht or Como Better for its Old Town?

Utrecht is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Como does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Utrecht is one of the most recognized in the world. The old town is large, charming, and filled with locals. There are canals that that see a frequent stream of boats and kayakers. There are also historic buildings and cobblestone streets. The city is unique because many cafes offer seating directly next to the canals.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Utrecht or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Utrecht 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.

Utrecht is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Utrecht or Como?

Como is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Como is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Utrecht is well-known for its shopping. You'll find both local shops and European chains throughout the old town. There's also a large mall right next to the main tourist area.

Is Utrecht or Como Better for Families?

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

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.

Utrecht is a family-friendly . There are a few museums around town that are fun for kids. Make sure you check out the Miffy Museum, which is great for younger kids. The Museum Speelklok is fun for kids and adults alike. Families will also enjoy renting bikes for the day or taking a canal boat tour. Also make sure you try some local pancakes.

Is Utrecht or Como Better for Couples?

Como is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Utrecht makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming old town and cozy cafes make for a wonderful date day. You can take a canal boat tour, sip coffee at a cafe by a canal, or explore the city as it lights up at night.

Is Utrecht or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Utrecht and Como are very good destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Utrecht. It's a university city with a young population and plenty to do in the evening. There are also a decent number of hostels to choose from and a lively atmosphere with fun activities and festivals.

Many 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 Utrecht or Como Better for Students?

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

Utrecht is a great to visit as a student. This is a great university city. The population is young, but housing can be challenging to find and very expensive.

Como is not popular with students.

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

Utrecht 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 Utrecht. There are buses around town and two tram lines that travel to the suburbs.

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 Utrecht or Como a more walkable city?

Utrecht 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 Utrecht. The old town is easy to explore on foot, but don't walk in a bike lane or you'll likely receive a firm scolding from a local. Utrecht is regularly ranked as one of the world's most bike-friendly cities.

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 Utrecht Worth Visiting? and Is Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Utrecht?

How long in Utrecht or Como?

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

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

One day in Utrecht or Como?

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

In Como, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This lake area offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Utrecht or Como?

Utrecht 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.

In Como, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Como has to offer.

Five days in Utrecht or Como?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Utrecht. This 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.

Como is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Utrecht or Como?

The canal-filled of Utrecht 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Como. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Como. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome.

When comparing the travel costs between Utrecht and Como, we can see that Como is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Utrecht or Como?

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

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

In July, Utrecht is generally cooler than Como. Daily temperatures in Utrecht average around 17°C (62°F), and Como fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Como, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Utrecht often gets less sunshine than Como. Utrecht gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun.

Utrecht usually gets more rain in July than Como. Utrecht gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Utrecht or Como in the Autumn?

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

Utrecht is cooler than Como in the autumn. The daily temperature in Utrecht averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Utrecht usually receives less sunshine than Como during autumn. Utrecht gets 100 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Como receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Utrecht usually receives less rain than Como. Utrecht gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Utrecht or Como in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Utrecht as well as Como. Most visitors come to Utrecht 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. Utrecht can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Utrecht is much colder than Como. Typically, the winter temperatures in Utrecht in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Como averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Utrecht often gets less sunshine than Como. Utrecht gets 38 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun.

Utrecht usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Como. Utrecht gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Utrecht or Como in the Spring?

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

In April, Utrecht is generally much colder than Como. Daily temperatures in Utrecht average around 8°C (46°F), and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Utrecht usually receives less sunshine than Como during spring. Utrecht gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Utrecht usually receives less rain than Como. Utrecht gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Como and Utrecht