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

Should you visit Valencia or Como?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Valencia or Como, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Valencia

Valencia is a friendly, coastal, and cultural coastal city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Como

Como is a fun, vibrant, and scenic lake area. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Valencia and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valencia or Como?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Valencia than Como, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Valencia is more popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, historical sights, and big city activities, while Como is known for its hiking and shopping. Como is more touristy than Valencia and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Valencia is popular for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). It is also home to La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències.

How is Valencia different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Valencia 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 Valencia can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

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 Valencia or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Valencia and Como can be difficult as they are each amazing in their own way.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Valencia is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

Many restaurants in Como have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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 Valencia or Como Better for Nightlife?

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

Valencia is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

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 Valencia or Como Better for Resorts?

Valencia is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Como is not a resort destination.

Valencia has a few great resort options. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Como is not a resort destination.

Is Valencia or Como Better for Beaches?

Both Valencia and Como have good beaches worth visiting.

Valencia has a beach worth visiting. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

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.

Is Valencia or Como Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Valencia is one of the most recognized in the world. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Valencia or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is well known for its hiking experiences. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Valencia. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Is the Shopping Better in Valencia or Como?

Como is an amazing lake area to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Valencia. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

Is Valencia or Como Better for Families?

Valencia and Como are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Valencia is a very kid-friendly coastal city. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Como. 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 Valencia or Como Better for Couples?

Como is an amazing lake area to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Como has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Valencia is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

Is Valencia or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valencia and Como are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Valencia is a great coastal city to visit for backpackers. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

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 Valencia or Como Better for Students?

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

Valencia is a great destination for students. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

Como is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Valencia and Como.

You'll find some public transit in Valencia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

While Como offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Is Valencia or Como a more walkable city?

Valencia and Como both are superb when exploring on foot.

Valencia is a very walkable coastal city. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

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 Valencia Worth Visiting? and Is Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Valencia?

How long in Valencia or Como?

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

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

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

One day in Valencia or Como?

Valencia is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Valencia or Como?

Valencia 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 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 Valencia or Como?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural big city of Valencia. This coastal 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.

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 Valencia or Como?

The historic coastal city of Valencia 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.

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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, 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 Valencia and Como, we can see that Como is more expensive. And not only is Valencia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Valencia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valencia 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 Valencia.

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

Which is Bigger, Valencia or Como?

Valencia has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Valencia 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 Valencia 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 Valencia or Como in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Valencia as well as Como. The summer months attract visitors to Valencia because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Como this time of year.

In the summer, Valencia is around the same temperature as Como. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valencia in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Como averages at about 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 Valencia this time of the year. In the summer, Valencia often gets more sunshine than Como. Valencia gets 303 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets less rain in July than Como. Valencia gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or Como in the Autumn?

Both Como and Valencia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Valencia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Valencia is generally a little warmer than Como. Daily temperatures in Valencia average around 19°C (66°F), and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Como during autumn. Valencia 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, Valencia usually receives less rain than Como. Valencia 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 Valencia or Como in the Winter?

Both Como and Valencia during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Valencia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Como in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Como can get quite cold in the winter. Valencia is much warmer than Como in the winter. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Valencia often gets more sunshine than Como. Valencia gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets less rain in January than Como. Valencia gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or Como in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Valencia and Como. Many visitors come to Valencia in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Como for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Valencia is a little warmer than Como. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valencia in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Como averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Valencia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Como during spring. Valencia gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Valencia usually receives less rain than Como. Valencia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Como and Valencia