A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Verona vs. Como for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Verona or Como?

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

Should I visit Verona 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.

Verona

Verona is a cultural, beautiful, and stunning city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. 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. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Verona and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Verona or Como?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Como than Verona. While Verona is larger than Como, Como has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Como is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Verona is known for its museums and historical sights. Como is more touristy than Verona and is known for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. It is also home to the lakeside setting. Verona is popular for its role as the setting of one of Shakespeare's most famous plays.

How is Verona different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Verona 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 Verona can be an interesting and educational experience. While most people know Verona as the setting of Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet", there are also many unrelated but still impressive sights around town. Of course you must check out the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House and Balcony), but also make sure you visit the fortress of Castelvecchio, Arena di Verona, and Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore.

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 Verona or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Como is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Verona 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 Verona is an experience not to be missed. Food is a source of pride for the locals in Verona, and you'll find excellent dishes in most eateries, even those catering specifically to tourists. There are many local recipes that are worth sampling while you're in the area including risotto with tastasal, potato gnocchi, and polenta.

Is Verona or Como Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find good options in both Verona and Como.

If you're looking for night time activities Verona has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene caters to a mature crowd and there is a heavy focus on regional wine. There are many local bars and traditional osterie (inns) where you can sip local wine or hear live music.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Como. 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 Verona or Como Better for Beaches?

Como is a popular place for the beache. However, Verona 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.

Verona is not a beach destination.

Is Verona or Como Better for its Old Town?

Verona 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 Verona to see the historical old town. At the heart of the city is the old town, which is filled with medieval and Renaissance style architecture. It's easy to explore this beautiful area on foot.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Verona or Como Better for Hiking?

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

Verona is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Verona or Como?

Como is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Verona 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.

Many visitors go to Verona to go shopping. The most well known shopping street is Corso Santa Anastasia, which has many antique shops as well as jewelry stores and high end boutiques.

Is Verona or Como Better for Families?

Como is a great lake area for its kid-friendly activities. However, Verona is not known 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.

Verona is not the most family-friendly destination. You can head to the top of the the Lamberti Tower and, of course, check out the Romeo and Juliet balcony. Wandering the streets and grabbing gelato is also fun for the whole family.

Is Verona or Como Better for Couples?

Como is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Verona 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.

Verona is a very popular place to visit for couples. As the setting for Shakespeare's famed "Romeo and Juliet", this town is seeped in romantic history. In addition to checking out the classic balcony, couples can enjoy seeing an opera at Verona Arena or seeking out views of the beautiful city. Crossing the romantic Ponte Pietra is another must-do romantic activity in the area.

Is Verona or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como is a great lake area for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

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.

Verona is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers rarely spend more than a day or two in town, but there are hostels in the area that offer cheap accommodation.

Is Verona or Como Better for Students?

Verona is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Como is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Verona. The city offers a more authentic Italian experience than some of the more popular tourist and study abroad destinations in Italy.

Como is not popular with students.

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

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

While Verona offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. ATV operates buses through the city.

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

Is Verona or Como a more walkable city?

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

Verona is a very walkable city. It's a compact city that's easy to explore on foot. Many locals get around by walking or biking.

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 Verona Worth Visiting? and Is Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Verona?

How long in Verona or Como?

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Como. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Verona or Como?

Verona 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Verona or Como?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Verona. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Como. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Verona or Como?

The romantic city of Verona 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Como. This lake area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Verona or Como?

Verona has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Verona 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 Verona 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 Verona or Como in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Verona and Como. Many travelers come to Verona 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 the summer, Verona is around the same temperature as Como. Typically, the summer temperatures in Verona in July average around 24°C (75°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 Verona, it's very sunny this time of the year. Verona usually receives more sunshine than Como during summer. Verona gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Verona usually receives around the same amount of rain as Como. Verona gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Verona or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Verona as well as Como. Many visitors come to Verona 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, Verona is generally around the same temperature as Como. Daily temperatures in Verona average around 14°C (57°F), and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Verona often gets less sunshine than Como. Verona gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Como. Verona usually gets less rain in October than Como. Verona gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Verona or Como in the Winter?

Both Como and Verona are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Verona 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. Verona can be very cold during winter. Verona is much colder than Como in the winter. The daily temperature in Verona averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Verona usually receives less sunshine than Como during winter. Verona gets 98 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Verona usually receives less rain than Como. Verona gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Verona or Como in the Spring?

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

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

In the spring, Verona often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Como. Verona gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.

Verona usually gets less rain in April than Como. Verona gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Como and Verona