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

Should you visit Windsor or Como?

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

Should I visit Windsor 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a royal, traditional, and touristy town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. 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 beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Windsor and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Como?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Como. Although Windsor and Como are both popular with visitors, Como has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Como is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Windsor is known for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm. Como is more touristy than Windsor and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. It is also home to the lakeside setting. Windsor is popular for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world.

How is Windsor different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Windsor 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 Windsor can be an interesting and educational experience. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

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 Windsor or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Como is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Windsor or Como Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Windsor and Como.

Windsor has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

If you're looking for night time activities Como has a few options to choose from. 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 Windsor or Como Better for Beaches?

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

Windsor is not a beach destination.

Is Windsor or Como Better for its Old Town?

Windsor is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Como does not have a historic old town.

Windsor has an old town worth visiting. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Windsor or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Windsor 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.

Windsor is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Como?

Como is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Como Better for Families?

Como is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Como is a very kid-friendly lake area. 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.

Windsor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Is Windsor or Como Better for Couples?

Como is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Windsor is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Is Windsor or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como is well known for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Como is a great lake area to visit for backpackers. 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.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Windsor 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 Windsor and Como.

You'll find some public transit in Windsor, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system around town.

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 Windsor or Como a more walkable city?

Windsor and Como both are very good when exploring on foot.

Windsor is a very walkable town. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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 Windsor Worth Visiting? and Is Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Windsor or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Como due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Windsor, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

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

Windsor is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. 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 Windsor or Como?

Windsor 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.

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 Windsor or Como?

Windsor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. 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 Windsor or Como?

Because Windsor is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, 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 Windsor and Como, we can see that Como is more expensive. And not only is Windsor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Windsor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Windsor 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 Windsor.

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

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Como?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Como. Many travelers come to Windsor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Como in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Windsor is cooler than Como. Typically, the summer temperatures in Windsor in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Como averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Como. In the summer, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Como. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in July than Como. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Como in the Autumn?

Both Como and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Windsor in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Windsor is generally cooler than Como. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 12°C (53°F), and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Como during autumn. Windsor gets 107 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, Windsor usually receives less rain than Como. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Windsor or Como in the Winter?

Both Como and Windsor during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Windsor for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, 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. Windsor can be very cold during winter. Windsor is cooler than Como in the winter. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Como. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in January than Como. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Como in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Como. The spring months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Como this time of year.

In the spring, Windsor is cooler than Como. Typically, the spring temperatures in Windsor in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Como averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Como during spring. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Windsor usually receives less rain than Como. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Como and Windsor