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

Should you visit York or Como?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a fanciful, historic, and medieval city. 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.

York and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Como?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Como than York. While York is larger than Como, Como has more sights and attractions for tourists. Como is better known for its beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while York is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights. Como is more touristy than York and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Also, Como is famous for the lakeside setting. York is well known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours.

How is York different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

York 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 York can be an interesting and educational experience. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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 York or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both York and Como both to be fantastic destinations.

For foodies, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

Como has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 York or Como Better for Nightlife?

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

York has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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 York or Como Better for Beaches?

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

York is not a beach destination.

Is York or Como Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of York is one of the most recognized in the world. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is York or Como Better for Hiking?

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

York is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Como?

Como is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is York or Como Better for Families?

York is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

York is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Como Better for Couples?

Como is a world-class destination for romance. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

York makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

Is York or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both York and Como are very good destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

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

Both York and Como offer notable public transit options.

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

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

Is York or Como a more walkable city?

Como is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Como is very walkable. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

For even more information, also check out Is York Worth Visiting? and Is Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or York?

How long in York or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either York or Como. In our opinion, Como has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Como than York. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Como than York. 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 York 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 York or Como?

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

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Como. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in York or Como?

York is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Five days in York or Como?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of York. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Como. This lake area offers something for everyone. 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 York or Como?

The medieval city of York 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.

The vibrant lake area of Como offers shopping and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, 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 York and Como, we can see that Como is more expensive. And not only is York much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to York would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in York 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 York.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Como?

York has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Como in the Summer?

Both Como and York during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to York 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, York is generally cooler than Como. Daily temperatures in York average around 16°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, York often gets less sunshine than Como. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in July than Como. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Como in the Autumn?

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

York is cooler than Como in the autumn. The daily temperature in York averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Como during autumn. York gets 112 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, York usually receives less rain than Como. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit York or Como in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to York as well as Como. Most visitors come to York 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. York can be very cold during winter. In the winter, York is cooler than Como. Typically, the winter temperatures in York in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Como averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, York often gets less sunshine than Como. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in January than Como. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Como in the Spring?

Both Como and York are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Como this time of year.

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

York usually receives less sunshine than Como during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives less rain than Como. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Como and York