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

Should you visit Zurich or Como?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and Como. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Zurich

Zurich is a historic, liberal, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Como

Como is a scenic, trendy, and fun lake area. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Zurich and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Como?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zurich than Como, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Zurich is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and historical sights, while Como is known for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Como is more touristy than Zurich and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Zurich is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also home to The Grossmünster.

How is Zurich different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zurich 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 Zurich can be an interesting and educational experience. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

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 Zurich or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Como is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Como, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Zurich has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

Is Zurich or Como Better for Nightlife?

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

Zurich has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

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 Zurich or Como Better for Music?

Zurich is an excellent place to visit for its music scene. However, Como is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Zurich has diverse options. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Como is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Como Better for Beaches?

Como is a good destination for the beache. However, Zurich is not a beach destination.

Como offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Zurich is not a beach destination.

Is Zurich or Como Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Zurich is one of the most recognized in the world. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Zurich or Como Better for Hiking?

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

Zurich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Como?

Both Zurich and Como are world-class shopping destinations.

The abundance of shops in Zurich make it a world-class shopping destination. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

Many people travel to Como specifically to go shopping. 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.

Is Zurich or Como Better for Families?

Both Zurich and Como are great family-friendly destinations.

Zurich is a very kid-friendly city. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

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 Zurich or Como Better for Couples?

Como is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Como is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Zurich makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

Is Zurich or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Is Zurich or Como Better for Students?

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

Zurich is a great destination for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

Como is not popular with students.

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

Zurich 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 Zurich. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

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 Zurich or Como a more walkable city?

Zurich and Como both are great when exploring on foot.

Zurich is a very walkable city. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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 Zurich Worth Visiting? and Is Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Zurich or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Zurich due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Zurich. 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.

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 Zurich or Como?

Zurich is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. 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 Zurich or Como?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the liberal destination of Zurich. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Zurich or Como?

The historic city of Zurich offers shopping and museums. 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 scenic 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, 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 Zurich and Como, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Como much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Como would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Como 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich than you might in Como.

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Como?

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

Both Como and Zurich during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zurich in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Como for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Zurich is around the same temperature as Como. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Como averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Como, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zurich. In the summer, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Como. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in July than Como. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Como. Most visitors come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Como because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Zurich is generally cooler than Como. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Como during autumn. Zurich gets 120 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, Zurich usually receives less rain than Como. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zurich or Como in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Como. The winter months attract visitors to Zurich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Como this time of year.

It's quite cold in Como in the winter. The weather in Zurich can be very cold. Zurich is much colder than Como in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Como. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in January than Como. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Como in the Spring?

Both Como and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Como for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Zurich is cooler than Como. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Como averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Como during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zurich usually receives around the same amount of rain as Como. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Como and Zurich