Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Como
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $68-165 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Como
Accommodation
$25-60 per night
Hostels, budget guesthouses, shared rooms, basic B&Bs on outskirts of town
Food & Dining
$25-50 per day
Local pizzerias, small trattorias, grocery shopping, picnic lunches, aperitivo snacks
Transportation
$8-20 per day
Public buses, walking, occasional boat rides, regional trains
Activities
$10-35 per day
Free walking tours, public beaches, hiking trails, occasional museum entry
Currency: € Euro
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Como
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Stay in nearby towns like Lecco or Varese instead of Como city center for 30-50% accommodation savings
Eat lunch at local bars and cafes away from the lakefront for 40-60% food savings
Use regional trains and buses instead of private boats for 70-80% transportation savings
Visit free attractions like the Cathedral and public lakefront areas instead of paid villa tours
Shop at local supermarkets and prepare picnic meals for 60-70% food cost reduction
Travel during shoulder seasons (March-May, September-October) for 25-40% overall savings
Book accommodation 2-3 months in advance for early bird discounts of 15-30%
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Staying directly on Lake Como waterfront during peak season without comparing nearby alternatives (typically 100-200% more expensive)
Eating every meal at tourist restaurants near major attractions instead of exploring local neighborhoods (usually 50-100% markup)
Taking taxis and private boats for all transportation instead of using public options (3-5x more expensive)
Booking activities and tours last-minute instead of advance online booking (typically 20-40% higher prices)