A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Caen vs. Bellagio for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Caen or Bellagio?

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 Caen and Bellagio. 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.

Caen

Caen is a park-filled, important, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Bellagio

Bellagio is a opulent, beautiful, and impressive town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food and shopping.

Caen and Bellagio: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caen or Bellagio?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Caen. Although Caen and Bellagio are popular destinations, Caen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Caen is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Bellagio attracts visitors for its shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Bellagio is more touristy than Caen and is popular for its luxurious villas, stunning views, and charming boutique lined streets. Caen is famous for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings. It is also well known for Pegasus Bridge.

How is Caen different from Bellagio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Caen or Bellagio?

Caen is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Bellagio is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Caen. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

While most people don't head to Bellagio specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The town's atmosphere and views are what attract the tourists, but if you're looking for historical sights, check out the Basilica of San Giacomo.

Is the Food Better in Caen or Bellagio? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Caen and Bellagio.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Caen. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Bellagio. You'll find many fine dining restaurants that offer a luxurious atmosphere and well crafted dishes. There are also Michelin starred restaurants in town which offer a unique, world-class experience.

Is Caen or Bellagio Better for Nightlife?

Caen is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Bellagio is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Caen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

Bellagio doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The town is filled with opulence and luxury, and the nightlife is no exception. Sip cocktails and fine wine while you listen to music or take in the atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Caen or Bellagio?

Bellagio is a good destination for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Bellagio. You'll find traditional shops mixed in with modern stores. There are high end brands and more local specialty markets that are fun to peruse.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Caen or Bellagio Better for Families?

Both Caen and Bellagio are nice family-friendly destinations.

Caen is a family-friendly city. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bellagio. The town has a playground, a small train, and a Museum of Navigational Instruments that kids may enjoy. There's also a beach where everyone can take a swim.

Is Caen or Bellagio Better for Couples?

Bellagio is a very popular place for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Bellagio makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town is a favorite on Lake Como, and couples will appreciate its charming atmosphere and beautiful lake front setting. In a few hours you can soak up the character and magic or this beautiful area.

Caen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Caen or Bellagio Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Caen is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Bellagio is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Caen is a good city to visit for backpackers. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

Bellagio is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Many people visit the town as a day trip, as it can easily be explored in a few hours. Backpackers who don't want to pay the high hotel prices can still enjoy the setting without staying the night.

Is Caen or Bellagio Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Caen is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Bellagio is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Caen can get you around easily. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

While Bellagio offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses and ferries to town, or you can take a taxi.

Is Caen or Bellagio a more walkable city?

Bellagio is renowned for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Bellagio. The town is small and compact with many pedestrian streets that are best explored on foot.

Caen is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is best explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Caen Worth Visiting? and Is Bellagio Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bellagio or Caen?

How long in Caen or Bellagio?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Caen or Bellagio to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Caen than Bellagio because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Caen, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bellagio.

Couples should spend more time in Bellagio than Caen. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bellagio that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Caen than Bellagio 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 Caen.

One day in Caen or Bellagio?

The city of Caen offers nightlife and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Bellagio is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Caen or Bellagio?

Caen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Caen, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Bellagio 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.

Five days in Caen or Bellagio?

Caen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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 entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bellagio 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.

A week in Caen or Bellagio?

Caen is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Because Bellagio 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best G Adventures Tours to Italy, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Caen and Bellagio, we can see that Bellagio is more expensive. And not only is Caen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Caen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Caen 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 Bellagio would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bellagio than you might in Caen.

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

Which is Bigger, Caen or Bellagio?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Bellagio. When comparing the sizes of Caen and Bellagio, 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 Caen or Bellagio?

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 Caen or Bellagio in the Summer?

Both Bellagio and Caen during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Caen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Bellagio because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Bellagio, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Caen. In the summer, Caen often gets less sunshine than Bellagio. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bellagio receives 250 hours of full sun.

Bellagio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Caen usually gets less rain in July than Bellagio. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Bellagio in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and Bellagio. The autumn months attract visitors to Caen because of the city's sights and attractions. Furthermore, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bellagio this time of year.

In October, Caen is generally cooler than Bellagio. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 12°C (54°F), and Bellagio fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Bellagio during autumn. Caen gets 128 hours of sunny skies, while Bellagio receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bellagio receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Caen usually receives less rain than Bellagio. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Caen or Bellagio in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Caen as well as Bellagio. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Caen this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bellagio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bellagio. It's quite cold in Caen in the winter. Caen is around the same temperature as Bellagio in the winter. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Bellagio fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Caen often gets less sunshine than Bellagio. Caen gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bellagio receives 119 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets less rain in January than Bellagio. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Bellagio in the Spring?

Both Bellagio and Caen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Caen for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Bellagio in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Caen is cooler than Bellagio. Typically, the spring temperatures in Caen in April average around 9°C (49°F), and Bellagio averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Caen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bellagio during spring. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Bellagio receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bellagio. In April, Caen usually receives less rain than Bellagio. Caen gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bellagio and Caen