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

Should you visit Calais or Bellagio?

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

Should I visit Calais or Bellagio? 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.

Calais

Calais is a undiscovered, coastal, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Bellagio

Bellagio is a beautiful, impressive, and glamorous town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food and shopping.

Calais and Bellagio: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Calais or Bellagio?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Calais. Although Calais and Bellagio are both popular with visitors, Calais has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Calais is more popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Bellagio is known for its food, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Bellagio is more touristy than Calais and is known for its luxurious villas, stunning views, and charming boutique lined streets. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France. It is also home to The Town Hall.

How is Calais different from Bellagio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Calais
Bellagio

Calais is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Bellagio is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Calais offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

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 Calais or Bellagio? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Calais
Bellagio

Bellagio is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Bellagio is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Calais or Bellagio Better for Nightlife?

Calais
Bellagio

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

Calais has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

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 Calais or Bellagio Better for Beaches?

Calais
Bellagio

Calais is a city with good options for the beache. However, Bellagio is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Calais. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Bellagio is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Calais or Bellagio?

Calais
Bellagio

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bellagio and Calais.

Many visitors go to Calais to go shopping. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

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.

Is Calais or Bellagio Better for Families?

Calais
Bellagio

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Calais or Bellagio.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Calais. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Bellagio offers lots of family activities. 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 Calais or Bellagio Better for Couples?

Calais
Bellagio

Bellagio is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Bellagio frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.


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

Calais
Bellagio

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Calais and Bellagio.

You'll find some public transit in Calais, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

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 Calais or Bellagio a more walkable city?

Calais
Bellagio

Bellagio is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Bellagio on foot is easy. The town is small and compact with many pedestrian streets that are best explored on foot.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Bellagio or Calais?

How long in Calais or Bellagio?

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

Couples should spend more time in Bellagio than Calais. 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 Calais 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 Calais.


  • How many days in Calais or Bellagio? Ideal Length of Stay
    Calais 1-3 
    Bellagio 1-2

One day in Calais or Bellagio?

The city of Calais offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Bellagio might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Calais or Bellagio?

Calais 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 Calais, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Bellagio 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 Calais or Bellagio?

Calais 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bellagio. 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 Calais or Bellagio?

Calais 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.

Bellagio is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


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


Which place is cheaper, Bellagio or Calais?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Calais is €139, while the average daily cost in Bellagio is €222. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Calais and Bellagio in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Calais 77
    Bellagio 166
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Calais 154
    Bellagio 332
Compare Hotels in Calais and Bellagio

Looking for a hotel in Calais or Bellagio? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Calais


Hotels in Bellagio


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Calais Hotel Prices and Bellagio Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Calais 47
    Bellagio 9.02

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bellagio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bellagio:

  • From Bellagio : Private 1-Way Transfer to Malpensa airport: $382
  • From Milan center : Private 1-Way Transfer to Bellagio: $351

Is it cheaper to fly into Calais or Bellagio?

Prices for flights to both Bellagio and Calais change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Calais 35
    Bellagio 46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bellagio

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bellagio.

  • Como Lake: cooking class Italian style in Bellagio: $191
  • Bellagio Food Tour + Villa Melzi: $209
  • Cooking Class with Lunch with the chef: $534

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Calais 8.92
    Bellagio -

Tours and Activities in Bellagio

Here are a few actual costs in Bellagio for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Shared Boat Tour from Bellagio: $43
  • Lake Como: Villa Melzi Garden Entry Ticket with Ferries: $71
  • Lake Como: Villa Carlotta Entry Tickets with Ferries: $78
  • Lake Como: Small-Group Kayak Tour: $93
  • From Milan: Como & Bellagio Guided Tour & Lake Como Cruise: $106
  • Lake Como Sunset Boat Tour with Prosecco: $118
  • Lake Como: Golden Hour Guided Kayak Tour: $123
  • From Milan: Bellagio & Lake Como Small Group Tour: $127
  • Vintage Wooden Boat Rowing Experience on Lake Como: $187
  • Bellagio Walking Tour + Lunch + Villa Balbianello: $315
  • Exclusive Lake Como Boat Tour From Bellagio: $428

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Calais 12
    Bellagio 19


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Calais and Bellagio, we can see that Bellagio is more expensive. And not only is Calais much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Calais would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Calais 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 Calais.

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


Which is Bigger, Calais or Bellagio?

Calais has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Bellagio. When comparing the sizes of Calais 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 Calais or Bellagio?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Calais or Bellagio in the Summer?

Both Bellagio and Calais are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Calais in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bellagio for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Calais is generally cooler than Bellagio. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 17°C (63°F), and Bellagio fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Bellagio. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Calais. Calais usually receives less sunshine than Bellagio during summer. Calais gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Bellagio receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bellagio. In July, Calais usually receives less rain than Bellagio. Calais gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Calais 17°C (63°F) 
    Bellagio 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Calais or Bellagio in the Autumn?

Both Bellagio and Calais during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bellagio because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Calais is cooler than Bellagio in the autumn. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Bellagio fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Calais often gets less sunshine than Bellagio. Calais gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bellagio receives 152 hours of full sun.

Bellagio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Calais usually gets less rain in October than Bellagio. Calais gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Calais 12°C (54°F) 
    Bellagio 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Calais or Bellagio in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Calais and Bellagio. The winter months attract visitors to Calais because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bellagio this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bellagio in the winter. The weather in Calais can be very cold. In the winter, Calais is cooler than Bellagio. Typically, the winter temperatures in Calais in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Bellagio averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Calais usually receives less sunshine than Bellagio during winter. Calais gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Bellagio receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Calais usually receives less rain than Bellagio. Calais gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Calais 4°C (40°F) 
    Bellagio 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Calais or Bellagio in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Calais as well as Bellagio. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Calais this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bellagio for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Calais is generally much colder than Bellagio. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 9°C (47°F), and Bellagio fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Calais often gets less sunshine than Bellagio. Calais gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bellagio receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bellagio. Calais usually gets less rain in April than Bellagio. Calais gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Calais 9°C (47°F) 
    Bellagio 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Bellagio and Calais

Calais Bellagio
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)


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