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

Should you visit Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a historical, fairytale, and medieval town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

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.

Carcassonne and Bellagio: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Carcassonne or Bellagio?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bellagio. Although Carcassonne and Bellagio are popular destinations, Bellagio has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bellagio is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Carcassonne attracts visitors for its museums and historical sights. Bellagio is more touristy than Carcassonne and is popular for its luxurious villas, stunning views, and charming boutique lined streets. It is also well known for Salita Serbelloni. Carcassonne is famous for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle.

How is Carcassonne different from Bellagio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Carcassonne
Bellagio

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

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 Carcassonne or Bellagio? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Carcassonne
Bellagio

Both Carcassonne and Bellagio offer very good local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Carcassonne. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

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 Carcassonne or Bellagio Better for Nightlife?

Carcassonne
Bellagio

Bellagio is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Bellagio. 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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Carcassonne or Bellagio Better for its Old Town?

Carcassonne
Bellagio

Carcassonne is a town with good options for its old town. However, Bellagio does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Carcassonne to see the old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Bellagio does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Carcassonne or Bellagio?

Carcassonne
Bellagio

Bellagio is a good destination for shopping. However, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Carcassonne or Bellagio Better for Families?

Carcassonne
Bellagio

Both Carcassonne and Bellagio are nice family-friendly destinations.

Carcassonne is a family-friendly town. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

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 Carcassonne or Bellagio Better for Couples?

Carcassonne
Bellagio

Bellagio is a very popular place for romance. Also, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.


Is Carcassonne or Bellagio Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Carcassonne
Bellagio

Carcassonne is a great destination for backpackers. However, Bellagio is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Carcassonne is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

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

Carcassonne
Bellagio

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Carcassonne and Bellagio.

Carcassonne has some public transit options. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

You'll find some public transit in Bellagio, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and ferries to town, or you can take a taxi.

Is Carcassonne or Bellagio a more walkable city?

Carcassonne
Bellagio

Carcassonne and Bellagio are fantastic when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Carcassonne. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Bellagio or Carcassonne?

How long in Carcassonne or Bellagio?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Carcassonne or Bellagio to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


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

One day in Carcassonne or Bellagio?

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

Bellagio is a small town with plenty to do. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Carcassonne or Bellagio?

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

Bellagio might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Carcassonne or Bellagio?

Carcassonne 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.

Because Bellagio is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Carcassonne or Bellagio?

Carcassonne 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 town offers something for everyone.

Since Bellagio is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


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


Which place is cheaper, Bellagio or Carcassonne?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Carcassonne is €106, 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 Carcassonne and Bellagio in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Carcassonne 61
    Bellagio 166
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Carcassonne 122
    Bellagio 332
Compare Hotels in Carcassonne and Bellagio

Looking for a hotel in Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne


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: Carcassonne Hotel Prices and Bellagio Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Carcassonne 7.14
    Bellagio 9.02

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bellagio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bellagio:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Carcassonne or Bellagio?

Prices for flights to both Bellagio and Carcassonne 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
    Carcassonne 39
    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.
    Carcassonne 14
    Bellagio -

Tours and Activities in Carcassonne

For Carcassonne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
  • Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
  • Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Languedoc: Tour and Tasting at Domaine de Baronarques: $21
  • Unusual guided tour of Carcassonne at the time of the Builders: $22
  • Unusual Guided Tour of the Medieval City of Carcassonne: $22
  • Small group tour of the Cité de Carcassonne: $49
  • Complete Private Tour City and Castle of Carcassonne: $109
  • Cité de Private Guided Tour: $160

Tours and Activities in Bellagio

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

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Carcassonne 13
    Bellagio 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Carcassonne

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:

  • Wine tour Cathar country: $471


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

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


Which is Bigger, Carcassonne or Bellagio?

Carcassonne has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bellagio. When comparing the sizes of Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne or Bellagio in the Summer?

Both Bellagio and Carcassonne during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town charm 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, Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Bellagio. Typically, the summer temperatures in Carcassonne in July average around 24°C (75°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 Carcassonne. In the summer, Carcassonne often gets more sunshine than Bellagio. Carcassonne gets 275 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. Carcassonne usually gets less rain in July than Bellagio. Carcassonne gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Carcassonne 24°C (75°F) 
    Bellagio 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Carcassonne or Bellagio in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Carcassonne and Bellagio. The autumn months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. 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, Carcassonne is generally a little warmer than Bellagio. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 17°C (62°F), and Bellagio fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Carcassonne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bellagio during autumn. Carcassonne gets 161 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, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Bellagio. Carcassonne gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Carcassonne 17°C (62°F) 
    Bellagio 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Carcassonne or Bellagio in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Carcassonne as well as Bellagio. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Carcassonne 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. Carcassonne is much warmer than Bellagio in the winter. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Bellagio fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Carcassonne often gets less sunshine than Bellagio. Carcassonne gets 88 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bellagio receives 119 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets less rain in January than Bellagio. Carcassonne gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Carcassonne 8°C (47°F) 
    Bellagio 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Carcassonne or Bellagio in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Bellagio. Typically, the spring temperatures in Carcassonne in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Bellagio averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Carcassonne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bellagio during spring. Carcassonne gets 178 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, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Bellagio. Carcassonne gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Carcassonne 14°C (56°F) 
    Bellagio 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Bellagio and Carcassonne

Carcassonne Bellagio
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in) 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 9°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)