A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Como vs. Bellagio for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Como or Bellagio?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Como or Bellagio, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Como

Como is a fun, vibrant, and scenic lake area. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Bellagio

Bellagio is a opulent, beautiful, and impressive town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food and shopping.

Como and Bellagio: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Como or Bellagio?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Como. Although Como and Bellagio are both popular with visitors, Como has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Como is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Bellagio is known for its small town charm. Como is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. It is also home to the lakeside setting. Bellagio is popular for its luxurious villas, stunning views, and charming boutique lined streets.

How is Como different from Bellagio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Como
Bellagio

You'll find a number of decent museums and attractions in both Bellagio and Como.

While most people don't head to Como specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

Bellagio offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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 Como or Bellagio? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Como
Bellagio

Como is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Bellagio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Como have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Bellagio has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Como or Bellagio Better for Nightlife?

Como
Bellagio

Como is a lake area with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Bellagio is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

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.

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 Como or Bellagio Better for Beaches?

Como
Bellagio

Como is a lake area with good options for the beache. However, Bellagio is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Como. 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.

Bellagio is not a beach destination.


Is Como or Bellagio Better for Hiking?

Como
Bellagio

Como is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Bellagio is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Como. 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.

Bellagio is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Como or Bellagio?

Como
Bellagio

Como is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bellagio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Como make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Bellagio has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Como or Bellagio Better for Families?

Como
Bellagio

Como is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bellagio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Como is a very kid-friendly lake area. 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.

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 Como or Bellagio Better for Couples?

Como
Bellagio

Como is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Bellagio is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Como is a great lake area for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Bellagio is a great lake area if you're traveling as 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.

Is Como or Bellagio Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como
Bellagio

Como is a great destination for backpackers. However, Bellagio is a town with minimal options 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.

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

Como
Bellagio

Visitors will find good public transit in both Como and Bellagio.

Como has some public transit options. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

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 Como or Bellagio a more walkable city?

Como
Bellagio

Bellagio is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Como is very walkable. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

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

Should I spend more time in Bellagio or Como?

How long in Como or Bellagio?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Como or Bellagio to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Como than Bellagio because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Como, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bellagio.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Como 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 Como.


  • How many days in Como or Bellagio? Ideal Length of Stay
    Como 2-4 
    Bellagio 1-2

One day in Como or Bellagio?

The beautiful lake area of Como offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Como or Bellagio?

Como is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this lake area makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Como, 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 Como or Bellagio?

Como 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 Como or Bellagio?

Como is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This lake area 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome, The Best 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bellagio or Como?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Como is €214, 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 Como and Bellagio in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Como 146
    Bellagio 166
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Como 292
    Bellagio 332
Compare Hotels in Como and Bellagio

Looking for a hotel in Como 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 Como


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: Como Hotel Prices and Bellagio Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Como 14
    Bellagio 9.02

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Como

Also for Como, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Argegno: Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $235
  • Bellagio to Malpensa Airport Milan (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $78
  • Como Private Transfer from Como city centre to Milan Malpensa Airport: $220
  • From Bellagio or Como hotels to Venice (+water taxi) - Private Transfer: $192
  • From Como : Private 1-Way Transfer to Malpensa airport: $336
  • From Private 1-Way Transfer to Linate airport: $306
  • From Milan center : Private 1-Way Transfer to Como: $275
  • Milan Private Transfer from Cernobbio (Como) to Milan airports (LIN or MPX): $242
  • Pirvate transfer from Malpensa airport to Como and Cernobbio: $206
  • Private Luxury transfer from Como Lake to Venice (or viceversa): $272
  • Private Transfer From Lecco or Malgrate: $65
  • Private Transfer from Como or Blevio or Torno: $157

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 Como or Bellagio?

Prices for flights to both Bellagio and Como 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
    Como 60
    Bellagio 46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Como

For Como, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Lentate Verbano with Show Cooking: $92
  • Lake Como Food Tour - Eat like a real Local: $108
  • 3 Hours Pizza and Tiramisù Workshop in Como: $122
  • Pasta Fresca Hands-on Cooking Class with a Local in Como: $136
  • Como Food Tour and the Farmers Market: $139
  • Como Food Tour and the Farmers Market: $141
  • Como Area: Pizza Training Experience: $160
  • Homemade Pasta Cooking Class: $160
  • Private Market Tour & Lunch or Dinner with a Local: $171
  • Como:City Self-tour with Lunch, Aperitif, and Brewery Dinner: $182
  • Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $191
  • Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Como: $194

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.
    Como -
    Bellagio -

Tours and Activities in Como

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

  • Lake Como's Greenway: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.22
  • Agra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Como: $8.68
  • Como Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • Como Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.98
  • Self-Guided Tour of Como and its Breathtaking Lakeside: $20
  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Como and its Breathtaking Lakeside: $20
  • Lake Self-Guided Walking Tour - Downtown Como: $21
  • Como City Audio Guide and Skip The Ticket Line to Brunate: $22
  • Como City Walking Tour : $27
  • City Tour with Duomo Visit and First Basin Lake Cruise: $32
  • Guided City Walking Tour: $32

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
    Como -
    Bellagio 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Como

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Como:

  • Domaso: Wine Tasting at the Winery on Como Lake: $60
  • Italian Wine Tasting & Food Como Lake: $70
  • Lecco Wine Tasting experience: $81
  • Exclusive wine tasting in Brunate: $103
  • Panoramic Wine Tasting in Bellagio area: $103
  • Bellagio Wine Tasting + Villa Melzi : $141
  • Private Wine Tasting in Bellagio with Chef Luigi Gandola: $185
  • Food and Wine Tours Lake Como: $196


When comparing the travel costs between Como and Bellagio, we can see that Bellagio is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Como or Bellagio?

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

Both Bellagio and Como during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Como this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bellagio for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Como is generally around the same temperature as Bellagio. Daily temperatures in Como average around 23°C (73°F), and Bellagio fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Bellagio, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Como. In the summer, Como often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bellagio. Como gets 250 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. Como usually gets less rain in July than Bellagio. Como gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Como 23°C (73°F) 
    Bellagio 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Como or Bellagio in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Como and Bellagio. Many travelers come to Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bellagio in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Como is around the same temperature as Bellagio in the autumn. The daily temperature in Como averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Bellagio fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Como usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bellagio during autumn. Como gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Bellagio receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bellagio receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Como gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Como usually receives less rain than Bellagio. Como gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Como 15°C (58°F) 
    Bellagio 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Como or Bellagio in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Como as well as Bellagio. Many visitors come to Como in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bellagio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bellagio can be very cold during winter. Como can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Como is around the same temperature as Bellagio. Typically, the winter temperatures in Como in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Bellagio averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Como often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bellagio. Como gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bellagio receives 119 hours of full sun.

Como usually gets less rain in January than Bellagio. Como gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Como 5°C (41°F) 
    Bellagio 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Como or Bellagio in the Spring?

Both Bellagio and Como are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Como for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bellagio because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Como is generally around the same temperature as Bellagio. Daily temperatures in Como average around 13°C (55°F), and Bellagio fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Como usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bellagio during spring. Como gets 176 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, Como usually receives less rain than Bellagio. Como gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Como 13°C (55°F) 
    Bellagio 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Bellagio and Como

Como Bellagio
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 76 mm (3 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 102 mm (4 in) 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 103 mm (4 in) 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 102 mm (4 in) 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)