A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Genoa vs. Bellagio for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Genoa or Bellagio?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Genoa 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.

Genoa

Genoa is a colorful, energetic, and historic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bellagio

Bellagio is a impressive, glamorous, and opulent town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food and shopping.

Genoa and Bellagio: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Genoa or Bellagio?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Genoa. Although Genoa and Bellagio are both popular with visitors, Genoa has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Genoa is more popular for its museums & sights, nightlife, beaches, and historical sights, while Bellagio is known for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Bellagio is more touristy than Genoa and is popular for its luxurious villas, stunning views, and charming boutique lined streets. Genoa is popular for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. It is also home to The Via Garibaldi Palaces.

How is Genoa different from Bellagio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Genoa 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 Genoa. The city has a long history and it is filled with monuments, palaces, and museums. Popular places to visit include the Via Garibaldi Palaces, the aquarium (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Santi Ambrogio.

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 Genoa or Bellagio? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Genoa and Bellagio.

Genoa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's maritime roots have influenced its cuisine and you'll find seafood in many local dishes. Other classic Genoese flavors include pesto, anchovies, fried squid, and focaccia and cheese.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bellagio makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Genoa or Bellagio Better for Nightlife?

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

Genoa has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city lights up at night and it's fun to experience the activity and energy. There's a nice evening atmosphere with many people out and about. You can grab drinks in Piazza Lavagna or see live music in Porto Antico. There are also many bars and clubs 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 Genoa or Bellagio Better for Beaches?

Genoa is a port city with a few options for the beache. However, Bellagio is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Genoa. While many people head to other nearby towns to enjoy the beach, you will also find a beach just ten minutes from the old town by bus. Boccadasse is one of the closest beaches to town. It's also possible to do a day trip to other more famous beaches in the area, but you need to be prepared to travel a bit farther.

Bellagio is not a beach destination.

Is Genoa or Bellagio Better for its Old Town?

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

Many people head to Genoa to see the old town. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Bellagio does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Genoa or Bellagio?

If you're looking to go shopping, Genoa and Bellagio both offer plenty of good spots.

Genoa has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You can pick up a number of different souvenirs around town including baskets, t-shirts, and local pesto. Popular shopping areas include Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembr.

Bellagio is a great destination for shopping. 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 Genoa or Bellagio Better for Families?

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

Genoa is a very kid-friendly port city. The city is home to the second biggest aquarium in Europe as well as the Galata Maritime Museum and the Nazario Sauro Submarine. In the port there's also Vascello Nettuno, which was a pirate ship that was used in the filming of the movie 'Pirates' by Roman Polanski. Other fun kid-friendly attractions include La Biosfera, The Children's Museum, and the Bigo Lift.

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 Genoa or Bellagio Better for Couples?

Genoa and Bellagio are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Genoa is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. It's a beautiful port city with charming neighborhoods and some great restaurants. Couples will enjoy exploring this beautiful city and visiting its palaces and cathedrals.

Bellagio is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Genoa or Bellagio Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Genoa is a great port city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of affordable hostels in the area, and while this isn't the top backpacker destination in Italy, it is a nice place to spend some time.

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 Genoa or Bellagio Better for Students?

Genoa is a great destination for students. However, Bellagio is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Genoa. It's a popular study abroad destination so you'll find a number of international students in the area. The city is also well connected for exploring the region.

Bellagio is not popular with students.

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

Genoa 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 Genoa can get you around easily. There's a wide range of different public transit options that are all operated by AMT. The system includes buses, an underground (one line), funiculars (two), lifts (ten), a boat, cogwheel and narrow gauge railways.

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 Genoa or Bellagio a more walkable city?

Bellagio is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its walkability.

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

Genoa is very walkable. The old town, where most tourists spend the majority of their time, is easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bellagio or Genoa?

How long in Genoa or Bellagio?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Genoa or Bellagio to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Genoa 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 Genoa, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bellagio.

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

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

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

One day in Genoa or Bellagio?

The port city of Genoa offers food and shopping. 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.

Even though Bellagio is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Genoa or Bellagio?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bellagio. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Genoa or Bellagio?

Genoa 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 fun place to experience. Bellagio is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Genoa or Bellagio?

Genoa 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 port city offers something for everyone.

Bellagio is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Genoa or Bellagio?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Bellagio. When comparing the sizes of Genoa 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 Genoa 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 Genoa or Bellagio in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Genoa as well as Bellagio. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Genoa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bellagio for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Genoa is generally around the same temperature as Bellagio. Daily temperatures in Genoa average around 25°C (76°F), and Bellagio fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bellagio. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Genoa this time of the year. In the summer, Genoa often gets more sunshine than Bellagio. Genoa gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bellagio receives 250 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bellagio. Genoa usually gets less rain in July than Bellagio. Genoa gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Genoa or Bellagio in the Autumn?

Both Bellagio and Genoa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Genoa for 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.

Genoa is a little warmer than Bellagio in the autumn. The daily temperature in Genoa averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Bellagio fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Genoa usually receives more sunshine than Bellagio during autumn. Genoa gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Bellagio receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bellagio. In October, Genoa usually receives less rain than Bellagio. Genoa gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Genoa or Bellagio in the Winter?

Both Bellagio and Genoa during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Genoa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bellagio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bellagio can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Genoa is much warmer than Bellagio. Typically, the winter temperatures in Genoa in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Bellagio averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Genoa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bellagio. Genoa gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bellagio receives 119 hours of full sun.

Genoa usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bellagio. Genoa gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Genoa or Bellagio in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Genoa and Bellagio. Most visitors come to Genoa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bellagio because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Genoa is generally a little warmer than Bellagio. Daily temperatures in Genoa average around 15°C (58°F), and Bellagio fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Genoa usually receives more sunshine than Bellagio during spring. Genoa gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Bellagio receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Bellagio receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Genoa usually receives less rain than Bellagio. Genoa gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bellagio and Genoa