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

Should you visit La Rochelle or Bellagio?

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

Should I visit La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a peaceful, relaxing, and laid-back coastal town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food and shopping.

La Rochelle and Bellagio: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Small town charm
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 with backpackers


Is there more to do in La Rochelle or Bellagio?

Visitors will usually find more to do in La Rochelle than Bellagio, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. La Rochelle is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and hiking, while Bellagio is more popular for its impressive beauty. Bellagio is more touristy than La Rochelle and is popular for its luxurious villas, stunning views, and charming boutique lined streets. La Rochelle is well known for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. Also, La Rochelle is famous for The Old Port.

How is La Rochelle different from Bellagio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Rochelle or Bellagio?

La Rochelle
Bellagio

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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 La Rochelle or Bellagio? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Rochelle
Bellagio

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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 La Rochelle or Bellagio Better for Nightlife?

La Rochelle
Bellagio

La Rochelle is a coastal town with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Bellagio is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

La Rochelle has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two 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 La Rochelle or Bellagio Better for Beaches?

La Rochelle
Bellagio

La Rochelle is a coastal town with good options for the beache. However, Bellagio is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in La Rochelle. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Bellagio is not a beach destination.


Is La Rochelle or Bellagio Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle
Bellagio

La Rochelle is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Bellagio does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, La Rochelle offers plenty to see. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Bellagio does not have a historic old town.

Is La Rochelle or Bellagio Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle
Bellagio

La Rochelle is a coastal town with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Bellagio is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around La Rochelle. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Bellagio is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Rochelle or Bellagio?

La Rochelle
Bellagio

If you're looking to go shopping, La Rochelle and Bellagio both offer plenty of notable spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting La Rochelle. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Many visitors go to Bellagio to go 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 La Rochelle or Bellagio Better for Families?

La Rochelle
Bellagio

Kids will enjoy a visit to either La Rochelle or Bellagio.

La Rochelle offers lots of family activities. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Bellagio is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 La Rochelle or Bellagio Better for Couples?

La Rochelle
Bellagio

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

La Rochelle is a great coastal town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Bellagio is a great coastal town 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 La Rochelle or Bellagio Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Rochelle
Bellagio

La Rochelle is a coastal town with good options for backpackers. However, Bellagio is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

La Rochelle is a good coastal town to visit for backpackers. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

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 La Rochelle or Bellagio Better for Students?

La Rochelle
Bellagio

La Rochelle is a coastal town with good options for students. However, Bellagio is not popular with students.

La Rochelle is popular with students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Bellagio is not popular with students.

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

La Rochelle
Bellagio

La Rochelle and Bellagio both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While La Rochelle offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Bellagio has a few public transit options. There are buses and ferries to town, or you can take a taxi.

Is La Rochelle or Bellagio a more walkable city?

La Rochelle
Bellagio

Bellagio is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its ease of walking around.

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.

La Rochelle is a very walkable destination. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Bellagio or La Rochelle?

How long in La Rochelle or Bellagio?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.


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

One day in La Rochelle or Bellagio?

La Rochelle is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful town of Bellagio. 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 La Rochelle or Bellagio?

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

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the impressive small town of Bellagio. 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 La Rochelle or Bellagio?

La Rochelle is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

The impressive town of Bellagio offers food and shopping. 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 La Rochelle or Bellagio?

La Rochelle is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal town offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the shopping and food when visiting Bellagio. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best G Adventures Tours to Italy, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome.


Which place is cheaper, Bellagio or La Rochelle?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in La Rochelle is €114, 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 La Rochelle and Bellagio in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Rochelle 67
    Bellagio 166
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Rochelle 134
    Bellagio 332
Compare Hotels in La Rochelle and Bellagio

Looking for a hotel in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle


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: La Rochelle Hotel Prices and Bellagio Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    La Rochelle 17
    Bellagio 9.02

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Rochelle

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

  • Private Transfer from La Rochelle Cruise Port to Nantes Hotels: $88
  • Private Transfer from La Rochelle Port to Nantes Airport (NTE): $88

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 La Rochelle or Bellagio?

Prices for flights to both Bellagio and La Rochelle 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
    La Rochelle 34
    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.
    La Rochelle 13
    Bellagio -

Tours and Activities in La Rochelle

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for La Rochelle.

  • La Rochelle : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.13
  • Entry Ticket to the 3 Towers: $12
  • La Rochelle Towers Entrance Ticket: $12
  • Les Minimes and Bay Boat Tour: $18
  • Guided tour of La Rochelle The splendor of merchants in the 18th century: $22
  • Planet Exotica entrance ticket: $23
  • Coastline Sailing Cruise: $27
  • 2-Hour Sunset Sailing Cruise: $31
  • 3-Hour Sailing cruise: $37
  • La Rochelle Seaside Segway Tour - 1h: $43
  • Lighthouse at the End of the World Segway Tour - 1h: $43
  • Discover Discovery Walking Tour of La Rochelle: $44

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
    La Rochelle 16
    Bellagio 19


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

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


Which is Bigger, La Rochelle or Bellagio?

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

The summer brings many poeple to La Rochelle as well as Bellagio. Many visitors come to La Rochelle in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bellagio for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

La Rochelle is cooler than Bellagio in the summer. The daily temperature in La Rochelle averages around 20°C (67°F) in July, 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 La Rochelle this time of the year. In the summer, La Rochelle often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bellagio. La Rochelle gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bellagio receives 250 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bellagio. La Rochelle usually gets less rain in July than Bellagio. La Rochelle gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    La Rochelle 20°C (67°F) 
    Bellagio 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit La Rochelle or Bellagio in the Autumn?

Both Bellagio and La Rochelle are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to La Rochelle for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bellagio because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, La Rochelle is around the same temperature as Bellagio. Typically, the autumn temperatures in La Rochelle in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Bellagio averages at about 15°C (58°F).

La Rochelle usually receives less sunshine than Bellagio during autumn. La Rochelle gets 141 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, La Rochelle usually receives less rain than Bellagio. La Rochelle gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    La Rochelle 15°C (59°F) 
    Bellagio 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit La Rochelle or Bellagio in the Winter?

Both Bellagio and La Rochelle during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to La Rochelle 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. In January, La Rochelle is generally a little warmer than Bellagio. Daily temperatures in La Rochelle average around 7°C (44°F), and Bellagio fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, La Rochelle often gets less sunshine than Bellagio. La Rochelle gets 72 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bellagio receives 119 hours of full sun.

La Rochelle usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bellagio. La Rochelle gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    La Rochelle 7°C (44°F) 
    Bellagio 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit La Rochelle or Bellagio in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both La Rochelle and Bellagio. The beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bellagio for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

La Rochelle is cooler than Bellagio in the spring. The daily temperature in La Rochelle averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Bellagio fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

La Rochelle usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bellagio during spring. La Rochelle gets 187 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, La Rochelle usually receives less rain than Bellagio. La Rochelle gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    La Rochelle 11°C (52°F) 
    Bellagio 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Bellagio and La Rochelle

La Rochelle Bellagio
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (44°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Jul 20°C (67°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Oct 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Nov 10°C (51°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)


Related Articles for La Rochelle
Related Articles for Bellagio