A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Messina vs. Bellagio for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Messina or Bellagio?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Messina and Bellagio can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Messina

Messina is a bustling, local, and historic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food and shopping.

Messina and Bellagio: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Bellagio?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Messina. Although Messina and Bellagio are popular destinations, Messina has more sights and attractions for tourists. Messina is very popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Bellagio attracts visitors for its food, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Bellagio is more touristy than Messina and is known for its luxurious villas, stunning views, and charming boutique lined streets. Messina is famous for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. It is also well known for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Messina different from Bellagio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Messina offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of historic sights around town including the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, and the Regional Museum. There are also many ornate fountains around town.

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 Messina or Bellagio? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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.

Messina has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city's cuisine is a mix of the cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. The city has a longstanding fishing industry and one of the most popular dishes are swordfish rolls. Also try the pidone (similar to calzones with different fillings), and the focaccia (a local bread).

Is Messina or Bellagio Better for Nightlife?

Messina is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Bellagio is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Messina know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the old town and you'll find a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in pubs and bars. During the summer months there are often free outdoor concerts to enjoy.

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 Messina or Bellagio Better for Beaches?

Messina 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 Messina. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Bellagio is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Bellagio?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bellagio and Messina.

Messina is a great destination for shopping. The best shopping is around Piazza Cairoli with the main shopping streets being Viale Europa and Viale San Martino. There are many small boutiques that have cheaper prices than some of the more upscale Sicilian towns.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Messina or Bellagio Better for Families?

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

Messina is a very kid-friendly port city. There are a number outdoor activities that kids will enjoy including Parco Avventura Dei Peloritani, which has ropes and obstacle courses. There's also the Karting Center, which is fun for the whole family, or a small aquarium in town. If you're looking for an excursion outside of town, head to Cascata Cataolo waterfall, which is very kid-friendly.

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 Messina or Bellagio Better for Couples?

Bellagio is well known for romance. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Messina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors see the city as an arrival or departure point for Sicily, but those couples who linger will appreciate a number of historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Messina or Bellagio Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina is a port city with good options for backpackers. However, Bellagio is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Messina is a good port city to visit for backpackers. If you're traveling by train or ferry, you'll likely arrive or depart from this city. There are a number of hostels and cheap guesthouses around town that offer affordable accommodation.

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 Messina or Bellagio Better for Students?

Messina is a port city with good options for students. However, Bellagio is not popular with students.

Messina is popular with students. There are a few study abroad opportunities that bring international students to town. The city also have good transportation connections and a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to students.

Bellagio is not popular with students.

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Messina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

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 Messina or Bellagio a more walkable city?

Bellagio is renowned for its walkability. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Messina is a very walkable port city. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot and the port is a ten to fifteen minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.

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

Should I spend more time in Bellagio or Messina?

How long in Messina or Bellagio?

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

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

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

One day in Messina or Bellagio?

The port city of Messina 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.

Bellagio is a small town with plenty to do. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Messina or Bellagio?

Messina 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 Messina, 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bellagio has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Bellagio?

Messina 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 great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Messina or Bellagio?

Messina 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bellagio. Since Bellagio is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Messina or Bellagio?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Bellagio. When comparing the sizes of Messina 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 Messina 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 Messina or Bellagio in the Summer?

Both Bellagio and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Messina because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bellagio this time of year.

In the summer, Messina is a little warmer than Bellagio. Typically, the summer temperatures in Messina in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Bellagio averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Bellagio. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Bellagio during summer. Messina gets 332 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, Messina usually receives less rain than Bellagio. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Messina or Bellagio in the Autumn?

Both Bellagio and Messina during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bellagio for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Messina is generally a little warmer than Bellagio. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 21°C (69°F), and Bellagio fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Messina often gets more sunshine than Bellagio. Messina gets 189 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets less rain in October than Bellagio. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Bellagio in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Bellagio. Many travelers come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bellagio in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bellagio can get quite cold in the winter. Messina is much warmer than Bellagio in the winter. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Bellagio fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bellagio during winter. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Bellagio receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Messina usually receives more rain than Bellagio. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Messina or Bellagio in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Messina as well as Bellagio. Many visitors come to Messina in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Bellagio for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Messina is a little warmer than Bellagio. Typically, the spring temperatures in Messina in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Bellagio averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In the spring, Messina often gets more sunshine than Bellagio. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bellagio receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bellagio. Messina usually gets less rain in April than Bellagio. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bellagio and Messina