A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Pisa vs. Bellagio for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Pisa or Bellagio?

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

Should I visit Pisa 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.

Pisa

Pisa is a iconic, world-famous, and classic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

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.

Pisa and Bellagio: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Leaning Tower of Pisa
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 Pisa or Bellagio?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Pisa than Bellagio, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pisa is better known for its museums, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Bellagio is more popular for its small town charm. Bellagio is more touristy than Pisa and is popular for its luxurious villas, stunning views, and charming boutique lined streets. Pisa is well known for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. Also, Pisa is famous for The Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa

How is Pisa different from Bellagio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pisa
Bellagio

Pisa 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 Pisa. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

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 Pisa or Bellagio? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pisa
Bellagio

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

Pisa has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

Dining out in Bellagio is an experience not to be missed. 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 Pisa or Bellagio Better for Nightlife?

Pisa
Bellagio

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

The people in Pisa know how to have a good time. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

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 Pisa or Bellagio Better for Beaches?

Pisa
Bellagio

Pisa is a city with good options for the beache. However, Bellagio is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Pisa. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Bellagio is not a beach destination.


Is Pisa or Bellagio Better for its Old Town?

Pisa
Bellagio

Pisa is a great destination for its old town. However, Bellagio does not have a historic old town.

Pisa is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Bellagio does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Pisa or Bellagio?

Pisa
Bellagio

Pisa is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bellagio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Pisa is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

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 Pisa or Bellagio Better for Families?

Pisa
Bellagio

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Pisa or Bellagio.

Pisa offers lots of family activities. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

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 Pisa or Bellagio Better for Couples?

Pisa
Bellagio

Bellagio is a great town for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Bellagio is a great 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.

Pisa is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Pisa or Bellagio Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pisa
Bellagio

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

Pisa is a great city to visit for backpackers. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

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 Pisa or Bellagio Better for Students?

Pisa
Bellagio

Pisa is an unbeatable place for students. However, Bellagio is not popular with students.

Pisa is a very popular city for students. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

Bellagio is not popular with students.


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

Pisa
Bellagio

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

While Pisa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

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

Is Pisa or Bellagio a more walkable city?

Pisa
Bellagio

Bellagio is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Pisa is a very walkable destination. The city is a great place to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bellagio or Pisa?

How long in Pisa or Bellagio?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Pisa or Bellagio? Ideal Length of Stay
    Pisa 1-3 
    Bellagio 1-2

One day in Pisa or Bellagio?

The beautiful city of Pisa offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 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 Pisa or Bellagio?

Pisa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city 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 Pisa, 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 Pisa or Bellagio?

Pisa 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 Pisa or Bellagio?

Pisa is a great place to explore. 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 city 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bellagio or Pisa?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pisa is €120, 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 Pisa and Bellagio in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pisa 60
    Bellagio 166
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pisa 120
    Bellagio 332
Compare Hotels in Pisa and Bellagio

Looking for a hotel in Pisa 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 Pisa


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: Pisa Hotel Prices and Bellagio Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pisa 11
    Bellagio 9.02

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pisa

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

  • Departure Private Transfer from Pisa to La Spezia by car or van: $203
  • Florence: Private Transfer from Pisa Airport (PSA): $394
  • PRIVATE TRANSFER: from Pisa to Florence with private chauffeur: $120
  • Pisa Airport (PSA) to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $74
  • Pisa Airport (PSA) to Florence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $148
  • Pisa Airport (PSA) to La Spezia Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
  • Pisa Airport: Transfer to/from Pisa Central Railway Station: $6.93
  • Pisa Private Transfer from Pisa city centre to Pisa Airport: $87
  • Train Transfer from Pisa Airport to San Giusto/Aurelia: $5.33
  • Private Sightseeing Transfer from Pisa to Florence: $245
  • Private Transfer From Pisa To Florence, English Speaking Driver: $209
  • Private Transfer from Calambrone to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $79

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bellagio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bellagio:

  • From Bellagio : Private 1-Way Transfer to Malpensa airport: $381
  • From Milan center : Private 1-Way Transfer to Bellagio: $350

Is it cheaper to fly into Pisa or Bellagio?

Prices for flights to both Bellagio and Pisa 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
    Pisa 50
    Bellagio 46
Typical Food Prices in Pisa

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Pisa:


  • Dinner
    75

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pisa

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

  • Chianni: wine and oil tasting with lunch or dinner: $43
  • Home-made Pasta Cooking Class: $75
  • Private Home-Made Pasta Cooking Class in Pisa.: $93
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Pontedera with cooking demo: $93
  • Pisa Food Tour: $95
  • Pisa Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $101
  • Hands-On Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $155
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Pisa: $158
  • Authentic Italian Food Tour in Pisa: $519

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: $208
  • Cooking Class with Lunch with the chef: $532

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pisa 20
    Bellagio -

Tours and Activities in Pisa

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

  • Tower of Pisa & Square of Miracles self guided audio tour: $4.25
  • From Italy eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.79
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.38
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Pisa: $8.72
  • Pisa Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.78
  • Pisa Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.95
  • The Best of Pisa Self Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Pisa Cathedral Guided Tour and Optional Leaning Tower Ticket: $16
  • Square of Miracles guided tour with Leaning Tower ticket (option): $17
  • Camposanto and Cathedral Entry Tickets and Audio Guide: $19
  • Baptistery and Cathedral Ticket with Audio Guide: $19
  • Guided Walking Tour with Optional Leaning Tower Ticket: $19

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: $314
  • Lake Como Sunset Boat Tour with Prosecco: $117
  • Vintage Wooden Boat Rowing Experience on Lake Como: $186
  • Exclusive Lake Como Boat Tour From Bellagio: $426
  • From Milan: Bellagio & Lake Como Small Group Tour: $89
  • From Milan: Como & Bellagio Guided Tour & Lake Como Cruise: $105
  • Lake Como: Golden Hour Guided Kayak Tour: $123
  • Lake Como: Private SpeedBoat Tour and Break in Bellagio: $1,268
  • 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: $70
  • Shared Boat Tour from Bellagio: $43

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pisa -
    Bellagio 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Pisa

Also in Pisa, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Cathedral Guided Tour & Wine Tasting & Optional Tower: $48
  • Pisa guided tour and Wine tasting with Leaning Tower ticket (option): $50
  • Winery Tour and Wine Tasting with Local Food Pairing: $75
  • From Pisa or Lucca: Half-Day Tuscany Chianti Wine Tasting: $90
  • Chianti Half-day Wine Tour in the Tuscan's Hills from Pisa: $97
  • Guided tour in San Miniato and wine tasting!: $99
  • Tuscan Wine Tour in Pisa by shuttle: $163
  • Pisa & Lucca with wine Tasting and Lunch from Livorno: $661


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

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


Which is Bigger, Pisa or Bellagio?

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

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

Pisa is around the same temperature as Bellagio in the summer. The daily temperature in Pisa averages around 23°C (73°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 Pisa this time of the year. In the summer, Pisa often gets more sunshine than Bellagio. Pisa gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bellagio receives 250 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bellagio. Pisa usually gets less rain in July than Bellagio. Pisa gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Pisa or Bellagio in the Autumn?

Both Bellagio and Pisa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Pisa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area 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, Pisa is a little warmer than Bellagio. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pisa in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Bellagio averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Pisa usually receives more sunshine than Bellagio during autumn. Pisa gets 177 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. It's quite rainy in Pisa. In October, Pisa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bellagio. Pisa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pisa 17°C (63°F) 
    Bellagio 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Pisa or Bellagio in the Winter?

Both Bellagio and Pisa during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Pisa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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, Pisa is generally a little warmer than Bellagio. Daily temperatures in Pisa average around 7°C (45°F), and Bellagio fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Pisa often gets less sunshine than Bellagio. Pisa gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bellagio receives 119 hours of full sun.

Pisa usually gets less rain in January than Bellagio. Pisa gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pisa 7°C (45°F) 
    Bellagio 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Pisa or Bellagio in the Spring?

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

Pisa is around the same temperature as Bellagio in the spring. The daily temperature in Pisa averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Bellagio fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Pisa usually receives more sunshine than Bellagio during spring. Pisa gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Bellagio receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Bellagio receives a lot of rain in the spring. Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Pisa usually receives less rain than Bellagio. Pisa gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Bellagio and Pisa

Pisa Bellagio
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (45°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)