A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Pompeii vs. Bellagio for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Pompeii or Bellagio?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pompeii and Bellagio can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a iconic, one-of-a-kind, and ancient archeological site. And you can't forget about the museums.

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.

Pompeii and Bellagio: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Home to the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Pompeii or Bellagio?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pompeii. Although Pompeii and Bellagio are both popular with visitors, Pompeii has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pompeii is more popular for its museums, while Bellagio is known for its food, nightlife, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Pompeii is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It is also home to the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins. Bellagio is popular for its luxurious villas, stunning views, and charming boutique lined streets.

the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins
The Pompeii Archaeological Ruins

How is Pompeii different from Bellagio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pompeii
Bellagio

Pompeii is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. However, Bellagio is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Pompeii are among the most recognizable in the world. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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 Pompeii or Bellagio? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pompeii
Bellagio

Bellagio is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Pompeii or Bellagio Better for Nightlife?

Pompeii
Bellagio

Bellagio is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Bellagio. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is the Shopping Better in Pompeii or Bellagio?

Pompeii
Bellagio

Bellagio is very good for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

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.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.


Is Pompeii or Bellagio Better for Families?

Pompeii
Bellagio

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

Pompeii is a very kid-friendly archeological site. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

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 Pompeii or Bellagio Better for Couples?

Pompeii
Bellagio

Bellagio is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Bellagio makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Pompeii is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Pompeii or Bellagio Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pompeii
Bellagio

Pompeii is a archeological site with good options for backpackers. However, Bellagio is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Pompeii is a good archeological site to visit for backpackers. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

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 Pompeii or Bellagio Better for Students?

Pompeii
Bellagio

Pompeii is a archeological site with good options for students. However, Bellagio is not popular with students.

Pompeii is popular with students. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

Bellagio is not popular with students.

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

Pompeii
Bellagio

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

Pompeii has some public transit options. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

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 Pompeii or Bellagio a more walkable city?

Pompeii
Bellagio

Pompeii and Bellagio are amazing when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Pompeii. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Bellagio or Pompeii?

How long in Pompeii or Bellagio?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Pompeii or Bellagio to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


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

One day in Pompeii or Bellagio?

The archeological site of Pompeii offers museums. 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 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 Pompeii or Bellagio?

Pompeii is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this archeological site makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pompeii, 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 Pompeii or Bellagio?

Pompeii is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums 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.

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 Pompeii or Bellagio?

Pompeii is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This archeological site 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bellagio or Pompeii?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pompeii is €151, 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 Pompeii and Bellagio in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pompeii 70
    Bellagio 166
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pompeii 140
    Bellagio 332
Compare Hotels in Pompeii and Bellagio

Looking for a hotel in Pompeii 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 Pompeii


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: Pompeii Hotel Prices and Bellagio Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pompeii 54
    Bellagio 9.02

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pompeii

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

  • Organic Wine Tasting & Lunch on Vesuvius with Transfer from Pompeii: $131
  • Private Transfer from Ravello to Salerno: $174
  • Private transfer Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Private transfer from Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Small Group Pompeii Wine Tasting with Lunch & Transfer Included : $97
  • Transfer Private from Ravello to Naples: $238
  • Transfer Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Transfer from Pompeii to Naples or viceversa: $66
  • Transfers Ravello - Naples: $206

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 Pompeii or Bellagio?

Prices for flights to both Bellagio and Pompeii 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
    Pompeii 35
    Bellagio 46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pompeii

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

  • Traditional Neapolitan Dinner in Pompei - Villa Franca - Family Restourant: $38
  • Pompei tour with a 2000 years roman dinner: $112
  • Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Pompei: $141
  • Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Pompei: $157
  • Private Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner in Pompei: $157
  • guided tour of the ruins and cooking class fresh pasta : $272

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.
    Pompeii 77
    Bellagio -

Tours and Activities in Pompeii

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

  • The Rise, Fall, and Rediscovery of A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Pompeii Ticket with Optional Guided Tour: $30
  • PompeiI VIP: Guided Tour with your Archaeologist in a Small Group : $32
  • Pompeii Walking Tour with an Archaeologist: $32
  • Pompeii for kids or adults skip the line small group walking tour 2 hours: $33
  • Entrance ticket to the Valle dell'Orso Water Park: $33
  • Pompeii Archeological Site Fast Track Entry Ticket : $36
  • guided tour of the archaeological excavations of Pompeii: $38
  • Pompeii tour with archaeologist: $38
  • Semi-Private Tour of Pompeii Ruins: $41
  • Pompeii Skip the Line Admission Ticket and Audioguide: $42
  • Semi - Private tour of Pompeii with an Archeologist: $43

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
    Pompeii 7.31
    Bellagio 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Pompeii

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

  • Wine Tasting Tour on the Slopes of Vesuvius: $46
  • Private Pompeii Wine Tasting with Lunch: $54
  • Guided Tour of Pompeii Ruins with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $98
  • Private Wine Tour and Tasting in Pompeii with a Local: $124
  • Pompeii Guided Tour & Horse Riding on Vesuvius with Wine Tasting: $190
  • Pompeii, Herculaneum and scenic drive of the Mt. Vesuvius with wine tasting: $207


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

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



When is the best time to visit Pompeii 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 Pompeii or Bellagio in the Summer?

Both Bellagio and Pompeii during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Pompeii for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bellagio in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Pompeii is generally around the same temperature as Bellagio. Daily temperatures in Pompeii average around 23°C (74°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 Pompeii. In the summer, Pompeii often gets more sunshine than Bellagio. Pompeii gets 313 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. Pompeii usually gets less rain in July than Bellagio. Pompeii gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pompeii 23°C (74°F) 
    Bellagio 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Pompeii or Bellagio in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pompeii and Bellagio. Also, most visitors come to Bellagio for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Pompeii is a little warmer than Bellagio in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pompeii averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Bellagio fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Pompeii usually receives more sunshine than Bellagio during autumn. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Bellagio receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bellagio receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Pompeii usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bellagio. Pompeii gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Pompeii or Bellagio in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pompeii as well as Bellagio. Most visitors come to Pompeii for the museums during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bellagio because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bellagio can be very cold. In the winter, Pompeii is much warmer than Bellagio. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pompeii in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Bellagio averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Pompeii often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bellagio. Pompeii gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bellagio receives 119 hours of full sun.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pompeii usually gets more rain in January than Bellagio. Pompeii gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pompeii 8°C (47°F) 
    Bellagio 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Pompeii or Bellagio in the Spring?

Both Bellagio and Pompeii are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Bellagio this time of year.

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

Pompeii usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bellagio during spring. Pompeii gets 189 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, Pompeii usually receives less rain than Bellagio. Pompeii gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Bellagio and Pompeii

Pompeii Bellagio
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Jul 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in) 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)