A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Rome vs. Bellagio for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Rome 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 Rome 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.

Rome

Rome is a ancient, archeological, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food and shopping.

Rome and Bellagio: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rome or Bellagio?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rome. Although Rome and Bellagio are both popular with visitors, Rome has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rome is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bellagio is known for its small town charm. Rome is popular for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also home to The Colosseum. Bellagio is popular for its luxurious villas, stunning views, and charming boutique lined streets.

The Colosseum

How is Rome different from Bellagio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rome 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 Rome are among the most recognizable in the world. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

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 Rome or Bellagio? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rome 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 Rome have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

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 Rome or Bellagio Better for Nightlife?

Rome is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. However, Bellagio is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Rome is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

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 Rome or Bellagio Better for Music?

Rome is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Bellagio is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Rome Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Bellagio is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rome or Bellagio?

Rome is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bellagio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Rome make it a world-class shopping destination. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

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 Rome or Bellagio Better for Families?

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

Rome is a very kid-friendly city. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

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 Rome or Bellagio Better for Couples?

Both Rome and Bellagio are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Rome frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Bellagio is a great city 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 Rome or Bellagio Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Bellagio is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Rome. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

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 Rome or Bellagio Better for Students?

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

Rome is a very popular city for students. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

Bellagio is not popular with students.

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

Rome is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Bellagio is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Rome can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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 Rome or Bellagio a more walkable city?

Rome and Bellagio both are world-class when exploring on foot.

Getting around Rome on foot is easy. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bellagio or Rome?

How long in Rome or Bellagio?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Rome or Bellagio to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Rome than Bellagio because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Rome, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bellagio.

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

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

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

One day in Rome or Bellagio?

Rome is a big city with plenty to do. 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 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 Rome or Bellagio?

Rome is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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 Rome or Bellagio?

Rome is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rome, five days is sufficent for most. 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 Rome or Bellagio?

Rome is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rome has to offer. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Rome or Bellagio?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 870 times larger than the population of Bellagio. When comparing the sizes of Rome 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 Rome 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 Rome or Bellagio in the Summer?

Both Bellagio and Rome are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Rome because of the city activities, the music scene, 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 July, Rome is generally around the same temperature as Bellagio. Daily temperatures in Rome average around 25°C (77°F), and Bellagio fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Bellagio. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rome. Rome usually receives more sunshine than Bellagio during summer. Rome gets 338 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, Rome usually receives less rain than Bellagio. Rome gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rome or Bellagio in the Autumn?

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

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

In the autumn, Rome often gets more sunshine than Bellagio. Rome gets 198 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. Rome usually gets less rain in October than Bellagio. Rome gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rome or Bellagio in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rome and Bellagio. Many travelers come to Rome for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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. In the winter, Rome is much warmer than Bellagio. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rome in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Bellagio averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Rome usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bellagio during winter. Rome gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Bellagio receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rome usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bellagio. Rome gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rome or Bellagio in the Spring?

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

In April, Rome is generally around the same temperature as Bellagio. Daily temperatures in Rome average around 14°C (57°F), and Bellagio fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rome this time of the year. In the spring, Rome often gets more sunshine than Bellagio. Rome gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bellagio receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bellagio. Rome usually gets less rain in April than Bellagio. Rome gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bellagio and Rome