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

Should you visit San Remo or Bellagio?

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

Should I visit San Remo 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.

San Remo

San Remo is a authentic, historic, and relaxing coastal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

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.

San Remo and Bellagio: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in San Remo or Bellagio?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Remo. Although San Remo and Bellagio are both popular with visitors, San Remo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. San Remo is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and historical sights, while Bellagio is known for its museums and small town charm. Bellagio is more touristy than San Remo and is popular for its luxurious villas, stunning views, and charming boutique lined streets. San Remo is popular for its olives, lemons, and flower market. It is also home to The Flower Market.

How is San Remo different from Bellagio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Remo or Bellagio?

San Remo
Bellagio

Bellagio is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in San Remo or Bellagio? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Remo
Bellagio

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

San Remo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local restaurants are charming and sell a number of local specialties. Many traditional dishes are made with rabbit or chicken. There are also vegetable pies and sardenaira, which is a type of pizza that's made with tomatoes, garlic, and anchovies. Also make sure you pick up Baci di Sanremo, which are soft chocolate biscuits that are available in local bakeries.

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.

Is San Remo or Bellagio Better for Nightlife?

San Remo
Bellagio

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

San Remo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has a number of clubs and bars where you can enjoy a drink or hang out late into the evening. It's a pretty mellow nightlife scene, but there's still plenty of places to go as well as a local vibe that doesn't have the influx of tourists that you find in many of other Italian cities.

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 San Remo or Bellagio Better for Beaches?

San Remo
Bellagio

San Remo is a great destination for the beache. However, Bellagio is not a beach destination.

The beaches at San Remo attract visitors from all over. The beautiful sandy beaches are nice to visit and it's possible to rent chairs and umbrellas in many places. The main beach in town is Spiaggia dei Porti. Other popular nearby beaches include Spiaggia dei tre ponti, which is a large public beach, and Cala degli Orsi, which is one of the most beautiful public beaches in the area.

Bellagio is not a beach destination.


Is San Remo or Bellagio Better for its Old Town?

San Remo
Bellagio

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

San Remo is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old quarter of Pigna is a Medieval area with narrow streets that feel as if they're frozen in time. The hills offer impressive city views and the area has a unique historic character.

Bellagio does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in San Remo or Bellagio?

San Remo
Bellagio

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both San Remo and Bellagio.

San Remo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

Bellagio is a great destination for 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 San Remo or Bellagio Better for Families?

San Remo
Bellagio

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

San Remo is a very kid-friendly coastal city. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy. There's horseback riding, hiking, rowing, snorkeling, cooking classes, farm tours and more. There are also a number of hotels in the area that have kid-friendly activities.

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 San Remo or Bellagio Better for Couples?

San Remo
Bellagio

With fun activities for couples, both San Remo and Bellagio make for a excellent place to visit.

San Remo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's known as the city of flowers, and the many beautiful gardens make this a truly romantic place to visit. Couples will enjoy soaking up the city's history and enjoy the vibrant culture and outdoor activities that are available.

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.

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

San Remo
Bellagio

Visitors will find good public transit in both San Remo and Bellagio.

San Remo has some public transit options. There are local buses around town.

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 San Remo or Bellagio a more walkable city?

San Remo
Bellagio

Bellagio is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Bellagio. The town is small and compact with many pedestrian streets that are best explored on foot.

San Remo is very walkable. The old quarter is fun to explore on foot and there are a number of walking tours through town.


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

Should I spend more time in Bellagio or San Remo?

How long in San Remo or Bellagio?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in San Remo or Bellagio to fill your time. In our opinion, San Remo has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in San Remo than Bellagio. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Remo 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 San Remo.


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

One day in San Remo or Bellagio?

The beautiful coastal city of San Remo offers nightlife and food. 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. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in San Remo or Bellagio?

San Remo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Remo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in San Remo or Bellagio?

San Remo 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 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.


A week in San Remo or Bellagio?

San Remo 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 coastal city offers something for everyone.

Bellagio 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 town offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bellagio or San Remo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in San Remo is €152, 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 San Remo and Bellagio in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Remo 80
    Bellagio 166
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Remo 160
    Bellagio 332
Compare Hotels in San Remo and Bellagio

Looking for a hotel in San Remo 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 San Remo


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: San Remo Hotel Prices and Bellagio Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Remo 46
    Bellagio 9.02

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bellagio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bellagio:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into San Remo or Bellagio?

Prices for flights to both Bellagio and San Remo 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
    San Remo 44
    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: $208
  • Cooking Class with Lunch with the chef: $532

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Remo 23
    Bellagio -

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
    San Remo 14
    Bellagio 19


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

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


Which is Bigger, San Remo or Bellagio?

San Remo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bellagio. When comparing the sizes of San Remo 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 San Remo 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 San Remo or Bellagio in the Summer?

Both Bellagio and San Remo during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to San Remo in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bellagio for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, San Remo is generally around the same temperature as Bellagio. Daily temperatures in San Remo average around 23°C (73°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 San Remo. In the summer, San Remo often gets more sunshine than Bellagio. San Remo gets 295 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. San Remo usually gets less rain in July than Bellagio. San Remo gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit San Remo or Bellagio in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Remo and Bellagio. Most visitors come to San Remo for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bellagio because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

San Remo usually receives more sunshine than Bellagio during autumn. San Remo gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Bellagio receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bellagio receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Remo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, San Remo usually receives less rain than Bellagio. San Remo gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit San Remo or Bellagio in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to San Remo as well as Bellagio. The winter months attract visitors to San Remo because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, 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 the winter, San Remo is much warmer than Bellagio. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Remo in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Bellagio averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, San Remo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bellagio. San Remo gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bellagio receives 119 hours of full sun.

San Remo usually gets more rain in January than Bellagio. San Remo gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    San Remo 9°C (48°F) 
    Bellagio 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit San Remo or Bellagio in the Spring?

Both Bellagio and San Remo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Remo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bellagio for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, San Remo is generally around the same temperature as Bellagio. Daily temperatures in San Remo average around 13°C (56°F), and Bellagio fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

San Remo usually receives more sunshine than Bellagio during spring. San Remo gets 198 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, San Remo usually receives less rain than Bellagio. San Remo gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Remo 13°C (56°F) 
    Bellagio 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Bellagio and San Remo

San Remo Bellagio
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in) 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)


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