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

Should you visit Siena 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 Siena and Bellagio can help you decide which place is right for you.

Siena

Siena is a medieval, history, and beautiful city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bellagio

Bellagio is a glamorous, opulent, and beautiful town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food and shopping.

Siena and Bellagio: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
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 Siena or Bellagio?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Siena. Although Siena and Bellagio are popular destinations, Siena has more sights and attractions for tourists. Siena is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Bellagio attracts visitors for its small town charm. Bellagio is more touristy than Siena and is known for its luxurious villas, stunning views, and charming boutique lined streets. Siena is famous for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. It is also well known for Piazza del Campo.

How is Siena different from Bellagio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Siena
Bellagio

Siena 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 Siena. At the heart of the city is Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and Piazza del Campo. Other world famous sights include Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico, Torre del Mangia, and Pinacoteca Nazionale.

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 Siena or Bellagio? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Siena
Bellagio

Both Siena and Bellagio offer superb local cuisine and restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Siena makes for a great culinary experience. The town is all about local flavors and many restaurants use local ingredients in their dishes. Pecorino of Pienza is the local cheese, and you'll also find many cured meats. Local pasta dishes include wild boar ragu and a local spaghetti. You'll also find local meats such as lamb, rabbit, chicken and pork.

Bellagio has a huge number of terrific 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 Siena or Bellagio Better for Nightlife?

Siena
Bellagio

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

Siena has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. Most visitors enjoy socializing in the evening and meeting friends at Piazza del Campo. There are often live performances which you can enjoy as well as many cafes and wine bars around town.

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 Siena or Bellagio Better for its Old Town?

Siena
Bellagio

Siena is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Bellagio does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Siena offers plenty to see. The beautiful old town is filled with medieval brick buildings. At the heart of the city is Piazza del Campo, which is a lively square with many neighborhoods spreading out from there.

Bellagio does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Siena or Bellagio?

Siena
Bellagio

Both Siena and Bellagio are nice shopping destinations.

Siena is a great destination for shopping. The main shopping street in town is Via Banchi di Sopra, which has many boutiques that sell clothing, bags, and other items. The town also has many leather goods, ceramics, and other local items available.

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 Siena or Bellagio Better for Families?

Siena
Bellagio

Bellagio is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Siena is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Siena is not always a place people visit with their families. The beauty and history may be lost to the little ones but there is a great atmosphere that even the young ones will appreciate. Kids will enjoy climbing to the top of Torre del Mangia or visiting one of the many playgrounds around town.

Is Siena or Bellagio Better for Couples?

Siena
Bellagio

Siena is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Bellagio is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Siena is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its impressive beauty and long running history, this is a truly romantic city. The atmosphere is relaxed and there are plazas and neighborhoods that are great for exploring. There are also many great restaurants, superb wine, and world class sights that are not to be missed.

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 Siena or Bellagio Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Siena
Bellagio

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

Siena is a good city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers visit Siena as a daytrip from nearby Florence. While there are some affordable places to stay here, the atmosphere isn't as backpacker friendly as nearby Florence.

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 Siena or Bellagio Better for Students?

Siena
Bellagio

Siena is a great destination for students. However, Bellagio is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Siena. It's home to one of the oldest universities in Italy, and it's a wonderful study abroad destination for any student who wants to spend some time in Italy.

Bellagio is not popular with students.

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

Siena
Bellagio

Both Siena and Bellagio offer nice public transit options.

Siena has a few public transit options. TIEMME is the bus service that runs in and around town. Many lines pass through the train station and provide service from there.

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


Is Siena or Bellagio a more walkable city?

Siena
Bellagio

Bellagio is very popular for its walkability. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Siena is a very walkable city. The compact town center is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bellagio or Siena?

How long in Siena or Bellagio?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Siena or Bellagio?

The beautiful city of Siena 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.

Even though Bellagio is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Siena or Bellagio?

Siena 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 Siena, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bellagio. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


Five days in Siena or Bellagio?

Siena 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 fun place to experience. Bellagio is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Siena or Bellagio?

Siena 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.

Bellagio is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bellagio or Siena?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Siena is €133, 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 Siena and Bellagio in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Siena 69
    Bellagio 166
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Siena 138
    Bellagio 332
Compare Hotels in Siena and Bellagio

Looking for a hotel in Siena 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 Siena


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: Siena Hotel Prices and Bellagio Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Siena 20
    Bellagio 9.02

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Siena

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Siena:

  • Arrival transfer Siena Airport SAY to Siena City by van or car: $148
  • From Florence: Private Siena Day Trip with Transfers: $348
  • Luxury Private Transfer Between Siena and Genoa: $1,118
  • Private transfer from Siena to Florence: $202
  • Rome Fiumicino Airport: Shared Transfer to/from Siena by Bus: $11
  • Siena - Rome Transfer Tour with Orvieto & Montepulciano: $1,059
  • Siena to Milan Linate Airport 1-Way Private Transfer: $1,305
  • Siena to Milan Malpensa airport private transfer: $1,433
  • Transfer Siena-Florence with visit to Chianti and wine tasting: $218
  • Transfer Siena-Pisa with stop in San Gimignano & Lunch: $245

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 Siena or Bellagio?

Prices for flights to both Bellagio and Siena 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
    Siena 51
    Bellagio 46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Siena

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Siena.

  • Siena food tour and Chianti wine: $60
  • Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $95
  • Tuscan Dinner in a Villa in an Ancient Siena Olive Grove: $98
  • Siena Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $99
  • From Siena/Chianti: Dinner & Drinks in the Chianti Vineyards: $102
  • Siena countryside: cooking class in a real Tuscan farmhouse: $123
  • Cooking Class in a historical villa in Siena Provence: $130
  • Tuscan Cooking Class in Central Siena: $131
  • 4 Hour Private Cooking Class Unique Tuscan Experience in Siena: $131
  • Family Cooking Class: Pizza and Tiramisù from Siena: $138
  • Small Group Cooking Class in Chianti Farmhouse: $138
  • Small group Cooking Class in Chianti Farmhouse: $141

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.
    Siena 3.75
    Bellagio -

Tours and Activities in Siena

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Siena are as follows:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Palazzo Pubblico Entry Ticket: $6.42
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $6.95
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Siena Cathedral and Piccolomini Library Entry Ticket: $8.56
  • Siena Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • Italian Opera in Siena Experience: $27
  • Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $32
  • Guided tour of Siena INCLUDING the Cathedral or Museum: $33
  • Chianti: Wine and Olive Oil Tasting with Cellar Tour: $36
  • Wine Experience in an Organic Chianti Winery: $36

Tours and Activities in Bellagio

Here are a few actual costs in Bellagio for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Shared Boat Tour from Bellagio: $43
  • Lake Como: Villa Melzi Garden Entry Ticket with Ferries: $71
  • Lake Como: Villa Carlotta Entry Tickets with Ferries: $78
  • Lake Como: Small-Group Kayak Tour: $93
  • From Milan: Como & Bellagio Guided Tour & Lake Como Cruise: $106
  • Lake Como Sunset Boat Tour with Prosecco: $118
  • Lake Como: Golden Hour Guided Kayak Tour: $123
  • From Milan: Bellagio & Lake Como Small Group Tour: $127
  • Vintage Wooden Boat Rowing Experience on Lake Como: $187
  • Bellagio Walking Tour + Lunch + Villa Balbianello: $315
  • Exclusive Lake Como Boat Tour From Bellagio: $428

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Siena 2.19
    Bellagio 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Siena

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Siena:

  • Wine Tasting at the Winery in the Panoramic Terrance: $27
  • Montalcino: Brunello Wine Tasting Experience: $35
  • Total Immersion Wine Tour in Chianti: $43
  • Lapi&Tour Guided tour of the cellars with wine tasting: $52
  • From Florence: San Gimignano, Siena, and Chianti Wine Tour: $55
  • Tuscany Hiking Tour from Siena Including Wine Tasting: $60
  • Siena Underground Wine tasting in a Medieval Cave: $61
  • Siena Underground Wine tasting in a Medieval Cave: $63
  • Tuscan Classics Wine Tasting Class with Aperitivo: $64
  • Montalcino: Brunello Wine Tasting & Lunch in a Tuscan Castle: $64
  • Wine and Food Pairing Class with Tuscan Wine Tastings: $75
  • Organic Winery Tour and Wine Tasting in Siena: $80


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

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


Which is Bigger, Siena or Bellagio?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Siena and Bellagio. Many travelers come to Siena 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 the summer, Siena is around the same temperature as Bellagio. Typically, the summer temperatures in Siena in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Bellagio averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bellagio this time of the year. In Siena, it's very sunny this time of the year. Siena usually receives more sunshine than Bellagio during summer. Siena gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Bellagio receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

Bellagio receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Siena usually receives less rain than Bellagio. Siena gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Siena or Bellagio in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Siena as well as Bellagio. Many visitors come to Siena in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bellagio for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Siena is generally around the same temperature as Bellagio. Daily temperatures in Siena average around 16°C (61°F), and Bellagio fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Siena often gets more sunshine than Bellagio. Siena gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bellagio receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bellagio. Siena usually gets less rain in October than Bellagio. Siena gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Siena 16°C (61°F) 
    Bellagio 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Siena or Bellagio in the Winter?

Both Bellagio and Siena are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Siena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine 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. Siena is a little warmer than Bellagio in the winter. The daily temperature in Siena averages around 7°C (45°F) in January, and Bellagio fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Siena usually receives less sunshine than Bellagio during winter. Siena gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Bellagio receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Siena usually receives less rain than Bellagio. Siena gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Siena or Bellagio in the Spring?

Both Bellagio and Siena during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Siena because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Bellagio this time of year.

In the spring, Siena is around the same temperature as Bellagio. Typically, the spring temperatures in Siena in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Bellagio averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Siena often gets more sunshine than Bellagio. Siena gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bellagio receives 176 hours of full sun.

Bellagio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Siena usually gets less rain in April than Bellagio. Siena gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Siena 12°C (54°F) 
    Bellagio 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Bellagio and Siena

Siena Bellagio
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Nov 10°C (50°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)