A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Trieste vs. Bellagio for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Trieste 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 Trieste 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.

Trieste

Trieste is a diverse, cultural, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, museums, 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.

Trieste 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
Pros
  • Fun shopping
  • 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 Trieste or Bellagio?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Trieste. Although Trieste and Bellagio are both popular with visitors, Trieste has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Trieste is more popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and historical sights, while Bellagio is known for its food, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Bellagio is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for its luxurious villas, stunning views, and charming boutique lined streets. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage. It is also home to Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia.

How is Trieste different from Bellagio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Trieste
Bellagio

Trieste is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Bellagio is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Trieste offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Because Trieste was part of Austria for such a long stretch of time, you'll find that it looks different from many Italian cities. This is also evident in the different architectural and historic monuments around town. Major landmarks and sights include Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia, which is the largest square in the old part of the city, Miramare Castle, San Giusto Castle, Museum Riseria di San Sabba, and the Cathedral of San Giusto.

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 Trieste or Bellagio? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Trieste
Bellagio

Bellagio is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Trieste offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. It's hard to pinpoint exactly how to categorize the local cuisine. It's been influenced by the city's Austro-Hungarian past and you'll find Austrian, Slovenian, and even Croatian flavors. The food scene is often overlooked for more famous Italian cities, but that doesn't mean there's not a lot to enjoy. Make sure you try jota (a bean, potato, and sauerkraut stew), calandraca (a salted meat stew), and gulasch alla triestina (a local twist on goulash. The city is also a coffee capital in Italy.

Is Trieste or Bellagio Better for Nightlife?

Trieste
Bellagio

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

Trieste has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it's not known as a party destination, there is a laid-back nightlife scene that usually involves a late night enjoying drinks at a local bar with friends. Many establishments blur the café and bar concepts, but you'll find a number of lively bars west of Piazza Unità in the trendy Cavana neighborhood. There always seems to be something new in the area worth checking out.

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 Trieste or Bellagio Better for Beaches?

Trieste
Bellagio

Trieste 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 Trieste. The beaches tend to be pebbly, but they are a nice way to experience the sea. Locals still refer to it as "bathing" in the sea, a throwback to years past. The most common beach to visit is Ausonia, which is at the bottom of the Rive past the port of Sacchetta. Nearby are La Lanterna, also called Pedocin. This area still separates men and women in the bathing areas.

Bellagio is not a beach destination.


Is Trieste or Bellagio Better for its Old Town?

Trieste
Bellagio

Trieste is a city with good options for its old town. However, Bellagio does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Trieste to see the old town. The old town highlights the diversity of cultures and influences from the city's past.

Bellagio does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Trieste or Bellagio?

Trieste
Bellagio

Bellagio is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Trieste or Bellagio Better for Families?

Trieste
Bellagio

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

Trieste is a very kid-friendly city. The caves, adventure parks, and interactive museums all make for a fun family vacation. Make sure you check out Grotta Gigante, which will impress kids and adults alike. The Museum of Natural History has a collection of fossils that any dinosaur lover will appreciate, and Trieste Adventure Park is filled with ropes courses and ziplines. Finally, a visit to Miramare Castle will spark every child's imagination.

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 Trieste or Bellagio Better for Couples?

Trieste
Bellagio

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

Trieste makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Visit the castles, cathedrals, and historic monuments, experience the atmosphere of the city's historic center, people watch in one of the grand piazzas, and watch the city light up at night. There are so many romantic sides to this cultural Italian city.

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 Trieste or Bellagio Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Trieste
Bellagio

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

Trieste is a good city to visit for backpackers. It's often overlooked for more popular Italian city's but there is still a lot that this under-rated city has to offer. You'll also find hostels for every budget and a youthful energy that will bring the city to life.

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 Trieste or Bellagio Better for Students?

Trieste
Bellagio

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

Students come from all over to stay in Trieste. Italy attracts students from around the globe and this city is no exception. The city's diverse population and unique cultural opportunities make it a great place to study abroad or immerse yourself in university life.

Bellagio is not popular with students.


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

Trieste
Bellagio

Trieste is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Bellagio is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Trieste can get you around easily. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

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 Trieste or Bellagio a more walkable city?

Trieste
Bellagio

Bellagio is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Trieste 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.

Trieste is very walkable. It's a hilly city, but it's also very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Bellagio or Trieste?

How long in Trieste or Bellagio?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Trieste or Bellagio to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Trieste than Bellagio because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Trieste, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bellagio.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Trieste or Bellagio? Ideal Length of Stay
    Trieste 2-4 
    Bellagio 1-2

One day in Trieste or Bellagio?

The city of Trieste offers nightlife and food. 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 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 Trieste or Bellagio?

Trieste 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Trieste, 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 Trieste or Bellagio?

Trieste 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 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 Trieste or Bellagio?

Trieste 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 city 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 Tours for Seniors to Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to Italy, The Best G Adventures Tours to Italy, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome.


Which place is cheaper, Bellagio or Trieste?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Trieste is €100, 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 Trieste and Bellagio in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Trieste 55
    Bellagio 166
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Trieste 110
    Bellagio 332
Compare Hotels in Trieste and Bellagio

Looking for a hotel in Trieste 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 Trieste


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: Trieste Hotel Prices and Bellagio Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Trieste 18
    Bellagio 9.02

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Trieste

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

  • Private Direct Transfer From Trieste to Venice: $284
  • Private Transfer from Izola to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $243
  • Private Transfer from Koper Cruise Port to Ljubljana city hotels: $68
  • Private Transfer from Koper Port to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $68
  • Private Transfer from Koper to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $292
  • Private Transfer from Trieste Airport to Rovinj: $342
  • Private Transfer from Trieste Cruise Port to Milan hotels: $263
  • Private Transfer from Trieste Port to Malpensa Milan Airport(MXP): $293
  • Private Transfer from Trieste city or Port to Venice + water taxi: $145
  • Private direct transfer with local driver from Trieste to Zagreb: $175
  • Private transfer Seven Seas Splendor, Venice cruise terminal, Marco Polo airport: $221
  • Private transfer Trieste Airport from & to Bled: $251

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 Trieste or Bellagio?

Prices for flights to both Bellagio and Trieste 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
    Trieste 31
    Bellagio 46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Trieste

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

  • Cesarine: Small group Street food tour in Trieste: $97
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Trieste with show cooking: $115
  • Istria - Truffles: Hunting & Cooking & Tasting, Slovenia: $141
  • Trieste Private Home Cooking Class: $155
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Trieste: $158
  • Private Mediterranean Fish Cooking Workshop with Irena: $180
  • 5-Course Food Tour with Electric Bikes: $235

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.
    Trieste 22
    Bellagio -

Tours and Activities in Trieste

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

  • Train ticket connecting airport and city: $5.64
  • Trieste Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • Trieste Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $8.95
  • Trieste Bus Tour with Audio Guide: $17
  • Trieste Bus Tour with Audio Guide: $17
  • Miramare Castle Entrance Ticket: $20
  • 60-minute Small Group Guided Walking Tour in Piran: $22
  • HO HO Scenic Tour to Piran with Sweet Surprise: $34
  • Piran Walking Tour with Local Wine and Food Tasting: $38
  • Wine Fountain Tasting Day Tour from Portoroz: $44
  • 2.5-Hour Prosecco Origins Tour and Tastings: $48
  • Prosecco Origins Wine Experience: $49

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
    Trieste 8.00
    Bellagio 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Trieste

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

  • Wine Tasting from Istria, Carso and Friuli terroirs: $37
  • Trip to Stanjel castle wine tasting and gourmet lunch 4 courses from Piran: $131
  • Castles & Wine Tour: $140
  • Collio: Cividale Del Friuli and Wine Tastings from Trieste: $148
  • Experience Slovenian Coast line with Wine Tasting from Trieste: $164
  • Koper & Wine tasting: $186
  • Wine Tour on the Coast: $268


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

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


Which is Bigger, Trieste or Bellagio?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Bellagio. When comparing the sizes of Trieste 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 Trieste 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 Trieste or Bellagio in the Summer?

Both Bellagio and Trieste during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Trieste because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bellagio this time of year.

In July, Trieste is generally around the same temperature as Bellagio. Daily temperatures in Trieste average around 24°C (75°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 Trieste. In the summer, Trieste often gets more sunshine than Bellagio. Trieste gets 288 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. Trieste usually gets less rain in July than Bellagio. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Trieste 24°C (75°F) 
    Bellagio 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Trieste or Bellagio in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Trieste and Bellagio. The natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Trieste this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bellagio for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Trieste is around the same temperature as Bellagio in the autumn. The daily temperature in Trieste averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Bellagio fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Trieste usually receives more sunshine than Bellagio during autumn. Trieste gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Bellagio receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bellagio receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Trieste usually receives less rain than Bellagio. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Trieste 16°C (60°F) 
    Bellagio 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Trieste or Bellagio in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Trieste as well as Bellagio. Many travelers come to Trieste for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, 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, Trieste is around the same temperature as Bellagio. Typically, the winter temperatures in Trieste in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Bellagio averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Trieste often gets less sunshine than Bellagio. Trieste gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bellagio receives 119 hours of full sun.

Trieste usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bellagio. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Trieste 5°C (41°F) 
    Bellagio 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Trieste or Bellagio in the Spring?

Both Bellagio and Trieste are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Trieste in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bellagio for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

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

Trieste usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bellagio during spring. Trieste gets 177 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, Trieste usually receives less rain than Bellagio. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Bellagio and Trieste

Trieste Bellagio
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in) 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in) 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in) 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in) 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Nov 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)


Related Articles for Trieste
Related Articles for Bellagio