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

Should you visit Varenna or Bellagio?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Varenna and Bellagio. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Varenna

Varenna is a scenic, pristine, and beautiful village. The famous beauty of Varenna is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Varenna travel costs.

Bellagio

Bellagio is a opulent, beautiful, and impressive town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of Bellagio is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food and shopping. See Bellagio travel costs.

Varenna and Bellagio: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Varenna or Bellagio?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Varenna than Bellagio, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Varenna is better known for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bellagio is more popular for its small town charm. Bellagio is more touristy than Varenna and is popular for its luxurious villas, stunning views, and charming boutique lined streets. Varenna is well known for its beautiful location by Lake Como. Also, Varenna is famous for Lake Como.

Lake Como

How is Varenna different from Bellagio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Varenna offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most people visit the town for its beautiful setting on Lake Como. There are some popular sights around town though such as the Church of San Giorgio and Castello di Vezio.

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 Varenna or Bellagio? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Varenna 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 Varenna have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

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 Varenna or Bellagio Better for Nightlife?

Both Varenna and Bellagio have respectable vibes after the sun sets.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Varenna. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Bellagio is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. 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 Varenna or Bellagio Better for Hiking?

Varenna is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Bellagio is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Varenna. There are lakefront trails and other hiking options near town. The Lungolago di Varenna - Baia di Varenna loop follows the water and makes for a pleasant stroll.

Bellagio is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Varenna or Bellagio?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Varenna and Bellagio.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Varenna. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Many visitors go to Bellagio to go 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 Varenna or Bellagio More Beautiful?

Varenna is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Bellagio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Varenna is one of the main draws. This beautiful town can easily be explored in a few hours, but you should allow more time just to soak up its striking beauty.

With stunning beauty, Bellagio attracts visitors from all around. Set on the banks of Lake Como, the waterfront setting and charming small town atmosphere makes this a premiere destination.

Is Varenna or Bellagio Better for Families?

Both Varenna and Bellagio are notable family-friendly destinations.

Varenna is a family-friendly village. The charming village has play areas for children and the beautiful Villa Monastero, which are gardens that they'll enjoy exploring. It's also worth visiting the Castle of Vezio.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bellagio. 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 Varenna or Bellagio Better for Couples?

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

Varenna is a great village for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful village has a romantic atmosphere with a "lovers promenade" and many stunning views. It makes the perfect couples trip, whether you're on your honeymoon or just need some time away.

Bellagio is a great village 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 Varenna or Bellagio Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Varenna is a good village to visit for backpackers. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Varenna and Bellagio.

Varenna has some public transit options. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

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 Varenna or Bellagio a more walkable city?

Varenna and Bellagio are fantastic when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Varenna. Everything is walkable and the town is best explored on foot.

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 Varenna Worth Visiting? and Is Bellagio Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bellagio or Varenna?

How long in Varenna or Bellagio?

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

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

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

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

One day in Varenna or Bellagio?

The beautiful village of Varenna offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Varenna or Bellagio?

Varenna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this village makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Varenna, 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 Varenna or Bellagio?

Varenna is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food 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 Varenna or Bellagio?

Varenna is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This village 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 Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to Italy, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Varenna or Bellagio?

Bellagio has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Varenna 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 Varenna 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 Varenna or Bellagio in the Summer?

Both Bellagio and Varenna during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Varenna for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bellagio because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Varenna is around the same temperature as Bellagio in the summer. The daily temperature in Varenna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Bellagio fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Bellagio, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Varenna. In the summer, Varenna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bellagio. Varenna gets 250 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. Varenna usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bellagio. Varenna gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Varenna or Bellagio in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Varenna and Bellagio. The autumn months attract visitors to Varenna because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bellagio this time of year.

In the autumn, Varenna is around the same temperature as Bellagio. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Varenna in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Bellagio averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Varenna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bellagio during autumn. Varenna gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Bellagio receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Varenna or Bellagio in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Varenna as well as Bellagio. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Varenna this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bellagio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bellagio. It's quite cold in Varenna in the winter. In January, Varenna is generally around the same temperature as Bellagio. Daily temperatures in Varenna average around 5°C (41°F), and Bellagio fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

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

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

Should I visit Varenna or Bellagio in the Spring?

Both Bellagio and Varenna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Varenna for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bellagio in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Varenna is around the same temperature as Bellagio in the spring. The daily temperature in Varenna averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Bellagio fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Varenna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bellagio during spring. Varenna gets 176 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. It's quite rainy in Varenna. In April, Varenna usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bellagio. Varenna gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bellagio and Varenna