A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alesund vs. Brescia for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Alesund or Brescia?

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

Should I visit Alesund or Brescia? 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.

Alesund

Alesund is a friendly, scenic, and laid back city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brescia

Brescia is a under-rated, historic, and undisovered city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Alesund and Brescia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Alesund or Brescia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Alesund. Although Alesund and Brescia are both popular with visitors, Alesund has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Alesund is more popular for its big city activities, while Brescia is known for its shopping. Alesund is popular for its nouveau architecture, beautiful views, and access to the fjords. It is also home to the Art Nouveau Center. Brescia is popular for its historic and archeological sights.

How is Alesund different from Brescia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alesund or Brescia?

Alesund
Brescia

Both Alesund and Brescia have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Alesund is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Check out the Atlantic Sea-Park and the Sunnmøre Museum. Also visit the small but interesting Fisheries Museum & Ålesund Museum.

Brescia offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some great museums and historic sights around town such as the Museum of Art and History, Tempio Capitolino, the Roman Theater, and Duomo Nuovo.


Is the Food Better in Alesund or Brescia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Alesund
Brescia

Foodies will find both Alesund and Brescia both to be very good destinations.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Alesund makes for a great culinary experience. As Norway's largest fishing port, you'll find plenty of seafood offerings around town. A favorite is bacalao de noruega (dried and salted clipfish), but also make sure you try the lobster soup.

Brescia has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Much of the cuisine has its roots in peasant recipes, but many have been incorporated into fine dining and specialty experiences. The dishes come from the countryside and use many local ingredients. Bigoi Col Pestöm (a local pasta), Casoncelli Alla Bresciana (stuffed pasta), and polenta are all favorites in the area.

Is Alesund or Brescia Better for Nightlife?

Alesund
Brescia

Both Alesund and Brescia are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alesund. There are plenty of bars around town as well as nightclubs and live music venues.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Brescia. The city has a number of clubs and bars that make for a fun night out.

Is the Shopping Better in Alesund or Brescia?

Alesund
Brescia

Brescia is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Brescia is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's a small city, but there are a number of fashion brands found around town. Via Gramsci, Corso Magenta, Via Mazzini, and Via X Giornate are among the best shopping streets.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Alesund. There are a number of shopping streets around town including the shopping areas in Aspøya, which are known for their homemade souvenirs.


Is Alesund or Brescia Better for Families?

Alesund
Brescia

Alesund is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Brescia is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Alesund. There's an aquarium and several great parks including Tueneset Naturlekeplass, which is near the aquarium. There's also hiking in the area and other outdoor adventures.

For families, Brescia is not always the best place to visit. There are several parks and swimming pools that the kids will enjoy as well as a castle and lots of archeology.

Is Alesund or Brescia Better for Couples?

Alesund
Brescia

With fun activities for couples, both Alesund and Brescia make for a good place to visit.

Alesund is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful setting with spectacular views and fun restaurants. There are many great hikes in the area, and many visitors like to use this town as a base for exploring nearby places.

Brescia makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's location near Lake Garda and its rich history and plethora of archeological sites make this a nice destination for couples.

Is Alesund or Brescia Better for Students?

Alesund
Brescia

Alesund and Brescia are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Alesund is a good city to visit for students. There's a small student population, which means that the group stays close and everyone is very welcoming. The town also makes a great base for exploring this part of Norway.

Plenty of students visit Brescia. This is an affordable and interesting city for students. It's also in a beautiful setting, which makes for a nice experience.


Is Alesund or Brescia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Alesund
Brescia

Both Alesund and Brescia offer good public transit options.

Alesund has a few public transit options. There is a public bus system around town.

Brescia has some public transit options. There are buses and light rail to help you get around town.

Is Alesund or Brescia a more walkable city?

Alesund
Brescia

Alesund and Brescia both are good when exploring on foot.

Alesund is somewhat walkable. The city center can be explored on foot.

Brescia is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are easy to walk around.

For even more information, also check out Is Alesund Worth Visiting? and Is Brescia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brescia or Alesund?

How long in Alesund or Brescia?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brescia than Alesund 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 Brescia.


  • How many days in Alesund or Brescia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Alesund 2-3 
    Brescia 1-2

One day in Alesund or Brescia?

In Alesund, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Brescia, you'll find nightlife and food. This city 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 Alesund or Brescia?

In Alesund, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Alesund has to offer.

In Brescia, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Brescia has to offer.

Five days in Alesund or Brescia?

Alesund 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.

Brescia 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 Alesund or Brescia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alesund. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Alesund. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brescia. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Brescia. 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 Norway, The Best Contiki Tours to Norway, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Brescia or Alesund?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Alesund is $99, while the average daily cost in Brescia is $154. 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 Alesund and Brescia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alesund $53
    Brescia $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alesund $106
    Brescia $160
Compare Hotels in Alesund and Brescia

Looking for a hotel in Alesund or Brescia? 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 Alesund


Hotels in Brescia


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: Brescia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alesund $25
    Brescia $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:

  • Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund (AES) Airport to City centre: $135
  • Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund city centre to Aalesund airport: $135
  • Alesund to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES)-Departure Private Transfer: $59
  • Private Transfer To and From Airport in Ålesund: $71
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Andalsnes Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Geiranger Port: $185
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Alesund Cruise Port: $36
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Andalsnes Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Molde Cruise Port: $58
  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Olden Cruise Port: $60
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Cruise Port to Alesund City Hotels: $36
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brescia

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brescia:

  • Lake Garda Hills Wine Tasting, Picnic in a vineyard and Transfer: $218

Is it cheaper to fly into Alesund or Brescia?

Prices for flights to both Brescia and Alesund 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
    Alesund $30
    Brescia $50

Typical Food Prices in Brescia

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brescia:


  • Dinner at Pizzaria (for 2)
    $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brescia

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

  • Wine Tasting and Dinner/Lunch or Aperitivo in Franciacorta Winery: $32
  • 3 Hour Private Italian Tradition Cooking Class in Brescia: $76
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Brescia with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Desenzano del Garda with Show Cooking: $93
  • Cooking class in a garden: handmade pasta: $113
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Desenzano del Garda: $158
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Brescia: $158

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alesund $16
    Brescia $33

Tours and Activities in Alesund

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

  • Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $42
  • 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off Audio-Guided Tour in Alesund : $42
  • City Sightseeing Alesund Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $45
  • Varden Molde Panorama Hike Tour: $46
  • Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $55
  • Molde and Atlantic Ocean Road Audio Tour: $64
  • Ålesund Sightseeing and Viking Saga Islands: $102
  • 3 Hour Guided Food Walk Tour in Alesund, Norway: $111
  • Fjord Paddle in Hellesylt - Half Day Kayaking Tour: $121
  • Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $125
  • Sightseeing Tour in Trollstigen - Land of Trolls: $140
  • E-bike And Hiking Tour In Ålesund: $140

Tours and Activities in Brescia

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

  • Brescia Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide by a Local: $4.19
  • Digital Guide made by a Local for your walking tour: $6.42
  • Guided Tour in Lugana DOP - 3 wines from Perla del Garda: $33
  • Sirmione Sunset Tour: $38
  • Desenzano Sunset Walking and Boat Tour with a Drink On Board: $57
  • 3 Hours Walking Tour with a Drink in Brescia Italy: $71
  • Italy most underrated city:Brescia-Walking tour with a drink: $74
  • Photographic tour at sunset on Lake Garda: $78
  • Canyoning "Gumpenfever" - beginner Canyoningtour for everyone: $84
  • Lake Cruise (visit Torri & Gargnano): $91
  • Desenzano e-bike tour: $98
  • Brescia Private Walking Tour: $114

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alesund $12
    Brescia $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Brescia

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brescia:

  • Wine Tour and Tasting of Lugana Wines in Desenzano: $49
  • Franciacorta: Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour with Snacks: $80
  • Vineyard Tour: Top Franciacorta Wine Tasting: $82
  • E-Bike tour and Wine tasting from Desenzano Inland: $92
  • Self-guided Wine tour in Franciacorta, Full-Day Experience with Lunch: $147
  • From Milan: Lake Iseo, Bergamo & Franciacorta Wine Tour: $738
  • VIP Experience to Lake Iseo and Franciacorta Wine Tasting: $1,604


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alesund and Brescia, we can see that Brescia is more expensive. And not only is Alesund much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alesund would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alesund 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 Brescia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brescia than you might in Alesund.

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


Which is Bigger, Alesund or Brescia?

Brescia has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Alesund and Brescia, 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 Alesund or Brescia?

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 Alesund or Brescia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Alesund and Brescia. Many travelers come to Alesund for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Brescia in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Alesund is much colder than Brescia in the summer. The daily temperature in Alesund averages around 12°C (54°F) in July, and Brescia fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In July, Alesund usually receives more rain than Brescia. Alesund gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alesund 12°C (54°F) 
    Brescia 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Alesund or Brescia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Alesund as well as Brescia. Many visitors come to Alesund in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Brescia for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Alesund is much colder than Brescia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alesund in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Brescia averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Alesund receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Alesund usually gets more rain in October than Brescia. Alesund gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alesund 9°C (48°F) 
    Brescia 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Alesund or Brescia in the Winter?

Both Brescia and Alesund are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Alesund for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Brescia because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Brescia can be very cold. Alesund can be very cold during winter. In January, Alesund is generally much warmer than Brescia. Daily temperatures in Alesund average around 3°C (37°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

It's quite rainy in Alesund. In January, Alesund usually receives more rain than Brescia. Alesund gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alesund 3°C (37°F) 
    Brescia 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Alesund or Brescia in the Spring?

Both Brescia and Alesund during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Alesund because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Brescia this time of year.

The weather in Alesund can be very cold. Alesund is much colder than Brescia in the spring. The daily temperature in Alesund averages around 5°C (40°F) in April, and Brescia fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Alesund usually gets more rain in April than Brescia. Alesund gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alesund 5°C (40°F) 
    Brescia 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Brescia and Alesund

Alesund Brescia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 1°C (35°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 3°C (38°F) 108 mm (4.2 in) 9°C (47°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 5°C (40°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 8°C (46°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 11°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)