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

Should you visit Athens or Brescia?

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 Athens and Brescia. 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.

Athens

Athens is a vibrant, energetic, and historic city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brescia

Brescia is a authentic, under-rated, and historic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Brescia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Acropolis
Pros
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Athens or Brescia?

You'll generally find more things to do in Athens than Brescia. Athens is bigger than Brescia, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Athens is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Brescia is more popular for its shopping. Athens is more touristy than Brescia and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Also, Athens is famous for The Acropolis. Brescia is well known for its historic and archeological sights.

The Acropolis
The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Brescia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Athens
Brescia

Athens is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Athens that are not to be missed. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

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 Athens or Brescia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens
Brescia

Athens is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Athens is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

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 Athens or Brescia Better for Nightlife?

Athens
Brescia

Athens is renowned for nightlife. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Athens is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

If you're looking for night time activities Brescia has a few options to choose from. The city has a number of clubs and bars that make for a fun night out.

Is Athens or Brescia Better for its Old Town?

Athens
Brescia

Athens is renowned for its historic old town. However, Brescia does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Athens is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Brescia does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Brescia?

Athens
Brescia

Brescia is great for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Brescia. 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.

Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Athens or Brescia Better for Families?

Athens
Brescia

Athens is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Brescia is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Athens is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

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 Athens or Brescia Better for Couples?

Athens
Brescia

Athens and Brescia both notable destinations for a couple.

Athens is a good city for couples to visit. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Brescia is a nice destination for couples. It's location near Lake Garda and its rich history and plethora of archeological sites make this a nice destination for couples.


Is Athens or Brescia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens
Brescia

Athens is renowned for backpackers. However, Brescia is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Athens is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Brescia is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a particularly popular backpacker destination but there are some affordable guesthouses.

Is Athens or Brescia Better for Students?

Athens
Brescia

Athens is well known for students. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Athens is a great city to visit as a student. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

It's common for students to 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 Athens or Brescia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Athens
Brescia

Athens is well known for its public transit. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Athens can move around easily with public transportation. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

While Brescia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses and light rail to help you get around town.


Is Athens or Brescia a more walkable city?

Athens
Brescia

Athens is well known for its walkability. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Athens is very walkable. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Brescia or Athens?

How long in Athens or Brescia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Athens or Brescia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Athens than Brescia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-2 days is enough time in Brescia.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Athens or Brescia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Athens 3-7 
    Brescia 1-2

One day in Athens or Brescia?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Brescia. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Brescia?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Brescia is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Athens or Brescia?

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brescia. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Athens or Brescia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Brescia. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Brescia or Athens?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Brescia is €144. 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 Athens and Brescia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens 63
    Brescia 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens 126
    Brescia 150
Compare Hotels in Athens and Brescia

Looking for a hotel in Athens 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 Athens


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: Athens Hotel Prices and Brescia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Athens 27
    Brescia 19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:


  • Airport Bus for Two
    6.40
  • Metro
    1.50
  • Metro
    2.00
  • Metro from Airport to City Center
    8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens

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

  • Athens to Piraeus (Athens) Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Private Athens International Airport to Piraeus Port Transfer: $80
  • "Luxurious Transfer": $47
  • AIRPORT TRANSFER in Athens : $28
  • Airport Private Transfers: $79
  • Airport Transfer: $109
  • Airport Transfer/ Athens Greece: $28
  • Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Business Car: $80
  • Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Luxury Car: $126
  • Airport Transfer: Athens to Athens Airport ATH by Luxury Van: $113
  • Airport transfer: $131
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Athens Airport ATH to Athens City by Minibus: $109

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 Athens or Brescia?

Prices for flights to both Brescia and Athens 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
    Athens 37
    Brescia 47
Typical Food Prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:


  • Ice cream
    3.00
  • Souvlaki
    2.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $24
  • Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
  • Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $46
  • Greek Street Food Tour: $51
  • Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $52
  • Middle-eastern Cuisine Cooking Class with Meal: $52
  • Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $57
  • Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $60
  • Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $63
  • Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $63
  • Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Classes in Athina: $64
  • Light Lunch Tasting & Cooking Demo: $67

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)
    23

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.
    Athens 36
    Brescia 31

Tours and Activities in Athens

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.

  • Meouzo Online City Tour: $3.20
  • Self-guided First Discovery Walk and Reading Tour: $3.21
  • Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour into Byzantine Gems: $4.60
  • A Neoclassical Capital: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
  • 360 Virtual tour of Ancient Athens: $6.00
  • Herakleidon Museum of Ancient Greek Technology: Entry Ticket: $6.42
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Athens: $6.53
  • Ancient Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
  • Ancient Agora of Athens Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • The Best of Piraeus: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Greece: Tourist eSIM Data Plan: $7.18
  • Ancient Agora: Audiovisual self-guided tour with 3D models: $7.48

Tours and Activities in Brescia

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

  • 3 Hours Walking Tour with a Drink in Brescia Italy: $71
  • Beautiful Brescia - Guided Walking Tour: $402
  • Beautiful Brescia - Guided Walking Tour: $223
  • Brescia Private Walking Tour: $114
  • Brescia Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide by a Local: $4.19
  • Brescia’s Historic Heart: A Family Exploration Tour: $288
  • Brescia’s Yuletide Charm: A Festive Walking Tour: $386
  • Brescia’s Yuletide Charm: A Festive Walking Tour: $197
  • Digital Guide made by a Local for your walking tour: $6.42
  • Guided Christmastime Walking Tour: $719
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $118
  • CSTRents - Brescia Segway PT Authorized Tour: $180

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens 23
    Brescia 23

Sample the Local Flavors in Athens

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

  • Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $17
  • Greek Wine Tasting: $23
  • Premium Wine Tastings: $35
  • Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
  • Athens Wine Tasting: $44
  • Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $52
  • Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $52
  • 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $53
  • Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $53
  • Greek food and wine tasting: $53
  • Rare Greek Wine Tasting w/Sommelier by the Acropolis: $59
  • Wine Tasting and Storytelling in a Historical Square in Athina: $60

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 comparing the travel costs between Athens and Brescia, we can see that Brescia is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Athens or Brescia?

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

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 Athens or Brescia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Brescia. Many visitors come to Athens in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Brescia for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Athens is a little warmer than Brescia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Brescia averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brescia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Brescia. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 286 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Brescia. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Athens 27°C (81°F) 
    Brescia 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Athens or Brescia in the Autumn?

Both Brescia and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Brescia because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Athens is generally a little warmer than Brescia. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Brescia during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Brescia. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Athens 19°C (67°F) 
    Brescia 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Athens or Brescia in the Winter?

Both Brescia and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Athens because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brescia this time of year.

It's quite cold in Brescia in the winter. Athens is much warmer than Brescia in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Brescia fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Brescia. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 98 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Brescia. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Athens 10°C (51°F) 
    Brescia 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Athens or Brescia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Brescia. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brescia for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Athens is a little warmer than Brescia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Brescia averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Brescia during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Brescia. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Athens 16°C (60°F) 
    Brescia 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Brescia and Athens

Athens Brescia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 1°C (35°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (47°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)