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

Should you visit Bern or Brescia?

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

Should I visit Bern 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.

Bern

Bern is a beautiful, cultural, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. 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.

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


Is there more to do in Bern or Brescia?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Bern than Brescia. While Brescia is larger than Bern, Bern has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Bern is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Brescia is known for its food. Bern is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. It is also home to The Zytglogge Clock Tower. Brescia is popular for its historic and archeological sights.

How is Bern different from Brescia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bern
Brescia

Bern is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bern can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with architecture and charming character. While you're in town make sure you visit the Einstein Museum, the Clock Tower, and the Bern Cathedral.

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 Bern or Brescia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bern
Brescia

Brescia is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Brescia makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is Bern or Brescia Better for Nightlife?

Bern
Brescia

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

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

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 Bern or Brescia Better for its Old Town?

Bern
Brescia

Bern is well known for its historic old town. However, Brescia does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Bern to see the historical old town. The charming old town is filled with quaint alleys and sandstone buildings. It's a compact area that flows down a hill to the River Aare.

Brescia does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Brescia?

Bern
Brescia

Both Bern and Brescia are very good shopping destinations.

Bern is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The old town is filled with boutique shops and unique markets. The main shopping streets are Spitalgasse and Marktgasse and popular items to buy include jewelry, art, and watches.

Brescia is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Bern or Brescia Better for Families?

Bern
Brescia

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

Bern is a very family-friendly place to visit. This charming town has riverside parks and pools, a zoo, a waterpark, and kid-friendly museums that the whole family can enjoy. You can also visit nearby Gurten, a mountain with tobogganing, concerts, and a mini ski resort.

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 Bern or Brescia Better for Couples?

Bern
Brescia

Bern is well known for romance. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Bern frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

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 Bern or Brescia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern
Brescia

Bern is well known for backpackers. However, Brescia is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bern. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

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 Bern or Brescia Better for Students?

Bern
Brescia

Brescia is a popular place for students. However, Bern is not popular with students.

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

Bern is not popular with students.

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

Bern
Brescia

Bern 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 Bern can move around easily with public transportation. There are trams and buses that run around town.

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 Bern or Brescia a more walkable city?

Bern
Brescia

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

Bern is very walkable. It's fun to explore the old town on foot. It is compact enough to that you can see all of the highlights in a few hours.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Brescia or Bern?

How long in Bern or Brescia?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Bern or Brescia?

In Bern, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Brescia. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bern or Brescia?

In Bern, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bern has to offer.

Brescia is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Five days in Bern or Brescia?

Bern is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the undisovered destination of Brescia. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bern or Brescia?

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

The undisovered city of Brescia offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Brescia or Bern?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bern is $249, 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 Bern and Brescia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bern $161
    Brescia $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bern $322
    Brescia $160
Compare Hotels in Bern and Brescia

Looking for a hotel in Bern 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 Bern


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: Bern Hotel Prices and Brescia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bern $33
    Brescia $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

  • Private Car Departure Transfer from Bern to Bern Airport BRN: $73
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $191
  • Private Transfer From Bern To Basel With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $213
  • Private Transfer From Bern to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $227
  • Private Transfer from Bern to Zurich with 2h of Sightseeing: $300

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 Bern or Brescia?

Prices for flights to both Brescia and Bern 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
    Bern $60
    Brescia $50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bern

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

  • Cooking delicious Spanish paella in Switzerland.: $57
  • Bern Food Market: Brunch & Local Food Tour: $62

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.
    Bern $34
    Brescia $33

Tours and Activities in Bern

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
  • Bern Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.95
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.43
  • Escape Game and Tour: $8.56
  • Self-Guided Tour of Bern's Fountains, Clocktowers, and Legends: $9.99
  • Beautiful Bern's Old Town: Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • City Sightseeing Self-Guided Walking Tour Game: $15
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Thun Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Fribourg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16

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
    Bern $27
    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 Bern and Brescia, we can see that Bern is more expensive. And not only is Brescia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Brescia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brescia 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 Bern would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bern than you might in Brescia.

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


Which is Bigger, Bern or Brescia?

Brescia has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Bern 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 Bern 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 Bern or Brescia in the Summer?

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

Bern is cooler than Brescia in the summer. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Brescia fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brescia this time of the year. In Bern, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bern usually receives less sunshine than Brescia during summer. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bern usually receives less rain than Brescia. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bern 21°C (70°F) 
    Brescia 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Bern or Brescia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bern as well as Brescia. Many visitors come to Bern in the autumn for 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, Bern is cooler than Brescia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bern in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Brescia averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Bern often gets less sunshine than Brescia. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 137 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets less rain in October than Brescia. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bern 13°C (55°F) 
    Brescia 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Bern or Brescia in the Winter?

Both Brescia and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bern 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. Bern can be very cold during winter. In January, Bern is generally much warmer than Brescia. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 3°C (37°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Bern usually receives less sunshine than Brescia during winter. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bern usually receives less rain than Brescia. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Bern or Brescia in the Spring?

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

Bern is cooler than Brescia in the spring. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Brescia fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Bern often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brescia. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 169 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets less rain in April than Brescia. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bern 11°C (52°F) 
    Brescia 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Brescia and Bern

Bern Brescia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 1°C (35°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 9°C (47°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)