A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Braga vs. Brescia for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Braga or Brescia?

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

Should I visit Braga 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.

Where Should I go: Braga or Brescia?

Braga

Located in the Cavado Valley of Northern Portugal, Braga is a medium sized city with both historical and modern characteristics. There is a university in town, known as Universidade do Minho, which gives the city a young feel with a lot of life. There are also many bars, clubs, and activities around to keep you entertained.

Brescia

As you look up to the heavens, marveling at the scattered puffs of white clouds kissed by the sun in its golden hue and set against a clear blue sky, you return your gaze to your surrounding land: an Italian paradise of lush forests, majestic Alps, mouth-watering aromas of local bakeries and restaurants, and a romantic cityscape. Brescia is located in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy. Nestled away between the two bustling cities of Milan and Verona, Brescia stands at the foot of the Alps beside the breathtaking Lake Garda. Once a "pass-through" city of Italy, Brescia is now considered the "lioness of Italy" in its rich culture and impressive history. Founded over 3,200 years ago, Brescia's significance in pre-Roman times has allowed it to still retain in its global fame. From the oldest ruins of Northern Italy to hidden gems of Lombardy's natural world, Brescia holds some of the most well-preserved Roman architecture in Italy. A dynamic, hardworking city, Brescia holds about 200,000 inhabitants and is the second-largest city in the Lombardy region. A city that captures the heart and soul of Italian tradition, experience Italy in all its glory in Brescia!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Porto, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Brescia or Braga?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Braga is €112, 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 Braga and Brescia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Braga 54
    Brescia 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Braga 108
    Brescia 150
Compare Hotels in Braga and Brescia

Looking for a hotel in Braga 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 Braga


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: Braga Hotel Prices and Brescia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Braga 20
    Brescia 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Braga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Braga:

  • Braga Private Transfer:To/From the Oporto Airport: $102
  • Traditional Vinho Verde Tour in Bowl with Private Transfer (Porto and Braga): $131

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 Braga or Brescia?

Prices for flights to both Brescia and Braga 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
    Braga 40
    Brescia 47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Braga

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

  • Small-Group Braga Food Tour With A Local Guide: $84

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.
    Braga 16
    Brescia 31

Tours and Activities in Braga

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

  • Casa dos Coimbras ( Chapel and Tower ) ticket & drink: $5.35
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.65
  • Braga Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tourer Hunt: $7.82
  • Tuk Tuk City Tour: $16
  • Bravaes Kayak Park Private Adventure: $38
  • Small-Group Braga Half-Day Tour with Bom Jesus: $42
  • Small-Group Braga Half-Day Tour with Bom Jesus: $43
  • Guimarães Old Town Private Walking Tour: $54
  • KAYAK TOUR I Descent of the River Lima in Kayak: $55
  • Stand Up Paddle Tour: $55
  • Lagoons and Waterfalls Tour - Serra do Soajo: $60
  • Tour Soajo - Peneda-Gerês National Park: $60

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
    Braga 21
    Brescia 23

Sample the Local Flavors in Braga

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

  • Wine Tasting & Lunch | Quinta de Santa Cristina Vinho Verde: $50
  • Green Wine Region-Small Group Tour with Lunch and Wine Tastings, from Porto city: $142
  • Douro Valley Private Tour from Lunch & Wine Tour: $288
  • Vinho Verde Private Wine Tour: $535

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 Braga and Brescia, we can see that Brescia is more expensive. And not only is Braga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Braga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Braga 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 Braga.

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


Which is Bigger, Braga or Brescia?

Brescia has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Braga. When comparing the sizes of Braga 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 Braga 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 Braga or Brescia in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Braga is cooler than Brescia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Braga in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Brescia averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brescia this time of the year. In Braga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Braga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brescia during summer. Braga gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Braga usually receives less rain than Brescia. Braga gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Braga 21°C (69°F) 
    Brescia 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Braga or Brescia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Braga as well as Brescia. Also, most visitors come to Brescia for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Braga is generally a little warmer than Brescia. Daily temperatures in Braga average around 17°C (62°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Braga often gets more sunshine than Brescia. Braga gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 137 hours of full sun.

Braga receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Braga usually gets more rain in October than Brescia. Braga gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Braga 17°C (62°F) 
    Brescia 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Braga or Brescia in the Winter?

Both Brescia and Braga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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. Braga is much warmer than Brescia in the winter. The daily temperature in Braga averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Brescia fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Braga usually receives more sunshine than Brescia during winter. Braga gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Braga. In January, Braga usually receives more rain than Brescia. Braga gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Braga 10°C (50°F) 
    Brescia 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Braga or Brescia in the Spring?

Both Brescia and Braga during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Brescia this time of year.

In the spring, Braga is around the same temperature as Brescia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Braga in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Brescia averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Braga. In the spring, Braga often gets more sunshine than Brescia. Braga gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 169 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Braga. Braga usually gets more rain in April than Brescia. Braga gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Braga 14°C (56°F) 
    Brescia 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Brescia and Braga

Braga Brescia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 1°C (35°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Sep 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in) 7°C (45°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)