A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Brescia vs. Bologna for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Brescia or Bologna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Brescia or Bologna, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Brescia

Brescia is a under-rated, historic, and undisovered city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bologna

Bologna is a beautiful, fun, and historical city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brescia and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brescia or Bologna?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bologna than Brescia. Bologna is bigger than Brescia, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Brescia is well known for its historic and archeological sights. Bologna is well known for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. Also, Bologna is famous for Piazza Maggiore.

How is Brescia different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Brescia and Bologna have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Brescia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Bologna offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It has many historical and religious landmarks, active squares, and impressive museums including the Basilica of St. Petronius, St. Stephen Basilica, the Leaning Towers, and the Portico of the Madonna di San Luca.

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

Bologna 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, Bologna is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Foodies will appreciate the city's well earned culinary reputation. Some people even consider Bologna to be a food capital in Italy. There are cooking classes and food tours around town, as well as many great restaurants that serve up local dishes. Visitors should try Tagliatelle with Ragu (now famously known around the world as Bolognaise), Tortellini in broth, and Mortadella (salami).

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 Brescia or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is well known for nightlife. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Bologna is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The young population that is filled with international students means that the city has a fun and active nightlife scene. Some of the city's best neighborhoods for nightlife include Centro Storico, where the tourists hang out, the University District, which is perfect for students in their 20s, and Via dell'Indipendenza, which is popular for an upscale evening out.

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 Brescia or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Bologna to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Brescia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Brescia or Bologna?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bologna and Brescia.

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.

Bologna is well-known for its shopping. The city hosts regular open-air markets where you can pick up local produce or local items. It is among the best shopping destinations in the region. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Piazza Maggiore, Mercato di Mezzo, Mercato delle Erbe, or Via Rizzoli.

Is Brescia or Bologna Better for Families?

Bologna 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 Bologna. There are kid-friendly museums such as Museo Geologico Cappellini and the interactive history museum of Museo della Storia di Bologna. There's even a museum solely dedicated to gelato - Gelato at Carpigiani Museum. If your kids need a bit of time in nature, check out Dulcamara farm or the Botanic Garden. On the weekend you many be able to catch a show at Margherita's Puppet Theatre.

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 Brescia or Bologna Better for Couples?

Brescia and Bologna are both notable to visit 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.

Bologna makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful museums, interesting architecture. and lively squares, this is a great city for a couple's holiday. It's filled with romance, but it has less tourist crowds than some of Italy's more popular cities.

Is Brescia or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bologna. It's not a popular as some of the other cities in Italy and Europe, but it still has a number of hostels and a good backpacker scene.

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 Brescia or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is renowned for students. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Bologna is a great destination for students. It's a top study abroad destination in Italy and is home to a few great universities including the well ranked University of Bologna. There are many great activities for students and a variety of fun places to explore.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Brescia and Bologna.

You'll find some public transit in Brescia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and light rail to help you get around town.

While Bologna offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is an efficient and reliable bus system.

Is Brescia or Bologna a more walkable city?

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

Bologna is very walkable. Most sights are always within a 30 minute walk, and the city itself is very walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Brescia?

How long in Brescia or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Brescia and Bologna. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bologna than in Brescia. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Brescia, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

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

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

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

One day in Brescia or Bologna?

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.

In Bologna, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the 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 Brescia or Bologna?

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.

In Bologna, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bologna has to offer.

Five days in Brescia or Bologna?

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.

Bologna 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.

A week in Brescia or Bologna?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bologna. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bologna. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Brescia and Bologna, we can see that Bologna 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 Brescia Expensive? and Is Bologna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Brescia or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 98% larger than the population of Brescia. When comparing the sizes of Brescia and Bologna, 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 Brescia or Bologna?

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 Brescia or Bologna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Brescia and Bologna. Most visitors come to Brescia for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Bologna because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Brescia is generally around the same temperature as Bologna. Daily temperatures in Brescia average around 24°C (75°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bologna this time of the year. In Brescia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Brescia usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during summer. Brescia gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Brescia usually receives more rain than Bologna. Brescia gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brescia or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Brescia as well as Bologna. The autumn months attract visitors to Brescia because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

Brescia is cooler than Bologna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Brescia averages around 14°C (58°F) in October, and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Brescia often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Brescia gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bologna. Brescia usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Brescia gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brescia or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Brescia are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brescia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bologna. It's quite cold in Brescia in the winter. In the winter, Brescia is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Brescia in January average around 1°C (35°F), and Bologna averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Brescia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during winter. Brescia gets 98 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Brescia usually receives less rain than Bologna. Brescia gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brescia or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Brescia during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Brescia for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Brescia is generally around the same temperature as Bologna. Daily temperatures in Brescia average around 13°C (55°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Brescia often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Brescia gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Brescia usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Brescia gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Brescia