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

Should you visit Brescia or Rijeka?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Brescia or Rijeka, 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.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a accessible, diverse, and slow-paced town. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brescia and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Brescia or Rijeka?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Rijeka than Brescia. While Brescia is larger than Rijeka, Rijeka has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Rijeka is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Brescia is more popular for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Brescia is well known for its historic and archeological sights. Rijeka is well known for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port. Also, Rijeka is famous for Trsat Castle.

How is Brescia different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rijeka 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 Rijeka?

Brescia
Rijeka

Both Brescia and Rijeka 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.

Rijeka offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.


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

Brescia
Rijeka

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

Dining out in Brescia is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Brescia or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Brescia
Rijeka

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

Rijeka is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

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 Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Brescia
Rijeka

Rijeka is a town with a few options for its beaches. However, Brescia is not a beach destination.

Rijeka is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Brescia is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Brescia or Rijeka?

Brescia
Rijeka

Brescia is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Rijeka. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Brescia or Rijeka Better for Families?

Brescia
Rijeka

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

Rijeka is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

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 Rijeka Better for Couples?

Brescia
Rijeka

Brescia and Rijeka 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.

Rijeka makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.


Is Brescia or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brescia
Rijeka

Rijeka is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Brescia is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Rijeka. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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 Rijeka Better for Students?

Brescia
Rijeka

Brescia and Rijeka are notable places to visit for students.

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

It's common for students to visit Rijeka. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

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

Brescia
Rijeka

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

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 Rijeka offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.


Is Brescia or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Brescia
Rijeka

Brescia and Rijeka both are notable when exploring on foot.

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

Rijeka is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Brescia?

How long in Brescia or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Brescia or Rijeka to fill your time. In our opinion, Rijeka has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Rijeka than Brescia. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


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

One day in Brescia or Rijeka?

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

In Rijeka, you'll find nightlife and food. This town 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 Rijeka?

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.

In Rijeka, 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 Rijeka has to offer.


Five days in Brescia or Rijeka?

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.

Rijeka 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 Brescia or Rijeka?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the undisovered 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rijeka. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rijeka. 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 Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Rijeka or Brescia?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Brescia is €144, while the average daily cost in Rijeka is €95. 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 Brescia and Rijeka in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Brescia 75
    Rijeka 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Brescia 150
    Rijeka 100
Compare Hotels in Brescia and Rijeka

Looking for a hotel in Brescia or Rijeka? 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 Brescia


Hotels in Rijeka


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 and Rijeka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Brescia 19
    Rijeka 16

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 Brescia or Rijeka?

Prices for flights to both Rijeka and Brescia 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
    Brescia 47
    Rijeka 34
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.
    Brescia 31
    Rijeka 8.89

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

Tours and Activities in Rijeka

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

  • Drava Sup Exploring Adventure: $44
  • History of Military Forts Guided Tour: $64
  • Tour the underground with no experience required: $64
  • From Golden Island of Krk Tour: $93
  • Pula, Rovinj, and Panoramic Istrian Coast Tour: $121
  • Istria Highlights Tour from Rijeka or Pula: $122
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $127
  • Private Walking Cultural Tour of Rijeka: $235
  • Ucka Mountain: Guided Hiking Tour: $449
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour: $631

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Brescia 23
    Rijeka 16

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

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


Which is Bigger, Brescia or Rijeka?

Brescia has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Brescia and Rijeka, 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka in the Summer?

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

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rijeka this time of the year. In Brescia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Brescia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka during summer. Brescia gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Brescia usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rijeka. Brescia gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Brescia 24°C (75°F) 
    Rijeka 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Brescia or Rijeka in the Autumn?

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

Brescia is around the same temperature as Rijeka in the autumn. The daily temperature in Brescia averages around 14°C (58°F) in October, and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Brescia often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Brescia gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun.

Brescia usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Rijeka. Brescia gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Brescia 14°C (58°F) 
    Rijeka 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Brescia or Rijeka in the Winter?

Both Rijeka 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 Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Brescia in the winter. In the winter, Brescia is much colder than Rijeka. Typically, the winter temperatures in Brescia in January average around 1°C (35°F), and Rijeka averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Brescia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka during winter. Brescia gets 98 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Brescia usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Brescia gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Brescia 1°C (35°F) 
    Rijeka 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Brescia or Rijeka in the Spring?

Both Rijeka and Brescia during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Brescia for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Rijeka in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Brescia is generally around the same temperature as Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Brescia average around 13°C (55°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Brescia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka. Brescia gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun.

Brescia usually gets less rain in April than Rijeka. Brescia gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Brescia

Brescia Rijeka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (35°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 9°C (47°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (3 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 20°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 14°C (58°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)