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

Should you visit Budapest or Brescia?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Budapest and Brescia can help you decide which place is right for you.

Budapest

Budapest is a artistic, historic, and authentic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Brescia

Brescia is a authentic, under-rated, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Budapest 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
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Budapest or Brescia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Budapest than Brescia. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Budapest is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Brescia attracts visitors for its food. Budapest is more touristy than Brescia and is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Hungarian Parliament Building. Brescia is famous for its historic and archeological sights.

How is Budapest different from Brescia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Budapest
Brescia

Budapest 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 Budapest can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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 Budapest or Brescia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Budapest
Brescia

Brescia is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Budapest or Brescia Better for Nightlife?

Budapest
Brescia

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

Budapest is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

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 Budapest or Brescia Better for its Old Town?

Budapest
Brescia

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

Many visitors go to Budapest to see the historical old town. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Brescia does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Budapest or Brescia?

Budapest
Brescia

If you're looking to go shopping, Budapest and Brescia both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Budapest is well-known for its shopping. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

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.

Is Budapest or Brescia Better for Families?

Budapest
Brescia

Budapest 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 Budapest. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

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 Budapest or Brescia Better for Couples?

Budapest
Brescia

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

Couples visit Budapest frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

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 Budapest or Brescia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest
Brescia

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

Budapest is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other 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 Budapest or Brescia Better for Students?

Budapest
Brescia

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

Budapest is a great destination for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

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

Budapest
Brescia

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

Budapest has a great public transit system. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get 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 Budapest or Brescia a more walkable city?

Budapest
Brescia

Budapest is renowned for its walkability. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Budapest on foot is easy. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Brescia or Budapest?

How long in Budapest or Brescia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Budapest or Brescia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Budapest than Brescia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Budapest, and 1-2 days is enough time in Brescia.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Budapest or Brescia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Budapest 2-5 
    Brescia 1-2

One day in Budapest or Brescia?

Because Budapest 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.

The city of Brescia offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Budapest or Brescia?

Because Budapest 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. 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 Budapest has to offer.

Brescia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Brescia, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Budapest or Brescia?

Budapest 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 Budapest has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Brescia is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Budapest or Brescia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Budapest. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Budapest. 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.

Brescia is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Brescia or Budapest?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Budapest is $89, 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 Budapest and Brescia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Budapest $49
    Brescia $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Budapest $98
    Brescia $160
Compare Hotels in Budapest and Brescia

Looking for a hotel in Budapest 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 Budapest


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: Budapest Hotel Prices and Brescia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Budapest $10
    Brescia $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budapest

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $6.91
  • Metro Pass
    $3.79

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest

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

  • Bucharest - Romania to Budapest - Hungary /Private Transfer: $1,181
  • Budapest - Bük Transfer: $153
  • Budapest - Bratislava Transfer: $199
  • Budapest - Debrecen Transfer: $168
  • Budapest - Hungary to Bucharest - Romania /Private Transfer: $1,289
  • Budapest - Pécs Transfer: $149
  • Budapest - Szeged Transfer: $134
  • Budapest Airport BUD Arrival Private Transfer to Budapest City: $89
  • Budapest Airport Private Departure Transfer : City to Airport: $16
  • Budapest Airport Private Luxury Transfer by a Mercedes Benz S Class: $120
  • Budapest Airport Transfer: $55
  • Budapest Airport Transfer - Round trip to and from Liszt Ferenc Airport: $78

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 Budapest or Brescia?

Prices for flights to both Brescia and Budapest 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
    Budapest $23
    Brescia $50
Typical Food Prices in Budapest

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


  • Lunch
    $3.37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budapest

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

  • Traveling Spoon Hungarian Goulash Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Downtown Budapest Cruise with Pizza and Beer: $45
  • Pizza & Beer Downtown Budapest Cruise: $46
  • Vegan Hungarian Food Tour (full meals): $51
  • Medieval Dinner Show with Drinks: $52
  • Private Street Food Tour: $59
  • Danube Cruise with Hungarian Dinner and Live Music: $74
  • Budapest Danube Cruise with Buffet Dinner, Performances and Music: $75
  • Evening Cruise and Dinner with Champagne: $86
  • Lángos (Hungary’s nr1 streetfood) cooking class: $87
  • Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music: $91
  • Budapest Danube River Candlelit Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $93

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.
    Budapest $22
    Brescia $33
Typical Entertainment Prices in Budapest

For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entrance to the Baths for Two
    $6.77

Tours and Activities in Budapest

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Free Tour Budapest Essential in Spanish: $3.26
  • Budapest Historical Sightseeing - Walking Tour: $3.27
  • Free walking tour in the Buda Castle incl. Fisherman's Bastion: $3.27
  • Free Walking Tour Budapest incl. the Shoes on the Danube Bank: $3.27
  • Communist History Evening Walking Tour of Budapest: $3.27
  • Past and Present of Budapest Jewish District Tour: $3.27
  • Self Guided City Audio Tour in Buda Castle: $5.45
  • Escape Game and Tour: $5.88
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.88
  • Historical Heroes & Hot Spa Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • TOP 10 Budapest- City Tour : $6.00

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
    Budapest $18
    Brescia $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Budapest

Also in Budapest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • The Original Budapest Pub Crawl - One Hour Open Bar + Free Shots: $17
  • 5-Hour Pub Crawl through Ruin Bars: $21
  • Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
  • Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
  • Bingo Bar Crawl: $25
  • Budapest Original Ruin Pub Crawl Including 5 Shots: $28
  • Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with Entry Tickets: $29
  • Detective Pub Crawl Game by App: $38
  • 8-Tier Hungarian Wine Tasting in a Cozy Downtown Wine Bar: $38
  • Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $42
  • Drunken History Bar Crawl Tour with Local Drinks: $42
  • Hungarian Wine Tasting (with Cheese and Charcuterie) in Budapest: $50

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

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


Which is Bigger, Budapest or Brescia?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Brescia. When comparing the sizes of Budapest 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 Budapest 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 Budapest or Brescia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Brescia. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Budapest this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Brescia for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Budapest is generally cooler than Brescia. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 21°C (70°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 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 Budapest this time of the year. In the summer, Budapest often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brescia. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 286 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in July than Brescia. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Budapest or Brescia in the Autumn?

Both Brescia and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Brescia in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Budapest is cooler than Brescia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Brescia fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Budapest usually receives more sunshine than Brescia during autumn. Budapest gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Budapest usually receives less rain than Brescia. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Budapest 12°C (53°F) 
    Brescia 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Budapest or Brescia in the Winter?

Both Brescia and Budapest during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Budapest in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Brescia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Brescia can be very cold during winter. Budapest can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Budapest is much colder than Brescia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Budapest in January average around -1°C (31°F), and Brescia averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Brescia. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 98 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in January than Brescia. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Budapest -1°C (31°F) 
    Brescia 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Budapest or Brescia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and Brescia. Most visitors come to Budapest for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Brescia because of the natural beauty.

In April, Budapest is generally around the same temperature as Brescia. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 12°C (53°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Budapest usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brescia during spring. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Budapest usually receives less rain than Brescia. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Budapest 12°C (53°F) 
    Brescia 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Brescia and Budapest

Budapest Brescia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (35°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)