A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cagliari vs. Brescia for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Cagliari 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 Cagliari and Brescia can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cagliari

Cagliari is a historic, under-rated, and laid back city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Brescia

Brescia is a historic, undisovered, and authentic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cagliari and Brescia: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Cagliari or Brescia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cagliari. Although Cagliari and Brescia are popular destinations, Cagliari has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cagliari is very popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and big city activities, while Brescia attracts visitors for its shopping and impressive beauty. Cagliari is famous for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. It is also well known for Castello. Brescia is famous for its historic and archeological sights.

How is Cagliari different from Brescia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cagliari
Brescia

Cagliari 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 Cagliari can be an interesting and educational experience. The Castello district is filled with ancient buildings including Bastione San Remy and the Duomo. Also make sure you check out the Archeology Museum.

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 Cagliari or Brescia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cagliari
Brescia

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cagliari and Brescia can be difficult as they are each excellent in their own way.

Cagliari has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The cuisine mixes the island's sea and mountain settings. You'll find many local pastas, breads, seafood dishes, and cheeses. There's a wealth of diversity in the food and you should definitely step away from the more traditional Italian flavors and try something uniquely Sardinian.

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.

Is Cagliari or Brescia Better for Nightlife?

Cagliari
Brescia

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

Cagliari is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a thriving nightlife scene that is mostly centered around tourists. You'll find a number of the best bars in the Castello district and the atmosphere is usually relaxed and laid back, like the town itself.

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 Cagliari or Brescia Better for Beaches?

Cagliari
Brescia

Cagliari is well known for its beaches. However, Brescia is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cagliari. While you'll find some nice beaches in town, if you're willing to head to the surrounding areas just outside of town, you'll be rewarded with amazing beaches. The beaches are enjoyable any time of the year.

Brescia is not a beach destination.


Is Cagliari or Brescia Better for its Old Town?

Cagliari
Brescia

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

Many visitors go to Cagliari to see the historical old town. The Castello district is the city's old town. It's filled with narrow alleys, historic castles, and a truly unique atmosphere.

Brescia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cagliari or Brescia?

Cagliari
Brescia

Brescia is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Cagliari to go shopping. Head to the Marina district for some of the city's best shopping opportunities. There are a number of shopping malls to choose from. For souvenirs and other handicrafts, the port area has a few shops.

Is Cagliari or Brescia Better for Families?

Cagliari
Brescia

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

Cagliari is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of activities for kids to enjoy in the areas surrounding the city. If you're willing to get about an hour out of town, you can check out the Water Park of Pula. In town, there's a little train that young kids will enjoy. And, of course, there are the beaches!

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 Cagliari or Brescia Better for Couples?

Cagliari
Brescia

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

Couples visit Cagliari frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The waterfront setting and nice beaches make this a great place for couples. There's also the Castello district, which is fun to wander through, and many parks and outdoor walking areas.

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 Cagliari or Brescia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cagliari
Brescia

Cagliari 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 Cagliari. There's a hostel or two in the area that offer accommodation that backpackers will appreciate.

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 Cagliari or Brescia Better for Students?

Cagliari
Brescia

Both Cagliari and Brescia are nice destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit Cagliari. There are some study abroad opportunities in town, and with the nearby beaches and wonderful weather, many international students enjoy their time here.

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.


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

Cagliari
Brescia

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Cagliari and Brescia.

Cagliari has some public transit options. There are buses that travel around town relatively efficiently.

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.

Is Cagliari or Brescia a more walkable city?

Cagliari
Brescia

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

Cagliari is very walkable. While the city is very walkable, it is built on a large hill so come prepared for some steep climbs.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Brescia or Cagliari?

How long in Cagliari or Brescia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cagliari or Brescia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cagliari 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 Cagliari, and 1-2 days is enough time in Brescia.

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

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

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


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

One day in Cagliari or Brescia?

In Cagliari, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

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 Cagliari or Brescia?

In Cagliari, 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 Cagliari 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 Cagliari or Brescia?

Cagliari is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

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 Cagliari or Brescia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cagliari. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cagliari. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Brescia or Cagliari?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cagliari is €120, 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 Cagliari and Brescia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cagliari 66
    Brescia 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cagliari 132
    Brescia 150
Compare Hotels in Cagliari and Brescia

Looking for a hotel in Cagliari 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 Cagliari


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: Cagliari Hotel Prices and Brescia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cagliari 31
    Brescia 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cagliari

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

  • Cagliari Elmas Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Cagliari: $65
  • Private Transfer Cagliari airport City - Orosei city Marina: $513
  • Private Transfer from Cagliari hotels to Cagliari Cruise Port: $26
  • Transfer / taxi Cagliari Airport - Cagliari city: $60

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 Cagliari or Brescia?

Prices for flights to both Brescia and Cagliari 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
    Cagliari 35
    Brescia 47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cagliari

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

  • Sardinia Cooking Class: Fresh Handmade Pasta: $75
  • Cooking Class and Wine Tasting: $80
  • Homemade fresh pasta cooking: $82
  • Sardinia Traditional Food Tour: $87
  • Sardinian Cooking Class with Meal and Drinks: $96
  • Traditional Sardinian Lunch and Cooking Class In Cagliari: $116
  • Romantic sunset dinner experience with private chef: $159

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.
    Cagliari 17
    Brescia 31

Tours and Activities in Cagliari

For Cagliari, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Train ticket to travel between airport and city: $1.59
  • Pinuccio Sciola Museum: Giardino Sonoro Guided Tour: $8.56
  • Conti Vecchi Salt Flats Train and Tour: $13
  • Museum of Nuragic Civilization Entry Ticket: $19
  • Walking Tour of the Old City: $21
  • Climbing Experience beneath the ancient walls: $26
  • Underground Cagliari Walking Tour: $27
  • Nocturne Karalis, night tour in Cagliari: $27
  • walking tour through the alleys of Castello: $30
  • Sardinia Escape Experience: Be a detective on the road: $32
  • Cagliari sunset tour with aperitif - Lighthouse Capo S.Elia: $37
  • 2 hours sightseeing tour by e-bike: $37

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
    Cagliari 7.57
    Brescia 23

Sample the Local Flavors in Cagliari

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

  • Guided Artisanal Food and Wine Tasting Experience: $48
  • WINE TOUR with sommelier in a winery near Cagliari: $66
  • Small-Group Food and Wine Tour from Cagliari: $98
  • Wine Tour Sardinia: $107
  • Wine tour aroud vineyards of Cagliari : $109
  • Wine Tasting & Winery Tour: $266
  • Full-Day Private Wine Tasting with Lunch: $641

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

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


Which is Bigger, Cagliari or Brescia?

Brescia has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Cagliari. When comparing the sizes of Cagliari 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 Cagliari 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 Cagliari or Brescia in the Summer?

Both Brescia and Cagliari during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cagliari this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brescia for the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Brescia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cagliari. In the summer, Cagliari often gets more sunshine than Brescia. Cagliari gets 337 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 286 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in July than Brescia. Cagliari gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Cagliari or Brescia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cagliari and Brescia. Many travelers come to Cagliari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Brescia in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Cagliari is a little warmer than Brescia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cagliari averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Brescia fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Cagliari usually receives more sunshine than Brescia during autumn. Cagliari gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Brescia. Cagliari gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cagliari 18°C (65°F) 
    Brescia 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Cagliari or Brescia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cagliari as well as Brescia. Many visitors come to Cagliari 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. In the winter, Cagliari is much warmer than Brescia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cagliari in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Brescia averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Cagliari often gets more sunshine than Brescia. Cagliari gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 98 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in January than Brescia. Cagliari gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Cagliari or Brescia in the Spring?

Both Brescia and Cagliari are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cagliari for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Brescia because of the natural beauty.

In April, Cagliari is generally around the same temperature as Brescia. Daily temperatures in Cagliari average around 14°C (57°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cagliari. Cagliari usually receives more sunshine than Brescia during spring. Cagliari gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Brescia. Cagliari gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cagliari 14°C (57°F) 
    Brescia 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Brescia and Cagliari

Cagliari Brescia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 1°C (35°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 10°C (51°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (47°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 24°C (76°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 26 mm (1 in) 20°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 50 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)