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

Should you visit Calais or Brescia?

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

Should I visit Calais 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.

Calais

Calais is a authentic, undiscovered, and coastal 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 undisovered, authentic, and under-rated city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Calais and Brescia: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Calais or Brescia?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Calais than Brescia. While Brescia is larger than Calais, Calais has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Calais is better known for its beaches and big city activities, while Brescia is more popular for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Brescia is more touristy than Calais and is known for its historic and archeological sights. Calais is well known for being a gateway for travelers to France. Also, Calais is famous for The Town Hall.

How is Calais different from Brescia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Calais
Brescia

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Calais or Brescia.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calais. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

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.


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

Calais
Brescia

Brescia is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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 Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Calais or Brescia Better for Nightlife?

Calais
Brescia

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Calais and Brescia.

Calais has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

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 Calais or Brescia Better for Beaches?

Calais
Brescia

Calais is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Brescia is not a beach destination.

Calais has a beach worth visiting. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Brescia is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Calais or Brescia?

Calais
Brescia

Brescia is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Calais or Brescia Better for Families?

Calais
Brescia

Calais 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 Calais. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

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 Calais or Brescia Better for Couples?

Calais
Brescia

With fun activities for couples, both Calais and Brescia make for a notable place to visit.

Calais is a good city for couples to visit. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

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.


Is Calais or Brescia Better for Students?

Calais
Brescia

Brescia is a popular place for students. However, Calais is not popular with 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.

Calais is not popular with students.

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

Calais
Brescia

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

You'll find some public transit in Calais, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

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 Calais or Brescia a more walkable city?

Calais
Brescia

Calais and Brescia both are notable when exploring on foot.

Calais is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Brescia or Calais?

How long in Calais or Brescia?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brescia than Calais 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 Brescia.


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

One day in Calais or Brescia?

In Calais, 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.

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

A weekend in Calais or Brescia?

In Calais, 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 Calais has to offer.

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.

Five days in Calais or Brescia?

Calais 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.

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.


A week in Calais or Brescia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calais. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Calais. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under-rated 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to France, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Brescia or Calais?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Calais is €139, 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 Calais and Brescia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Calais 77
    Brescia 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Calais 154
    Brescia 150
Compare Hotels in Calais and Brescia

Looking for a hotel in Calais 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 Calais


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: Calais Hotel Prices and Brescia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Calais 47
    Brescia 19

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 Calais or Brescia?

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

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.
    Calais 8.92
    Brescia 31

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
    Calais 12
    Brescia 23

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


Which is Bigger, Calais or Brescia?

Brescia has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Calais 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 Calais 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 Calais or Brescia in the Summer?

Both Brescia and Calais are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Calais for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Brescia in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Calais is cooler than Brescia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Calais in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Brescia averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Brescia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Calais. Calais usually receives less sunshine than Brescia during summer. Calais gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Calais usually receives less rain than Brescia. Calais gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Calais 17°C (63°F) 
    Brescia 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Calais or Brescia in the Autumn?

Both Brescia and Calais during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Calais in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Brescia for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Calais is generally cooler than Brescia. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 12°C (54°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Calais often gets less sunshine than Brescia. Calais gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 137 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in October than Brescia. Calais gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Calais 12°C (54°F) 
    Brescia 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Calais or Brescia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Calais and Brescia. Most visitors come to Calais for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. 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. Calais can be very cold during winter. Calais is much warmer than Brescia in the winter. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Brescia fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Calais usually receives less sunshine than Brescia during winter. Calais gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Calais usually receives less rain than Brescia. Calais gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Calais 4°C (40°F) 
    Brescia 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Calais or Brescia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Calais as well as Brescia. The spring months attract visitors to Calais because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Brescia this time of year.

In the spring, Calais is cooler than Brescia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Calais in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Brescia averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Calais often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brescia. Calais gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 169 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in April than Brescia. Calais gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Calais 9°C (47°F) 
    Brescia 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Brescia and Calais

Calais Brescia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 1°C (35°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (47°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)


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