A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cinque Terre vs. Brescia for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Cinque Terre or Brescia?

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

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

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a stunning, traditional, and charming coastal region. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and food.

Brescia

Brescia is a historic, undisovered, and authentic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cinque Terre and Brescia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cinque Terre or Brescia?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre than Brescia, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cinque Terre is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Brescia is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Brescia and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Also, Cinque Terre is famous for Vernazza Harbor. Brescia is well known for its historic and archeological sights.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Cinque Terre different from Brescia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cinque Terre or Brescia?

Brescia is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Brescia. 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.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Cinque Terre is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

Brescia has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Much of the cuisine has its roots in peasant recipes, but many have been incorporated into fine dining and specialty experiences. The dishes come from the countryside and use many local ingredients. Bigoi Col Pestöm (a local pasta), Casoncelli Alla Bresciana (stuffed pasta), and polenta are all favorites in the area.

Is Cinque Terre or Brescia Better for Nightlife?

Brescia is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Brescia. The city has a number of clubs and bars that make for a fun night out.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Cinque Terre or Brescia Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not so good for its resorts. However, Brescia is not a resort destination.

While Cinque Terre is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Brescia is not a resort destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Brescia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Brescia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cinque Terre has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

Brescia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Brescia Better for Beaches?

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

Cinque Terre has a beach worth visiting. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Brescia is not a beach destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Brescia Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is renowned for its historic old town. However, Brescia does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Cinque Terre is one of the most recognized in the world. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Brescia does not have a historic old town.

Is Cinque Terre or Brescia Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is renowned for its hiking experiences. However, Brescia is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Cinque Terre draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Brescia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cinque Terre or Brescia?

Brescia is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Cinque Terre or Brescia Better for Families?

Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

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 Cinque Terre or Brescia Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is renowned for romance. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Cinque Terre has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

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 Cinque Terre or Brescia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for 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 Cinque Terre or Brescia Better for Students?

Brescia is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Cinque Terre and Brescia.

Cinque Terre has some public transit options. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

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 Cinque Terre or Brescia a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Cinque Terre on foot is easy. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Brescia or Cinque Terre?

How long in Cinque Terre or Brescia?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre.

One day in Cinque Terre or Brescia?

Cinque Terre is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This coastal region offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Brescia, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this authentic city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Cinque Terre or Brescia?

Cinque Terre might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cinque Terre has to offer.

Brescia is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Cinque Terre or Brescia?

Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Brescia. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Cinque Terre or Brescia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. Since Cinque Terre is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre Expensive? and Is Brescia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cinque Terre or Brescia?

Brescia has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre or Brescia in the Summer?

Both Brescia and Cinque Terre during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Brescia this time of year.

In the summer, Cinque Terre is around the same temperature as Brescia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cinque Terre in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Brescia averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Brescia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cinque Terre. In the summer, Cinque Terre often gets more sunshine than Brescia. Cinque Terre gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 286 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre usually gets less rain in July than Brescia. Cinque Terre gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Brescia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cinque Terre and Brescia. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brescia for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cinque Terre is generally a little warmer than Brescia. Daily temperatures in Cinque Terre average around 17°C (63°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Cinque Terre usually receives more sunshine than Brescia during autumn. Cinque Terre gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cinque Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cinque Terre usually receives more rain than Brescia. Cinque Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Brescia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cinque Terre as well as Brescia. Many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Brescia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Brescia can get quite cold in the winter. Cinque Terre is much warmer than Brescia in the winter. The daily temperature in Cinque Terre averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Brescia fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Cinque Terre often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brescia. Cinque Terre gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 98 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre receives a lot of rain in the winter. Cinque Terre usually gets more rain in January than Brescia. Cinque Terre gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Brescia in the Spring?

Both Brescia and Cinque Terre are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Brescia for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Cinque Terre is a little warmer than Brescia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cinque Terre in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Brescia averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Cinque Terre usually receives more sunshine than Brescia during spring. Cinque Terre gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cinque Terre usually receives more rain than Brescia. Cinque Terre gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Brescia and Cinque Terre