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

Should you visit Geneva or Brescia?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Geneva and Brescia. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Geneva

Geneva is a professional, classy, and diverse city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brescia

Brescia is a undisovered, authentic, and under-rated city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Geneva and Brescia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Geneva or Brescia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Geneva. Although Geneva and Brescia are both popular with visitors, Geneva has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Geneva is popular for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. It is also home to The Geneva Water Fountain (The Jet d'Eau). Brescia is popular for its historic and archeological sights.

How is Geneva different from Brescia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Geneva
Brescia

Geneva 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 Geneva can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

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 Geneva or Brescia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Geneva
Brescia

Dining out at restaurants in both Geneva and Brescia can be an enjoyable experience.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Geneva makes for a great culinary experience. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

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 Geneva or Brescia Better for Nightlife?

Geneva
Brescia

It's hard to distinguish whether Geneva or Brescia has a better nightlife scene.

Geneva has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

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 Geneva or Brescia Better for its Old Town?

Geneva
Brescia

Geneva is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Brescia does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Geneva to see the historical old town. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Brescia does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or Brescia?

Geneva
Brescia

Geneva is renowned for shopping. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Geneva is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

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.

Is Geneva or Brescia Better for Families?

Geneva
Brescia

Geneva 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 Geneva. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

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 Geneva or Brescia Better for Couples?

Geneva
Brescia

Geneva and Brescia both good destinations for a couple.

Geneva is a nice destination for couples. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

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 Geneva or Brescia Better for Students?

Geneva
Brescia

Geneva is well known for students. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Geneva is a great city to visit as a student. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

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

Geneva
Brescia

Geneva 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.

Geneva has a great public transit system. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

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 Geneva or Brescia a more walkable city?

Geneva
Brescia

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

Geneva is very walkable. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Brescia or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Brescia?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Geneva or Brescia?

Because Geneva is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 Geneva or Brescia?

Because Geneva 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. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Geneva 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 Geneva or Brescia?

Geneva 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 Geneva or Brescia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Geneva. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Geneva. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 authentic 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Brescia or Geneva?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Geneva is $210, 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 Geneva and Brescia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Geneva $145
    Brescia $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Geneva $290
    Brescia $160
Compare Hotels in Geneva and Brescia

Looking for a hotel in Geneva 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 Geneva


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: Geneva Hotel Prices and Brescia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Geneva $9.38
    Brescia $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:

  • Airport Transfer Geneva Airport to Villars sur Ollon: $361
  • Airport transfer - Geneva city center: $134
  • Arrival Transfer from Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Sedan: $73
  • Departure Transfer from Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by MiniVan: $95
  • From Private Transfer to Chamonix Mont Blanc: $267
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Chamonix (FR) - Arrival Private Transfer: $131
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Chamonix (FR) - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $262
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Courchevel (FR) Arrival Private Transfer: $174
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Geneva - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Lausanne - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Meribel (FR) - Arrival Private Transfer: $195
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Montreux - Arrival Private Transfer: $135

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 Geneva or Brescia?

Prices for flights to both Brescia and Geneva 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
    Geneva $52
    Brescia $50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Geneva.

  • Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $144
  • City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class: $185
  • Food tour in Geneva: $2,406

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.
    Geneva $30
    Brescia $33

Tours and Activities in Geneva

Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Geneva Lakeside Stroll: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • From Brunswick Monument to the Botanical Garden: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Old Town Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Geneva Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $8.02
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • The Many Faces of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
  • International District Self-Guided City Sightseeing: $15
  • Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
  • Geneva (International District) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16

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
    Geneva $22
    Brescia $24

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 Geneva and Brescia, we can see that Geneva is more expensive. And not only is Brescia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Brescia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brescia 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva than you might in Brescia.

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


Which is Bigger, Geneva or Brescia?

Brescia has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Geneva. When comparing the sizes of Geneva 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 Geneva 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 Geneva or Brescia in the Summer?

Both Brescia and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Geneva in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Brescia for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Geneva is around the same temperature as Brescia in the summer. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Brescia fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Brescia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Geneva. Geneva usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brescia during summer. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Geneva usually receives less rain than Brescia. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Geneva 22°C (71°F) 
    Brescia 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Geneva or Brescia in the Autumn?

Both Brescia and Geneva during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Brescia because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Geneva is around the same temperature as Brescia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Geneva in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Brescia averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Geneva often gets less sunshine than Brescia. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 137 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets less rain in October than Brescia. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Geneva 14°C (56°F) 
    Brescia 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Geneva or Brescia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Brescia. The winter months attract visitors to Geneva because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brescia this time of year.

It's quite cold in Brescia in the winter. The weather in Geneva can be very cold. In January, Geneva is generally much warmer than Brescia. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 4°C (39°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Geneva usually receives less sunshine than Brescia during winter. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Geneva usually receives less rain than Brescia. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Geneva 4°C (39°F) 
    Brescia 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Geneva or Brescia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Brescia. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Geneva this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Brescia for the natural beauty.

Geneva is around the same temperature as Brescia in the spring. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Brescia fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Geneva often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brescia. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 169 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Brescia. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Geneva 11°C (53°F) 
    Brescia 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Brescia and Geneva

Geneva Brescia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in) 1°C (35°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in) 23°C (73°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 20°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)