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

Should you visit Helsinki or Brescia?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Helsinki and Brescia can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Helsinki

Helsinki is a active, nature-focused, and coastal city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Helsinki and Brescia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
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 Helsinki or Brescia?

Both Brescia and Helsinki have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Helsinki is very popular for its museums and impressive beauty, while Brescia attracts visitors for its food. Helsinki is famous for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. Brescia is famous for its historic and archeological sights.

How is Helsinki different from Brescia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Helsinki
Brescia

Helsinki 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 Helsinki can be an interesting and educational experience. Many of the city's sights and attractions center around nature and the water. Major hightlights of the city include the Fortress of Sveaborg, Seurasaari open-Air Museum, and Temppeliaukio Rock Church. The city is also home to The National Museum of Finland.

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 Helsinki or Brescia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Helsinki
Brescia

Brescia is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Helsinki area. Food in town is all about local flavors and simple ingredients. The dishes let the flavor speak for itself without fancy cooking techniques or complex flavor combinations. Many of the restaurants are locally sourced with traditional ingredients. You'll find a lot of seafood, herring, grilled sausages, pancakes, and desserts.

Is Helsinki or Brescia Better for Nightlife?

Helsinki
Brescia

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Helsinki and Brescia.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Helsinki. The nightlife scene is at its best on weekends when the city center comes to life with parties, dance clubs, and student activities. Many of the best clubs and bars are concentrated in the city center. Weekends are a bit calmer and things quiet down a lot.

Brescia has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has a number of clubs and bars that make for a fun night out.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Brescia?

Helsinki
Brescia

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Helsinki and Brescia.

Helsinki is well-known for its shopping. The city is great for shopping, with many brands focused on sustainability. There are local boutiques as well as name brands. Flea markets and vintage shops are also popular.

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 Helsinki or Brescia Better for Families?

Helsinki
Brescia

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

Helsinki is a very family-friendly place to visit. The coastal setting offers many activities that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This capital city has a calm atmosphere with plenty of parkland to explore. The shoreline is dotted by islands where you'll also find a zoo and a fort. Kids will also enjoy exploring the islands by boat.

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 Helsinki or Brescia Better for Couples?

Helsinki
Brescia

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

Couples visit Helsinki frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city's many parks offer the perfect setting for a picnic or a walk. There are also botanical gardens, evening boat rides, and saunas that will help you enjoy a romantic trip away.

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 Helsinki or Brescia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki
Brescia

Helsinki 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 Helsinki. With its active nightlife scene, vibrant atmosphere, and inclusive personality, this city is a fun place for backpackers, but you should expect to pay a premium for the experience. Many backpackers avoid the city because they have heard how expensive it is. There are a few hostels around that will help you keep costs a bit more manageable.

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 Helsinki or Brescia Better for Students?

Helsinki
Brescia

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

Helsinki is a great city to visit as a student. The city has an active student life with plenty of culture and nature. It's active nightlife scene and beautiful natural areas make it a wonderful place to study.

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

Helsinki
Brescia

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

Visitors to Helsinki can move around easily with public transportation. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

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 Helsinki or Brescia a more walkable city?

Helsinki
Brescia

Helsinki and Brescia are nice when it comes to walkability.

Helsinki is a somewhat walkable place. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Brescia or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Brescia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Helsinki or Brescia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Helsinki than Brescia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 1-2 days is enough time in Brescia.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Helsinki or Brescia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Helsinki 2-4 
    Brescia 1-2

One day in Helsinki or Brescia?

In Helsinki, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Helsinki or Brescia?

In Helsinki, 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 Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Brescia?

Helsinki 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.

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 Helsinki or Brescia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Helsinki. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Helsinki. 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 Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Brescia or Helsinki?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki 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 Helsinki and Brescia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Helsinki 73
    Brescia 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Helsinki 146
    Brescia 150
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Brescia

Looking for a hotel in Helsinki 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 Helsinki


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: Helsinki Hotel Prices and Brescia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Helsinki 22
    Brescia 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki

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

  • Departure Private Transfer Helsinki City to Helsinki Airport HEL by business car: $64
  • Departure Transfer: Helsinki to Airport HEL in Business Car: $97
  • Guided Tallinn Day Tour from Helsinki / Include hotel transfers: $218
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki West Terminal - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $81
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL): One-Way Transfer to/from Helsinki: $144
  • Helsinki Airport (HEL): Transfer to Helsinki Cruise Terminal: $129
  • Helsinki Airport VIP Transfers: Exclusive Comfort&Efficiency: $134
  • Helsinki City hotels to Helsinki Airport (HEL) Departure Transfer: $41
  • Helsinki Private Airport & City Transfer: $82
  • Helsinki Private Transfer: $158
  • Helsinki Private Transfer from Helsinki city centre to Helsinki airport: $98
  • Helsinki Stopover Tour with Round-Trip Airport Transfers: $139

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 Helsinki or Brescia?

Prices for flights to both Brescia and Helsinki 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
    Helsinki 34
    Brescia 47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki

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

  • FOOD Tour with Rooftop Bar Visit in Helsinki: $106
  • FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $108
  • Helsinki Food Tour Including Tastings: $164

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.
    Helsinki 27
    Brescia 31

Tours and Activities in Helsinki

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

  • Tip-Based City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $2.14
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Tip-based Free Walking Tour Helsinki - RED UMBRELLA TOURS: $5.13
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Helsinki Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $6.95
  • Temppeliaukio Church Entrance Ticket: $8.56
  • From Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to Suomenlinna: $8.64
  • Suomenlinna: Museum Ticket: $9.62
  • Historical Highlights Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • 4D Flying Cinema Tour of Helsinki Tickets: $14
  • Self-Guided City Highlights Audio Tour: $14

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
    Helsinki 16
    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 Helsinki 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 Helsinki Expensive? and Is Brescia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Brescia?

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

Both Brescia and Helsinki during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Brescia because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Helsinki is generally cooler than Brescia. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°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 Helsinki. In the summer, Helsinki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brescia. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 286 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in July than Brescia. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Helsinki 17°C (62°F) 
    Brescia 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Brescia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Brescia. The autumn months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Brescia this time of year.

Helsinki is much colder than Brescia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Brescia fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Brescia during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Brescia. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Helsinki 6°C (42°F) 
    Brescia 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Brescia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Brescia. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brescia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Brescia. It's quite cold in Helsinki in the winter. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Brescia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Brescia averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Brescia. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 98 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Brescia. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Helsinki -6°C (21°F) 
    Brescia 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Helsinki or Brescia in the Spring?

Both Brescia and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Brescia in the spring for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than Brescia. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Brescia during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Brescia. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Helsinki 3°C (37°F) 
    Brescia 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Brescia and Helsinki

Helsinki Brescia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (21°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 1°C (35°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 34 mm (1.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec -4°C (26°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)