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

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

Interlaken

Interlaken is a world-class, stunning, and adventurous town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for skiing, food, and hiking.

Brescia

Brescia is a historic, undisovered, and authentic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Interlaken and Brescia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Interlaken or Brescia?

Both Brescia and Interlaken have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Interlaken is more popular for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Brescia is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Interlaken is more touristy than Brescia and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Brescia is popular for its historic and archeological sights.

How is Interlaken different from Brescia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Brescia Better for Skiing?

Interlaken
Brescia

Interlaken is a nice place to visit for winter skiing. However, Brescia is not a skiing destination.

Interlaken is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Brescia is not a skiing destination.


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

Interlaken
Brescia

Brescia is very good for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Interlaken
Brescia

Foodies will find both Interlaken and Brescia both to be excellent destinations.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Brescia. 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 Interlaken or Brescia Better for Nightlife?

Interlaken
Brescia

Brescia is very good for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy 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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Interlaken or Brescia Better for Hiking?

Interlaken
Brescia

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

Known for its hiking, Interlaken draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Brescia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Brescia?

Interlaken
Brescia

Brescia is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Brescia Better for Families?

Interlaken
Brescia

Interlaken is renowned for its family-friendly activities. However, Brescia is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Interlaken is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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 Interlaken or Brescia Better for Couples?

Interlaken
Brescia

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

Interlaken has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

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 Interlaken or Brescia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken
Brescia

Interlaken 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 Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

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 Interlaken or Brescia Better for Students?

Interlaken
Brescia

Brescia is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken is not popular with students.


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

Interlaken
Brescia

Interlaken 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 Interlaken can move around easily with public transportation. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

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 Interlaken or Brescia a more walkable city?

Interlaken
Brescia

Interlaken and Brescia are good when it comes to walkability.

Interlaken is somewhat walkable. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Brescia or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Brescia?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Interlaken or Brescia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Interlaken 2-5 
    Brescia 1-2

One day in Interlaken or Brescia?

In Interlaken, you'll find skiing and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the authentic city of Brescia, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Brescia, one day is sufficent for most.


A weekend in Interlaken or Brescia?

In Interlaken, you'll find food and skiing. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Interlaken has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Brescia, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Interlaken or Brescia?

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Interlaken has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Brescia, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or Brescia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. Many people enjoy the food and skiing when visiting Interlaken. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Brescia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Brescia or Interlaken?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Interlaken is $231, 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 Interlaken and Brescia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Interlaken $133
    Brescia $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Interlaken $266
    Brescia $160
Compare Hotels in Interlaken and Brescia

Looking for a hotel in Interlaken 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 Interlaken


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: Interlaken Hotel Prices and Brescia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Interlaken $13
    Brescia $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Interlaken

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Interlaken are as follows:


  • Cable Cars (for 2)
    $66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Interlaken

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

  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Lucerne: $284
  • Transfer from/to Hotel - Airport: $160
  • Private Group transfer Zurich Airport - Interlaken: $1,312
  • Private Transfer from Interlaken to Zurich: $240

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 Interlaken or Brescia?

Prices for flights to both Brescia and Interlaken 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
    Interlaken $64
    Brescia $50
Typical Food Prices in Interlaken

For Interlaken, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Tea at Interlaken
    $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Interlaken

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

  • Fondue Cooking Class and Cheese Workshop in Switzerland: $143
  • Cheese and Chocolate Full-Day Food Tour: $733

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.
    Interlaken $104
    Brescia $33

Tours and Activities in Interlaken

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

  • Interlaken Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
  • Interlaken Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Hofstetten bei Brienz: Trauffer Erlebniswelt Ticket: $16
  • Private Lake Thun and Lake Brienz Express Tour from Interlaken: $29
  • Funicular Ticket to Harder Kulm: $42
  • Rope Park Climbing Adventure with Entry Ticket: $46
  • Funicular Ticket from Interlaken to Harder: $86
  • Bollywood Tour Gstaad - Express Tour: $90
  • Funicular Ticket from Interlaken to Harder (Top of Interlaken): $102
  • Interlaken Valley Bike Tour: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $108
  • Bike Tour of the Interlaken Valley: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $111
  • Waterfalls Day Tour: $119

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
    Interlaken $17
    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 Interlaken and Brescia, we can see that Interlaken 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 Interlaken would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Interlaken 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 Interlaken Expensive? and Is Brescia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Brescia?

Brescia has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken 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 Interlaken 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 Interlaken or Brescia in the Summer?

Both Brescia and Interlaken during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Brescia for the family-friendly experiences.

Interlaken is cooler than Brescia in the summer. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Brescia fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Brescia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Interlaken. In the summer, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Brescia. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 286 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in July than Brescia. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Interlaken 21°C (70°F) 
    Brescia 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Brescia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Brescia. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Brescia in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Interlaken is around the same temperature as Brescia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Interlaken in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Brescia averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Brescia during autumn. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Interlaken usually receives less rain than Brescia. Interlaken gets 70 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
    Interlaken 13°C (56°F) 
    Brescia 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Brescia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Brescia. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the winter for the skiing and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Brescia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Brescia can be very cold during winter. Interlaken can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Interlaken is generally much warmer than Brescia. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 3°C (37°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Brescia. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 98 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in January than Brescia. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Interlaken 3°C (37°F) 
    Brescia 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Interlaken or Brescia in the Spring?

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

Interlaken is around the same temperature as Brescia in the spring. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Brescia fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Brescia during spring. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Brescia. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Interlaken 12°C (53°F) 
    Brescia 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Brescia and Interlaken

Interlaken Brescia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) 1°C (35°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (47°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 17°C (63°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)