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

Should you visit Kiel or Brescia?

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

Should I visit Kiel or Brescia? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Kiel

Kiel is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and waterfront city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Brescia

Brescia is a undisovered, authentic, and under-rated city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kiel and Brescia: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Kiel or Brescia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kiel than Brescia. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Kiel is very popular for its beaches and big city activities, while Brescia attracts visitors for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Kiel is famous for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. It is also well known for The Kiel Castle. Brescia is famous for its historic and archeological sights.

How is Kiel different from Brescia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kiel
Brescia

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Kiel and Brescia.

Kiel offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.

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.


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

Kiel
Brescia

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

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.

Kiel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

Is Kiel or Brescia Better for Nightlife?

Kiel
Brescia

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

Kiel has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

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 Kiel or Brescia Better for Beaches?

Kiel
Brescia

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

Kiel has a beach worth visiting. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Brescia is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Kiel or Brescia?

Kiel
Brescia

Brescia is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Brescia is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Kiel has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Kiel or Brescia Better for Families?

Kiel
Brescia

Kiel 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 Kiel. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.

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 Kiel or Brescia Better for Couples?

Kiel
Brescia

With fun activities for couples, both Kiel and Brescia make for a nice place to visit.

Kiel makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Brescia is a good city for couples to visit. It's location near Lake Garda and its rich history and plethora of archeological sites make this a nice destination for couples.


Is Kiel or Brescia Better for Students?

Kiel
Brescia

Kiel and Brescia are nice places to visit for students.

Kiel is popular with students. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

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

Kiel
Brescia

Brescia is a popular place for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kiel. There is a bus system around town.

Is Kiel or Brescia a more walkable city?

Kiel
Brescia

Kiel and Brescia both are nice when exploring on foot.

Kiel is a somewhat walkable place. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Brescia or Kiel?

How long in Kiel or Brescia?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brescia than Kiel if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Brescia.


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

One day in Kiel or Brescia?

In Kiel, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Brescia. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Kiel or Brescia?

In Kiel, 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 Kiel has to offer.

Brescia is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Kiel or Brescia?

Kiel 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Brescia. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Kiel or Brescia?

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

The under-rated city of Brescia offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.


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


Which place is cheaper, Brescia or Kiel?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kiel is €138, 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 Kiel and Brescia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kiel 67
    Brescia 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kiel 134
    Brescia 150
Compare Hotels in Kiel and Brescia

Looking for a hotel in Kiel 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 Kiel


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: Kiel Hotel Prices and Brescia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kiel 54
    Brescia 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiel

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiel:

  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg Airport (HAM) - Departure Private Transfer: $118
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $118
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $235
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Hamburg: $645
  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg city: $79
  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Port to Hamburg Airport: $79

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 Kiel or Brescia?

Prices for flights to both Brescia and Kiel 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
    Kiel 39
    Brescia 47

Typical Food Prices in Brescia

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brescia:


  • Dinner at Pizzaria (for 2)
    23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brescia

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

  • Wine Tasting and Dinner/Lunch or Aperitivo in Franciacorta Winery: $32
  • 3 Hour Private Italian Tradition Cooking Class in Brescia: $76
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Brescia with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Desenzano del Garda with Show Cooking: $93
  • Cooking class in a garden: handmade pasta: $113
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Desenzano del Garda: $158
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Brescia: $158

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kiel 19
    Brescia 31

Tours and Activities in Kiel

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

  • Lübeck Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Laboe Naval Memorial: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Lindau Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Kiel's Historical Port: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Kiel Self-Guided Audio Tour: Explore this Historic Port: $12
  • SEA LIFE Timmendorfer Strand Admission Ticket: $16
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21
  • City Sightseeing Kiel Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
  • Lübeck stories - an exciting scavenger hunt tour: $34
  • Kiel Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Private Walking Tour of Kiel: $97

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
    Kiel 12
    Brescia 23

Sample the Local Flavors in Brescia

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brescia:

  • Wine Tour and Tasting of Lugana Wines in Desenzano: $49
  • Franciacorta: Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour with Snacks: $80
  • Vineyard Tour: Top Franciacorta Wine Tasting: $82
  • E-Bike tour and Wine tasting from Desenzano Inland: $92
  • Self-guided Wine tour in Franciacorta, Full-Day Experience with Lunch: $147
  • From Milan: Lake Iseo, Bergamo & Franciacorta Wine Tour: $738
  • VIP Experience to Lake Iseo and Franciacorta Wine Tasting: $1,604


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


Which is Bigger, Kiel or Brescia?

Kiel has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Brescia. When comparing the sizes of Kiel 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 Kiel 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 Kiel or Brescia in the Summer?

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

In July, Kiel is generally cooler than Brescia. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 16°C (61°F), 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 Kiel. Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Brescia during summer. Kiel gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kiel usually receives more rain than Brescia. Kiel gets 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kiel 16°C (61°F) 
    Brescia 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Kiel or Brescia in the Autumn?

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

Kiel is cooler than Brescia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Brescia fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Brescia. Kiel gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 137 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets less rain in October than Brescia. Kiel gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kiel 10°C (50°F) 
    Brescia 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Kiel or Brescia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiel and Brescia. Most visitors come to Kiel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Brescia because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Brescia can be very cold. Kiel can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Kiel is much colder than Brescia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kiel in January average around 0°C (33°F), and Brescia averages at about 1°C (35°F).

Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Brescia during winter. Kiel gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kiel usually receives around the same amount of rain as Brescia. Kiel gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kiel 0°C (33°F) 
    Brescia 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Kiel or Brescia in the Spring?

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

In April, Kiel is generally much colder than Brescia. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 7°C (44°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Kiel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brescia. Kiel gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 169 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets less rain in April than Brescia. Kiel gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kiel 7°C (44°F) 
    Brescia 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Brescia and Kiel

Kiel Brescia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 1°C (35°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 3°C (38°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (47°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Sep 14°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)