A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Lake Garda vs. Bressanone for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Lake Garda or Bressanone?

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

Should I visit Lake Garda or Bressanone? 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.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a fun, energetic, and scenic lake. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Bressanone

Bressanone is a quaint, picturesque, and idyllic town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Lake Garda and Bressanone: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Lake Garda or Bressanone?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lake Garda. Although Lake Garda and Bressanone are both popular with visitors, Lake Garda has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lake Garda is more popular for its nightlife and beaches, while Bressanone is known for its historical sights and small town charm. Lake Garda is more touristy than Bressanone and is popular for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks. It is also home to Sirmione. Bressanone is popular for its charming old town and its idyllic setting.

How is Lake Garda different from Bressanone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lake Garda or Bressanone?

Lake Garda
Bressanone

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Lake Garda and Bressanone.

Lake Garda offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bressanone. Most visitors simply enjoy soaking up the town's atmosphere, but sights around town include The Royal Palace, the cathedral, and Franzenfeste Fortress.


Is the Food Better in Lake Garda or Bressanone? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lake Garda
Bressanone

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Lake Garda and Bressanone.

Lake Garda has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.

Dining out in Bressanone is an experience not to be missed. Despite its small size, there are many family run restaurants that make use of ingredients from local farms. The town also hosts a few culinary festivals throughout the year.

Is Lake Garda or Bressanone Better for Nightlife?

Lake Garda
Bressanone

Lake Garda is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in Lake Garda know how to have a good time. You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.

Bressanone doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small town with some quaint bars and pubs where you can enjoy a beer and chat with other visitors.

Is Lake Garda or Bressanone Better for Beaches?

Lake Garda
Bressanone

Lake Garda is a great destination for the beach. However, Bressanone is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Lake Garda attract visitors from all over. Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.

Bressanone is not a beach destination.


Is Lake Garda or Bressanone Better for its Old Town?

Lake Garda
Bressanone

Bressanone is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bressanone. The cathedral and beautiful old buildings make this a charming place to explore.

Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Is Lake Garda or Bressanone Better for Hiking?

Lake Garda
Bressanone

If you're looking to go hiking, Lake Garda and Bressanone both have excellent trails.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Lake Garda. There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Bressanone. There's a huge variety of hikes in the surrounding countryside. You can walk alongside the river, head into the foothills, or explore the nearby vineyards.

Is the Shopping Better in Lake Garda or Bressanone?

Lake Garda
Bressanone

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Lake Garda and Bressanone.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lake Garda. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.

Many visitors go to Bressanone to go shopping. The medieval streets are lined with family-owned shops, boutique clothing stores, and other unique local shopping opportunities.


Is Lake Garda or Bressanone Better for Families?

Lake Garda
Bressanone

Lake Garda is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Lake Garda is an extremely popular lake to visit for families. The nearby amusement parks, including Gardaland, make this a popular destination for families. The area also has many places to swim, trails to explore, and castles to experience. Kids and adults alike will love this amazing kid-friendly area.

For families, Bressanone is not always the best place to visit. It's a great town to take a lunch break. The kids will enjoy wandering the alley-like streets. There's a river through town and great views of the Alps.

Is Lake Garda or Bressanone Better for Couples?

Lake Garda
Bressanone

With fun activities for couples, both Lake Garda and Bressanone make for a excellent place to visit.

Lake Garda makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You'll find a lot of families in the area because of the amusement parks, but that doesn't mean that this isn't a romantic and beautiful spot for couples. There are many charming towns to explore and scenic viewpoints to check out. There are also excellent romantic restaurants that you should try.

Couples visit Bressanone frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This charming town is seeped in romance. The quaint streets and surrounding mountain setting make this an idyllic place to take a romantic trip.

Is Lake Garda or Bressanone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lake Garda
Bressanone

Lake Garda and Bressanone are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Lake Garda. There are a few good hostels around the lake that are affordable and fun. The area also see enough backpackers to keep the atmosphere fun and social.

Bressanone is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a couple of hostels and cheaper guesthouses in town, so backpackers can enjoy a few days in this picturesque alpine town.


Is Lake Garda or Bressanone Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lake Garda
Bressanone

Lake Garda is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Lake Garda. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

While Bressanone offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Lake Garda or Bressanone a more walkable city?

Lake Garda
Bressanone

Lake Garda and Bressanone are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Lake Garda is a very walkable lake. There are walking trails that connect the villages around the lake and this how many people choose to get around.

Bressanone is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and small enough to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Lake Garda Worth Visiting? and Is Bressanone Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bressanone or Lake Garda?

How long in Lake Garda or Bressanone?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lake Garda than Bressanone 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 Lake Garda.


  • How many days in Lake Garda or Bressanone? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lake Garda 2-4 
    Bressanone 1-2

One day in Lake Garda or Bressanone?

With museums and nightlife around the energetic lake of Lake Garda, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Bressanone might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bressanone, one day is sufficent for most.


A weekend in Lake Garda or Bressanone?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Lake Garda, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this lake.

Even though Bressanone is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Lake Garda or Bressanone?

Lake Garda, a popular lake, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bressanone, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Lake Garda or Bressanone?

Lake Garda 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.

Bressanone 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.


Which place is cheaper, Bressanone or Lake Garda?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lake Garda is €166, while the average daily cost in Bressanone is €138. 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 Lake Garda and Bressanone in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lake Garda 84
    Bressanone 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lake Garda 168
    Bressanone 144
Compare Hotels in Lake Garda and Bressanone

Looking for a hotel in Lake Garda or Bressanone? 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 Lake Garda


Hotels in Bressanone


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: Bressanone Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lake Garda 66
    Bressanone 23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lake Garda

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

  • Private Transfer from Verona VRN Airport to Lake Garda: $111
  • Sirmione Resorts to Marco Polo Airport-Departure Private Transfer: $128
  • Sirmione to Orio al Serio Airport (BGY)-Departure PrivateTransfer: $67
  • Verona Opera Arena: Transfer from Lake Garda & Opera Ticket: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Lake Garda or Bressanone?

Prices for flights to both Bressanone and Lake Garda 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
    Lake Garda 42
    Bressanone 47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lake Garda

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

  • 3 Hour Fresh Pasta and Tiramisù Private Cooking Class with Meal : $67
  • Cusina - Cooking Class: Fresh Pasta with wine tasting: $88

Typical Food Prices in Bressanone

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


  • Gelato
    2.20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lake Garda 30
    Bressanone 20

Tours and Activities in Lake Garda

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

  • Gardaland SEA LIFE Aquarium: Open Date Entry Ticket: $9.80
  • Lake Garda Mini Cruise: Sirmione Peninsula: $13
  • A single ticket for the three museums - duration 30 days: $14
  • Hotel Villa Cariola Pool Entry Ticket: $21
  • From San Felice del Benaco: Islands Boat Tour: $27
  • Sunset Tour in Sirmione : $28
  • Tour in the Winery and tasting: $33
  • Bardolino: Vineyard Tour with Wine, Olive Oil & Food Tasting: $38
  • MORNING CRUISE WITH YOGA & RELAX ON HISTORICAL SAILBOAT: $38
  • Lazise: Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience: $42
  • Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience in Lazise: $43
  • Winery Tour and Tasting of Garda Wines in Lazise: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lake Garda 19
    Bressanone 26

Sample the Local Flavors in Lake Garda

Also in Lake Garda, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Bardolino: Wine tasting at Cantina Valetti: $24
  • Wine Tasting and Tour of Lugana Wines in Sirmione: $32
  • Wine Tasting with Local Food in Lazise Countryside: $32
  • Vineyards Tour and Wine Tasting: $42
  • Garda Hills Wine Tour and Tasting: $42
  • Wine Tasting in Historical Center of Lazise: $44
  • Art Experience with Food and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $55
  • Lake Molveno and Grappa Distillery Tour with Tastings: $83
  • E-Bike Tour and wine tasting in Lazise Countryside: $89
  • E-Bike Tour and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $89
  • Lazise: Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $91
  • Castles boat tour with Bardolino wine tasting and nibbles: $100

Typical Alcohol Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Bressanone:


  • 1/2 Litre of wine
    9.00
  • 2 Glasses of Wine
    7.00


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lake Garda and Bressanone, we can see that Lake Garda is more expensive. And not only is Bressanone much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bressanone would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bressanone 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 Lake Garda would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lake Garda than you might in Bressanone.

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


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