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

Should you visit Lyon or Brescia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Brescia, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Lyon

Lyon is a authentic, historic, and beautiful city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brescia

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

Lyon and Brescia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or Brescia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lyon than Brescia. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Lyon is more touristy than Brescia and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. It is also well known for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Brescia is famous for its historic and archeological sights.

How is Lyon different from Brescia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Lyon that are not to be missed. There are many world class museums and historic landmarks in the city including Musée des Beaux Arts, Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine, and Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

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 Lyon or Brescia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lyon is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Lyon is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Known as "the Gastronomic Capital of the World" this city stands above the rest when it comes to Michelin star restaurants (there are 17!), fresh ingredients, and unique local flavors. Favorite local dishes include pâté en croûte, rosette de Lyon, and saucisson brioché.

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 Lyon or Brescia Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is well known for nightlife. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Lyon is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has enough diverse neighborhoods that you'll find a scene that is great for everyone. There are dance clubs, cocktail bars, and wine bars that meet every personality and style.

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 Lyon or Brescia Better for its Old Town?

Lyon is renowned for its historic old town. However, Brescia does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Lyon is one of the most recognized in the world. This impressive old town climbs from the river into Fourvière Hill. It's a Renaissance era district with beautiful buildings and plenty of character. You can spend days wandering the quaint streets and popping in the world class restaurants.

Brescia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or Brescia?

Both Lyon and Brescia are superb shopping destinations.

Lyon is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many trendy markets, pedestrian shopping areas, and character-filled boutiques. From the charming shops in old town to the chic shopping streets, there are plenty of places to splurge around town.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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 Lyon or Brescia Better for Families?

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

Lyon is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many kid-friendly museums including Musée des Confluences and the Cinema and Miniature Museum. There are also playgrounds, patisseries, and river cruises that you can enjoy as a family. Puppet shows are also fun, but do note that they're usually in French. While the restaurants are amazing for adults, it can be tricky to find a kid-friendly option with early opening hours that are convenient for little ones.

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 Lyon or Brescia Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Lyon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples can enjoy wandering the beautiful Old Town, taking a river cruise, and dining on some of the best food in France.

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 Lyon or Brescia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is well known for backpackers. However, Brescia is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Lyon. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

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 Lyon or Brescia Better for Students?

Lyon is renowned for students. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Lyon is a great destination for students. It is a very livable city with many fun cultural activities for students. There are many different entertainment options during the day, and during the evening there are plenty of places to hang out.

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

Lyon 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.

Lyon has a great public transit system. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

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 Lyon or Brescia a more walkable city?

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

Lyon is very walkable. The old town is particularly walkable, but the hills can make things a bit challenging. There are also a number of pedestrian streets around town.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Brescia or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or Brescia?

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

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

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

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

One day in Lyon or Brescia?

Because Lyon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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 Lyon or Brescia?

Because Lyon 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lyon 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 Lyon or Brescia?

Lyon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lyon has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the undisovered 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 Lyon or Brescia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lyon. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lyon. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Lyon or Brescia?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and Brescia. The summer months attract visitors to Lyon because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Brescia this time of year.

In July, Lyon is generally around the same temperature as Brescia. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 22°C (71°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brescia this time of the year. In Lyon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lyon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brescia during summer. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Lyon or Brescia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lyon as well as Brescia. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lyon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brescia for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Lyon is around the same temperature as Brescia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Brescia fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

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

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

Should I visit Lyon or Brescia in the Winter?

Both Brescia and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Brescia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Brescia can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Lyon. In the winter, Lyon is much warmer than Brescia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lyon in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Brescia averages at about 1°C (35°F).

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

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

Should I visit Lyon or Brescia in the Spring?

Both Brescia and Lyon during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lyon in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Brescia for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Lyon is generally around the same temperature as Brescia. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 11°C (53°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

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

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

Typical Weather for Brescia and Lyon