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

Should you visit Mainz 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 Mainz 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.

Mainz

Mainz is a beautiful, peaceful, and historic town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

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.

Mainz and Brescia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Mainz or Brescia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mainz. Although Mainz and Brescia are both popular with visitors, Mainz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Mainz is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty, while Brescia is known for its nightlife and shopping. Mainz is more touristy than Brescia and is popular for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. It is also home to The Mainz Cathedral. Brescia is popular for its historic and archeological sights.

The Mainz Cathedral
The Mainz Cathedral

How is Mainz different from Brescia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mainz
Brescia

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Mainz or Brescia.

Mainz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's an old university town with a number of historical sights. Check out the Church of St. Stephan, Mainz Cathedral, the Gutenberg Museum, and the Museum of Ancient Seafaring.

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 Mainz or Brescia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mainz
Brescia

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Mainz and Brescia.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Mainz. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes that serve local food. There are also wine taverns where you can sample the local wines and dine of regional specialties.

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 Mainz or Brescia Better for Nightlife?

Mainz
Brescia

Brescia is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Mainz. It's a sleepy little town, so even locals often head to bigger cities for better nightlife.

Is Mainz or Brescia Better for its Old Town?

Mainz
Brescia

Mainz is well known for its historic old town. However, Brescia does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Mainz to see the historical old town. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.

Brescia does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Mainz or Brescia?

Mainz
Brescia

Brescia is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Mainz offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the boulevard of Am Brand near the cathedral for some of the town's best shopping. There are shops that line the street and it's a nice area to walk around.

Is Mainz or Brescia Better for Families?

Mainz
Brescia

Neither Mainz nor Brescia are considered to be the most family-friendly destination.

Mainz is not always a place people visit with their families. Kids will enjoy the Gutenburg Museum and the outdoor spaces where they can run around. There's also a nice old town that everyone will have fun exploring.

Brescia doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. There are several parks and swimming pools that the kids will enjoy as well as a castle and lots of archeology.

Is Mainz or Brescia Better for Couples?

Mainz
Brescia

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

Couples visit Mainz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Located on the Rhine River, this scenic setting is popular for river cruises. The town is nice to explore on its own, or you can hop around and take in several of the German river towns. You can also sit at outdoor cafes and sip local wine.

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 Mainz or Brescia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mainz
Brescia

Mainz 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 Mainz. The town is popular with river cruises but you'll also find a hostel or two where budget travelers can save some money and meet other 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 Mainz or Brescia Better for Students?

Mainz
Brescia

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

Mainz is a great town to visit as a student. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

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

Mainz
Brescia

Mainz 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 Mainz can move around easily with public transportation. There are regional trains that make it easy to use Mainz as a base to explore the area, or you could visit Mainz as a day trip from another nearby town.

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 Mainz or Brescia a more walkable city?

Mainz
Brescia

Mainz is renowned for its walkability. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Mainz on foot is easy. The town is easily explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Brescia or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Brescia?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Mainz or Brescia?

In Mainz, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Brescia, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this undisovered destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Mainz or Brescia?

In Mainz, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Mainz has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brescia. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


Five days in Mainz or Brescia?

Mainz is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Brescia. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Mainz or Brescia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mainz. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Mainz. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Brescia. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Brescia or Mainz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mainz is €142, 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 Mainz and Brescia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mainz 74
    Brescia 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mainz 148
    Brescia 150
Compare Hotels in Mainz and Brescia

Looking for a hotel in Mainz 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 Mainz


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: Mainz Hotel Prices and Brescia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mainz 37
    Brescia 19

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 Mainz or Brescia?

Prices for flights to both Brescia and Mainz 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
    Mainz 41
    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.
    Mainz 33
    Brescia 31

Tours and Activities in Mainz

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

  • Romantic Old Town Self-guided Discovery Tour: $8.45
  • Guided tour in Mainz on the Rhine in german and english: $21
  • Mainz Syndicate City Escape Game Self Guided Tour: $22
  • 2-Hour Advent Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Rhine: $22
  • Crime-Tour - Escape Game: $42
  • Self-Guided Urban Adventure Game: $43
  • Urban Adventure Game in Mainz with an app: $44
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $51
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Mainz E-Bike City Tour: $74
  • Private Guided Walking Tour in Mainz: $82
  • Guided Hotrod City Starter Tour: $95

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
    Mainz 22
    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 Mainz 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 Mainz Expensive? and Is Brescia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mainz or Brescia?

Brescia has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of Mainz 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 Mainz 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 Mainz or Brescia in the Summer?

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

Mainz is cooler than Brescia in the summer. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 19°C (66°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 Mainz. In the summer, Mainz often gets less sunshine than Brescia. Mainz gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 286 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in July than Brescia. Mainz gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mainz 19°C (66°F) 
    Brescia 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Brescia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mainz and Brescia. The autumn months attract visitors to Mainz 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.

In the autumn, Mainz is cooler than Brescia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mainz in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Brescia averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Mainz usually receives less sunshine than Brescia during autumn. Mainz gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mainz usually receives less rain than Brescia. Mainz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mainz 11°C (51°F) 
    Brescia 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Brescia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mainz as well as Brescia. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mainz 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 Mainz in the winter. In January, Mainz is generally a little warmer than Brescia. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 2°C (35°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Mainz often gets less sunshine than Brescia. Mainz gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 98 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in January than Brescia. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mainz 2°C (35°F) 
    Brescia 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Brescia in the Spring?

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

Mainz is cooler than Brescia in the spring. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Brescia fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Mainz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brescia during spring. Mainz gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mainz usually receives less rain than Brescia. Mainz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mainz 11°C (51°F) 
    Brescia 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Brescia and Mainz

Mainz Brescia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (35°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in) 9°C (47°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)


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