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

Should you visit Malaga or Brescia?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Malaga and Brescia. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Malaga

Malaga is a historic, beautiful, and friendly port city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

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.

Malaga and Brescia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Malaga or Brescia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Malaga than Brescia. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Malaga is very popular for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Brescia attracts visitors for its museums and shopping. Malaga is more touristy than Brescia and is known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Alcazaba. Brescia is famous for its historic and archeological sights.

How is Malaga different from Brescia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Malaga
Brescia

Brescia is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Malaga
Brescia

Both Malaga and Brescia offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Malaga. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

Brescia has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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 Malaga or Brescia Better for Nightlife?

Malaga
Brescia

Malaga is renowned for nightlife. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Malaga is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

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 Malaga or Brescia Better for Music?

Malaga
Brescia

Malaga is well known for live music. However, Brescia is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Malaga. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

Brescia is not a live music destination.


Is Malaga or Brescia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga
Brescia

Malaga is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Brescia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Malaga has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

Brescia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Brescia Better for Beaches?

Malaga
Brescia

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

Malaga has a beach worth visiting. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Brescia is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Brescia Better for its Old Town?

Malaga
Brescia

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

Many visitors go to Malaga to see the historical old town. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

Brescia does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Brescia?

Malaga
Brescia

Brescia is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit 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.

Malaga has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Is Malaga or Brescia Better for Families?

Malaga
Brescia

Malaga 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 Malaga. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

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 Malaga or Brescia Better for Couples?

Malaga
Brescia

Malaga and Brescia both nice destinations for a couple.

Malaga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Brescia is a good port 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 Malaga or Brescia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga
Brescia

Malaga is renowned for backpackers. However, Brescia is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Malaga is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

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 Malaga or Brescia Better for Students?

Malaga
Brescia

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

Malaga is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international students.

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

Malaga
Brescia

Both Malaga and Brescia offer nice public transit options.

Malaga has a few public transit options. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

Brescia has some public transit options. There are buses and light rail to help you get around town.


Is Malaga or Brescia a more walkable city?

Malaga
Brescia

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

Malaga is very walkable. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible 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 Malaga Worth Visiting? and Is Brescia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brescia or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Brescia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Malaga or Brescia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Malaga than Brescia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 1-2 days is enough time in Brescia.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Malaga or Brescia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Malaga 3-7 
    Brescia 1-2

One day in Malaga or Brescia?

In Malaga, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Brescia. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malaga or Brescia?

In Malaga, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Brescia is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Malaga or Brescia?

Malaga 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 Malaga has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brescia. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Malaga or Brescia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. In Malaga, you'll find live music and food. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Brescia. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Brescia or Malaga?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €140, 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 Malaga and Brescia in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Malaga 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 Malaga


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: Malaga Hotel Prices and Brescia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Brescia 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Marbella - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
  • Airport Transfer: Malaga Airport AGP to Malaga by Luxury Van: $57
  • Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $51
  • Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Luxury Car: $73
  • Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Luxury Van: $53
  • Departure Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $51
  • Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Arrival private Transfer: $19
  • Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Granada - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $98
  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Malaga Airport (AGP) to Marbella - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
  • Malaga Airport (Costa del Sol) Private Arrival Transfer: $44

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 Malaga or Brescia?

Prices for flights to both Brescia and Malaga 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
    Malaga 35
    Brescia 47
Typical Food Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    30
  • Dinner for 2
    44
  • Breakfast for 2
    8.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga

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

  • Dinner and Show at Alegría Flamenco & Restaurant in Malaga: $65
  • Malaga Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $86
  • Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
  • Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $147

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.
    Malaga 31
    Brescia 31
Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:


  • Entrance to Castillos
    7.10
  • Concert
    31

Tours and Activities in Malaga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:

  • Skip the Line: Picasso's Birthplace Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.36
  • Guided Walking Tour of the Old Town of Frigiliana: $5.45
  • Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Malaga: $7.08
  • Ronda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.95
  • Malaga Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Skip the Line: Centre Pompidou in Malaga Ticket: $9.82
  • Museo Carmen Thyssen de Malaga Entrance Ticket: $12
  • Skip the Line: Malaga Automobile and Fashion Museum Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Guided tour in Ronda: $13
  • Andalucia's City Of Dreams: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ronda: $15
  • Essential Malaga City Tour: $16
  • Tour around the Central Market of Malaga: $16

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
    Malaga 22
    Brescia 23

Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga

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

  • Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $17
  • Guided Cellar Tour and wine tasting: $35
  • Frigiliana Small-Group Hike and Wine Tasting Tour from Malaga: $60
  • Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $76
  • Malaga Food Walking Tour with Tapas & Wine Tasting: $98
  • Ronda Tour & Winery Experience with Wine Tasting from Malaga: $109
  • Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $136

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 Malaga 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 Malaga Expensive? and Is Brescia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Malaga or Brescia?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Brescia. Many visitors come to Malaga in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Brescia for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as Brescia. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°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 Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Brescia during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Brescia. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Malaga 25°C (77°F) 
    Brescia 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Brescia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Brescia. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Brescia because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Malaga is a little warmer than Brescia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Brescia fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Brescia. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 137 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Brescia. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malaga 19°C (67°F) 
    Brescia 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Brescia in the Winter?

Both Brescia and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brescia this time of year.

It's quite cold in Brescia in the winter. In the winter, Malaga is much warmer than Brescia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Brescia averages at about 1°C (35°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Brescia during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Brescia. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Malaga 12°C (54°F) 
    Brescia 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Brescia in the Spring?

Both Brescia and Malaga during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Brescia for the natural beauty.

In April, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Brescia. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the spring, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Brescia. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 169 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Brescia. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Malaga 16°C (60°F) 
    Brescia 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Brescia and Malaga

Malaga Brescia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 1°C (35°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (47°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 3°C (38°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)