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

Should you visit Marbella or Brescia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella 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.

Marbella

Marbella is a fun-filled, high energy, and ritzy resort town. 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 historic, undisovered, and authentic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Marbella and Brescia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • 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 students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Marbella or Brescia?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Marbella than Brescia. While Brescia is larger than Marbella, Marbella has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marbella is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Brescia attracts visitors for its museums and food. Marbella is more touristy than Brescia and is popular for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. It is also well known for Plaza de los Naranjos. Brescia is famous for its historic and archeological sights.

How is Marbella different from Brescia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Marbella
Brescia

Brescia is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Marbella 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.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Marbella
Brescia

Brescia is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Marbella area. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

Is Marbella or Brescia Better for Nightlife?

Marbella
Brescia

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

Marbella is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

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 Marbella or Brescia Better for Music?

Marbella
Brescia

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

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Marbella. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Brescia is not a live music destination.


Is Marbella or Brescia Better for Resorts?

Marbella
Brescia

Marbella is renowned for its resorts. However, Brescia is not a resort destination.

Marbella offers an unforgettable resort vacation. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Brescia is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Brescia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella
Brescia

Marbella is renowned for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Brescia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Marbella specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

Brescia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Brescia Better for Beaches?

Marbella
Brescia

Marbella is renowned for its beaches. However, Brescia is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Marbella are among the best in the world. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

Brescia is not a beach destination.


Is Marbella or Brescia Better for its Old Town?

Marbella
Brescia

Marbella is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Brescia does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Marbella to see the historical old town. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Brescia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Brescia?

Marbella
Brescia

Marbella is renowned for shopping. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Marbella is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

Brescia is well-known for its shopping. 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 Marbella or Brescia Better for Families?

Marbella
Brescia

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

Marbella is a very family-friendly place to visit. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

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 Marbella or Brescia Better for Couples?

Marbella
Brescia

Marbella is renowned for romance. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Marbella has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

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 Marbella or Brescia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marbella
Brescia

Marbella 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 Marbella. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

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 Marbella or Brescia Better for Students?

Marbella
Brescia

Brescia is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Marbella is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Brescia. This is an affordable and interesting city for students. It's also in a beautiful setting, which makes for a nice experience.

Marbella is not popular with students.


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

Marbella
Brescia

Brescia is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Is Marbella or Brescia a more walkable city?

Marbella
Brescia

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

Marbella is very walkable. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Brescia or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Brescia?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Marbella or Brescia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Marbella 2-5 
    Brescia 1-2

One day in Marbella or Brescia?

In Marbella, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Brescia offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Marbella or Brescia?

In Marbella, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marbella has to offer.

Brescia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Brescia, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marbella or Brescia?

Marbella is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marbella has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Brescia is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Marbella or Brescia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marbella. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Marbella. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Brescia is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


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


Which place is cheaper, Brescia or Marbella?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Marbella is €117, 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 Marbella and Brescia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marbella 61
    Brescia 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marbella 122
    Brescia 150
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Brescia

Looking for a hotel in Marbella 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 Marbella


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: Marbella Hotel Prices and Brescia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marbella 24
    Brescia 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella

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

  • Costa del Sol: Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Malaga Airport: $75
  • From Malaga: Private Transfer Malaga Airport to Marbella: $235
  • Private Transfer from Algarrobo to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $109
  • Private Transfer from Alhaurín El Grande to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $68
  • Private Transfer from Alozaina to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $112
  • Private Transfer from Atalaya Park to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $127
  • Private Transfer from Benahavís to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $132
  • Private Transfer from Benaoján to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $214
  • Private Transfer from Cómpeta to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $138
  • Private Transfer from Coín to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $80
  • Private Transfer from El Paraíso to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $135
  • Private Transfer from Estepona to Malaga (AGP) airport: $155

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 Marbella or Brescia?

Prices for flights to both Brescia and Marbella 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
    Marbella 38
    Brescia 47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marbella

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

  • Food Tour: $87
  • The Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle Cooking Class.: $180
  • Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $191

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.
    Marbella 19
    Brescia 31

Tours and Activities in Marbella

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

  • Discover the Old Town through a Self-Guided Tour: $4.60
  • Marbella Old Town Walking Tour : $15
  • Sightseeing Walking Tour: $21
  • Guided tour and olive oil tasting in Alhaurin el Grande (Málaga) : $22
  • Marbella Old Town: Group Tour with a True Local: $24
  • Marbella Old Town group tour with a True Local: $24
  • group walking Tour: $26
  • Explore Marbella Old Town: Tapas Tasting Adventure: $27
  • Marbella like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $32
  • Bike City Tour Marbella: $32
  • Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay: $38
  • 2 h Estepona Bay Tour: $47

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
    Marbella 5.71
    Brescia 23

Sample the Local Flavors in Marbella

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

  • Manilva & Gaucin Wine Tour from the Costa del Sol: $152
  • From Manilva Sunset Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas: $159
  • Ronda Full Day Wine Tour from Marbella: $195
  • From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $213
  • From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $234
  • Full-Day Private Ronda Wine Tour Experience from Marbella: $262
  • VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $272

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

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


Which is Bigger, Marbella or Brescia?

Brescia has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella 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 Marbella or Brescia in the Summer?

Both Brescia and Marbella during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Brescia this time of year.

In July, Marbella is generally around the same temperature as Brescia. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 25°C (77°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Brescia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the summer, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Brescia. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 286 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in July than Brescia. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Marbella or Brescia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Brescia. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brescia for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Brescia during autumn. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Marbella usually receives less rain than Brescia. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Marbella or Brescia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Brescia. Many travelers come to Marbella for 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. In the winter, Marbella is much warmer than Brescia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marbella in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Brescia averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Brescia. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 98 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets more rain in January than Brescia. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Marbella or Brescia in the Spring?

Both Brescia and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Marbella in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Brescia for the natural beauty during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Brescia during spring. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marbella usually receives less rain than Brescia. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Brescia and Marbella

Marbella 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)