A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Messina vs. Brescia for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit Messina 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 Messina 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.

Messina

Messina is a historic, bustling, and local port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brescia

Brescia is a undisovered, authentic, and under-rated city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Messina and Brescia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Brescia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Messina than Brescia, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Messina is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Brescia is known for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Messina is popular for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. It is also home to Piazza del Duomo. Brescia is popular for its historic and archeological sights.

How is Messina different from Brescia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Messina and Brescia have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Messina is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of historic sights around town including the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, and the Regional Museum. There are also many ornate fountains around town.

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 Messina or Brescia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Brescia is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Brescia makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Messina has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city's cuisine is a mix of the cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. The city has a longstanding fishing industry and one of the most popular dishes are swordfish rolls. Also try the pidone (similar to calzones with different fillings), and the focaccia (a local bread).

Is Messina or Brescia Better for Nightlife?

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

Messina is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the old town and you'll find a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in pubs and bars. During the summer months there are often free outdoor concerts to enjoy.

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 Messina or Brescia Better for Beaches?

Messina is a port city with a few options for its beaches. However, Brescia is not a beach destination.

Messina is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Brescia is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Brescia?

Brescia is well known for shopping. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Brescia is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Messina. The best shopping is around Piazza Cairoli with the main shopping streets being Viale Europa and Viale San Martino. There are many small boutiques that have cheaper prices than some of the more upscale Sicilian towns.

Is Messina or Brescia Better for Families?

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

Messina is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number outdoor activities that kids will enjoy including Parco Avventura Dei Peloritani, which has ropes and obstacle courses. There's also the Karting Center, which is fun for the whole family, or a small aquarium in town. If you're looking for an excursion outside of town, head to Cascata Cataolo waterfall, which is very kid-friendly.

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 Messina or Brescia Better for Couples?

Both Messina and Brescia are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Messina is a nice destination for couples. Most visitors see the city as an arrival or departure point for Sicily, but those couples who linger will appreciate a number of historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

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 Messina or Brescia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina 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 Messina. If you're traveling by train or ferry, you'll likely arrive or depart from this city. There are a number of hostels and cheap guesthouses around town that offer affordable accommodation.

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 Messina or Brescia Better for Students?

Messina and Brescia are good places to visit for students.

Messina is popular with students. There are a few study abroad opportunities that bring international students to town. The city also have good transportation connections and a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to 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 Messina or Brescia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Messina and Brescia.

You'll find some public transit in Messina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

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 Messina or Brescia a more walkable city?

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

Messina is very walkable. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot and the port is a ten to fifteen minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Brescia or Messina?

How long in Messina or Brescia?

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

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

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

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

One day in Messina or Brescia?

In Messina, you'll find nightlife and food. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Brescia, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Messina or Brescia?

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

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

Five days in Messina or Brescia?

Messina is a great place to explore. 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 great place to explore. 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.

A week in Messina or Brescia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Messina. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Messina. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brescia. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Brescia. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Messina and Brescia, we can see that Brescia is more expensive. And not only is Messina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Messina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Messina 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 Messina.

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

Which is Bigger, Messina or Brescia?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Brescia. When comparing the sizes of Messina 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 Messina 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 Messina or Brescia in the Summer?

Both Brescia and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Brescia because of the family-friendly experiences.

Messina is a little warmer than Brescia in the summer. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Brescia fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Brescia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Brescia during summer. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Messina usually receives less rain than Brescia. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Messina or Brescia in the Autumn?

Both Brescia and Messina during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Messina because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Brescia this time of year.

In the autumn, Messina is a little warmer than Brescia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Messina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Brescia averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Messina often gets more sunshine than Brescia. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 137 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets more rain in October than Brescia. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Brescia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Brescia. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Messina 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. In January, Messina is generally much warmer than Brescia. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 13°C (55°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Messina usually receives more sunshine than Brescia during winter. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Messina usually receives more rain than Brescia. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Messina or Brescia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Messina as well as Brescia. Many travelers come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Brescia in the spring for the natural beauty.

Messina is a little warmer than Brescia in the spring. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Brescia fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In the spring, Messina often gets more sunshine than Brescia. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 169 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in April than Brescia. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Brescia and Messina