A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Pisa vs. Bressanone for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Pisa or Bressanone?

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

Should I visit Pisa or Bressanone? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Pisa

Pisa is a iconic, world-famous, and classic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Bressanone

Bressanone is a idyllic, charming, and quaint town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, food, and hiking.

Pisa and Bressanone: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Pisa or Bressanone?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pisa. Although Pisa and Bressanone are both popular with visitors, Pisa has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pisa is more popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Bressanone is known for its hiking and small town charm. Pisa is more touristy than Bressanone and is popular for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. It is also home to The Leaning Tower of Pisa. Bressanone is popular for its charming old town and its idyllic setting.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa

How is Pisa different from Bressanone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pisa or Bressanone?

Pisa
Bressanone

Pisa is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Pisa. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

Bressanone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most visitors simply enjoy soaking up the town's atmosphere, but sights around town include The Royal Palace, the cathedral, and Franzenfeste Fortress.


Is the Food Better in Pisa or Bressanone? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pisa
Bressanone

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Pisa and Bressanone.

Pisa has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

Dining out in Bressanone is an experience not to be missed. Despite its small size, there are many family run restaurants that make use of ingredients from local farms. The town also hosts a few culinary festivals throughout the year.

Is Pisa or Bressanone Better for Nightlife?

Pisa
Bressanone

Pisa is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in Pisa know how to have a good time. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

Bressanone doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small town with some quaint bars and pubs where you can enjoy a beer and chat with other visitors.

Is Pisa or Bressanone Better for Beaches?

Pisa
Bressanone

Pisa is a city with good options for the beach. However, Bressanone is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Pisa. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Bressanone is not a beach destination.


Is Pisa or Bressanone Better for its Old Town?

Pisa
Bressanone

It's fun to wander around the excellent old towns in both Pisa and Bressanone.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bressanone. The cathedral and beautiful old buildings make this a charming place to explore.

Is Pisa or Bressanone Better for Hiking?

Pisa
Bressanone

Bressanone is a great town for hiking. However, Pisa is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Bressanone for the hiking trails. There's a huge variety of hikes in the surrounding countryside. You can walk alongside the river, head into the foothills, or explore the nearby vineyards.

Pisa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pisa or Bressanone?

Pisa
Bressanone

Pisa is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Pisa. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Bressanone. The medieval streets are lined with family-owned shops, boutique clothing stores, and other unique local shopping opportunities.


Is Pisa or Bressanone Better for Families?

Pisa
Bressanone

Pisa is a city with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Pisa. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

For families, Bressanone is not always the best place to visit. It's a great town to take a lunch break. The kids will enjoy wandering the alley-like streets. There's a river through town and great views of the Alps.

Is Pisa or Bressanone Better for Couples?

Pisa
Bressanone

Bressanone is a great town for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Bressanone is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. This charming town is seeped in romance. The quaint streets and surrounding mountain setting make this an idyllic place to take a romantic trip.

Pisa is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Pisa or Bressanone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pisa
Bressanone

Pisa is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Pisa is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bressanone. There's a couple of hostels and cheaper guesthouses in town, so backpackers can enjoy a few days in this picturesque alpine town.


Is Pisa or Bressanone Better for Students?

Pisa
Bressanone

Pisa is a world-class destination for students. However, Bressanone is not popular with students.

Pisa is a very popular city for students. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

Bressanone is not popular with students.

Is Pisa or Bressanone Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pisa
Bressanone

Pisa and Bressanone both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Pisa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Bressanone has a few public transit options. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Pisa or Bressanone a more walkable city?

Pisa
Bressanone

Pisa and Bressanone are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Pisa is a very walkable city. The city is a great place to explore on foot.

Bressanone is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and small enough to explore on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Pisa Worth Visiting? and Is Bressanone Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bressanone or Pisa?

How long in Pisa or Bressanone?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pisa than Bressanone 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 Pisa.


  • How many days in Pisa or Bressanone? Ideal Length of Stay
    Pisa 1-3 
    Bressanone 1-2

One day in Pisa or Bressanone?

With museums and nightlife around the iconic city of Pisa, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pisa, one day is sufficent for most.

Bressanone is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Pisa or Bressanone?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Pisa, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Bressanone is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Pisa or Bressanone?

Pisa, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bressanone is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Pisa or Bressanone?

Pisa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Because Bressanone is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bressanone or Pisa?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pisa is €120, while the average daily cost in Bressanone is €138. 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 Pisa and Bressanone in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pisa 60
    Bressanone 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pisa 120
    Bressanone 144
Compare Hotels in Pisa and Bressanone

Looking for a hotel in Pisa or Bressanone? 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 Pisa


Hotels in Bressanone


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: Pisa Hotel Prices and Bressanone Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pisa 11
    Bressanone 23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pisa

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

  • Departure Private Transfer from Pisa to La Spezia by car or van: $203
  • Florence: Private Transfer from Pisa Airport (PSA): $396
  • From Florence: Round-trip Transfer to Pisa & Cinque Terre: $1,230
  • PRIVATE TRANSFER: from Pisa to Florence with private chauffeur: $120
  • Pisa Airport (PSA) to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $74
  • Pisa Airport (PSA) to Florence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $148
  • Pisa Airport (PSA) to La Spezia Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
  • Pisa Private Transfer from Pisa city centre to Pisa Airport: $87
  • Private Sightseeing Transfer from Pisa to Florence: $245
  • Private Transfer From Pisa To Florence, English Speaking Driver: $209
  • Private Transfer from Calambrone to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $79
  • Private Transfer from Calci to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $79

Is it cheaper to fly into Pisa or Bressanone?

Prices for flights to both Bressanone and Pisa 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
    Pisa 50
    Bressanone 47
Typical Food Prices in Pisa

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Pisa:


  • Dinner
    75

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pisa

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

  • Chianni: wine and oil tasting with lunch or dinner: $39
  • Home-made Pasta Cooking Class: $75
  • Private Home-Made Pasta Cooking Class in Pisa.: $93
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Pontedera with cooking demo: $93
  • Pisa Food Tour: $95
  • Pisa Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $101
  • Hands-On Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $155
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Pisa: $158
  • Authentic Italian Food Tour in Pisa: $521

Typical Food Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bressanone:


  • Gelato
    2.20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pisa 20
    Bressanone 20

Tours and Activities in Pisa

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pisa.

  • Tower of Pisa & Square of Miracles self guided audio tour: $4.27
  • From Italy eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.81
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Pisa: $8.72
  • Pisa Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • Pisa Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.95
  • The Best of Pisa Self Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Pisa Cathedral Guided Tour and Optional Leaning Tower Ticket: $16
  • Square of Miracles guided tour with Leaning Tower ticket (option): $17
  • Camposanto and Cathedral Entry Tickets and Audio Guide: $19
  • Baptistery and Cathedral Ticket with Audio Guide: $19
  • Guided Walking Tour with Optional Leaning Tower Ticket: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pisa -
    Bressanone 26

Sample the Local Flavors in Pisa

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

  • Cathedral Guided Tour & Wine Tasting & Optional Tower: $48
  • Pisa guided tour and Wine tasting with Leaning Tower ticket (option): $50
  • Winery Tour and Wine Tasting with Local Food Pairing: $75
  • From Pisa or Lucca: Half-Day Tuscany Chianti Wine Tasting: $90
  • Chianti Half-day Wine Tour in the Tuscan's Hills from Pisa: $97
  • Guided tour in San Miniato and wine tasting!: $99
  • Tuscan Wine Tour in Pisa by shuttle: $163
  • Pisa & Lucca with wine Tasting and Lunch from Livorno: $663

Typical Alcohol Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Bressanone:


  • 1/2 Litre of wine
    9.00
  • 2 Glasses of Wine
    7.00


When comparing the travel costs between Pisa and Bressanone, we can see that Bressanone 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 Pisa Expensive? and Is Bressanone Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Pisa or Bressanone?

Pisa has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Bressanone. When comparing the sizes of Pisa and Bressanone, 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.