A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Pompeii vs. Brescia for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Pompeii or Brescia?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pompeii and Brescia can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a iconic, one-of-a-kind, and ancient archeological site. It's also known for museums.

Brescia

Brescia is a historic, undisovered, and authentic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Pompeii and Brescia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pompeii or Brescia?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Pompeii than Brescia, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pompeii is better known for its museums, while Brescia is more popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Pompeii is more touristy than Brescia and is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Also, Pompeii is famous for the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins. Brescia is well known for its historic and archeological sights.

The Pompeii Archaeological Ruins

How is Pompeii different from Brescia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pompeii is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Pompeii that are not to be missed. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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 Pompeii or Brescia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Brescia is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Pompeii or Brescia Better for Nightlife?

Brescia is very good for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

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 Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is the Shopping Better in Pompeii or Brescia?

Brescia is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Pompeii or Brescia Better for Families?

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

Pompeii is a very family-friendly place to visit. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

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 Pompeii or Brescia Better for Couples?

Both Pompeii and Brescia are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Pompeii is a good archeological site for couples to visit. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Brescia is a nice destination for couples. It's location near Lake Garda and its rich history and plethora of archeological sites make this a nice destination for couples.

Is Pompeii or Brescia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pompeii 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 Pompeii. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

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 Pompeii or Brescia Better for Students?

Both Pompeii and Brescia are notable destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit Pompeii. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

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

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Pompeii and Brescia.

Pompeii has some public transit options. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

You'll find some public transit in Brescia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and light rail to help you get around town.

Is Pompeii or Brescia a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Pompeii on foot is easy. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Brescia or Pompeii?

How long in Pompeii or Brescia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Pompeii or Brescia to fill your time. In our opinion, Pompeii has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Pompeii than Brescia. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Pompeii or Brescia?

In Pompeii, you'll find museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This archeological site offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Pompeii or Brescia?

In Pompeii, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pompeii 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 Pompeii or Brescia?

Pompeii 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 Pompeii or Brescia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pompeii. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Pompeii. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

When is the best time to visit Pompeii 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 Pompeii or Brescia in the Summer?

Both Brescia and Pompeii during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pompeii this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Brescia for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Pompeii is around the same temperature as Brescia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pompeii in July average around 23°C (74°F), and Brescia averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Brescia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pompeii. In the summer, Pompeii often gets more sunshine than Brescia. Pompeii gets 313 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 286 hours of full sun.

Pompeii usually gets less rain in July than Brescia. Pompeii gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pompeii or Brescia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pompeii and Brescia. Furthermore, many visitors come to Brescia in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Pompeii is generally a little warmer than Brescia. Daily temperatures in Pompeii average around 17°C (63°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Pompeii usually receives more sunshine than Brescia during autumn. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Pompeii usually receives more rain than Brescia. Pompeii gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Pompeii or Brescia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pompeii as well as Brescia. Many visitors come to Pompeii in the winter for the museums. Additionally, most visitors come to Brescia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Brescia can be very cold during winter. Pompeii is much warmer than Brescia in the winter. The daily temperature in Pompeii averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Brescia fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Pompeii often gets more sunshine than Brescia. Pompeii gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 98 hours of full sun.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pompeii usually gets more rain in January than Brescia. Pompeii gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pompeii or Brescia in the Spring?

Both Brescia and Pompeii are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Brescia because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Pompeii is around the same temperature as Brescia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pompeii in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Brescia averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Pompeii usually receives more sunshine than Brescia during spring. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Pompeii usually receives around the same amount of rain as Brescia. Pompeii gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Brescia and Pompeii