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

Should you visit Porto 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 Porto and Brescia can help you decide which place is right for you.

Porto

Porto is a cosmopolitan, dynamic, and historic port city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brescia

Brescia is a authentic, under-rated, and historic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Porto and Brescia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Porto or Brescia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Porto than Brescia, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Porto is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Brescia is known for its shopping. Porto is more touristy than Brescia and is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also home to Cais da Ribeira. Brescia is popular for its historic and archeological sights.

How is Porto different from Brescia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Porto
Brescia

Porto is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Porto can be an interesting and educational experience. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

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 Porto or Brescia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto
Brescia

Porto is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Porto is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

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.

Is Porto or Brescia Better for Nightlife?

Porto
Brescia

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

Porto is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

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 Porto or Brescia Better for its Old Town?

Porto
Brescia

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

Many visitors go to Porto to see the historical old town. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

Brescia does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Brescia?

Porto
Brescia

Brescia is a great city for shopping. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Porto offers some nice shopping areas. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Porto or Brescia Better for Families?

Porto
Brescia

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

Porto is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

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 Porto or Brescia Better for Couples?

Porto
Brescia

Porto is well known for romance. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Porto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

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 Porto or Brescia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto
Brescia

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

Porto is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the 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 Porto or Brescia Better for Students?

Porto
Brescia

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

Porto is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

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

Porto
Brescia

Porto is well known for its public transit. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Porto can move around easily with public transportation. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

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 Porto or Brescia a more walkable city?

Porto
Brescia

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

Porto is very walkable. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Brescia or Porto?

How long in Porto or Brescia?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Porto or Brescia?

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the 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, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Porto or Brescia?

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brescia. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


Five days in Porto or Brescia?

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

Brescia is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Brescia. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Porto or Brescia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Porto. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Brescia. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Brescia or Porto?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Porto is €126, 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 Porto and Brescia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Porto 65
    Brescia 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Porto 130
    Brescia 150
Compare Hotels in Porto and Brescia

Looking for a hotel in Porto 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 Porto


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: Porto Hotel Prices and Brescia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Porto 21
    Brescia 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Porto

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

  • Airport Transfers: $27
  • Airport transfer with vintage Vw Kombi van: $107
  • Arrival Transfer from Porto Airport OPO to Porto in Private Car/Van: $97
  • Arrival Transfer: Porto Airport OPO to Porto in Business Car: $76
  • Aveiro Private Transfer to Porto: $79
  • Departure Transfer: Porto to Porto Airport OPO in Business Car: $76
  • Departure Transfer: Porto to Porto Airport OPO in Luxury Van: $92
  • Effortless Wheels Seamless Transfer Experience Porto-Lisbon: $364
  • Exclusive Private Transfer Gaia - Porto Airport: $46
  • From Porto Bus Station: Transfer to/from Lisbon Oriente: $4.22
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to Lisbon: $642
  • From Private Transfer to Lisbon with Coimbra & Fatima: $627

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 Porto or Brescia?

Prices for flights to both Brescia and Porto 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
    Porto 36
    Brescia 47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Porto

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

  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class in Downtown Porto: $37
  • Tastiest Calories Food Tour: $48
  • Bolhão Market and Codfish Tasting Guided Food Tour: $52
  • Porto Food Tour: Full Meal & Drinks: $56
  • Porto Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $57
  • 3-Hour Food Tour: $68
  • Half-Day Food Tour: $68
  • Portuguese Craft Beer and Food Tour: $74
  • Semi - Private Oporto Food Tour: $74
  • Craft Beer & Food Tour in Porto: $75
  • Secret Food Tour: $77
  • Semi Private Oporto Fado Show with Dinner: $80

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.
    Porto 25
    Brescia 31

Tours and Activities in Porto

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

  • City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $1.07
  • Porto Walking Tour - The Perfect Introduction to the City: $1.09
  • Ultimate Ribeira Walking Tour: $2.60
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • The Unvanquished Tour in Porto City Center: $3.26
  • From Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.81
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $5.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Porto (Gaia) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.65
  • Porto (Gaia) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.82
  • Casa São Roque Direct Entry Ticket: $8.56

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
    Porto 19
    Brescia 23

Sample the Local Flavors in Porto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Porto:

  • Museu do Vitral Entry Ticket and Wine Tasting: $8.56
  • Guided City Pub Crawl with Club Entry: $13
  • Magic Train Tour and Port Wine Tastings: $15
  • Mysterious Pub Crawl Interactive City Discovery Game: $19
  • Pub Crawl with 5 Drinks: $19
  • Porto Pub Crawl With Unlimited Beer: $20
  • Pub Crawl with Shots and Drinking Games: $21
  • Poças: Guided Tour & Port Wine Tasting with Pastel de Nata: $21
  • Poças Guided Visit and Port Wine Tasting with Pastel de Nata: $21
  • Rooftop Fado concert, Port wine tasting, Portuguese tart: $21
  • Classic Wine Tasting with GUIDED TOUR: $22
  • Pub Crawl Porto: $23

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 Porto 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 Porto Expensive? and Is Brescia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Porto or Brescia?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Brescia. When comparing the sizes of Porto 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 Porto 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 Porto or Brescia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Porto as well as Brescia. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brescia for the family-friendly experiences.

Porto is cooler than Brescia in the summer. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Brescia fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brescia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In the summer, Porto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brescia. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 286 hours of full sun.

Porto usually gets less rain in July than Brescia. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Porto 21°C (69°F) 
    Brescia 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Porto or Brescia in the Autumn?

Both Brescia and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Brescia in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Porto is a little warmer than Brescia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Porto in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Brescia averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Brescia during autumn. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In October, Porto usually receives more rain than Brescia. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Porto 17°C (62°F) 
    Brescia 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Porto or Brescia in the Winter?

Both Brescia and Porto during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Porto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Brescia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Brescia can be very cold during winter. In January, Porto is generally much warmer than Brescia. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 10°C (50°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Porto often gets more sunshine than Brescia. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 98 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in January than Brescia. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Porto 10°C (50°F) 
    Brescia 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Porto or Brescia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Brescia. Most visitors come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Brescia because of the natural beauty.

Porto is around the same temperature as Brescia in the spring. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Brescia fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Brescia during spring. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Porto usually receives more rain than Brescia. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Porto 14°C (56°F) 
    Brescia 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Brescia and Porto

Porto Brescia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 1°C (35°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Sep 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in) 7°C (45°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)