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

Should you visit Rhodes or Brescia?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Rhodes and Brescia. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Rhodes

Rhodes is a world famous, ancient, and beautiful island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brescia

Brescia is a undisovered, authentic, and under-rated city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Rhodes and Brescia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Rhodes or Brescia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rhodes than Brescia. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Rhodes is more touristy than Brescia and is known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural setting, and long running history. It is also well known for Rhodes Old Town. Brescia is famous for its historic and archeological sights.

How is Rhodes different from Brescia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rhodes
Brescia

Rhodes 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 Rhodes that are not to be missed. Many of the villages feel like outdoor museums, with churches and archaeological sites throughout. Some of the most well known sites include the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Hospital of the Knights, Süleyman Mosque, and Roloi Clock Tower.

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 Rhodes or Brescia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rhodes
Brescia

Rhodes 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, Rhodes is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The island offers Greek classics with a local flair. Common ingredients include wheat, olives, legumes, wine, and cheese. Many dishes are flavored with cumin, which is more heavily used here than elsewhere in Greece. Popular local dishes include matsi (a pasta cooked in meat broth and prepared with cheese, butter, and legumes), tsouka (a veal and pasta casserole), and lakani (veal, goat, or lamb meat that is slow-cooked in tomato sauce).

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 Rhodes or Brescia Better for Nightlife?

Rhodes
Brescia

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Rhodes and Brescia.

Rhodes has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's not the most party-oriented island, but you'll find plenty to do at night. Most of the clubs are found in Rhodes Town near Hippocrates Square, along Menekleous Street, or near Orfanidou Street. Faliraki has long been a popular nightlife area that brings in the British crowd, but it's not as lively as it once was. Some resorts offer more of a nightlife scene than others so if that's a priority, do your research before you book.

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 Rhodes or Brescia Better for Resorts?

Rhodes
Brescia

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

Rhodes offers an unforgettable resort vacation. It is a large and diverse island with a variety of resorts and towns to choose from. There are quiet areas like those around Kallithea Beach, Kolymbia, and Kalathos, as well as more lively areas like Faliraki. There are a number of all-inclusive resorts around the island but there are also boutique hotels and apartments if that's more your style.

Brescia is not a resort destination.


Is Rhodes or Brescia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Rhodes
Brescia

Rhodes is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Brescia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Rhodes to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. The island has many snorkeling and dive spots where you can enjoy the underwater world. There are plenty of snorkeling or scuba diving trips that you can organize in advance as well. Because of the island's large size, there's a diversity of vendors and areas to pick between.

Brescia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rhodes or Brescia Better for Beaches?

Rhodes
Brescia

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

The beaches in Rhodes are among the best in the world. The island has spectacular beaches with crystal blue waters. Many of the beaches are sandy with swimming or snorkeling opportunities. The island is also known for its watersports and several beaches are great windsurfing or kite surfing locations. There are countless beaches to choose from but some of the favorites are Tsambika, Saint Paul's Bay, Ladiko, and Kallithea.

Brescia is not a beach destination.

Is Rhodes or Brescia Better for Hiking?

Rhodes
Brescia

Rhodes is renowned for its hiking experiences. However, Brescia is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Rhodes draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The breathtaking landscapes, sweeping views, and beautiful waters make this an amazing hiking island. There are a wide range of trails to choose from with easy, moderate, and challenging options available. The many quaint villages and unique archaeological sites all make this a fantastic place to hike.

Brescia is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Rhodes or Brescia?

Rhodes
Brescia

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

Rhodes is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. For a unique shopping experience head to Nea Agora (The New Market), which has a mix of shops and restaurants. You can also pick up fresh produce or pastries there. Sprinkled around the island you'll find many local artisan shops where you can buy ceramics, jewelry, soaps, leather goods, and more.

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 Rhodes or Brescia Better for Families?

Rhodes
Brescia

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

Rhodes is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's large size, varied activities, and wonderful outdoor setting makes this one of the most kid-friendly islands in Greece. There are many local villages that everyone will enjoy as well as beautiful walks and stunning beaches. Kids will appreciate the diversity of water activities that are available and the family-friendly restaurants ensure everyone can eat out comfortably.

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 Rhodes or Brescia Better for Couples?

Rhodes
Brescia

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

Rhodes has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The larger size and diversity of activities make this island a great option for a honeymoon. The beaches are breathtaking, but there are also a number of water sports that couples will enjoy. The hiking, archaeological sites, and amazing restaurants will make for an unforgettable 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 Rhodes or Brescia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rhodes
Brescia

Rhodes is well known for backpackers. However, Brescia is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Rhodes. The island has something for everyone, and because it's one of the larger islands, there are more hostels and budget restaurants to choose from. You'll find all kinds of travelers on the island and there really is something that everyone can enjoy.

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 Rhodes or Brescia Better for Students?

Rhodes
Brescia

Brescia is a good destination for students. However, Rhodes is not popular with students.

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.

Rhodes is not popular with students.

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

Rhodes
Brescia

Rhodes 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 Rhodes can move around easily with public transportation. There is a comprehensive bus system that covers most of the island.

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 Rhodes or Brescia a more walkable city?

Rhodes
Brescia

Brescia is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Rhodes is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

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

Rhodes is generally not a very walkable island. The island is large so unless you're interested in hiking, most places are best reached with a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Brescia or Rhodes?

How long in Rhodes or Brescia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Rhodes or Brescia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Rhodes than Brescia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Rhodes, and 1-2 days is enough time in Brescia.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Rhodes or Brescia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Rhodes 3-5 
    Brescia 1-2

One day in Rhodes or Brescia?

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Brescia. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Rhodes or Brescia?

In Rhodes, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Brescia is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Rhodes or Brescia?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brescia. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Rhodes or Brescia?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the undisovered destination of Brescia. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Greece, The Best Bicycle Tours in Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Brescia or Rhodes?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Rhodes is €135, 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 Rhodes and Brescia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rhodes 58
    Brescia 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rhodes 116
    Brescia 150
Compare Hotels in Rhodes and Brescia

Looking for a hotel in Rhodes 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 Rhodes


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: Rhodes Hotel Prices and Brescia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rhodes 48
    Brescia 19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rhodes

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rhodes:


  • Taxi Ride
    7.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rhodes

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rhodes:

  • Rhodes Airport Transfer to Rhodes Town city or Faliraki (ONE WAY: $55
  • Airport Transfer - From/To Airport - From/To Rhodes: $52
  • Diagoras Airport: Private One-Way Transfer to/from Rhodes: $33
  • East Coast Bay to Bay Full-Day Boat Trip with Transfers: $71
  • From Lindos Round-Trip Bus Transfer with Free Time: $26
  • Lindos Day Cruise from Rhodes Town with Swimming stops and Hotel Transfers: $55
  • Lindos comfortable Transfer with aprx 5hrs Free Time: $21
  • Lindos: Transfer to Lindos with 4-Hour Stop (Small Group): $24
  • One Way Private Airport Transfers Rhodes Island: $60
  • One Way Private Transfer Rhodes Airport to / from Faliraki: $36
  • One Way Private Transfer Rhodes Airport to / from Ialyssos - Ixia: $24
  • One Way Private Transfer Rhodes Airport to / from Lindos: $73

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 Rhodes or Brescia?

Prices for flights to both Brescia and Rhodes 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
    Rhodes 47
    Brescia 47
Typical Food Prices in Rhodes

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


  • Coffee
    1.95
  • Dinner for Two
    23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rhodes

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rhodes.

  • Rhodes Sunset Cruise - Dinner with Live Music set: $44
  • Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner: $53
  • Guided Rhodes City By Night with Live Music & Dinner: $70
  • Rhodes by Night With Dinner - Laterna: $72
  • Food & Wine Tour: 11- Course Lunch, Cooking Class, Wine Tasting: $75
  • Vine & Dine Tale: 11-Plate Lunch, Wine Discovery, Cooking Mastery: $75
  • 3-Hours Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner all Inclusive: $76
  • Sunset Cruise w/ Gourmet Dinner, Drinks & Live Music: $77
  • 11 Course Lunch with Cooking Mastery and Wine Tasting in Rhodes: $84
  • Rhodes Wine & Food Tour: 10 Meal Course Lunch, Wine Tasting, Cooking Class : $85
  • Traditional Greek COOKING class and Wine Tasting in Rhodes: $86
  • Winery Tour, Tasting and cooking with the Winemaker in Rhodes: $86

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.
    Rhodes 19
    Brescia 31

Tours and Activities in Rhodes

Here are a few actual costs in Rhodes for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Rhodes Old Town Highlights Self-Guided Treasure Hunt & Tour: $6.95
  • Palace of the Grand Master Admission Ticket: $11
  • Palace of the Grand Master E-Ticket & Optional Audio: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Outdoor Scavenger Hunt and Tour of Rhodes Old Town: $11
  • Submarine Cruise with Underwater Views from Rhodes: $11
  • Rhodes Town: Yellow Submarine Cruise with Underwater Views: $11
  • Medieval City Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
  • The Palace of the Grand Master. Self-guided Audio Tour: $13
  • The Palace of the Grand Master E-Ticket with Audio Tour: $13
  • Throne of Helios: The History of Rhodes 9D Experience: $14

Tours and Activities in Brescia

Here are a few actual costs in Brescia for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Brescia Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide by a Local: $4.19
  • Digital Guide made by a Local for your walking tour: $6.42
  • Guided Tour in Lugana DOP - 3 wines from Perla del Garda: $33
  • Sirmione Sunset Tour: $38
  • Desenzano Sunset Walking and Boat Tour with a Drink On Board: $57
  • 3 Hours Walking Tour with a Drink in Brescia Italy: $71
  • Italy most underrated city:Brescia-Walking tour with a drink: $74
  • Photographic tour at sunset on Lake Garda: $78
  • Canyoning "Gumpenfever" - beginner Canyoningtour for everyone: $84
  • Lake Cruise (visit Torri & Gargnano): $91
  • Desenzano e-bike tour: $98
  • Brescia Private Walking Tour: $114

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rhodes 12
    Brescia 23

Sample the Local Flavors in Rhodes

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

  • Private Wine Tasting Experience for Beginners: $37
  • Rhodian Wines - Private Wine Tasting Under a Sommelier: $53
  • 1 Day Rhodes Island Tour with Olive Oil, Honey and Wine Tasting : $55
  • Enchanting Lindos, Old Town, History, Culture & Wine Tour: $56
  • Full Day Guided Rhodes Island Cultural & Wine Tour: $56
  • Rhodes Shore Excursion Including Olive Oil, Honey & Wine Tasting: $59
  • Wine tasting in Rhodes, inside the vineyards with the Producer: $60
  • Rhodes Island Tour: Lindos, Old Town, Pottery Workshop, Wine Tasting : $60
  • Full-Day Rhodes Island Tour with Wine Tasting Experience: $62
  • Private Wine Tasting Experience for Wine Lovers: $64
  • Rhodes Deluxe Tour including Lindos, Old Town, Wine Tasting : $64
  • Full-Day Сomprehensive Tour of Rhodes including Wine Tasting : $67

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 Rhodes 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 Rhodes Expensive? and Is Brescia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Rhodes or Brescia?

Rhodes has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Brescia. When comparing the sizes of Rhodes 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.