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

Should you visit Rouen or Brescia?

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

Should I visit Rouen or Brescia? 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.

Rouen

Rouen is a impressive, relaxing, and historical city. 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 under-rated, historic, and undisovered city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Rouen and Brescia: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Rouen or Brescia?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Rouen than Brescia. While Brescia is larger than Rouen, Rouen has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Rouen is very popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty, while Brescia attracts visitors for its shopping. Rouen is famous for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture. It is also well known for The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen. Brescia is famous for its historic and archeological sights.

How is Rouen different from Brescia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rouen
Brescia

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Rouen and Brescia.

Rouen offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find the highest concentration of sights in the city's pedestrian zone. Highlights that you should check out include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, Musée des Beaux-Arts, Abbatiale Saint-Ouen, and Aître Saint-Maclou.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Brescia. 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 Rouen or Brescia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rouen
Brescia

Foodies will find both Rouen and Brescia both to be very good destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Rouen. There are many local specialties found in town. Make sure you try the Passe Crassane, which is a French pear. The town is also known for its cheese, chocolate, and pastries.

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.

Is Rouen or Brescia Better for Nightlife?

Rouen
Brescia

Evening events are nice in both Rouen and Brescia.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Rouen. You'll find wine bars, trendy cocktail bars, and local pubs where you can grab a drink.

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.

Is Rouen or Brescia Better for its Old Town?

Rouen
Brescia

Rouen is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Brescia does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Rouen to see the historical old town. The old town is where you'll find spectacular Gothic churches and the most charming streets.

Brescia does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Rouen or Brescia?

Rouen
Brescia

Brescia is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Brescia is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Rouen has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Some of the city's best shopping is found along the Rue du Gros-Horloge in the old city center. You'll find independent boutiques and well as upscale vendors.

Is Rouen or Brescia Better for Families?

Rouen
Brescia

Rouen is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Brescia is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Rouen. This beautiful city is filled with nice parks, free museums, and towers that offer views over the city. Kids will enjoy climbing the clocktower, eating pastries, or riding a bike around town.

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 Rouen or Brescia Better for Couples?

Rouen
Brescia

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

Couples visit Rouen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful city makes a great retreat for couples who enjoy good food and nice architecture. There are many hidden gems around town that make this a favorite French city for many couples.

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 Rouen or Brescia Better for Students?

Rouen
Brescia

Brescia is a popular place for students. However, Rouen is not popular with students.

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

Rouen is not popular with students.

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

Rouen
Brescia

Rouen 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 Rouen can move around easily with public transportation. The city has two agencies that offer public transportation. Métro du Rouen is a tramway that runs north to south from Boulingrin in the north to Saint-Sever, where it branches off into two lines (one to Technopôle and one to Georges Braque). There are also buses and rail connections to town.

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 Rouen or Brescia a more walkable city?

Rouen
Brescia

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

Rouen is very walkable. There are many parts of town that can easily be explored on foot.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Brescia or Rouen?

How long in Rouen or Brescia?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Rouen or Brescia?

In Rouen, 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.

In Brescia, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic 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 Rouen or Brescia?

In Rouen, 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 Rouen 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 Rouen or Brescia?

Rouen 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 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 Rouen or Brescia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rouen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rouen. 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 historic 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Brescia or Rouen?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Rouen is €109, 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 Rouen and Brescia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rouen 52
    Brescia 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rouen 104
    Brescia 150
Compare Hotels in Rouen and Brescia

Looking for a hotel in Rouen 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 Rouen


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: Rouen Hotel Prices and Brescia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rouen 34
    Brescia 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rouen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rouen:

  • Round-Trip Private Transfer Rouen Airport URO to Rouen by Minivan: $164

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 Rouen or Brescia?

Prices for flights to both Brescia and Rouen 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
    Rouen 35
    Brescia 47

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.
    Rouen 18
    Brescia 31

Tours and Activities in Rouen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Rouen are as follows:

  • Rouen audio guided tour: $13
  • Audio guided tour : Rouen retold - Joan of Arc retold: $16
  • Guided Tour of the Historic Center: $26
  • Guided Tour of the Historic Center of Rouen: $26
  • The OFFICIAL Rouen Tour : The 1-hour must-sees: $27
  • Treetop adventure course in the heart of Rouen: $31
  • The OFFICIAL Rouen Tour : The 2-hours must-sees: $48
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $50
  • Welcome to Private Walking Tour with a Local: $51
  • Private Custom Walking Guided Tour in Rouen: $51
  • Rouen Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Discover Rouen with a licenced tour guide: $59

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
    Rouen 7.86
    Brescia 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rouen and Brescia, we can see that Brescia is more expensive. And not only is Rouen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rouen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rouen 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 Rouen.

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


Which is Bigger, Rouen or Brescia?

Brescia has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of Rouen 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 Rouen 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 Rouen or Brescia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rouen and Brescia. Many travelers come to Rouen for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Brescia in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Rouen is generally cooler than Brescia. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 17°C (63°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brescia this time of the year. In Rouen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rouen usually receives less sunshine than Brescia during summer. Rouen gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rouen usually receives less rain than Brescia. Rouen gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rouen 17°C (63°F) 
    Brescia 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Rouen or Brescia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Rouen as well as Brescia. Many visitors come to Rouen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Brescia for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Rouen is cooler than Brescia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Brescia fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Brescia. Rouen gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 137 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets less rain in October than Brescia. Rouen gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rouen 12°C (53°F) 
    Brescia 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Rouen or Brescia in the Winter?

Both Brescia and Rouen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Rouen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Brescia because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Brescia can be very cold. Rouen can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Rouen is much warmer than Brescia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rouen in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Brescia averages at about 1°C (35°F).

Rouen usually receives less sunshine than Brescia during winter. Rouen gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rouen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Brescia. Rouen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rouen 4°C (39°F) 
    Brescia 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Rouen or Brescia in the Spring?

Both Brescia and Rouen during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Rouen because of the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Brescia this time of year.

In April, Rouen is generally cooler than Brescia. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 9°C (48°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Rouen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brescia. Rouen gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 169 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets less rain in April than Brescia. Rouen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rouen 9°C (48°F) 
    Brescia 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Brescia and Rouen

Rouen Brescia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 1°C (35°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (47°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 20°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)


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