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

Should you visit Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a industrial, undiscovered, and authentic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Brescia

Brescia is a authentic, under-rated, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint-Etienne and Brescia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Saint-Etienne or Brescia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brescia. Although Saint-Etienne and Brescia are roughly the same size, Brescia has more sights and attractions for tourists. Brescia is very popular for its food and shopping, while Saint-Etienne attracts visitors for its hiking. Brescia is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its historic and archeological sights. It is also well known for The San Salvatore–Santa Giulia complex. Saint-Etienne is famous for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Saint-Etienne different from Brescia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint-Etienne or Brescia?

Saint-Etienne
Brescia

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Saint-Etienne and Brescia.

Saint-Etienne offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

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 Saint-Etienne or Brescia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint-Etienne
Brescia

Brescia is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Saint-Etienne or Brescia Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Etienne
Brescia

The vibe at night is nice in both Saint-Etienne and Brescia.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint-Etienne has a few options to choose from. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Brescia. The city has a number of clubs and bars that make for a fun night out.

Is Saint-Etienne or Brescia Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne
Brescia

Saint-Etienne is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Brescia is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne has hiking trails worth exploring. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Brescia is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Etienne or Brescia?

Saint-Etienne
Brescia

Brescia is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Saint-Etienne or Brescia Better for Families?

Saint-Etienne
Brescia

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

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 Saint-Etienne or Brescia Better for Couples?

Saint-Etienne
Brescia

Brescia is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.


Is Saint-Etienne or Brescia Better for Students?

Saint-Etienne
Brescia

Brescia is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Saint-Etienne
Brescia

Saint-Etienne and Brescia both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Saint-Etienne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Brescia has a few public transit options. There are buses and light rail to help you get around town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Brescia a more walkable city?

Saint-Etienne
Brescia

Saint-Etienne and Brescia are nice when it comes to walkability.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable place. There are several walkable areas in the city.

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


For even more information, also check out Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting? and Is Brescia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brescia or Saint-Etienne?

How long in Saint-Etienne or Brescia?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Brescia than Saint-Etienne. 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 Brescia than Saint-Etienne 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 Brescia.


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

One day in Saint-Etienne or Brescia?

In Saint-Etienne, you'll find nightlife and museums. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Brescia. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Saint-Etienne or Brescia?

In Saint-Etienne, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Saint-Etienne has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brescia. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint-Etienne or Brescia?

Saint-Etienne 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the undisovered destination of Brescia. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.


A week in Saint-Etienne or Brescia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint-Etienne. 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 city of Brescia. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Brescia or Saint-Etienne?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint-Etienne is €108, 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 Saint-Etienne and Brescia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint-Etienne 46
    Brescia 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint-Etienne 92
    Brescia 150
Compare Hotels in Saint-Etienne and Brescia

Looking for a hotel in Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne


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: Brescia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint-Etienne 44
    Brescia 19

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 Saint-Etienne or Brescia?

Prices for flights to both Brescia and Saint-Etienne 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
    Saint-Etienne 34
    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.
    Saint-Etienne 25
    Brescia 31

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
    Saint-Etienne 10
    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 Saint-Etienne and Brescia, we can see that Brescia is more expensive. And not only is Saint-Etienne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint-Etienne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne.

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


Which is Bigger, Saint-Etienne or Brescia?

Brescia has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne or Brescia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint-Etienne as well as Brescia. Many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Brescia for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Saint-Etienne is generally around the same temperature as Brescia. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 22°C (71°F), 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 Saint-Etienne this time of the year. In the summer, Saint-Etienne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brescia. Saint-Etienne gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 286 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in July than Brescia. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint-Etienne 22°C (71°F) 
    Brescia 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Brescia in the Autumn?

Both Brescia and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Brescia because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint-Etienne is around the same temperature as Brescia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Brescia fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Brescia during autumn. Saint-Etienne gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Brescia. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint-Etienne 14°C (56°F) 
    Brescia 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Brescia in the Winter?

Both Brescia and Saint-Etienne during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brescia this time of year.

It's quite cold in Brescia in the winter. The weather in Saint-Etienne can be very cold. In the winter, Saint-Etienne is much warmer than Brescia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint-Etienne in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Brescia averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Brescia. Saint-Etienne gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 98 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in January than Brescia. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint-Etienne 4°C (39°F) 
    Brescia 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Brescia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Etienne and Brescia. The natural beauty are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brescia for the natural beauty.

In April, Saint-Etienne is generally around the same temperature as Brescia. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 11°C (53°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brescia during spring. Saint-Etienne gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint-Etienne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Brescia. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint-Etienne 11°C (53°F) 
    Brescia 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Brescia and Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne Brescia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in) 1°C (35°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in) 23°C (73°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 20°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)