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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Brescia?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a bustling, historic, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brescia

Brescia is a historic, undisovered, and authentic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Thessaloniki and Brescia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
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 Thessaloniki or Brescia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Thessaloniki than Brescia. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Thessaloniki is very popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Brescia attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Brescia and is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. It is also well known for The Monument of Rotonda. Brescia is famous for its historic and archeological sights.

How is Thessaloniki different from Brescia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Thessaloniki
Brescia

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

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 Thessaloniki or Brescia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Thessaloniki
Brescia

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

Thessaloniki has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

Dining out in Brescia is an experience not to be missed. 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 Thessaloniki or Brescia Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki
Brescia

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

Thessaloniki is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

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 Thessaloniki or Brescia Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki
Brescia

Thessaloniki is a city with a few options for its beaches. However, Brescia is not a beach destination.

Thessaloniki is a good spot to see the beach. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Brescia is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Brescia?

Thessaloniki
Brescia

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Thessaloniki and Brescia.

Thessaloniki is well-known for its shopping. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Brescia. It's a small city, but there are a number of fashion brands found around town. Via Gramsci, Corso Magenta, Via Mazzini, and Via X Giornate are among the best shopping streets.

Is Thessaloniki or Brescia Better for Families?

Thessaloniki
Brescia

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

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 Thessaloniki or Brescia Better for Couples?

Thessaloniki
Brescia

With fun activities for couples, both Thessaloniki and Brescia make for a nice place to visit.

Thessaloniki makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

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


Is Thessaloniki or Brescia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki
Brescia

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

Backpackers come from all over to visit Thessaloniki. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Thessaloniki or Brescia Better for Students?

Thessaloniki
Brescia

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

Thessaloniki is a great city to visit as a student. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

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

Thessaloniki
Brescia

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Thessaloniki and Brescia.

Thessaloniki has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

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


Is Thessaloniki or Brescia a more walkable city?

Thessaloniki
Brescia

Thessaloniki and Brescia are nice when it comes to walkability.

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable place. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Brescia or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Brescia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Thessaloniki or Brescia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Thessaloniki than Brescia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Thessaloniki, and 1-2 days is enough time in Brescia.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Thessaloniki or Brescia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Thessaloniki 2-4 
    Brescia 1-2

One day in Thessaloniki or Brescia?

In Thessaloniki, you'll find nightlife and food. This 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 food and shopping that this undisovered city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Brescia?

In Thessaloniki, 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 Thessaloniki has to offer.

Brescia is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Thessaloniki or Brescia?

Thessaloniki 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Brescia. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Thessaloniki or Brescia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Thessaloniki. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Thessaloniki. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Brescia is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Brescia or Thessaloniki?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Thessaloniki is €134, 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 Thessaloniki and Brescia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Thessaloniki 79
    Brescia 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Thessaloniki 158
    Brescia 150
Compare Hotels in Thessaloniki and Brescia

Looking for a hotel in Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki


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: Thessaloniki Hotel Prices and Brescia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Thessaloniki 13
    Brescia 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Thessaloniki

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

  • From Private Day Trip to Meteora with Transfer: $428
  • One Way Private Transfer SKG Airport to / from Thessaloniki City Center: $24
  • Private Transfer from Kavala to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $237
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Ammon Zeus Hotel : $109
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Sani Resort: $109
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Thessaloniki Port: $41
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki hotels to Thessaloniki Port: $41
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $254
  • Private Transfer to Thessaloniki Airport from Thessaloniki City: $120
  • Private transfer to IKOS OLIVIA: $87
  • Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) to Thessaloniki - Arrival Transfer: $21
  • Thessaloniki Airport (SKG): Transfer to Thessaloniki Port: $142

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 Thessaloniki or Brescia?

Prices for flights to both Brescia and Thessaloniki 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
    Thessaloniki 42
    Brescia 47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Thessaloniki

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

  • Open Market Food Tour with Tasting: $48
  • Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting: $49
  • Cooking & Dining Experience with Greek Family: $63
  • Guided Food Tour: $70
  • Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $71
  • Private Walking Tour Gastronomic Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $87
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $95
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $95
  • Greek Cooking Class, Market Visit and Lunch: $95
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $97
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $97
  • Greek Cooking Class, Market visit and Lunch: $97

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.
    Thessaloniki 26
    Brescia 31

Tours and Activities in Thessaloniki

For Thessaloniki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
  • White Tower Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.54
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour & Narrative: $11
  • Selfie Museum Entry Ticket: $11
  • Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
  • Museum of Illusions Admission Ticket: $12
  • Thessaloniki Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
  • Byzantine Museum E-Ticket with Audio Tour: $13
  • E-ticket to Museum of Byzantine Culture with Audio Tour : $13
  • Thessaloniki Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $17

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
    Thessaloniki 15
    Brescia 23

Sample the Local Flavors in Thessaloniki

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

  • Friday Night Bar Crawl in Thessaloniki: $25
  • From Pella-Edessa wine tasting: $64
  • Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $81
  • Thessaloniki Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $83
  • Winery Visit with Wine Tasting Experience: $91
  • Wine Tasting Experience from Thessaloniki: $93
  • Thessaloniki to Naoussa, Wine Tasting Tour – Private Day Trip: $207

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 Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki Expensive? and Is Brescia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Brescia?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 89% larger than the population of Brescia. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki or Brescia in the Summer?

Both Brescia and Thessaloniki during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Brescia in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Thessaloniki is generally around the same temperature as Brescia. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 25°C (77°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Brescia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Thessaloniki. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Brescia. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 286 hours of full sun.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Thessaloniki 25°C (77°F) 
    Brescia 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Brescia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Brescia. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Brescia for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Brescia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Brescia fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Brescia during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Brescia. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Thessaloniki 16°C (61°F) 
    Brescia 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Brescia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Brescia. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, 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. In the winter, Thessaloniki is much warmer than Brescia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Thessaloniki in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Brescia averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brescia. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 98 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in January than Brescia. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Thessaloniki 5°C (41°F) 
    Brescia 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Brescia in the Spring?

Both Brescia and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Brescia this time of year.

In April, Thessaloniki is generally around the same temperature as Brescia. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 13°C (56°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Brescia during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Brescia. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Brescia and Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki Brescia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (35°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 7°C (44°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 9°C (47°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in) 24°C (75°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 25°C (76°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 26 mm (1 in) 20°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)