A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Varenna vs. Brescia for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Varenna 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 Varenna 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.

Varenna

Varenna is a beautiful, scenic, and pristine village. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food.

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.

Varenna and Brescia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Lake Como
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Varenna or Brescia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Varenna. Although Varenna and Brescia are popular destinations, Varenna has more sights and attractions for tourists. Varenna is very popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Brescia attracts visitors for its nightlife and shopping. Varenna is more touristy than Brescia and is popular for its beautiful location by Lake Como. It is also well known for Lake Como. Brescia is famous for its historic and archeological sights.

Lake Como
Lake Como

How is Varenna different from Brescia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Varenna
Brescia

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Varenna and Brescia.

Varenna offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most people visit the town for its beautiful setting on Lake Como. There are some popular sights around town though such as the Church of San Giorgio and Castello di Vezio.

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 Varenna or Brescia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Varenna
Brescia

Varenna 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, Varenna is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

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 Varenna or Brescia Better for Nightlife?

Varenna
Brescia

Brescia is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Varenna is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

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.

Varenna is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Is Varenna or Brescia Better for Hiking?

Varenna
Brescia

Varenna is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Brescia is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Varenna. There are lakefront trails and other hiking options near town. The Lungolago di Varenna - Baia di Varenna loop follows the water and makes for a pleasant stroll.

Brescia is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Varenna or Brescia?

Varenna
Brescia

Brescia is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Many visitors go to Varenna to go shopping. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Is Varenna or Brescia Better for Families?

Varenna
Brescia

Varenna 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 Varenna. The charming village has play areas for children and the beautiful Villa Monastero, which are gardens that they'll enjoy exploring. It's also worth visiting the Castle of Vezio.

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 Varenna or Brescia Better for Couples?

Varenna
Brescia

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

Varenna has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful village has a romantic atmosphere with a "lovers promenade" and many stunning views. It makes the perfect couples trip, whether you're on your honeymoon or just need some time away.

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 Varenna or Brescia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Varenna
Brescia

Varenna is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Brescia is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Varenna. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

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 Varenna or Brescia Better for Students?

Varenna
Brescia

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

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

Varenna is not popular with students.

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

Varenna
Brescia

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

Varenna has some public transit options. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

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 Varenna or Brescia a more walkable city?

Varenna
Brescia

Varenna is renowned for its walkability. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Varenna on foot is easy. Everything is walkable and the town is best 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 Varenna Worth Visiting? and Is Brescia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brescia or Varenna?

How long in Varenna or Brescia?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Varenna or Brescia?

In Varenna, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This village 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, 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.

A weekend in Varenna or Brescia?

In Varenna, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Varenna has to offer.

In Brescia, 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 Brescia has to offer.


Five days in Varenna or Brescia?

Varenna is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 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.

A week in Varenna or Brescia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Varenna. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Varenna. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to Italy, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Brescia or Varenna?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Varenna is €164, 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 Varenna and Brescia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varenna 86
    Brescia 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varenna 172
    Brescia 150
Compare Hotels in Varenna and Brescia

Looking for a hotel in Varenna 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 Varenna


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: Varenna Hotel Prices and Brescia Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varenna

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

  • Varenna : Private transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $358

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 Varenna or Brescia?

Prices for flights to both Brescia and Varenna 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
    Varenna 53
    Brescia 47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varenna

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

  • Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $155

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.
    Varenna 34
    Brescia 31

Tours and Activities in Varenna

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

  • Lake Como Shared Boat Tour: $32
  • Lake Como Sightseeing Cruise (90 minutes): $43
  • Dining Experience at a Local's Home: $112
  • Sunset shared boat tour with aperitif from Varenna: $118
  • Picnic Experience in the Italian Alps: $150
  • Private Luxury Boat Tour of Lake Como with Stops & Drinks: $491
  • Bellagio: Private Tour on Vintage Wooden Boat: $664
  • Lake Como: Grand Private Tour 5 hours Invictus boat: $1,551

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
    Varenna 23
    Brescia 23

Sample the Local Flavors in Varenna

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

  • Wine Tasting and Entry Ticket to Castello di Vezio: $112
  • Wine Tasting and Entry Ticket to Villa Monastero: $134

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 Varenna and Brescia, we can see that Varenna 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 Varenna Expensive? and Is Brescia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Varenna or Brescia?

Brescia has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Varenna 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 Varenna 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 Varenna or Brescia in the Summer?

Both Brescia and Varenna during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Varenna in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Brescia for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Varenna is generally around the same temperature as Brescia. Daily temperatures in Varenna average around 23°C (73°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 Varenna. In the summer, Varenna often gets less sunshine than Brescia. Varenna gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 286 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. Varenna usually gets more rain in July than Brescia. Varenna gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varenna 23°C (73°F) 
    Brescia 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Varenna or Brescia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Varenna and Brescia. Most visitors come to Varenna for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Brescia because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Varenna is around the same temperature as Brescia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Varenna averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Brescia fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Varenna usually receives more sunshine than Brescia during autumn. Varenna gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Varenna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Varenna usually receives more rain than Brescia. Varenna gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varenna 15°C (58°F) 
    Brescia 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Varenna or Brescia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Varenna as well as Brescia. The winter months attract visitors to Varenna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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 Varenna can be very cold. In the winter, Varenna is much warmer than Brescia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Varenna in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Brescia averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Varenna often gets more sunshine than Brescia. Varenna gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 98 hours of full sun.

Varenna usually gets more rain in January than Brescia. Varenna gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Varenna or Brescia in the Spring?

Both Brescia and Varenna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Varenna this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brescia for the natural beauty.

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

Varenna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brescia during spring. Varenna gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. In April, Varenna usually receives more rain than Brescia. Varenna gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Brescia and Varenna

Varenna Brescia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in) 1°C (35°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in) 9°C (47°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in) 20°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)


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