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

Should you visit Zurich 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 Zurich 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.

Zurich

Zurich is a liberal, beautiful, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music.

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.

Zurich and Brescia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Brescia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zurich than Brescia. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Zurich is more touristy than Brescia and is known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also well known for The Grossmünster. Brescia is famous for its historic and archeological sights.

How is Zurich different from Brescia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zurich 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 Zurich can be an interesting and educational experience. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

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 Zurich or Brescia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Zurich and Brescia offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Zurich. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

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 Zurich or Brescia Better for Nightlife?

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

Zurich is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

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 Zurich or Brescia Better for Music?

Zurich is well known for live music. However, Brescia is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Zurich. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Brescia is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Brescia Better for its Old Town?

Zurich is renowned for its historic old town. However, Brescia does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Zurich is one of the most recognized in the world. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

Brescia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Brescia?

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

Zurich is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

Brescia is well-known for its shopping. It's a small city, but there are a number of fashion brands found around town. Via Gramsci, Corso Magenta, Via Mazzini, and Via X Giornate are among the best shopping streets.

Is Zurich or Brescia Better for Families?

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

Zurich is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

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 Zurich or Brescia Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Zurich frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

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 Zurich or Brescia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zurich 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 Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

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 Zurich or Brescia Better for Students?

Zurich is renowned for students. Also, Brescia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Zurich is a great destination for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

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

Zurich 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 Zurich can move around easily with public transportation. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

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 Zurich or Brescia a more walkable city?

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

Zurich is very walkable. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Brescia or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Brescia?

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

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

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

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

One day in Zurich or Brescia?

In Zurich, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

A weekend in Zurich or Brescia?

In Zurich, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zurich has to offer.

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

Five days in Zurich or Brescia?

Zurich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zurich has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

A week in Zurich or Brescia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Zurich. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and Brescia, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Brescia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Brescia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brescia 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich than you might in Brescia.

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Brescia?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Brescia. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich or Brescia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Brescia. Many visitors come to Zurich in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Brescia for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Zurich is generally cooler than Brescia. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 21°C (70°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 Zurich, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Brescia during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Brescia. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Brescia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Brescia. Most visitors come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music 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.

Zurich is around the same temperature as Brescia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Brescia fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Brescia. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 137 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Brescia. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Brescia in the Winter?

Both Brescia and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Zurich 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 Zurich can be very cold. In the winter, Zurich is much warmer than Brescia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zurich in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Brescia averages at about 1°C (35°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Brescia during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zurich usually receives more rain than Brescia. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Brescia in the Spring?

Both Brescia and Zurich during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Brescia for the natural beauty.

In April, Zurich is generally around the same temperature as Brescia. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 12°C (53°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Brescia. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 169 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Brescia. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Brescia and Zurich