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low-angle photo of high-rise building during night time
low-angle photo of high-rise building during night time - Photo by Michel Catalisano

Experience the Historical Charm of Brescia, Italy: A Traveler

About Brescia, Italy

Brescia, Italy is a hidden gem in Northern Italy, offering travelers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From stunning architecture to delicious cuisine, there's something for everyone in this charming city. Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore one of Italy's best-kept secrets.

Brescia, a hidden gem in the heart of the Lombardy region of Italy, is a city that is often overlooked by tourists in favor of more famous destinations like Milan and Venice. However, those who do take the time to visit Brescia are rewarded with a wealth of historical and cultural treasures.

One of the city's most iconic landmarks is the Piazza della Loggia, a stunning Renaissance square that is home to the Palazzo della Loggia, a magnificent palace that has been the seat of the local government since the 15th century. Nearby, visitors can explore the impressive Roman ruins of the Capitoline Temple and Theater, or take in the stunning views of the city from the Castello di Brescia.

Brescia is also renowned for its culinary traditions, with a wide variety of local dishes that reflect the city's rich cultural heritage. Among these, the Casoncelli alla Bresciana, a type of ravioli filled with a mixture of meat, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, is a must-try for any visitor.

For those interested in art and culture, Brescia is home to a number of world-class museums and galleries, including the Santa Giulia Museum, which houses a vast collection of Roman and Lombard artifacts, and the Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo, which features an impressive collection of Italian Renaissance art.

In addition to its cultural attractions, Brescia is also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding countryside, with easy access to the beautiful Lake Garda and the stunning Franciacorta wine region.

Whether you're interested in history, culture, or simply enjoying Italy's renowned food and wine, Brescia has something to offer every traveler. So why not take the road less traveled and discover this hidden gem for yourself?

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Popular Stays in Brescia, Italy

Explore some of the most affordable vacation packages and accommodation stays in Brescia, Italy

Welcoming and distinguished, Hotel Igea is a building that represents a historic hospitality page Brescia, since 1936. Its privileged location, just 50 meters from the Central Railway Station and the metro station, makes this property ideal for both business or pleasure trips, because it allows you to easily reach the financial heart of Brescia, conveniently discover the important archaeological sites, Heritage of Unesco, along with its historical center and the famous villages on lake Garda and Franciacorta.
Tucked right in the heart of Brescia, our centrally located DoubleTree by Hilton Brescia boasts easy access to Franciacorta and Garda Lake as well as Santa Giulia Museum – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Brescia is a treasure trove and our DoubleTree is the perfect base to mark everything off your itinerary. Whatever brings you to town, our DoubleTree is near the metropolitan station and puts you minutes away from popular destinations. We'll greet you at our beautiful lobby where you can check-in and receive a DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookie. Make yourself at home in spacious guest rooms embellished with contemporary Italian elements and enjoy complimentary WiFi for a comfortable stay. Treat your palette to regional specialty dishes and choose from a selection of Italian and international wines at our restaurant. Relax in our inviting lobby and try our signature Pirlo Spritz cocktail. Our market is also available for a convenient grocery stop, and is stocked with regional and international specialties. If you prefer to stay in, take comfort in room service for a truly relaxing experience. Keep up with your regimen at our fitness center or take a dive in our outdoor pool with views of a beautifully manicured garden. Our hotel accommodates every type of guests: business travelers, vacationers and families with young children.
The Novotel Brescia 2 hotel is a fully renovated 4-star hotel in the heart of the city's financial district. Perfect for business trips, with excellent links to the city center and the train station, it is conveniently located 547 yards (500 m) from the metro and close to the highway and Bergamo Orio al Serio, Verona and Brescia Montichiari airports. It is also the perfect base to discover the beautiful nearby lakes of Garda and Iseo or the rolling hills of Franciacorta. It's a lot better at Novotel!
A stay at Relais Il Leoncino places you in the heart of Brescia, within a 10-minute drive of Brescia Castle and Santa Giulia Museum. This bed & breakfast is 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Piazza della Loggia and 2 mi (3.2 km) from Piazza del Duomo. Pamper yourself with onsite massages or enjoy recreation amenities such as a fitness center. This bed & breakfast also features complimentary wireless Internet access and concierge services. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and luggage storage. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite. Grab a bite from the snack bar/deli, or stay in and take advantage of the bed & breakfast's room service (during limited hours). Buffet breakfasts are available daily from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee. Make yourself at home in one of the 22 air-conditioned rooms featuring LCD televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and digital programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and bidets. Conveniences include desks and complimentary bottled water, and housekeeping is provided daily.
This hotel in Brescia, ideal for business and weekend stays, is situated few steps away from the historical centre and close to the down-town commercial area. A modern building completely rebuilt in 2004 with spacious and bright lounges, the Best Western Hotel Master offers to guests every comfort in a professional and pleasant atmosphere. The rooms are comfortable and stylishly furnished. Other facilities include conference rooms fitted with audio-visual equipment, an equipped meeting room able to accomodate up to 100 people.
The elegant Art Nouveau-style Hotel Vittoria is next to the Duomo Nuovo Cathedral in central Brescia and 200 metres from the Vittoria Metro Station. Rooms come with free internet, and the hotel provides access to the restricted-traffic area. The Vittoria Hotel features an attractive lobby with marble columns and Murano-glass chandeliers. Rooms have air conditioning a minibar, and Satellite TV. The restaurant serves a delicious mix of Italian and international cuisine, and you can enjoy drinks at the piano bar. The walk from the Vittoria to the Museum of Santa Giulia takes approximately 5 minutes. A small free car park is available.The Teatro Grande is 200 metres away.

Things to do in Brescia, Italy

Choose from a range of unique experiences and fun activities in Brescia, Italy

If you love brands and love a bargain, Franciacorta outlet village is the perfect place for you.  Book now to enjoy the best shopping experience. You will have the option to choose to book a large vehicle for up to 8 people, or a smaller car for up to 3.
Brescia the Lioness of Italy is one of the most important cities in Italy: it is full of history and in northern Italy Brescia is the only one place where we can still admire and study ruins of the Age of the Roman Empire: for example during this tour you will be surprised to get down under the surface of the road to enter to a special chamber with controlled air pressure to keep safe the mosaics in this environment that were made during the 1st century. One of the most famous temple in Brescia of the Age of the Roman Empire is the Forum called "the Capitolum". During this guided tour we will also proceed to Santa Giulia museum an UNESCO protected area where you can find many other manufacts of the Roman Empire and also 14th century frescos painted inside Santa Giulia monastery that will really amaze you. We will also see the Lodge medieval square, the cathedral and much more. This is a private guided tour for your group only or for you only if you are a single tourist.
Immerse yourself in a private cooking class at the Cesarina's home, learn the secrets of the most famous dishes of the Italian cuisine and taste the fruit of your labour accompanied by a glass of local wine. During the lesson the Cesarina will reveal the tricks of the trade of 3 authentic regional recipes. Have fun putting your cooking skills to the test. Each participant will have a workstation equipped with utensils and all the ingredients to make the dishes. Then, taste everything you have prepared accompanied by a selection of red and white local wines.
You can't visit Italy without trying at least one pasta dish... So, we'll teach you two! Learn how to roll 'sfoglia' (fresh pasta) by hand and how to prepare 2 simple different kinds of pasta from scratch with your Cesarina. As the icing on the cake you will learn to prepare also the iconic Tiramisu. Share your passion for the Italian cuisine as you make new friends in this hands-on cooking class. It's a great way to truly experience Italian culture. • Learn to roll 'sfoglia' (fresh pasta) by hand • Learn to make 2 iconic pasta types • Learn to make the iconic tiramisu • Small-group cooking class with a maximum of 12 people. Share your passion for the Italian cuisine with other lovely guests • Enjoy an Italian Aperitivo to warm-up Cesarine is Italy’s oldest network of home cooks all over the country. They are welcoming hosts that open the doors of their own homes to curious travellers for immersive culinary experiences.
Brescia, the lioness of Italy. The city of majestic Roman remains, inserted in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites The tour kicks off in the heart of ancient Roman Brixa, where you will admire the ancient and majestic remains. The journey continues, along the maximum decuman, to the square Medieval dedicated to Paul VI where the two cathedrals and the historic town hall stand del Broletto. You will arrive in the seductive Piazza della Loggia, scenographic and Renaissance heart of the city where you can admire the Palazzo della Loggia, the Monte di Pietà Vecchio e Nuovo, the beautiful astronomical clock with the Macc de le Ore. Your journey will then end in the monumental Piazza della Vittoria which tells of the time of the Second World War but also many interesting and curious anecdotes.
Uncover the hidden treasures of Brescia in our “Beautiful Brescia – Guided Walking Tour.” This guided tour invites you to step back in time beginning at the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, where history and artistry meet under one grand dome. Wander through the Piazza del Foro, the bustling heart of ancient Roman Brescia, then marvel at the restored Capitolium, a temple that once served as a center of Roman worship. Continue to the serene San Salvatore, a medieval jewel that promises a peaceful retreat from the modern world. This walk not only highlights the magnificent historic sites of Brescia but also immerses you in the city’s vibrant atmosphere, making it an unforgettable journey through time. Please note: The availability and accessibility of attractions may vary based on time of day and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.
OnePiò Winery is a family business, born in Valpolicella and arrived in Lugana Area thanks to the passion of Ilaria Accordini, the owner.
Discover Lake Garda in freedom thanks to the electric bike and a local guide who will give you information on the area and mechanical assistance along the way. You will cycle from the beautiful city of Desenzano to beaches and panoramic points, to then discover the hills of the hinterland, between low traffic roads and vineyards with the convenience of being able to follow a certified guide.

Why People Love Brescia, Italy

See what people have to say about activities and accommodations in Brescia, Italy

S
soerenb2015
3
Sep 2023
es lohnt nur wenn man in der Nähe ist. Keine Sonderangebote die man nicht woanders günstiger bekommt.
D
D7506JFgiulias
5
Jan 2023
Ottimo luogo per una giornata spensierata con amici, tantissimi negozi per tutti i gusti come anche i punti di ristoro. non vedo l'ora di tornarci!!
C
connyh823
2
Jun 2024
Sehr schöner Ort und eine ausgezeichnete Fahrzeugkollektion. Der Rest ist sehr schlecht gemacht. Videos ohne Erklärung, Bilder von Personen ohne Namen und Ort, viele Texte sind nur auf Italienisch, manche haben einen QR Code für Englisch, aber da es kein Wifi gibt ist das schwierig. Wer an Autor...

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Frequently Asked Questions about Brescia

What are some of the top attractions in Brescia?

Brescia is home to many beautiful attractions, such as the Brescia Castle, the Piazza della Loggia, and the Santa Giulia Museum. The castle is a beautiful example of medieval architecture, and offers stunning views of the city. The Piazza della Loggia is a bustling town square with plenty of shops and cafes. The Santa Giulia Museum is a must-see for history buffs, as it offers a fascinating insight into the city's past. Other popular attractions include the Brescia Cathedral, the Teatro Grande, and the Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo.

What are some outdoor activities to do in Brescia?

Brescia is surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Some popular outdoor activities include hiking in the nearby hills and mountains, cycling around the city and surrounding countryside, and exploring the picturesque Lake Garda. Visitors can also enjoy a round of golf at one of the city's many golf courses, or take a hot air balloon ride for a unique perspective on the city and surrounding landscape.

What are some of the best restaurants in Brescia?

Brescia is home to many fantastic restaurants offering a range of cuisine. One of the most popular is Ristorante Il Sole di Ranco, which offers delicious Italian and Mediterranean dishes in a beautiful lakeside setting. Another great option is Ristorante Albergo Orologio, which is famous for its traditional Brescian dishes. For a more upscale dining experience, try La Sosta, which offers a gourmet tasting menu featuring local ingredients.

What are some good accommodations in Brescia?

Brescia has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. For a luxury experience, try the Grand Hotel Gardone, which offers stunning views of Lake Garda and is located in a beautiful historic building. Another great option is the Hotel Vittoria, located in the heart of Brescia's historic center. For a more budget-friendly option, try the Hotel Cristallo Brescia, which offers comfortable rooms and a central location.

What are some of the best shopping destinations in Brescia?

Brescia has many great shopping destinations, from high-end designer boutiques to charming local markets. One of the most popular shopping streets is Via Trieste, which is lined with shops selling everything from clothing to jewelry. The city's historic center is also home to many quaint shops and boutiques, selling handmade crafts and local products. For a unique shopping experience, try the Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio, a bustling market selling everything from fresh produce to clothing and antiques.

What is the best time of year to visit Brescia?

The best time to visit Brescia is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. The summer months can be hot and crowded, and many locals go on vacation during this time. Winter can be cold and rainy, but is still a good time to visit if you don't mind the weather. No matter what time of year you visit, there is always something to see and do in Brescia.

Is it easy to get around Brescia?

Yes, Brescia is a relatively small city and is easy to navigate on foot. The city center is pedestrian-friendly, with many streets closed to cars. Brescia also has a good public transportation system, with buses and trams running throughout the city. Taxis and rental cars are also available for those who prefer to travel by car.

Are there any day trips from Brescia worth taking?

Yes, there are many great day trips from Brescia. One popular option is to take a day trip to Lake Garda, which is just a short drive from the city. Other options include a trip to the Franciacorta wine region, where visitors can sample some of the region's famous sparkling wines, or a visit to the nearby city of Verona, famous for its Shakespearean connections and beautiful architecture.

What is the nightlife like in Brescia?

Brescia has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars and clubs open until late. One of the most popular areas for nightlife is Piazza della Loggia, which is home to many bars and restaurants. The city's historic center is also a great place to explore at night, with many charming bars and cafes tucked away down its narrow streets. For a more upscale experience, try the Caff degli Spiriti, a stylish bar located on the top floor of a historic building with stunning views of the city.

What are some of the best museums in Brescia?

Brescia is home to many fantastic museums, covering everything from history and art to science and technology. One of the most popular is the Santa Giulia Museum, which is housed in a former monastery and offers a fascinating insight into the city's past. Other great options include the Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo, which houses a collection of Italian art from the 1400s to the 1900s, and the Mille Miglia Museum, which celebrates the famous Italian car race that takes place in the region each year.