Brescia City Guide

Local dishes like Casoncelli and Polenta are must-tries. Good international variety and growing vegetarian/vegan options. Late-night pizzerias and bars available.

Nightlife centers on city squares and Carmine district with bars, pubs, and some clubs.

Strong coffee culture with excellent espresso and some specialty shops emerging.

Tipping is optional. Cover or service charge may be included. Rounding up or small tips (€1–5) appreciated.

You can buy local SIMs at provider stores like TIM and Vodafone. Coverage is good. Registration with ID is required.

City is mostly clean with regular waste collection and recycling efforts.

Pharmacies rotate 24/7 shifts. Hospitals have 24/7 ERs. Some late-night eateries open on weekends.

Supermarkets like Esselunga and Coop offer international goods and local produce. Fresh markets are good for meats and cheese. Most shops close Sundays.

Most shops, restaurants, and hotels accept cards, but small cafes or markets may prefer cash.

ATMs are common around the city. Look for major banks like Intesa Sanpaolo or UniCredit. Watch for fees with non-local cards.

International School of Brescia offers English curricula. Local schools teach in Italian. Contact schools for admission details.

Not a major nomad hub but has co-working spaces and cafes with Wi-Fi. Few dedicated meetups.

Parco delle Colline and others offer extensive green spaces and trails good for walking and running.

Parks like Parco delle Colline offer scenic and safe running paths. Local clubs and events exist.

Several gyms available including chains and local centers.

Many tennis clubs and public courts, including emerging padel courts, with coaching and rentals.

Padel courts are growing in number alongside tennis courts.

Yoga studios offer multiple styles with drop-in and memberships, some English-speaking instructors available.

Several dojos for disciplines like BJJ, Muay Thai, Karate, Taekwondo, Boxing, often with drop-in classes.

Several ski resorts within 1-2 hours with slopes for all levels and equipment rentals.

Lake Garda offers kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, windsurfing, and more, with rentals and guided tours.

Limited traditional surfing, but wind/kite surfing is popular on northern Lake Garda. Schools and rentals available.

Lake Garda offers freshwater diving with good visibility, fish, and wrecks. Dive centers provide courses and rentals.

Public hospitals like Spedali Civili have good care; some English spoken. Pharmacies are well distributed, some open 24/7 on rotation.

Tap water is safe and drinkable. Public fountains provide potable water.

Parks and playgrounds are widespread. Family attractions include Brescia Castle and nearby Lake Garda's kid-friendly spots.

Generally accepting with legal protections. Some inclusive venues and Pride events occur.

Generally pet-friendly with many outdoor-friendly venues and pet parks. Veterinary and supply options are good.