Car & Van Hire - Brescia

Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, there are plenty of fascinating sights and attractions to see in Brescia. From its origins as a Celtic stronghold, to being the de-facto capital of the Holy Roman Empire, here are a few suggestions for your next trip.

Events in Brescia

Brescia hosts a wide variety of festivals and celebrations, from cultural to gastronomic and religious. Some of the most popular events include the Mille Miglia car race, where you can see historic cars race in the city centre; and the Brescia Summer Music Festival, where the best Italian singers take the stage. Business visitors might want to attend one of the city's annual salons, such as the Brescia Art Fair or the fashionable Brescia Moda Show.

Things to see in Brescia

Wondering what to do in Brescia? This historical city offers plenty of options, both for history fanatics and nature lovers. Piazza della Loggia is a stunning Renaissance square located in the heart of the city. From here, the Brescia Castle is only a minute’s walk away. The area where this castle was built has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. A trip to Brescia is not complete without visiting one of the most important Ancient Roman ruins in the north of Italy: the Capitoline Forum. Please note this UNESCO heritage site is closed on Mondays.

Shopping in Brescia

Brescia is a shopper's paradise, with a range of stores and boutiques to suit all tastes and budgets. You can start your shopping trip at the elegant Via dei Mille, where you'll find a selection of high-end designer stores. If you're looking for something more affordable, head to the Piazza della Loggia or the Via Gramsci, where you'll find a range of shops and markets selling everything from clothing to souvenirs. For antiques stores and artisanal workshops, head to Via delle Battaglie and Via San Faustino.

What to eat and drink in Brescia

Brescia is famous for its delicious cuisine, and there are plenty of local specialities to try during your visit. Be sure to sample the city's signature dish, the casoncelli pasta, a type of ravioli stuffed with meat and served with butter and sage. Or try the coniglio alla Bresciana, a dish of rabbit cooked in aromatic herbs like rosemary, sage and bay leaves. Other local specialities to include the sbrisolona cake, made with lemon zest and the famed Franciacorta wine.

Things to do with kids in and around Brescia

If you are visiting Brescia with your kids, then you’ll be pleased to know that the region offers plenty of activities and attractions for families to enjoy. One of the most popular destinations is the Gardaland amusement park, which is a 45-minute drive away on the E70 motorway. Kids will enjoy the rides, shows, and attractions, and adults will love the scenic views over Lake Garda. Another fantastic family-friendly option closer to the city centre is the Parco delle Colline di Brescia, a beautiful park with walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas, only a 15-minute drive away. "

If you’re thinking of driving in and around Brescia, it’s essential to know what to expect so you can enjoy a smooth drive.

The city has a well-developed road system. Brescia is encircled by two ring roads, the Tangenziale and the BreBeMi road system which connects Brescia to Bergamo and Milan.

There are several pedestrian areas in the city centre, including Piazza della Loggia and Via dei Mille that are closed to vehicle traffic and can only be accessed on foot.

Brescia also has several 'gates' or entrances to the city centre, such as Porta Nuova, Porta San Giovanni, and Porta Venezia, that may be subject to traffic restrictions or limited access during certain times of the day.

Via Milano, Via Triumplina, and Via XX Settembre are some of the main entries and exit points to Brescia, providing access to the city centre and surrounding areas.

Brescia has several popular markets that take place throughout the week, including the Sunday antique market in Piazza della Loggia and the Friday Farmers market in Piazza Vittoria, it is advisable to use alternative means of transport around these areas when the markets are on.

Are you ready to drive through the stunning city of Brescia, check out our car rental options and prepare for an exciting trip!"