A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alicante vs. Trieste for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Alicante or Trieste?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Alicante and Trieste can help you decide which place is right for you.

Alicante

Alicante is a cultural, colorful, and authentic city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Trieste

Trieste is a dynamic, energetic, and diverse city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, museums, and nightlife.

Alicante and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Trieste?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Alicante than Trieste, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Alicante is more popular for its museums, food, and shopping, while Trieste is known for its impressive beauty. Alicante is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants. It is also home to the Castillo de Santa Bárbara. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Alicante different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alicante or Trieste?

Alicante is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Alicante. This port city has a number of cultural and historical sights that are worth checking out. Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante, and Basilica de Santa María are among the most well known.

Trieste is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Because Trieste was part of Austria for such a long stretch of time, you'll find that it looks different from many Italian cities. This is also evident in the different architectural and historic monuments around town. Major landmarks and sights include Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia, which is the largest square in the old part of the city, Miramare Castle, San Giusto Castle, Museum Riseria di San Sabba, and the Cathedral of San Giusto.

Is the Food Better in Alicante or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Alicante is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Alicante has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's by the sea, so you'll find plenty of seafood. Rice is the main staple for many dishes in town. This is also a vegetable growing region, so many recipes incorporate fresh vegetables. Popular dishes include arroz a banda, arroz con costra, and olleta alicantina.

Trieste offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. It's hard to pinpoint exactly how to categorize the local cuisine. It's been influenced by the city's Austro-Hungarian past and you'll find Austrian, Slovenian, and even Croatian flavors. The food scene is often overlooked for more famous Italian cities, but that doesn't mean there's not a lot to enjoy. Make sure you try jota (a bean, potato, and sauerkraut stew), calandraca (a salted meat stew), and gulasch alla triestina (a local twist on goulash. The city is also a coffee capital in Italy.

Is Alicante or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Alicante and Trieste.

Alicante has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. For the city's best nightlife, head to El Barrio Antiguo, which is the old district. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars and clubs, many of them having live music.

If you're looking for night time activities Trieste has a few options to choose from. While it's not known as a party destination, there is a laid-back nightlife scene that usually involves a late night enjoying drinks at a local bar with friends. Many establishments blur the café and bar concepts, but you'll find a number of lively bars west of Piazza Unità in the trendy Cavana neighborhood. There always seems to be something new in the area worth checking out.

Is Alicante or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Alicante and Trieste are good choices for a beach vacation.

Many people head to Alicante to enjoy the beach. If you step away from the touristy areas, you'll find some nice sandy beaches with blue water. Playa la Fustera is northeast of the city and popular with families and couples. If you have a car you can drive to the town of Moraira, which is near several nice beaches as well.

Trieste has a beach worth visiting. The beaches tend to be pebbly, but they are a nice way to experience the sea. Locals still refer to it as "bathing" in the sea, a throwback to years past. The most common beach to visit is Ausonia, which is at the bottom of the Rive past the port of Sacchetta. Nearby are La Lanterna, also called Pedocin. This area still separates men and women in the bathing areas.

Is Alicante or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Alicante and Trieste are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

Many people head to Alicante to see the old town. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Trieste has an old town worth visiting. The old town highlights the diversity of cultures and influences from the city's past.

Is the Shopping Better in Alicante or Trieste?

Alicante is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Alicante has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city is known for its leather goods, but you'll also find international brands and shopping streets with fashion and different European names.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Alicante or Trieste Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Alicante or Trieste.

Alicante is a very kid-friendly city. This seaside city has many kid-friendly resorts, long sandy beaches, and adrenaline-filled theme parks. There's the Terra Mitica Park as well as a waterpark - Aqua Natura. Tabarca Island is also well worth a visit.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Trieste. The caves, adventure parks, and interactive museums all make for a fun family vacation. Make sure you check out Grotta Gigante, which will impress kids and adults alike. The Museum of Natural History has a collection of fossils that any dinosaur lover will appreciate, and Trieste Adventure Park is filled with ropes courses and ziplines. Finally, a visit to Miramare Castle will spark every child's imagination.

Is Alicante or Trieste Better for Couples?

Both Alicante and Trieste are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Alicante frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nice resorts, long sandy beaches, and nearby vineyard tours make this a wonderful place for a couple's getaway. There are good restaurants and nice places where couples can take a stroll, hand in hand.

Trieste is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Visit the castles, cathedrals, and historic monuments, experience the atmosphere of the city's historic center, people watch in one of the grand piazzas, and watch the city light up at night. There are so many romantic sides to this cultural Italian city.

Is Alicante or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alicante and Trieste are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Alicante is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels around town, as well as many budget-friendly hotels, so this is an affordable oceanfront destination for the budget-minded.

It's common for backpackers to visit Trieste. It's often overlooked for more popular Italian city's but there is still a lot that this under-rated city has to offer. You'll also find hostels for every budget and a youthful energy that will bring the city to life.

Is Alicante or Trieste Better for Students?

Trieste is well known for students. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Trieste is very popular with students. Italy attracts students from around the globe and this city is no exception. The city's diverse population and unique cultural opportunities make it a great place to study abroad or immerse yourself in university life.

It's common for students to visit Alicante. It's by the water and it's an affordable city, making it a good option for students. The beaches and active nightlife will keep you entertained when you take a break from your studies.

Is Alicante or Trieste Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Trieste is well known for its public transit. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Trieste has some very good public transit options. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

While Alicante offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive bus system through the city and region.

Is Alicante or Trieste a more walkable city?

Trieste is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Trieste is a very walkable city. It's a hilly city, but it's also very walkable.

Alicante is a somewhat walkable city. There are many parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Alicante Worth Visiting? and Is Trieste Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Trieste?

It's fun to spend time in either Alicante or Trieste. Both can be explored in comparable amounts of time. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Alicante or Trieste?

In Alicante, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Trieste offers nightlife and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Alicante or Trieste?

In Alicante, 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 Alicante has to offer.

Trieste is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Trieste, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Alicante or Trieste?

Alicante 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.

Trieste is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Alicante or Trieste?

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

Trieste is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Trieste?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Trieste. When comparing the sizes of Alicante and Trieste, 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 Alicante or Trieste?

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 Alicante or Trieste in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Trieste. Many travelers come to Alicante for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Trieste in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Alicante is around the same temperature as Trieste. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alicante in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Trieste averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Trieste. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In the summer, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Trieste. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in July than Trieste. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Trieste in the Autumn?

Both Trieste and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Alicante in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Trieste for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Alicante is generally a little warmer than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 20°C (68°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Trieste during autumn. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Alicante usually receives less rain than Trieste. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Alicante or Trieste in the Winter?

Both Trieste and Alicante during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Alicante for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Trieste because of the museums and the cuisine.

Alicante is much warmer than Trieste in the winter. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Trieste. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in January than Trieste. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Trieste in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Trieste. The spring months attract visitors to Alicante because of the beaches. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

In the spring, Alicante is a little warmer than Trieste. Typically, the spring temperatures in Alicante in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Trieste averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Trieste during spring. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Alicante usually receives less rain than Trieste. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Alicante