A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Annecy vs. Trieste for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Annecy 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 Annecy and Trieste can help you decide which place is right for you.

Annecy

Annecy is a stunning, breathtaking, and quaint alpine town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Trieste

Trieste is a dynamic, energetic, and diverse city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Annecy and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Annecy or Trieste?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Annecy. Although Annecy and Trieste are both popular with visitors, Annecy has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Annecy is more popular for its food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Trieste is known for its beaches. Annecy is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. It is also home to Palais de l'Isle. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Annecy different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Annecy and Trieste.

Annecy offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Trieste. 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 Annecy or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Annecy have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

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 Annecy or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find good options in both Annecy and Trieste.

If you're looking for night time activities Annecy has a few options to choose from. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Trieste. 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 Annecy or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is very good for the beache. However, Annecy is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Trieste to enjoy the beach. 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.

Annecy is not a beach destination.

Is Annecy or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Annecy offers plenty to see. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Many visitors go to Trieste to see the historical old town. The old town highlights the diversity of cultures and influences from the city's past.

Is Annecy or Trieste Better for Hiking?

Annecy is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Trieste is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Annecy. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Trieste is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Annecy or Trieste?

Annecy is a alpine town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Annecy has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Annecy or Trieste Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Annecy is very family-friendly. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

Trieste is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Annecy or Trieste Better for Couples?

Annecy is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Annecy is a great alpine town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

Couples visit Trieste frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Annecy or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Annecy and Trieste are good places to visit.

Annecy is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

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 Annecy or Trieste Better for Students?

Trieste is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Annecy is not popular with students.

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.

Annecy is not popular with students.

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

Trieste is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its public transit.

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

Annecy has a few public transit options. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is Annecy or Trieste a more walkable city?

Annecy and Trieste are superb when it comes to walkability.

Annecy is a very walkable alpine town. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Annecy?

How long in Annecy or Trieste?

It's fun to spend time in either Annecy or Trieste. In our opinion, Annecy has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Annecy than Trieste. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Annecy than Trieste 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 Annecy.

One day in Annecy or Trieste?

Annecy is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This alpine town 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 food and museums when visiting the destination of Trieste. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Annecy or Trieste?

Annecy might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Annecy has to offer.

Trieste 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 Annecy or Trieste?

Annecy is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Trieste. 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 Annecy or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Annecy. Since Annecy is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 food and museums when visiting the dynamic destination of Trieste. 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 Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Annecy and Trieste, we can see that Annecy 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 Annecy would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Annecy 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 Annecy Expensive? and Is Trieste Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Annecy or Trieste?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Annecy 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 Annecy or Trieste?

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 Annecy or Trieste in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Annecy and Trieste. Many travelers come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Trieste in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Annecy is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the summer temperatures in Annecy in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Trieste averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Trieste this time of the year. In Annecy, it's very sunny this time of the year. Annecy usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste during summer. Annecy gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Annecy usually receives less rain than Trieste. Annecy gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Annecy or Trieste in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Annecy as well as Trieste. Many visitors come to Annecy in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Trieste for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Annecy is generally cooler than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Annecy average around 14°C (56°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Annecy often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Annecy gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun.

Annecy usually gets less rain in October than Trieste. Annecy gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Trieste in the Winter?

Both Trieste and Annecy are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Annecy 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.

Annecy can be very cold during winter. Annecy is cooler than Trieste in the winter. The daily temperature in Annecy averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Annecy usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during winter. Annecy gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Annecy usually receives less rain than Trieste. Annecy gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Annecy or Trieste in the Spring?

Both Trieste and Annecy during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Annecy because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

In the spring, Annecy is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the spring temperatures in Annecy in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Trieste averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Annecy often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste. Annecy gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun.

Annecy usually gets less rain in April than Trieste. Annecy gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Annecy