A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antwerp vs. Trieste for Attractions, Nightlife, Old Town, and Families

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

Antwerp

Antwerp is a genuine, cultural, and historical port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

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.

Antwerp and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antwerp or Trieste?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Antwerp than Trieste, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Antwerp is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Trieste is known for its beaches and impressive beauty. Antwerp is popular for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town. It is also home to Antwerpen-Centraal. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Antwerp different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Antwerp 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 Antwerp. The city has a number of cathedrals, museums, and art galleries that are fun to explore. The history and culture of the town is best experienced by wandering the streets and soaking up the architecture.

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 Antwerp or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Antwerp and Trieste can be an enjoyable experience.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Antwerp. People with a sweet tooth will enjoy the chocolates and biscuits that make this city famous. You'll also find plenty of fries and casual dining options to choose from. Local favorites include mussels and fish and chips, and of course, you must try the beer!

Trieste is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Antwerp or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Antwerp has a large number of nightlife venues. With its large student population and young vibe, you'll find an active nightlife scene around town. Many of the the clubs and bars are concentrated in the docklands, but you'll also find places to hang out everywhere around town.

Trieste has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Antwerp or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is very good for the beache. However, Antwerp 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.

Antwerp is not a beach destination.

Is Antwerp or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Antwerp is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old city has a long running history and many unique spots to explore. At the heart of the old town is Grote Markt, which is surrounded by beautiful buildings and cobblestone streets. There are a diversity of restaurants including local cuisines, Italian restaurants, and a number of different ethnic food. You'll also find local chocolate shops, waffle vendors, and ice cream.

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 the Shopping Better in Antwerp or Trieste?

Antwerp is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Antwerp specifically to go shopping. The city has become known for its fashion scene. The main shopping street is Meir, which is where you'll find a variety of European fashion chains. It's also fun to buy chocolates, art, or other souvenirs around town. You'll find both locals and tourists perusing the main shopping areas around town.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Antwerp or Trieste Better for Families?

Trieste is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Trieste is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Antwerp offers lots of family activities. Favorite kid-friendly activities around town include taking a ride on the Ferris Wheel, going to the local zoo, or exploring the indoor play area Plopsa Station. Kids will also enjoy exploring the underground canals or taking a boat ride. Chocolate lovers will have fun checking out the many chocolate shops around town.

Is Antwerp or Trieste Better for Couples?

Trieste is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Antwerp is a good port city for couples to visit. The city has a wonderful café culture with great restaurants and beautiful neighborhoods to explore. There are many great restaurants as well as plenty of shopping opportunities.

Is Antwerp or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Antwerp is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. With a handful of hostels and a variety of free activities, this is an affordable place to visit. It's often overlooked by backpackers so those that visit will be rewarded. It has a vibe of authenticity which is great for backpacker's who are a bit jaded from the tourism scene.

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 Antwerp or Trieste Better for Students?

Antwerp and Trieste are superb places to visit for students.

Antwerp is very popular with students. There's a good student culture and a lot of activities that give the city a fun and youthful vibe. It's a relatively big city with a lot of transportation connections, so it makes a great base for exploring other areas.

Trieste is a great port city to visit as a student. 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.

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

Trieste is well known for its public transit. Also, Antwerp 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 Antwerp offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are both tram and bus lines around town. The city also has a large and impressive train station with many connections, making it a good base for exploring other areas.

Is Antwerp or Trieste a more walkable city?

Antwerp and Trieste both are superb when exploring on foot.

Antwerp is a very walkable port city. The old town can be comfortably explored on foot, particularly the area around Grote Markt.

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 Antwerp Worth Visiting? and Is Trieste Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Antwerp?

How long in Antwerp or Trieste?

It's fun to spend time in either Antwerp or Trieste. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Trieste due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Antwerp, and 2-4 days is enough time in Trieste.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Antwerp 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 Antwerp.

One day in Antwerp or Trieste?

In Antwerp, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

A weekend in Antwerp or Trieste?

In Antwerp, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Antwerp has to offer.

In Trieste, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Trieste has to offer.

Five days in Antwerp or Trieste?

Antwerp 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.

Trieste 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.

A week in Antwerp or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antwerp. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Antwerp. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Brussels, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Antwerp or Trieste?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Trieste. When comparing the sizes of Antwerp 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 Antwerp 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 Antwerp or Trieste in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Antwerp as well as Trieste. Many travelers come to Antwerp for the city activities 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, Antwerp is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the summer temperatures in Antwerp in July average around 17°C (63°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 Antwerp this time of the year. In the summer, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Antwerp gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Trieste. Antwerp gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Trieste in the Autumn?

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

In October, Antwerp is generally cooler than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 12°C (54°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during autumn. Antwerp gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Antwerp usually receives less rain than Trieste. Antwerp gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Antwerp or Trieste in the Winter?

Both Trieste and Antwerp during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Antwerp 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.

Antwerp can be very cold during winter. Antwerp is much colder than Trieste in the winter. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Antwerp gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets less rain in January than Trieste. Antwerp gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Trieste in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Antwerp is much colder than Trieste. Typically, the spring temperatures in Antwerp in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Trieste averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during spring. Antwerp gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Antwerp usually receives less rain than Trieste. Antwerp gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Antwerp