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

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

Arles

Arles is a charming, compact, and quaint town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Trieste

Trieste is a dynamic, energetic, and diverse city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, museums, and nightlife.

Arles and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arles or Trieste?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Arles than Trieste. While Trieste is larger than Arles, Arles has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arles is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Trieste attracts visitors for its beaches. Arles is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. It is also well known for L'Amphithéâtre Romain. Trieste is famous for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Arles different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Arles is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Arles has many famous sights for visitors. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

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 Arles or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Arles has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

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 Arles or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

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

Arles has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

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 Arles or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is very good for the beach. However, Arles 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.

Arles is not a beach destination.

Is Arles or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Arles 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, Arles offers plenty to see. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

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 Arles or Trieste?

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

Arles has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Arles or Trieste Better for Families?

Trieste is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Arles is not always the best place to visit. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.

Is Arles or Trieste Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Arles frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Trieste is a great town 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 Arles or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Trieste is very good for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Trieste is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Arles is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and apartments in the area.

Is Arles or Trieste Better for Students?

Trieste is well known for students. However, Arles 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.

Arles is not popular with students.

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

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Trieste. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

While Arles offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

Is Arles or Trieste a more walkable city?

Arles and Trieste both are superb when exploring on foot.

Arles is a very walkable destination. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Arles?

How long in Arles or Trieste?

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

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

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

One day in Arles or Trieste?

In Arles, 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 museums. This town 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, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this energetic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Arles or Trieste?

In Arles, 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 museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Arles has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Trieste. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Arles or Trieste?

Arles 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Trieste. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Arles or Trieste?

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

You'll find nightlife and food around the diverse destination of Trieste. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best G Adventures Tours to 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 Arles and Trieste, we can see that Arles 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 Arles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arles 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 Arles Expensive? and Is Trieste Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Arles or Trieste?

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

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

Arles is around the same temperature as Trieste in the summer. The daily temperature in Arles averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Trieste fluctuates around 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 Arles this time of the year. In the summer, Arles often gets more sunshine than Trieste. Arles gets 354 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun.

Arles usually gets less rain in July than Trieste. Arles gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arles or Trieste in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Arles is around the same temperature as Trieste. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Arles in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Trieste averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Arles usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste during autumn. Arles gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Arles. In October, Arles usually receives more rain than Trieste. Arles gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Arles or Trieste in the Winter?

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

In January, Arles is generally a little warmer than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Arles average around 7°C (44°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Arles often gets more sunshine than Trieste. Arles gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun.

Arles usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Trieste. Arles gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arles or Trieste in the Spring?

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

Arles is around the same temperature as Trieste in the spring. The daily temperature in Arles averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Trieste fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Arles, it's very sunny this time of the year. Arles usually receives more sunshine than Trieste during spring. Arles gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Arles usually receives less rain than Trieste. Arles gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Arles