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

Should you visit Barcelona or Trieste?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Barcelona and Trieste can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a historic, cultural, and friendly city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Trieste

Trieste is a diverse, cultural, and historic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Barcelona and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Barcelona or Trieste?

You'll generally find more things to do in Barcelona than Trieste. Barcelona is bigger than Trieste, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Barcelona is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. Also, Barcelona is famous for Basilica Sagrada Familia. Trieste is well known for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Barcelona different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Barcelona 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 Barcelona. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music. In addition to Casa Milà, there are several other landmarks that are designed by Gaudi. You can expect a crowd outside any of his creations.

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 Barcelona or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Barcelona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. While some restaurants are more touristy, particularly along Las Ramblas, there are also many local options that offer higher quality dishes. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and jamon iberico. Many visitors enjoy taking a cooking class while they're in town as well.

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 Barcelona or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

The nightlife in Barcelona is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.

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 Barcelona or Trieste Better for Music?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Trieste is not a live music destination.

Barcelona has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Trieste is not a live music destination.

Is Barcelona or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Both Barcelona and Trieste are considered to be notable beach destinations.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Barcelona. The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. Many of the beaches can get crowded during the warmer months, but if you're looking for a party, then this is the place. These are urban beaches, so don't expect the pristine coastal setting that you might find in a more remote areas. Popular beaches include Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, and Nova Icària.

Trieste offers a nice beach destination. 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 Barcelona or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona 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.

Barcelona is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants. Many people consider the Gothic Quarter to be one of the best parts of Barcelona.

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 Barcelona or Trieste?

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

Many people travel to Barcelona specifically to go shopping. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Barcelona or Trieste Better for Families?

Trieste is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Trieste is 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.

Barcelona is a family-friendly city. The city has a bit of a party vibe, but there are also kid-friendly activities everyone. With a number of museums, an aquarium, and lots of parks, the whole family can stay entertained. There's also a playground with a great view right by Sagrada Familia. Also make sure you check out the Magic Fountain Show near Plaça d'Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum.

Is Barcelona or Trieste Better for Couples?

Trieste is a well-known place for romance. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Trieste is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Barcelona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an active city with a party atmosphere, so young couples will enjoy their time here. Couples can take a sunset cruise or enjoy a Flamenco show. There are also many great viewpoints around town.

Is Barcelona or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Barcelona, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.

Plenty of backpackers 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 Barcelona or Trieste Better for Students?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Barcelona is a very popular city for students. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. It's also a lively city, but do expect the price tag to be higher than other Spanish cities.

Many students visit Trieste. 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 Barcelona or Trieste Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Barcelona and Trieste offer great public transit options.

Visitors to Barcelona can move around easily with public transportation. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city. It's a huge city, and while many places are accessible by public transit, sometimes the trip can be hot and frustrating.

The public transit in Trieste can get you around easily. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

Is Barcelona or Trieste a more walkable city?

Trieste is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

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

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable city. The city is more spread out than many other major European cities and you'll find wide roads with lots of car traffic. There are some neighborhoods and plazas that are fun to explore on foot and the city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Barcelona?

How long in Barcelona or Trieste?

It's fun to spend time in either Barcelona or Trieste. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Barcelona due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Barcelona, and 2-4 days is enough time in Trieste.

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

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

One day in Barcelona or Trieste?

Because Barcelona is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find food and museums around the city of Trieste. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Barcelona or Trieste?

Because Barcelona is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Trieste. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Barcelona or Trieste?

Barcelona is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Barcelona has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Trieste. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Barcelona or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Barcelona. Because Barcelona is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Trieste is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

Which is Bigger, Barcelona or Trieste?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Trieste. When comparing the sizes of Barcelona 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 Barcelona 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 Barcelona or Trieste in the Summer?

Both Trieste and Barcelona during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

In July, Barcelona is generally around the same temperature as Trieste. Daily temperatures in Barcelona average around 23°C (73°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Trieste, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Barcelona. In the summer, Barcelona often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste. Barcelona gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun.

Barcelona usually gets less rain in July than Trieste. Barcelona gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Barcelona or Trieste in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Barcelona and Trieste. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Trieste for the natural beauty of the area.

Barcelona is a little warmer than Trieste in the autumn. The daily temperature in Barcelona averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Barcelona usually receives more sunshine than Trieste during autumn. Barcelona gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Barcelona usually receives more rain than Trieste. Barcelona gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Barcelona or Trieste in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Barcelona as well as Trieste. Many travelers come to Barcelona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Trieste in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

In the winter, Barcelona is much warmer than Trieste. Typically, the winter temperatures in Barcelona in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Trieste averages at about 5°C (41°F).

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

Barcelona usually gets less rain in January than Trieste. Barcelona gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Barcelona or Trieste in the Spring?

Both Trieste and Barcelona are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Barcelona in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Trieste for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Barcelona is generally around the same temperature as Trieste. Daily temperatures in Barcelona average around 13°C (55°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. Barcelona usually receives more sunshine than Trieste during spring. Barcelona gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Barcelona usually receives less rain than Trieste. Barcelona gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Barcelona