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

Should you visit Basel or Trieste?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Trieste, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Basel

Basel is a easily accessible, beautiful, and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Trieste

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

Basel and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Trieste?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Basel than Trieste. While Trieste is larger than Basel, Basel has more sights and attractions for tourists. Basel is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Trieste is known for its beaches. Basel is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for its many museums and its nice old town. It is also home to The Kunstmuseum Basel. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Basel different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Basel 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 Basel. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

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 Basel or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Basel and Trieste both to be good destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Basel. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

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 Basel or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Basel and Trieste.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 Basel or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Basel is not a beach destination.

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.

Basel is not a beach destination.

Is Basel or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Basel 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.

Basel is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

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 Basel or Trieste?

Basel is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Basel. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Basel or Trieste Better for Families?

Basel and Trieste are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

Basel is a very kid-friendly city. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

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 Basel or Trieste Better for Couples?

Trieste is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Basel is a good city for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Basel or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Basel and Trieste are good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Basel. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Trieste is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 Basel or Trieste Better for Students?

Basel and Trieste are both high quality destinations for students and younger travelers.

Basel is a great city to visit as a student. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

Students come from all over to stay in 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 Basel or Trieste Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Basel and Trieste offer high quality public transit options.

Basel has some very good public transit options. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

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

Is Basel or Trieste a more walkable city?

Basel is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Basel. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Basel?

How long in Basel or Trieste?

It's fun to spend time in either Basel 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 Basel, and 2-4 days is enough time in Trieste.

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

Couples should spend more time in Trieste than Basel. 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 Basel 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 Basel.

One day in Basel or Trieste?

In Basel, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This 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, 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 Basel or Trieste?

In Basel, 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Basel 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 Basel or Trieste?

Basel 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 Basel or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Basel. 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 historic 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 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Trieste?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Basel 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 Basel 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 Basel or Trieste in the Summer?

Both Trieste and Basel during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Trieste for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Basel is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the summer temperatures in Basel in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Trieste averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Trieste, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Basel. In the summer, Basel often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in July than Trieste. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Trieste in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Trieste. Many travelers come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Trieste in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Basel is generally cooler than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 13°C (56°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during autumn. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Basel usually receives less rain than Trieste. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Basel or Trieste in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Basel as well as Trieste. Many visitors come to Basel in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Trieste for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Basel can get quite cold in the winter. Basel is much colder than Trieste in the winter. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Basel often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in January than Trieste. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Trieste in the Spring?

Both Trieste and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Basel for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Trieste because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Basel is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the spring temperatures in Basel in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Trieste averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during spring. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Basel usually receives less rain than Trieste. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Basel