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

Should you visit Belfast or Trieste?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast 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.

Belfast

Belfast is a authentic, affordable, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife and shopping.

Trieste

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

Belfast and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Trieste?

You'll generally find more things to do in Belfast than Trieste. Belfast is bigger than Trieste, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Belfast is better known for its shopping and big city activities, while Trieste is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Belfast is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". Also, Belfast is famous for Belfast Castle. Trieste is well known for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Belfast different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Trieste is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Belfast or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Trieste is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

Both Belfast and Trieste are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

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 Belfast or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Belfast 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.

Belfast is not a beach destination.

Is Belfast or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Trieste is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

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.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Trieste?

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

Belfast has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Belfast or Trieste Better for Families?

Trieste is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Belfast 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.

Belfast is a family-friendly city. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Is Belfast or Trieste Better for Couples?

Trieste is a well-known place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city 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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Trieste is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Belfast or Trieste Better for Students?

Trieste is a well-known place for students. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Trieste is a great 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.

Plenty of students visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

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

Trieste is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Trieste. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Trieste a more walkable city?

Trieste is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Trieste?

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

Families should spend more time in Trieste than Belfast. 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 Belfast. 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 Trieste than Belfast 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 Belfast or Trieste?

In Belfast, you'll find nightlife and shopping. 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, 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 Belfast or Trieste?

In Belfast, you'll find shopping and nightlife. 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Trieste?

Belfast 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.

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 Belfast or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Belfast. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Belfast. 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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Trieste?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Trieste. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Trieste in the Summer?

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

In July, Belfast is generally much colder than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 15°C (59°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Trieste, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Trieste. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Trieste in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Trieste. Many travelers come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Trieste in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area.

Belfast is much colder than Trieste in the autumn. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during autumn. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Belfast usually receives around the same amount of rain as Trieste. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Belfast or Trieste in the Winter?

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

Belfast can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Belfast is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the winter temperatures in Belfast in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Trieste averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in January than Trieste. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Trieste in the Spring?

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

In April, Belfast is generally much colder than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 8°C (46°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

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

In April, Belfast usually receives less rain than Trieste. Belfast gets 50 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 Belfast