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

Should you visit Berlin or Trieste?

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

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

Berlin

Berlin is a historic, cultural, and artsy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food.

Trieste

Trieste is a energetic, diverse, and cultural city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Berlin and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Berlin or Trieste?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Berlin than Trieste, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Berlin is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Trieste is known for its beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Berlin is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. It is also home to the Brandenburg Gate. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Berlin different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Berlin 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, Berlin has many famous sights for visitors. Famous landmarks include the rebuilt Reichstag, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Berliner Fernsehturm. Many of the city's oldest and most famous museums are found on Museum Island, where you'll find the Pergamon Museum, the James Simon Gallery, the Altes Museum, and the Neues Museum, among others.

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 Berlin or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Berlin has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a great international food scene, but also all of the traditional favorites like currywurst, spätzle, and schnitzel. You'll find many diverse food halls, street markets, and local restaurants, as well as a large selection of traditional German restaurants that cater to the tourists.

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 Berlin or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

Berlin 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 Berlin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The nightlife scene here is legendary. There are club nights that last for days, bars and parties that appeal to every personality, and a diversity of venues that you can choose from. You'll find the classic techno warehouses, but there are also modern dance clubs, bunker parties, and raves.

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 Berlin or Trieste Better for Music?

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

Berlin has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. From the raves to the techno parties, there is a hugely diverse music scene in the city. It is so much more than the stereotypical punk and techno music that Berlin is known for. Rock, pop, and other genres are popular as well.

Trieste is not a live music destination.

Is Berlin or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Berlin 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.

Berlin is not a beach destination.

Is Berlin or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Trieste. The old town highlights the diversity of cultures and influences from the city's past.

Berlin does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Berlin or Trieste?

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

Many people travel to Berlin specifically to go shopping. Bookshops, flea markets, luxury boutiques and artisan shops all make up the shopping scene in the city. Kurfürstendamm is one of the most famous shopping districts in the city.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Berlin or Trieste Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Berlin is very family-friendly. The city has a number of great kid-friendly museums such as the Museum of Natural History and the Computer Games Museum. There's also Legoland, an impressive aquarium, and lots of parks and playgrounds to explore.

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.

Is Berlin or Trieste Better for Couples?

Trieste is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Trieste is a great city 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.

Berlin is a good city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus. For couples who enjoy a night out on the town, there are many great restaurants and nightclubs that you can check out.

Is Berlin or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin 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 Berlin, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

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 Berlin or Trieste Better for Students?

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

Berlin is a very popular city for students. With it's rich culture and eclectic creative side, this city appeals to many international students. There's also a great social scene that is perfect for university students.

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

Berlin is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Visitors in Berlin can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

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

Is Berlin or Trieste a more walkable city?

Trieste is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Berlin is a somewhat walkable city. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods are spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Berlin?

How long in Berlin or Trieste?

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

Families should spend more time in Trieste than Berlin. 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 Berlin. 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 Berlin 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 Berlin.

One day in Berlin or Trieste?

Because Berlin is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Trieste. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Berlin or Trieste?

Because Berlin 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. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Berlin has to offer.

Trieste is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Berlin or Trieste?

Berlin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Berlin has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Trieste. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Berlin or Trieste?

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

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historic destination of Trieste. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Cultural Tours in Germany, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Berlin or Trieste?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Trieste. When comparing the sizes of Berlin 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 Berlin or Trieste?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Berlin or Trieste in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Berlin and Trieste. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Berlin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Trieste for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Berlin is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the summer temperatures in Berlin in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Trieste averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Trieste this time of the year. In Berlin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Berlin usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during summer. Berlin gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Berlin usually receives less rain than Trieste. Berlin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Berlin or Trieste in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Berlin as well as Trieste. Many travelers come to Berlin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Trieste in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Berlin is generally much colder than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Berlin average around 10°C (50°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Berlin often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Berlin gets 106 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun.

Berlin usually gets less rain in October than Trieste. Berlin gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Berlin or Trieste in the Winter?

Both Trieste and Berlin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Berlin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Trieste for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Berlin can get quite cold in the winter. Berlin is much colder than Trieste in the winter. The daily temperature in Berlin averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Berlin usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during winter. Berlin gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Berlin usually receives less rain than Trieste. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Berlin or Trieste in the Spring?

Both Trieste and Berlin during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Berlin for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Trieste because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Berlin is much colder than Trieste. Typically, the spring temperatures in Berlin in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Trieste averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Berlin often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Berlin gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun.

Berlin usually gets less rain in April than Trieste. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Berlin