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

Should you visit Biarritz or Trieste?

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

Should I visit Biarritz or Trieste? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a quirky, dynamic, and cultural seaside town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Trieste

Trieste is a historic, dynamic, and energetic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and museums.

Biarritz and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Biarritz or Trieste?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Biarritz. Although Biarritz and Trieste are both popular with visitors, Biarritz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Biarritz is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Trieste is known for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Biarritz is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. It is also home to Grande Plage. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Biarritz different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Trieste is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Trieste offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

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

Biarritz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

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 Biarritz or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Biarritz has a large number of nightlife venues. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

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 Biarritz or Trieste Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Trieste is not a resort destination.

In Biarritz, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Trieste is not a resort destination.

Is Biarritz or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

The beaches at Biarritz attract visitors from all over. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

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 Biarritz or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Trieste is a popular place for its old town. However, Biarritz 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.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Biarritz or Trieste?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Biarritz. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Biarritz or Trieste Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Biarritz or Trieste.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Biarritz is very family-friendly. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

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 Biarritz or Trieste Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Biarritz and Trieste make for a excellent place to visit.

Biarritz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Couples visit Trieste frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Biarritz or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

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 Biarritz or Trieste Better for Students?

Trieste is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Biarritz is not popular with students.

Trieste is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit in Trieste can get you to some places easily. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

You'll find some public transit in Biarritz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Biarritz or Trieste a more walkable city?

Biarritz and Trieste are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Biarritz is a very walkable seaside town. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Biarritz?

How long in Biarritz or Trieste?

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

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

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

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

One day in Biarritz or Trieste?

In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Trieste offers nightlife and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Biarritz or Trieste?

In Biarritz, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Trieste is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Trieste, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Biarritz or Trieste?

Biarritz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Biarritz has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Trieste is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Biarritz or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Trieste is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

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

Which is Bigger, Biarritz or Trieste?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Biarritz 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 Biarritz 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 Biarritz or Trieste in the Summer?

Both Trieste and Biarritz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Biarritz in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Trieste for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Biarritz is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the summer temperatures in Biarritz in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Trieste averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Trieste. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during summer. Biarritz gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Trieste. Biarritz gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Biarritz or Trieste in the Autumn?

Both Trieste and Biarritz during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Trieste because of the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Biarritz is generally around the same temperature as Trieste. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 16°C (60°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Biarritz gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. Biarritz usually gets more rain in October than Trieste. Biarritz gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Trieste in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Biarritz and Trieste. The winter months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

Biarritz is much warmer than Trieste in the winter. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during winter. Biarritz gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Trieste. Biarritz gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Biarritz or Trieste in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Biarritz as well as Trieste. The beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Trieste for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Biarritz is around the same temperature as Trieste. Typically, the spring temperatures in Biarritz in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Trieste averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Biarritz gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the spring. Biarritz usually gets more rain in April than Trieste. Biarritz gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Biarritz