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

Should you visit Bilbao or Trieste?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bilbao and Trieste. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a authentic, colorful, and friendly city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Trieste

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

Bilbao and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Trieste?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bilbao than Trieste, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bilbao is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Trieste is known for its food, beaches, and impressive beauty. Bilbao is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also home to The Guggenheim Museum. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Bilbao different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bilbao 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 Bilbao. A favorite museum in town is the popular Guggenheim Museum. From its iconic building to the unique exhibits, this is a must-see stop during your visit. Other highlights around town include the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, the Museo Vasco, as well as the city's unique bridges.

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 Bilbao or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Trieste is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Trieste. 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.

Bilbao is not a culinary destination. The food scene is among the best in Spain. The city has several world renowned restaurants, including a few Michelin-starred restaurants, but there are also smaller eateries that cater to the locals and tourists alike. Make sure you try the pintxos, which are small dishes that are the Basque region's answer to tapas. Many include seafood and are cooked with olive oil and garlic.

Is Bilbao or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

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

Bilbao has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a great late night scene that centers around eating and drinking. There are lively nightclubs, a good live music scene, and no shortage of people heading out on the town.

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 Bilbao or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a good destination for the beache. However, Bilbao is not a beach destination.

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.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Bilbao or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the good old town areas in both Bilbao and Trieste.

Many people head to Bilbao to see the old town. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Trieste has an old town worth visiting. The old town highlights the diversity of cultures and influences from the city's past.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Trieste?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bilbao. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bilbao or Trieste Better for Families?

Trieste is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Trieste is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Bilbao offers lots of family activities. The city offers some great museums such as the Guggenheim Museum. Families will also enjoy taking a ride of the Artxander Funicular, and exploring Mercado de la Ribera. You can also enjoy walking around Park Abandoibarra and exploring the creative sculptures.

Is Bilbao or Trieste Better for Couples?

Trieste is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Bilbao is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with a vibrant enjoy with parks and outdoor strolls that couples will enjoy. There are also many great museums and romantic restaurants as well as some great shopping streets.

Is Bilbao or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao and Trieste are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bilbao. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 Bilbao or Trieste Better for Students?

Trieste is well known for students. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Bilbao. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Bilbao and Trieste.

Public transit in Bilbao can get you to some places easily. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Trieste. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

Is Bilbao or Trieste a more walkable city?

Trieste is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Bilbao is a somewhat walkable city. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Trieste?

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

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

In Bilbao, 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.

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 Bilbao or Trieste?

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

Bilbao 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.

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 Bilbao or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bilbao. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the diverse 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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Trieste?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Trieste. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao 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 Bilbao 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 Bilbao or Trieste in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Trieste. Most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Trieste because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Trieste. In the summer, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun.

Bilbao usually gets less rain in July than Trieste. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Trieste in the Autumn?

Both Trieste and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

In October, Bilbao is generally around the same temperature as Trieste. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 16°C (62°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during autumn. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In October, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Trieste. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bilbao or Trieste in the Winter?

Both Trieste and Bilbao during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Trieste for the museums and the cuisine.

Bilbao is much warmer than Trieste in the winter. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. Bilbao usually gets more rain in January than Trieste. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Trieste in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Trieste. Many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Trieste in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bilbao is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bilbao in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Trieste averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during spring. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Trieste. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Bilbao