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

Should you visit Birmingham or Trieste?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Birmingham and Trieste can help you decide which place is right for you.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a historic, vibrant, and fun-filled city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Trieste

Trieste is a dynamic, energetic, and diverse city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Birmingham and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Birmingham or Trieste?

You'll generally find more things to do in Birmingham than Trieste. Birmingham is bigger than Trieste, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Birmingham is better known for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Trieste is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Birmingham is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. Also, Birmingham is famous for Victoria Square. Trieste is well known for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Birmingham different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Birmingham 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 Birmingham. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

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 Birmingham or Trieste Better for Theater?

Birmingham is a very popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Trieste is not a theatre destination.

Birmingham attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Trieste is not a theatre destination.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Birmingham and Trieste can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Birmingham. Food reviews are mixed around town. The city has its share of award-winning restaurants, but there are also popular dishes that are more of an acquired taste. Local flavors include pork scratching, Birmingham soup, and brummie bacon cakes.

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.

Is Birmingham or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

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

Birmingham has a large number of nightlife venues. With tons of students and young people looking to party, there is plenty to do in the evening. You'll find no shortage of pubs, clubs, and music venues around 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 Birmingham or Trieste Better for Music?

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

Birmingham has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city has long been a haven for musical creativity, and its influence over the global music scene is apparent. Popular music venues around town include Ghetto Golf, Digbeth Dining Club, and the Sunflower Lounge.

Trieste is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is very good for its beaches. However, Birmingham is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Trieste to enjoy the beach. 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.

Birmingham is not a beach destination.

Is Birmingham or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Trieste is very good for its historic old town. However, Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Trieste is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town highlights the diversity of cultures and influences from the city's past.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Trieste?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Birmingham. The city offers everything from large department stores to smaller local shops. There are several good shopping streets around town as well as large markets and even a jewelry quarter.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Birmingham or Trieste Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Birmingham or Trieste.

Birmingham is a very family-friendly destination. The city has put effort into making sure there are plenty of family-friendly activities around. You can visit a chocolate factory, explore an aquarium, enjoy an animal safari, or explore one of the hands-on museums.

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.

Is Birmingham or Trieste Better for Couples?

Both Birmingham and Trieste are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Birmingham is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Romantic activities around town include taking a beautiful stroll through town, wandering around a park or garden, or seeing the ballet.

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.

Is Birmingham or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Trieste is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Birmingham is not a good destination for backpackers.

Trieste is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Birmingham is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular destination for backpackers, but there's at least one affordable hostel in town.

Is Birmingham or Trieste Better for Students?

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

Birmingham is a very popular city for students. With world class academic institutions and a very diverse and international population, this is a popular place for international students to study.

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

Trieste is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors to Trieste can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

Birmingham has a few public transit options. There is a reasonably comprehensive bus system.

Is Birmingham or Trieste a more walkable city?

Birmingham and Trieste are superb when it comes to walkability.

Birmingham is very walkable. Many parts of the city are very walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Trieste?

It's fun to spend time in either Birmingham or Trieste. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Birmingham due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Birmingham, and 2-4 days is enough time in Trieste.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Trieste than Birmingham 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 Birmingham or Trieste?

In Birmingham, you'll find food and shopping. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Trieste, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Birmingham or Trieste?

In Birmingham, you'll find shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Birmingham has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Trieste, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Birmingham or Trieste?

Birmingham 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 Birmingham has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Trieste, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Birmingham or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Birmingham. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Birmingham. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Trieste is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in 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 Birmingham and Trieste, we can see that Birmingham 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 Birmingham would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Birmingham 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 Birmingham Expensive? and Is Trieste Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Trieste?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Trieste. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham or Trieste in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Trieste. Many travelers come to Birmingham for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Trieste in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Birmingham is generally cooler than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 17°C (63°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Trieste this time of the year. Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during summer. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Trieste. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Birmingham or Trieste in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Trieste. Many visitors come to Birmingham in the autumn for the shopping scene and the music scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Trieste for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Birmingham is cooler than Trieste in the autumn. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in October than Trieste. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Birmingham or Trieste in the Winter?

Both Trieste and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Birmingham for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Trieste because of the museums and the cuisine.

Birmingham can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Birmingham is much colder than Trieste. Typically, the winter temperatures in Birmingham in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Trieste averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during winter. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Trieste. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Birmingham or Trieste in the Spring?

Both Trieste and Birmingham during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

In April, Birmingham is generally much colder than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 9°C (48°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in April than Trieste. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Birmingham