A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bruges vs. Trieste for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Bruges 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 Bruges 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.

Bruges

Bruges is a charming, historic, and cultural city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Trieste

Trieste is a cultural, historic, and dynamic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bruges and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bruges or Trieste?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Bruges than Trieste. While Trieste is larger than Bruges, Bruges has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Bruges is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Trieste attracts visitors for its beaches. Bruges is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. It is also well known for Bruges' Markt (The Main Square). Trieste is famous for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Bruges different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bruges 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 Bruges. The city is filled with charming hidden corners as well as notable landmarks. The main square is Bruges' Markt which is where you'll find the the Belfry Tower. Other must-see sights include the Historium, Groeninge Museum, the Town Hall, and Brugse Vrije Museum.

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 Bruges or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Bruges has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. From its world class breweries to its famous chocolate shops, there is plenty to eat and drink around town. In the old town prices can be a bit high, but the dishes and atmosphere are great. Popular local dishes include Belgian waffles, fries, mussels, and beef 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 Bruges or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Bruges and Trieste.

If you're looking for night time activities Bruges has a few options to choose from. It's famous for its beer and breweries, so you'll find a number of places to gather in the evening. There is a lack of nightclubs, so if dancing and partying hard is your style, then this may not be your place. The vibes are generally chill and relaxed at night. Most places are concentrated around old town or near Kuipersstraat or Zilverstraat.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 Bruges or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a good destination for the beach. However, Bruges 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.

Bruges is not a beach destination.

Is Bruges or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Bruges offers plenty to see. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Bruges or Trieste?

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

Bruges has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city offers plenty of shopping, whether you're looking for souvenirs, trendy European brands, or local items. It's more geared towards tourists than locals, and you want find the same diversity that you get in some of the larger nearby cities, but you'll find unique lace items and other local goods in the old town. The streets around Markt Square, Steenstraat, Geld Monstraat, and Jakobstraat are the main shopping areas.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bruges or Trieste Better for Families?

Trieste is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Trieste. 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.

Bruges is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy sampling the unique chocolate around town, eating their fill of waffles, and getting their energy out in the park or at a local playground. There are also canal boat tours and horse drawn carriage rides that are fun for the whole family.

Is Bruges or Trieste Better for Couples?

Bruges and Trieste both very good destinations for a couple.

Bruges is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. This romantic city has amazing restaurants, charming streets, and impressive architecture. Couples will enjoy exploring the canals by boat or taking a horse drawn carriage ride through the old town. There are also a number of cute bed and breakfasts where you can stay.

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 Bruges or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges 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 Bruges. There are a few good hostels around town. The city sees its share of tourists, but many arrive as part of tours or river boat cruises. If you stay in a hostel, you shouldn't have trouble meeting other young travelers though. There are also plenty of well known breweries where you can gather with friends.

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 Bruges or Trieste Better for Students?

Trieste is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Bruges is not popular with 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.

Bruges is not popular with students.

Is Bruges 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, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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

Bruges has a few public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

Is Bruges or Trieste a more walkable city?

Bruges is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Bruges. The train station is a short walk from the old town but the city is very walkable and best explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Trieste?

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

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

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

One day in Bruges or Trieste?

In Bruges, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

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 Bruges or Trieste?

In Bruges, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bruges 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 Bruges or Trieste?

Bruges is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Bruges or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bruges. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bruges. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Bruges or Trieste?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 81% larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Bruges 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 Bruges 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 Bruges or Trieste in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bruges and Trieste. Most visitors come to Bruges for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Trieste because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Bruges is cooler than Trieste in the summer. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Trieste fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Trieste this time of the year. In Bruges, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during summer. Bruges gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bruges usually receives around the same amount of rain as Trieste. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bruges or Trieste in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bruges as well as Trieste. The autumn months attract visitors to Bruges because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

In the autumn, Bruges is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bruges in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Trieste averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Bruges gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets less rain in October than Trieste. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Trieste in the Winter?

Both Trieste and Bruges are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bruges this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Trieste for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Bruges in the winter. In January, Bruges is generally much colder than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 3°C (38°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during winter. Bruges gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bruges usually receives less rain than Trieste. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bruges or Trieste in the Spring?

Both Trieste and Bruges during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bruges for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Trieste in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Bruges is much colder than Trieste in the spring. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Trieste fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Bruges gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets less rain in April than Trieste. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Bruges