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

Should you visit Caen 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 Caen 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.

Caen

Caen is a important, historic, and park-filled 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 food.

Trieste

Trieste is a cultural, historic, and dynamic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and museums.

Caen and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caen or Trieste?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Caen than Trieste. While Trieste is larger than Caen, Caen has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Caen is better known for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Trieste is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Caen is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings. Also, Caen is famous for Pegasus Bridge. Trieste is well known for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Caen different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Caen 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 Caen. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

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 Caen or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Caen has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

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 Caen or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Caen and Trieste.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Caen. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars 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 Caen or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a good destination for its beaches. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not a beach destination.

Is Caen or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Trieste is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Caen 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.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is Caen or Trieste Better for Families?

Trieste is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Trieste is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Caen. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

Is Caen or Trieste Better for Couples?

Trieste is a very popular place for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Trieste makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Caen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Caen or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Caen and Trieste are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Caen. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

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 Caen or Trieste Better for Students?

Trieste is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find very good public transit in both Caen and Trieste.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Caen. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

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

Is Caen or Trieste a more walkable city?

Trieste is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Caen is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Caen?

How long in Caen or Trieste?

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

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

In Caen, 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Trieste. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Caen or Trieste?

In Caen, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Caen has to offer.

Trieste is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Caen or Trieste?

Caen 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.

You'll find food and museums around the historic destination of Trieste. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Caen or Trieste?

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

The dynamic city of Trieste offers museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in 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 Caen and Trieste, we can see that Caen 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 Caen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Caen 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 Caen Expensive? and Is Trieste Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Caen or Trieste?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Caen 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 Caen 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 Caen or Trieste in the Summer?

Both Trieste and Caen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Caen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Trieste because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Caen is generally cooler than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 18°C (64°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Trieste. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Caen. Caen usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during summer. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Caen usually receives less rain than Trieste. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Caen or Trieste in the Autumn?

Both Trieste and Caen during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Caen because of the city's sights and attractions. Also, the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

Caen is cooler than Trieste in the autumn. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Caen often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Caen gets 128 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets less rain in October than Trieste. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Trieste in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and Trieste. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Caen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Trieste for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Caen in the winter. In the winter, Caen is around the same temperature as Trieste. Typically, the winter temperatures in Caen in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Trieste averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during winter. Caen gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Caen usually receives less rain than Trieste. Caen 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 Caen or Trieste in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Caen as well as Trieste. Many travelers come to Caen for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Trieste in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Caen is generally cooler than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 9°C (49°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Caen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets less rain in April than Trieste. Caen gets 46 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 Caen