A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cagliari vs. Trieste for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Cagliari 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 Cagliari and Trieste can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cagliari

Cagliari is a relaxed, historic, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Cagliari travel costs.

Trieste

Trieste is a dynamic, energetic, and diverse city. Trieste is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and museums. See Trieste travel costs.

Cagliari and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cagliari or Trieste?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cagliari than Trieste. While Trieste is larger than Cagliari, Cagliari has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cagliari is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Trieste is known for its impressive beauty. Cagliari is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. It is also home to Castello. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Cagliari different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cagliari 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 Cagliari. The Castello district is filled with ancient buildings including Bastione San Remy and the Duomo. Also make sure you check out the Archeology 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 Cagliari or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Cagliari has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The cuisine mixes the island's sea and mountain settings. You'll find many local pastas, breads, seafood dishes, and cheeses. There's a wealth of diversity in the food and you should definitely step away from the more traditional Italian flavors and try something uniquely Sardinian.

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 Cagliari or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

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

Cagliari has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a thriving nightlife scene that is mostly centered around tourists. You'll find a number of the best bars in the Castello district and the atmosphere is usually relaxed and laid back, like the town itself.

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 Cagliari or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Cagliari 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 Cagliari attract visitors from all over. While you'll find some nice beaches in town, if you're willing to head to the surrounding areas just outside of town, you'll be rewarded with amazing beaches. The beaches are enjoyable any time of the year.

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 Cagliari or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Cagliari is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Cagliari is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The Castello district is the city's old town. It's filled with narrow alleys, historic castles, and a truly unique atmosphere.

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 Cagliari or Trieste?

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

Cagliari has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the Marina district for some of the city's best shopping opportunities. There are a number of shopping malls to choose from. For souvenirs and other handicrafts, the port area has a few shops.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cagliari or Trieste More Beautiful?

Trieste is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Cagliari is not a destination known for its beauty.

Trieste is a beautiful place to visit, too. It may not top most traveler's lists, but the city has its own old town and relaxed, pebbly beaches.

Cagliari is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cagliari or Trieste Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cagliari is very family-friendly. There are a number of activities for kids to enjoy in the areas surrounding the city. If you're willing to get about an hour out of town, you can check out the Water Park of Pula. In town, there's a little train that young kids will enjoy. And, of course, there are the beaches!

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 Cagliari or Trieste Better for Couples?

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

Cagliari makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The waterfront setting and nice beaches make this a great place for couples. There's also the Castello district, which is fun to wander through, and many parks and outdoor walking areas.

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 Cagliari or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cagliari and Trieste are both good destinations for backpackers.

Cagliari is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel or two in the area that offer accommodation that backpackers will appreciate.

It's common for backpackers to 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 Cagliari or Trieste Better for Students?

Trieste is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Trieste is very popular with students. 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.

Cagliari is popular with students. There are some study abroad opportunities in town, and with the nearby beaches and wonderful weather, many international students enjoy their time here.

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

Trieste is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Trieste can get you around easily. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

You'll find some public transit in Cagliari, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel around town relatively efficiently.

Is Cagliari or Trieste a more walkable city?

Cagliari and Trieste are superb when it comes to walkability.

Cagliari is a very walkable city. While the city is very walkable, it is built on a large hill so come prepared for some steep climbs.

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 Cagliari Worth Visiting? and Is Trieste Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Cagliari?

How long in Cagliari or Trieste?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cagliari or Trieste?

In Cagliari, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

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 Cagliari or Trieste?

In Cagliari, 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 Cagliari has to offer.

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 Cagliari or Trieste?

Cagliari is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

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 Cagliari or Trieste?

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

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Cagliari or Trieste?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Cagliari. When comparing the sizes of Cagliari 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 Cagliari 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 Cagliari or Trieste in the Summer?

Both Trieste and Cagliari are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cagliari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Trieste in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cagliari is around the same temperature as Trieste. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cagliari in July average around 24°C (75°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 Cagliari. Cagliari usually receives more sunshine than Trieste during summer. Cagliari gets 337 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Trieste. Cagliari gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cagliari or Trieste in the Autumn?

Both Trieste and Cagliari during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cagliari in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Trieste for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Cagliari is generally a little warmer than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Cagliari average around 18°C (65°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Cagliari often gets more sunshine than Trieste. Cagliari gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in October than Trieste. Cagliari gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cagliari or Trieste in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cagliari and Trieste. Most visitors come to Cagliari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Trieste because of the museums and the cuisine.

Cagliari is much warmer than Trieste in the winter. The daily temperature in Cagliari averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Cagliari usually receives more sunshine than Trieste during winter. Cagliari gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Trieste. Cagliari gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cagliari or Trieste in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cagliari as well as Trieste. The spring months attract visitors to Cagliari because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

In the spring, Cagliari is around the same temperature as Trieste. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cagliari in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Trieste averages at about 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cagliari this time of the year. In the spring, Cagliari often gets more sunshine than Trieste. Cagliari gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in April than Trieste. Cagliari gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Cagliari