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

Should you visit Calais or Trieste?

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

Should I visit Calais or Trieste? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Calais

Calais is a coastal, authentic, and undiscovered 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.

Trieste

Trieste is a historic, dynamic, and energetic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, museums, and nightlife.

Calais and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Calais or Trieste?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Calais than Trieste. While Trieste is larger than Calais, Calais has more sights and attractions for tourists. Calais is very popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Trieste attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Calais is famous for being a gateway for travelers to France. It is also well known for The Town Hall. Trieste is famous for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Calais different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Calais or Trieste.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calais. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

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 Calais or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Calais and Trieste offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Calais area. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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 Calais or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Calais and Trieste.

Calais has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

If you're looking for night time activities Trieste has a few options to choose from. 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 Calais or Trieste Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Calais and Trieste are nice choices.

Calais is a good option for a beach vacation. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

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.

Is Calais or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Trieste is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

Trieste offers a nice historic old town area. The old town highlights the diversity of cultures and influences from the city's past.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Calais or Trieste?

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

Calais has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Calais or Trieste Better for Families?

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

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.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Calais or Trieste Better for Couples?

Trieste is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Calais or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Trieste is a popular place for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Calais or Trieste Better for Students?

Trieste is well known for students. However, Calais is not popular with students.

Trieste is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Calais is not popular with students.

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

Trieste is well known for its public transit. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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

While Calais offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Calais or Trieste a more walkable city?

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

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

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Calais?

How long in Calais or Trieste?

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

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

In Calais, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Calais or Trieste?

In Calais, you'll find food 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 Calais 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 Calais or Trieste?

Calais 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 Calais or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calais. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Calais. 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 Budget Tours to France, The Best Tours for Seniors to 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 Calais and Trieste, we can see that Calais 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 Calais would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Calais 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 Calais Expensive? and Is Trieste Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Calais or Trieste?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Calais 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 Calais 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 Calais or Trieste in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Calais as well as Trieste. Many visitors come to Calais in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Trieste for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Trieste. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Calais this time of the year. In the summer, Calais often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Calais gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in July than Trieste. Calais gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Calais or Trieste in the Autumn?

Both Trieste and Calais are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Trieste because of the natural beauty of the area.

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

Calais usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during autumn. Calais gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Calais usually receives less rain than Trieste. Calais gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Calais or Trieste in the Winter?

Both Trieste and Calais during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Calais because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

The weather in Calais can be very cold. In January, Calais is generally cooler than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 4°C (40°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Calais often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Calais gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in January than Trieste. Calais gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Calais or Trieste in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Calais and Trieste. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Calais this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Trieste for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Calais is much colder than Trieste in the spring. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Trieste fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Calais usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during spring. Calais gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Calais usually receives less rain than Trieste. Calais gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Calais