A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cannes vs. Trieste for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Beaches

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

Cannes

Cannes is a lavish, glitzy, and opulent resort city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Trieste

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

Cannes and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cannes or Trieste?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cannes than Trieste. While Trieste is larger than Cannes, Cannes has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cannes is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Trieste attracts visitors for its museums. Cannes is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. It is also well known for Boulevard de la Croisette. Trieste is famous for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Cannes different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Trieste is very good for its sights and museums. However, Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Trieste. 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.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cannes is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Cannes have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city is known for its fresh seafood and produce, local markets, and innovative chefs. There are also a number of traditional dishes that you should try in town including bouillabaisse, daube, and farcis niçois.

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 Cannes or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

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

Cannes has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is all about the glamour and prestige that this city is known for. There are exclusive nightclubs and luxury cocktail bars where the goal is to see and be seen. Parties last late into the night and the glitz and glamour fill the streets.

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 Cannes or Trieste Better for Music?

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

Cannes has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Trieste is not a live music destination.

Is Cannes or Trieste Better for Resorts?

Cannes is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Trieste is not a resort destination.

Cannes is a world class resort vacation destination. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

Trieste is not a resort destination.

Is Cannes or Trieste Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is a resort city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Trieste is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Cannes. You can arrange scuba diving and snorkeling trips from a few vendors in town. You might see sponges, sea slugs octopus, cuttlefish, lobsters and even stingrays.

Trieste is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cannes or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Cannes 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 Cannes attract visitors from all over. You can choose from both public and private beaches in the area. You'll find more amenities and convenience at the private beaches which are closer to La Croisette (the main promenade in town). These beaches also come with a price tag attached. The public beaches have a more relaxed and natural vibe but are a little less convenient to get to.

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 Cannes or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Cannes 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.

Cannes is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Known as Le Suquet, the old town has many historic landmarks including the the Château de la Castre. There are also cobblestone streets and many great restaurants around town.

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 Cannes or Trieste?

Cannes is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Cannes specifically to go shopping. With its many affluent visitors, the shopping scene in town is filled with luxury brands and posh boutiques. Perfume and porcelain are both popular things to buy in the area.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cannes or Trieste Better for Families?

Trieste is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit 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.

Cannes is a family-friendly resort city. Most people associate the city with the film festival and late night partying, but there are also kid-friendly restaurants, fun beach activities, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment along La Croisette Boulevard. Make sure you check out the Grand Carousel and the many playgrounds around town.

Is Cannes or Trieste Better for Couples?

Cannes is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Cannes is a great resort city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's grand hotels and luxury beach clubs make this a perfect romantic destination. There are world class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene, and many romantic spots around town that make for a memorable honeymoon or couple's getaway.

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 Cannes or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Trieste is very good for backpackers. However, Cannes is not a good resort city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Cannes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's more famous for it's celebrity jetsetters than young budget travelers, but there are still several hostels and budget accommodation options tucked away in town.

Is Cannes or Trieste Better for Students?

Trieste is a well-known place for students. However, Cannes is not popular with 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.

Cannes is not popular with students.

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

Trieste is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Trieste offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

Cannes has some public transit options. There are buses that travel around the city.

Is Cannes or Trieste a more walkable city?

Cannes and Trieste both are superb when exploring on foot.

Cannes is a very walkable destination. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Cannes?

How long in Cannes or Trieste?

It's fun to spend time in either Cannes or Trieste. In our opinion, Cannes has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cannes than Trieste. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Cannes or Trieste?

In Cannes, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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 Cannes or Trieste?

In Cannes, you'll find shopping and nightlife. 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 Cannes 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 Cannes or Trieste?

Cannes is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Cannes or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cannes. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Cannes. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 diverse 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 Bicycle Tours in France, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers 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 Cannes and Trieste, we can see that Cannes 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 Cannes would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cannes 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 Cannes Expensive? and Is Trieste Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cannes or Trieste?

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

Both Trieste and Cannes during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cannes for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Trieste in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Cannes is around the same temperature as Trieste in the summer. The daily temperature in Cannes averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Trieste fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Cannes usually gets less rain in July than Trieste. Cannes gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cannes or Trieste in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cannes and Trieste. Many visitors come to Cannes in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Trieste for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Cannes is around the same temperature as Trieste. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cannes in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Trieste averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Cannes gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cannes usually receives more rain than Trieste. Cannes gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cannes or Trieste in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cannes as well as Trieste. Most visitors come to Cannes for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Trieste because of the museums and the cuisine.

In January, Cannes is generally much warmer than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Cannes average around 9°C (48°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Cannes usually gets more rain in January than Trieste. Cannes gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cannes or Trieste in the Spring?

Both Trieste and Cannes are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Cannes because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

Cannes is around the same temperature as Trieste in the spring. The daily temperature in Cannes averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Trieste fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

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

Typical Weather for Trieste and Cannes