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

Should you visit Chartres or Trieste?

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

Should I visit Chartres 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.

Chartres

Chartres is a spectacular, historic, and grand town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Trieste

Trieste is a historic, dynamic, and energetic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Chartres and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Chartres or Trieste?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Trieste. Although Chartres and Trieste are both popular with visitors, Trieste has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Trieste is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Chartres is known for its small town charm. Chartres is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its beautiful cathedral and long running history. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage. It is also home to Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia.

How is Chartres different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chartres
Trieste

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Chartres and Trieste.

Chartres offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most visitors make the trip to see the spectacular Gothic cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame. It was completed in 1220 and is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows.

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.


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

Chartres
Trieste

Both Chartres and Trieste offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

Chartres has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Trieste area. 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 Chartres or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

Chartres
Trieste

Trieste is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chartres or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Chartres
Trieste

Trieste is a popular place for the beache. However, Chartres is not a beach destination.

Trieste is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Chartres is not a beach destination.


Is Chartres or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Chartres
Trieste

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Trieste. The old town highlights the diversity of cultures and influences from the city's past.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is Chartres or Trieste Better for Families?

Chartres
Trieste

Trieste is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Trieste is very family-friendly. 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.

Chartres is not the most family-friendly destination. The main attraction in town is the cathedral, but the surrounding area is also filled with history. This may not keep your kids entertained for long, so you can also check out the Stained Glass Museum, La Tanière (a zoo), or one of the parks around town.

Is Chartres or Trieste Better for Couples?

Chartres
Trieste

Trieste is great for its romantic activities. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

Trieste is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Chartres is a good town for couples to visit. With its cathedral and rich history, many couples enjoy exploring the town. It is filled with history and interesting sights.


Is Chartres or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chartres
Trieste

For backpackers, both Chartres and Trieste are good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Chartres. It's easy enough to visit as a day trip from Paris, so backpackers and other tourists typically allow themselves a few hours to explore.

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.

Is Chartres or Trieste Better for Students?

Chartres
Trieste

Trieste is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Chartres 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.

Chartres is not popular with students.

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

Chartres
Trieste

Chartres and Trieste both offer excellent public transit to get you around.

The public transit in Chartres can get you around easily. There are trains that leave Paris Montparnasse 1 Et 2 every half hour and travel to Chartres. The trip takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

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


Is Chartres or Trieste a more walkable city?

Chartres
Trieste

Chartres and Trieste are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Chartres is a very walkable town. It's easy to see the sights around town on foot.

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 Chartres Worth Visiting? and Is Trieste Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Chartres?

How long in Chartres or Trieste?

It's fun to spend time in either Chartres or Trieste. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Trieste due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Chartres, and 2-4 days is enough time in Trieste.

Families should spend more time in Trieste than Chartres. 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 Chartres. 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 Chartres 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.


  • How many days in Chartres or Trieste? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chartres 1-2 
    Trieste 2-4

One day in Chartres or Trieste?

In Chartres, you'll find food and museums. This town 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 Chartres or Trieste?

In Chartres, you'll find museums 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 Chartres 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 Chartres or Trieste?

Chartres 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.

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 Chartres or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chartres. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Chartres. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Trieste or Chartres?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Chartres is €117, while the average daily cost in Trieste is €100. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Chartres and Trieste in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chartres 59
    Trieste 55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chartres 118
    Trieste 110
Compare Hotels in Chartres and Trieste

Looking for a hotel in Chartres or Trieste? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Chartres


Hotels in Trieste


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Chartres Hotel Prices and Trieste Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chartres 26
    Trieste 18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Trieste

Also for Trieste, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Rome & Cruise Port Roundtrip Private Transfer: $5,067
  • Cruise Port to Milan Roundtrip Private Transfer: $4,014
  • Trieste Cruise Port : One Way Private Transfer to Milan: $2,007
  • Trieste Port or City: 1-Way Transfer to Venice + water taxi: $1,027
  • Venice Airport(VCE):1-Way Transfer to Trieste or Cruise Port: $706
  • Trieste City/Port: One Way Transfer to Venice, Pazzale Roma: $524
  • Private Transfer from Trieste Airport to Rovinj: $342
  • Trieste Cruise Port to Malpensa Airport (MXP)- Departure Transfer: $293
  • Private Transfer from Trieste Port to Malpensa Milan Airport(MXP): $293
  • Private Transfer from Koper to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $292
  • Trieste Cruise Port to Venice - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $290
  • Private Direct Transfer From Trieste to Venice: $284

Is it cheaper to fly into Chartres or Trieste?

Prices for flights to both Trieste and Chartres change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Chartres 39
    Trieste 31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Trieste

For Trieste, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cesarine: Small group Street food tour in Trieste: $97
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Trieste with show cooking: $115
  • Istria - Truffles: Hunting & Cooking & Tasting, Slovenia: $141
  • Trieste Private Home Cooking Class: $155
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Trieste: $158
  • Private Mediterranean Fish Cooking Workshop with Irena: $180
  • 5-Course Food Tour with Electric Bikes: $235

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chartres 22
    Trieste 22

Tours and Activities in Chartres

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chartres.

  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41

Tours and Activities in Trieste

For Trieste, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • The best of Izola walking tour: $98
  • 60-minute Small Group Guided Walking Tour in Piran: $22
  • Amazing Private Tour Postojna and Predjama from Portoroz: $192
  • Deluxe Venice Shore Excursion from Trieste Cruise Port: $96
  • E-bike Vipava River Tour : $164
  • EXPRESS LITERATURE Trieste Letteraria: Guided walking tour and readings: $74
  • Experience Trieste: $164
  • Explore highlights of Trieste on a private 3-hour walking tour: $299
  • Flavours of Istria Tasting Experience from Koper: $125
  • Flavours of Istria Tasting Experience from Piran or Portoroz or Izola: $126
  • Flavours of Istria Tasting Experience from Trieste: $133
  • Food & Wine -> Gourmet tour in Piran: $131

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chartres 12
    Trieste 8.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Trieste

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Trieste:

  • Wine Tasting from Istria, Carso and Friuli terroirs: $37
  • Trip to Stanjel castle wine tasting and gourmet lunch 4 courses from Piran: $131
  • Castles & Wine Tour: $140
  • Collio: Cividale Del Friuli and Wine Tastings from Trieste: $148
  • Experience Slovenian Coast line with Wine Tasting from Trieste: $164
  • Koper & Wine tasting: $186
  • Wine Tour on the Coast: $268


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


Which is Bigger, Chartres or Trieste?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Chartres 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 Chartres 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 Chartres or Trieste in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chartres and Trieste. Many visitors come to Chartres in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Trieste for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Chartres is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chartres in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Trieste averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Trieste this time of the year. In Chartres, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during summer. Chartres gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Chartres usually receives less rain than Trieste. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Chartres 20°C (68°F) 
    Trieste 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Chartres or Trieste in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chartres as well as Trieste. Most visitors come to Chartres for the small town atmosphere during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Trieste because of the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Chartres is generally cooler than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Chartres average around 13°C (56°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Chartres gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun.

Chartres usually gets less rain in October than Trieste. Chartres gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Chartres 13°C (56°F) 
    Trieste 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Chartres or Trieste in the Winter?

Both Trieste and Chartres are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Chartres because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

The weather in Chartres can be very cold. Chartres is cooler than Trieste in the winter. The daily temperature in Chartres averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during winter. Chartres gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chartres usually receives less rain than Trieste. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chartres 5°C (40°F) 
    Trieste 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Chartres or Trieste in the Spring?

Both Trieste and Chartres during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm are the main draw to Chartres this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Trieste for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Chartres is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chartres in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Trieste averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Chartres often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste. Chartres gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun.

Chartres usually gets less rain in April than Trieste. Chartres gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chartres 11°C (52°F) 
    Trieste 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Trieste and Chartres

Chartres Trieste
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 55 mm (2.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)


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