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

Should you visit Copenhagen or Trieste?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Copenhagen and Trieste can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a welcoming, relaxed, and beautiful city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Trieste

Trieste is a diverse, cultural, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and museums.

Copenhagen and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Trieste?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Copenhagen than Trieste, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Copenhagen is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Trieste is known for its beaches. Copenhagen is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. It is also home to Tivoli Gardens. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Copenhagen different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

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 Copenhagen or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen have been singled out for their culinary prowess. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.

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 Copenhagen or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

The nightlife in Copenhagen is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

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 Copenhagen or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a city with good options for the beache. However, Copenhagen is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Trieste. 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.

Copenhagen is not a beach destination.

Is Copenhagen or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.

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 Copenhagen or Trieste?

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

Many people travel to Copenhagen specifically to go shopping. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Copenhagen or Trieste Better for Families?

Copenhagen is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Copenhagen is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

Trieste is 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 Copenhagen or Trieste Better for Couples?

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

Copenhagen is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

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 Copenhagen or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Copenhagen is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Copenhagen. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

Plenty of backpackers 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 Copenhagen or Trieste Better for Students?

Both Copenhagen and Trieste are great destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Copenhagen. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

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.

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

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

Visitors in Copenhagen can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Trieste. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

Is Copenhagen or Trieste a more walkable city?

Copenhagen is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Copenhagen. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Trieste?

It's fun to spend time in either Copenhagen or Trieste. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Copenhagen due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Copenhagen, and 2-4 days is enough time in Trieste.

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

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

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

One day in Copenhagen or Trieste?

In Copenhagen, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the energetic city of Trieste, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Copenhagen or Trieste?

In Copenhagen, 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 Copenhagen has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Trieste, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Copenhagen or Trieste?

Copenhagen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Copenhagen has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Trieste, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Copenhagen or Trieste?

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

Trieste is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Trieste?

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

Both Trieste and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

In the summer, Copenhagen is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the summer temperatures in Copenhagen in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Trieste averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In July, Copenhagen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Trieste. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Trieste in the Autumn?

Both Trieste and Copenhagen during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Trieste for the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Copenhagen is generally much colder than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 10°C (50°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in October than Trieste. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Trieste in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Trieste. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Trieste in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Copenhagen. Copenhagen is much colder than Trieste in the winter. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In January, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Trieste. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Trieste in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Trieste. Many visitors come to Copenhagen in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Trieste for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Copenhagen is much colder than Trieste. Typically, the spring temperatures in Copenhagen in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Trieste averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in April than Trieste. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Copenhagen