A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dublin vs. Trieste for Nightlife, Attractions, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Dublin or Trieste?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dublin or Trieste, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Dublin

Dublin is a welcoming, fun, and laid-back 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, live music, and food.

Trieste

Trieste is a energetic, diverse, and cultural city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, museums, and nightlife.

Dublin and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dublin or Trieste?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dublin than Trieste, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dublin is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Trieste is known for its beaches and impressive beauty. Dublin is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. It is also home to The Guinness Storehouse. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Dublin different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dublin 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 Dublin. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

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 Dublin or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Dublin and Trieste.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Dublin. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Trieste is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Dublin or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

Dublin 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 Dublin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

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 Dublin or Trieste Better for Music?

Dublin is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Trieste is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Dublin while you're in town. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Trieste is not a live music destination.

Is Dublin or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Dublin is not a beach destination.

Trieste has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Dublin is not a beach destination.

Is Dublin or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Dublin 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.

Dublin is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

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 Dublin or Trieste?

Dublin is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Dublin. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dublin or Trieste Better for Families?

Dublin and Trieste are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

Dublin is a very kid-friendly city. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Trieste. 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 Dublin or Trieste Better for Couples?

Dublin and Trieste are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Dublin frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway 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.

Is Dublin or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin 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 Dublin. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

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 Dublin or Trieste Better for Students?

Trieste is a great destination for students. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Trieste is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

It's common for students to visit Dublin. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

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

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

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

While Dublin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Dublin or Trieste a more walkable city?

Dublin 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 Dublin. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Dublin?

How long in Dublin or Trieste?

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

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

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

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

One day in Dublin or Trieste?

In Dublin, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This 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 Dublin or Trieste?

In Dublin, you'll find museums 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. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dublin 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 Dublin or Trieste?

Dublin 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 Dublin has to offer. 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 Dublin or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dublin. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Dublin. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the cultural 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 Walking Tours in Ireland, The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Dublin or Trieste?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Dublin as well as Trieste. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dublin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Trieste for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dublin is much colder than Trieste. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dublin in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Trieste averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Trieste. In the summer, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Dublin gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets less rain in July than Trieste. Dublin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or Trieste in the Autumn?

Both Trieste and Dublin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dublin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Trieste in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dublin is generally cooler than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Dublin average around 11°C (52°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during autumn. Dublin gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dublin usually receives less rain than Trieste. Dublin gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dublin or Trieste in the Winter?

Both Trieste and Dublin during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dublin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Trieste for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Dublin is around the same temperature as Trieste in the winter. The daily temperature in Dublin averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Dublin gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Trieste. Dublin gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or Trieste in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dublin and Trieste. Most visitors come to Dublin for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Trieste because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dublin is much colder than Trieste. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dublin in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Trieste averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during spring. Dublin gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dublin usually receives less rain than Trieste. Dublin gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Dublin