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

Should you visit Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a ancient, charming, and character-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and shopping.

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.

Edinburgh and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Trieste?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Edinburgh than Trieste, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Edinburgh is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Trieste is known for its food and beaches. Edinburgh is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. It is also home to The Edinburgh Castle. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Edinburgh different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Edinburgh has many famous sights for visitors. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.

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 Edinburgh or Trieste Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Trieste is not a theatre destination.

Edinburgh attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Trieste is not a theatre destination.

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

Trieste is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Trieste has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Edinburgh may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon. There are many fish and chips shops to choose from as well as a diversity of ethnic restaurants including Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian.

Is Edinburgh or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

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

Edinburgh has a large number of nightlife venues. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from as well as some of the country's oldest pubs. Tourists tend to frequent the Old Town area, but you'll find more locals if you head to the student and university areas.

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 Edinburgh or Trieste Better for Music?

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

Edinburgh has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Trieste is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a city with good options for the beache. However, Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Edinburgh or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Edinburgh offers plenty to see. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.

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 Edinburgh or Trieste?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Edinburgh. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds. In the Old Town, Victoria Street is filled with Harry Potter shops and tourist stores where you can pick up a kilt or Edinburgh sweatshirt.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Edinburgh or Trieste Better for Families?

Both Edinburgh and Trieste are great to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Edinburgh is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy wandering down Victoria Street and popping in the Harry Potter shops. There are also a number of fascinating Harry Potter tours that take you through notable landmarks where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write these popular stories. You'll even visit Tom Riddle's gravesite. Other highlights that families will enjoy include Edinburgh Castle and the Edinburgh Dungeon, which is best for older kids or kids that enjoy a good scare. Younger kids will enjoy a trip the illusions museum, Camera Obscura, which also offers one of the best views of the city.

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.

Is Edinburgh or Trieste Better for Couples?

Both Edinburgh and Trieste are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Edinburgh makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels. Whether you're interested in history, food, or fun, this city makes for a great couples trip.

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 Edinburgh or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Edinburgh, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.

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 Edinburgh or Trieste Better for Students?

Both Edinburgh and Trieste are great destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Edinburgh. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

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

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

Public transit in Trieste can get you to some places easily. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

You'll find some public transit in Edinburgh, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

Is Edinburgh or Trieste a more walkable city?

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

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

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Trieste?

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

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

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

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

One day in Edinburgh or Trieste?

In Edinburgh, you'll find museums and theater. 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.

You'll find food and museums around the city of Trieste. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Edinburgh or Trieste?

In Edinburgh, you'll find theater 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 Edinburgh has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Trieste. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Trieste?

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Trieste. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Edinburgh or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edinburgh. Many people enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting Edinburgh. 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 choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Trieste?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Trieste. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh or Trieste in the Summer?

Both Trieste and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the city activities, the music scene, 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, Edinburgh is much colder than Trieste. Typically, the summer temperatures in Edinburgh in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Trieste averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Trieste. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during summer. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Trieste. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Trieste in the Autumn?

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

In October, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 10°C (49°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in October than Trieste. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Trieste in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Trieste. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, 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 Edinburgh. Edinburgh is much colder than Trieste in the winter. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during winter. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Trieste. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Trieste in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Trieste. Many visitors come to Edinburgh 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, Edinburgh is much colder than Trieste. Typically, the spring temperatures in Edinburgh in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Trieste averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in April than Trieste. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Edinburgh