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

Should you visit Galway 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 Galway 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.

Galway

Galway is a cultural, historical, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Trieste

Trieste is a diverse, cultural, and historic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Galway and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galway or Trieste?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Galway than Trieste. While Trieste is larger than Galway, Galway has more sights and attractions for tourists. Galway is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Trieste is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Galway is well known for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music. Also, Galway is famous for The Galway Market. Trieste is well known for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Galway different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Galway and Trieste have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Galway is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular landmarks and sights in town include Eyre Square, St. Nicholas' Church, the Galway Cathedral, and the Galway City Museum.

Trieste offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Galway or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Galway and Trieste can be an enjoyable experience.

Galway offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

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.

Is Galway or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

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

Galway has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is among the best in Ireland. The city embraces the friendly Irish hospitality and there are laid back pubs and bars around town as well as a few trendy nightclubs.

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 Galway or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Galway 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.

Galway is not a beach destination.

Is Galway or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Trieste is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Galway does not have a historic old 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.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Galway or Trieste?

Galway is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Galway has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find shopping both in the city center as well as at suburban shopping malls. For some of the best shopping head to The Latin Quarter, The Westend or the outdoor market which is found in Church lane by St Nicholas' Church.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Galway or Trieste Better for Families?

Trieste is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Galway is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the National Aquarium Galway or simply wandering around the Latin Quarter. About 15 minutes outside of the city is the Wildlands Adventure Park which has ziplines, ropes courses, and other adrenaline filled activities. Brigit's Garden is another fun place to let kids stretch their legs.

Is Galway or Trieste Better for Couples?

Trieste is notable for romance. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Trieste is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Galway makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are nice restaurants, beautiful walks, and a few parks to explore. There are also several romantic places just outside of town that make for a great day trip.

Is Galway or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway 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 Galway. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

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 Galway or Trieste Better for Students?

Trieste is notable for students. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Plenty of students visit Galway. The city has a solid student population with a number of activities and entertainment options.

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

Trieste is notable for its public transit. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Galway has some public transit options. There are two bus companies in Galway, Bus Eireann and City Direct.

Is Galway or Trieste a more walkable city?

Galway and Trieste both are great when exploring on foot.

Galway is very walkable. If you stay in central Galway, the area is generally compact and walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Galway?

How long in Galway or Trieste?

It's fun to spend time in either Galway or Trieste. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Trieste due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Galway, and 2-4 days is enough time in Trieste.

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

One day in Galway or Trieste?

In Galway, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Galway or Trieste?

In Galway, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Galway 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 Galway or Trieste?

Galway 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.

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 Galway or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Galway. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Galway. 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 energetic 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 Budget Tours to Ireland, The Best Tours for Seniors 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 Galway and Trieste, we can see that Galway 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 Galway would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Galway 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 Galway Expensive? and Is Trieste Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Galway or Trieste?

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

Both Trieste and Galway during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Galway because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

In July, Galway is generally much colder than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 16°C (60°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Trieste, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Galway often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Galway gets 142 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun.

Galway usually gets less rain in July than Trieste. Galway gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Trieste in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Galway and Trieste. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Galway this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Trieste for the natural beauty of the area.

Galway is cooler than Trieste in the autumn. The daily temperature in Galway averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during autumn. Galway gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Galway gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Galway usually receives more rain than Trieste. Galway gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Galway or Trieste in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Galway as well as Trieste. Many travelers come to Galway for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Trieste in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

In the winter, Galway is around the same temperature as Trieste. Typically, the winter temperatures in Galway in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Trieste averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Galway often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Galway gets 59 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun.

Galway receives a lot of rain in the winter. Galway usually gets more rain in January than Trieste. Galway gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Trieste in the Spring?

Both Trieste and Galway are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Galway in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Trieste for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Galway is generally much colder than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 9°C (48°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during spring. Galway gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Galway usually receives less rain than Trieste. Galway gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Galway