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

Should you visit Geneva or Trieste?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Geneva and Trieste. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Geneva

Geneva is a international, professional, and classy city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Trieste

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

Geneva and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Geneva or Trieste?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Geneva than Trieste, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Geneva is better known for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Trieste is more popular for its beaches. Geneva is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. Also, Geneva is famous for The Geneva Water Fountain (The Jet d'Eau). Trieste is well known for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Geneva different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Geneva 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 Geneva. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

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 Geneva or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Geneva is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Geneva has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

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 Geneva or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Geneva or Trieste has a better nightlife scene.

Geneva has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

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.

Is Geneva or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a good destination for its beaches. However, Geneva is not a beach destination.

Trieste offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Geneva is not a beach destination.

Is Geneva or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the notable old town areas in both Geneva and Trieste.

Many visitors go to Geneva to see the historical old town. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or Trieste?

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

Many people travel to Geneva specifically to go shopping. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Geneva or Trieste Better for Families?

Trieste is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Geneva offers lots of family activities. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

Is Geneva or Trieste Better for Couples?

Trieste is a great destination for romance. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Geneva makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

Is Geneva or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Trieste is a good destination for backpackers. However, Geneva is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget 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.

Geneva is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city is often overlooked by backpackers as it is pretty expensive. Many hotels cater to the business traveler crowd, but there are a few hostels to choose from.

Is Geneva or Trieste Better for Students?

Geneva and Trieste are very good places to visit for students.

Many students visit Geneva. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

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.

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

Geneva 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 Geneva can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

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

Is Geneva or Trieste a more walkable city?

Geneva and Trieste both are very good when exploring on foot.

Geneva is very walkable. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.

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 Geneva Worth Visiting? and Is Trieste Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Trieste?

It's fun to spend time in either Geneva or Trieste. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Trieste due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Geneva, and 2-4 days is enough time in Trieste.

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

One day in Geneva or Trieste?

Because Geneva is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Geneva or Trieste?

Because Geneva is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Geneva 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 Geneva or Trieste?

Geneva 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 Geneva or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Geneva. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Geneva. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Geneva or Trieste?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Geneva. When comparing the sizes of Geneva 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 Geneva 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 Geneva or Trieste in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Trieste. Most visitors come to Geneva for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Trieste because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Geneva is generally cooler than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 22°C (71°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Trieste. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Geneva this time of the year. In the summer, Geneva often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets less rain in July than Trieste. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Trieste in the Autumn?

Both Trieste and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Geneva because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

Geneva is cooler than Trieste in the autumn. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Geneva usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during autumn. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Geneva usually receives less rain than Trieste. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Geneva or Trieste in the Winter?

Both Trieste and Geneva during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Geneva this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Trieste for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Geneva in the winter. In the winter, Geneva is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the winter temperatures in Geneva in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Trieste averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Geneva often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets less rain in January than Trieste. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Trieste in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Trieste. Many travelers come to Geneva for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Trieste in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Geneva is generally cooler than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 11°C (53°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Geneva usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste during spring. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Geneva usually receives less rain than Trieste. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Geneva