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

Should you visit Ghent 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 Ghent 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.

Ghent

Ghent is a historic, under-rated, and youthful city. 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 cultural, historic, and dynamic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Ghent and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Trieste?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ghent. Although Ghent and Trieste are roughly the same size, Ghent has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ghent is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Trieste is more popular for its beaches. Ghent is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets Also, Ghent is famous for The Fortress of Gravensteen. Trieste is well known for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Ghent different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ghent 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 Ghent. The city has many different sights that are concentrated in a compact area. Make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Bavo, The Fortress of Gravensteen, and The Belfry. The audio tour at Gravensteen really brings the history to life and makes for an enjoyable activity.

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 Ghent or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Ghent has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food scene is diverse and international, but there are also many local dishes and flavors that you should try. Pas de Rouge is a local cheese and mastel is a local bread. Ganda ham is also a popular meat that is dried and salted. In additional to traditional restaurants, you'll find almost any international cuisine that you could want.

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 Ghent or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

Ghent 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 Ghent is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. With its young student population, you'll find plenty of lively bars and clubs around town. There are many places where you can party or dance into the early hours of the morning and some of the best places are around Oude Beestenmarkt, De Overpoort, and De Vlasmarkt. There's also the famous Ghent Festival every July.

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 Ghent or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a good destination for its beaches. However, Ghent 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.

Ghent is not a beach destination.

Is Ghent or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Ghent 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.

Ghent is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

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 Ghent or Trieste?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Ghent. The city has the largest pedestrian shopping area in Belgium, making it a great place to explore on foot. The city has several different shopping areas which each have their own style and personality. You'll find everything from major European brands to local boutiques and street markets.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ghent or Trieste Better for Families?

Trieste is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ghent 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.

Ghent is a family-friendly city. The city has a fun atmosphere with kid-friendly restaurants and a number of attractions that appeal to all ages. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring Gravensteen, which is the "Castle of Counts". You can also take a boat tour, rent bikes, or head to one of the town's playgrounds so the kids can burn off some energy.

Is Ghent or Trieste Better for Couples?

Ghent and Trieste both very good destinations for a couple.

Ghent is a very popular place to visit for couples. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Trieste makes for a fun place to visit for 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 Ghent or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ghent and Trieste are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ghent. The city has a number of hostels to choose from as well as a young vibe with a large student population. Many people overlook Ghent, but it feels more genuine than nearby Bruges, which attracts the larger tourist crowds.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 Ghent or Trieste Better for Students?

Ghent is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Ghent is a very popular city for students. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

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

Ghent 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 Ghent can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

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

Is Ghent or Trieste a more walkable city?

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

Ghent is very walkable. The area's with the most tourist attractions are generally 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 Ghent Worth Visiting? and Is Trieste Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Trieste?

It's fun to spend time in either Ghent 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 Ghent, and 2-4 days is enough time in Trieste.

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

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

One day in Ghent or Trieste?

In Ghent, you'll find nightlife and food. 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. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Trieste, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this dynamic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Ghent or Trieste?

In Ghent, 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. 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 Ghent has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Trieste. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Ghent or Trieste?

Ghent is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Trieste is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Trieste. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Ghent or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ghent. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ghent. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the energetic destination of Trieste. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Trieste?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Trieste. When comparing the sizes of Ghent 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 Ghent 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 Ghent or Trieste in the Summer?

Both Trieste and Ghent during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Ghent for 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, Ghent is generally cooler than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 17°C (63°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Trieste, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ghent. In the summer, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Trieste. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Trieste in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Trieste. The autumn months attract visitors to Ghent because of 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.

Ghent is cooler than Trieste in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during autumn. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ghent usually receives less rain than Trieste. Ghent 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 Ghent or Trieste in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Trieste. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Trieste for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Ghent in the winter. In the winter, Ghent is much colder than Trieste. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ghent in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Trieste averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets less rain in January than Trieste. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Trieste in the Spring?

Both Trieste and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ghent for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Trieste in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Ghent is generally much colder than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 8°C (47°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during spring. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ghent usually receives less rain than Trieste. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Ghent