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

Should you visit Graz or Trieste?

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

Should I visit Graz or Trieste? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Graz

Graz is a historical, beautiful, and medieval city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Trieste

Trieste is a historic, dynamic, and energetic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Graz and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Graz or Trieste?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Graz. Although Graz and Trieste are about the same size, Graz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Graz is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Trieste is known for its beaches. Graz is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture. It is also home to The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Graz different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Graz 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 Graz. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz Museum.

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 Graz or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Graz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.

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 Graz or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

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

Graz has a large number of nightlife venues. The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.

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 Graz or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a popular place for the beache. However, Graz is not a beach destination.

Trieste is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Graz is not a beach destination.

Is Graz or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Graz 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, Graz offers plenty to see. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.

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 Graz or Trieste?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Graz. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Graz or Trieste Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Graz or Trieste.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Graz is very family-friendly. Kids will love the fairytale train and there's also a 4D cinema that is fun for the whole family. In Schlossberg Hill, families should check out The Slide, which is the largest underground slide in the world. Other highlights include a Children's Museum, a Folklife Museum, and a Natural History Museum.

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 Graz or Trieste Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Graz and Trieste make for a excellent place to visit.

Graz is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's filled with culture, history, and amazing food. Couples will appreciate the romantic old town and the many world class sights around town.

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.

Is Graz or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Graz and Trieste are good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Graz. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

Trieste is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Graz or Trieste Better for Students?

For students, both Graz and Trieste are excellent places to visit.

Graz is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's long been an education center in Austria and students make up a significant portion of the population. It's also a chill city with a relaxed and student-friendly vibe.

Trieste is very popular with students. 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 Graz or Trieste Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Graz and Trieste both offer excellent public transit to get you around.

The public transit in Graz can get you around easily. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

Trieste offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

Is Graz or Trieste a more walkable city?

Graz 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 Graz. You'll find everything you'd want to see in the old town, which is large, but still compact enough to explore 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 Graz Worth Visiting? and Is Trieste Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Graz?

How long in Graz or Trieste?

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

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

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

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

One day in Graz or Trieste?

In Graz, you'll find nightlife and food. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Trieste. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Graz or Trieste?

In Graz, 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Graz has to offer.

Trieste is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Graz or Trieste?

Graz 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.

You'll find food and museums around the diverse destination of Trieste. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Graz or Trieste?

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

The diverse city of Trieste offers museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Christmas Market Tours in Austria, The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Graz and Trieste, we can see that Graz is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Graz Expensive? and Is Trieste Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Graz or Trieste?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Graz and Trieste. Many visitors come to Graz in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Trieste for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Graz is around the same temperature as Trieste. Typically, the summer temperatures in Graz in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Trieste averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Trieste this time of the year. In Graz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Graz usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during summer. Graz gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

Graz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Graz usually receives more rain than Trieste. Graz gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Graz or Trieste in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Graz as well as Trieste. Most visitors come to Graz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Trieste because of the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Graz is generally cooler than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Graz average around 13°C (55°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Graz often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Graz gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun.

Graz usually gets less rain in October than Trieste. Graz gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Graz or Trieste in the Winter?

Both Trieste and Graz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Graz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

The weather in Graz can be very cold. Graz is much colder than Trieste in the winter. The daily temperature in Graz averages around 1°C (34°F) in January, and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Graz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste during winter. Graz gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Graz usually receives less rain than Trieste. Graz gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Graz or Trieste in the Spring?

Both Trieste and Graz during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Graz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Trieste for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Graz is around the same temperature as Trieste. Typically, the spring temperatures in Graz in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Trieste averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Graz often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Graz gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun.

Graz usually gets less rain in April than Trieste. Graz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Graz