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

Should you visit Interlaken or Trieste?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Interlaken and Trieste can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a stunning, adventurous, and adrenaline-filled town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and food.

Trieste

Trieste is a dynamic, energetic, and diverse city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and museums.

Interlaken and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Trieste?

Both Trieste and Interlaken have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Interlaken is better known for its skiing, food, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Trieste is more popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and historical sights. Interlaken is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Trieste is well known for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Interlaken different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Trieste Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a town with good options for skiing and snowboarding. However, Trieste is not a skiing destination.

Head to Interlaken for some great skiing and other winter activities. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Trieste is not a skiing destination.

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

Trieste is very good for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Interlaken has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

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 Interlaken or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

Trieste is very good for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Trieste. 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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Trieste Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Trieste to enjoy the beach. 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.

Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Is Interlaken or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Trieste is very good for its historic old town. However, Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Trieste is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town highlights the diversity of cultures and influences from the city's past.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Trieste Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, Trieste is not a hiking destination.

Around Interlaken visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Trieste is not a hiking destination.

Is Interlaken or Trieste Better for Families?

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Interlaken is an extremely popular town to visit for families. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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.

Is Interlaken or Trieste Better for Couples?

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Interlaken is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

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 Interlaken or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken and Trieste are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Interlaken is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

It's common for backpackers to 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 Interlaken or Trieste Better for Students?

Trieste is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

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.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find superb public transit in both Interlaken and Trieste.

Public transit in Interlaken is fairly effecient and thorough. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Trieste has some very good public transit options. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

Is Interlaken or Trieste a more walkable city?

Trieste is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Trieste?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Trieste than Interlaken 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 Interlaken or Trieste?

In Interlaken, you'll find skiing and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the dynamic city of Trieste, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Interlaken or Trieste?

In Interlaken, you'll find food and skiing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Interlaken has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Trieste, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Interlaken or Trieste?

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Interlaken has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Trieste, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. Many people enjoy the food and skiing when visiting Interlaken. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Trieste is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Trieste?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken 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 Interlaken 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 Interlaken or Trieste in the Summer?

Both Trieste and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Trieste in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Interlaken is generally cooler than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 21°C (70°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Trieste. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Interlaken. Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Trieste. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Interlaken or Trieste in the Autumn?

Both Trieste and Interlaken during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Trieste for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Interlaken is cooler than Trieste in the autumn. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets less rain in October than Trieste. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Trieste in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Trieste. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Trieste because of the museums and the cuisine.

Interlaken can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Interlaken is much colder than Trieste. Typically, the winter temperatures in Interlaken in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Trieste averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during winter. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Trieste. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Interlaken or Trieste in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Trieste. The spring months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

In April, Interlaken is generally cooler than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 12°C (53°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets less rain in April than Trieste. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Interlaken