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

Should you visit Inverness 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 Inverness and Trieste can help you decide which place is right for you.

Inverness

Inverness is a traditional, local, and historic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Trieste

Trieste is a dynamic, energetic, and diverse city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Inverness and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit


Is there more to do in Inverness or Trieste?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Inverness. Although Inverness and Trieste are both popular with visitors, Inverness has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Inverness is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, and small town charm, while Trieste is known for its beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Inverness is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. It is also home to Loch Ness. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Inverness different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Inverness
Trieste

Inverness 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 Inverness. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.

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 Inverness or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Inverness
Trieste

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

Inverness has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

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 Inverness or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Trieste

Both Inverness and Trieste are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Inverness. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

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.

Is Inverness or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Inverness
Trieste

Trieste is very good for the beache. However, Inverness 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.

Inverness is not a beach destination.


Is Inverness or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Inverness
Trieste

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

Many people head to Trieste to see the old town. The old town highlights the diversity of cultures and influences from the city's past.

Inverness does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Inverness or Trieste?

Inverness
Trieste

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Inverness. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Inverness or Trieste Better for Families?

Inverness
Trieste

Trieste is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Trieste is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Inverness is a family-friendly city. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.


Is Inverness or Trieste Better for Couples?

Inverness
Trieste

Trieste is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Inverness is a good city for couples to visit. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.

Is Inverness or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inverness
Trieste

Trieste is very good for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.

Is Inverness or Trieste Better for Students?

Inverness
Trieste

Trieste is a well-known place for students. However, Inverness 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.

Inverness is not popular with students.


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

Inverness
Trieste

Trieste is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.

Is Inverness or Trieste a more walkable city?

Inverness
Trieste

Inverness and Trieste both are superb when exploring on foot.

Inverness is a very walkable city. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Trieste?

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

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


  • How many days in Inverness or Trieste? Ideal Length of Stay
    Inverness 1-3 
    Trieste 2-4

One day in Inverness or Trieste?

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

You'll find food and museums around the city of Trieste. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Inverness or Trieste?

In Inverness, 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 Inverness has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Trieste. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Inverness or Trieste?

Inverness 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the energetic city of Trieste. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Inverness or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Inverness. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Inverness. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Trieste is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


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


Which place is cheaper, Trieste or Inverness?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Inverness is £168, while the average daily cost in Trieste is £86. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Inverness and Trieste in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Trieste £47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Trieste £94
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Trieste

Looking for a hotel in Inverness or Trieste? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Inverness


Hotels in Trieste


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Inverness Hotel Prices and Trieste Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inverness £33
    Trieste £15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Inverness to Isle of Skye Direct transfer: $623
  • Inverness to Glasgow Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Fort William Direct transfer: $374
  • Inverness to Edinburgh Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $229
  • Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Glenshee Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $66
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Inverness INV to Inverness City by luxury vehicle: $105
  • Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Trieste

Also for Trieste, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Small-Group Transfer from Trieste City to Trieste Airport: $66
  • Private Transfer from Koper Port to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $68
  • Private Transfer from Koper Cruise Port to Ljubljana city hotels: $68
  • Transfer from Koper to Ljubljana Airport: $104
  • Trieste city to Venice Airport (VCE) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
  • Trieste City to Venice Piazzale Roma Arrival Private Transfer: $109
  • Transfer from Trieste Airport to Ljubljana: $115
  • Trieste or Cruise Port to Venice, piazzale Roma Arrival Transfer: $120
  • Trieste or Cruise Port to Venice Airport Departure Transfer: $120
  • Transfer from Koper to Treviso Airport: $137
  • Private Transfer from Trieste city or Port to Venice + water taxi: $145
  • Trieste city or Cruise Port to Venice+water taxi Arrival Transfer: $145

Is it cheaper to fly into Inverness or Trieste?

Prices for flights to both Trieste and Inverness change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Inverness £49
    Trieste £27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Trieste

For Trieste, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cesarine: Small group Street food tour in Trieste: $97
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Trieste with show cooking: $115
  • Istria - Truffles: Hunting & Cooking & Tasting, Slovenia: $141
  • Trieste Private Home Cooking Class: $155
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Trieste: $158
  • Private Mediterranean Fish Cooking Workshop with Irena: $180
  • 5-Course Food Tour with Electric Bikes: $235

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Inverness £44
    Trieste £19

Tours and Activities in Inverness

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Inverness are as follows:

  • 1-Day Moray Coast Tour with Speyside Whisky from Inverness: $97
  • 2-Day Tour to Isle of Skye, The Fairy Pools & Highland Castles: $191
  • 2-Hour Private Celtic Handfasting Ceremony Experience: $108
  • 25 Shot Clay Pigeon Shooting Experience: $63
  • Applecross, Loch Carron & Wild Highlands Tour from Inverness: $69
  • Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour: $164
  • Chauffeur driven sightseeing Edinburgh to & from Inverness: $1,000
  • Clan Tour - Castle ,Whisky and History Tour: $172
  • Craigs Luxury Speyside Private Whisky Tour: $686
  • Day tour to Isle of Skye and Fairy Pools from Inverness: $126
  • From Cairngorms National Park and Whisky Tour: $76
  • From Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns Tour: $73

Tours and Activities in Trieste

For Trieste, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Train ticket connecting airport and city: $5.64
  • Trieste Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • Trieste Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $8.95
  • Trieste Bus Tour with Audio Guide: $17
  • Trieste Bus Tour with Audio Guide: $17
  • Miramare Castle Entrance Ticket: $20
  • 60-minute Small Group Guided Walking Tour in Piran: $22
  • HO HO Scenic Tour to Piran with Sweet Surprise: $34
  • Piran Walking Tour with Local Wine and Food Tasting: $38
  • Wine Fountain Tasting Day Tour from Portoroz: $44
  • 2.5-Hour Prosecco Origins Tour and Tastings: $48
  • Prosecco Origins Wine Experience: $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inverness £23
    Trieste £6.85

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

Also in Inverness, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour : $203
  • Speyside Distillery Tour From Inverness: $1,124

Sample the Local Flavors in Trieste

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Trieste:

  • Wine Tasting from Istria, Carso and Friuli terroirs: $37
  • Trip to Stanjel castle wine tasting and gourmet lunch 4 courses from Piran: $131
  • Castles & Wine Tour: $140
  • Collio: Cividale Del Friuli and Wine Tastings from Trieste: $148
  • Experience Slovenian Coast line with Wine Tasting from Trieste: $164
  • Koper & Wine tasting: $186
  • Wine Tour on the Coast: $268


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


Which is Bigger, Inverness or Trieste?

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

Both Trieste and Inverness during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Inverness for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Trieste in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Inverness is much colder than Trieste. Typically, the summer temperatures in Inverness in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Trieste averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Trieste, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Inverness gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in July than Trieste. Inverness gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Inverness 14°C (58°F) 
    Trieste 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Trieste in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Inverness and Trieste. Many visitors come to Inverness in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Trieste for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Inverness is generally much colder than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 9°C (49°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during autumn. Inverness gets 84 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Inverness usually receives less rain than Trieste. Inverness gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Inverness 9°C (49°F) 
    Trieste 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Trieste in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Inverness as well as Trieste. Most visitors come to Inverness for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Trieste because of the museums and the cuisine.

Inverness can be very cold during winter. Inverness is much colder than Trieste in the winter. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Inverness gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in January than Trieste. Inverness gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Inverness 3°C (38°F) 
    Trieste 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Trieste in the Spring?

Both Trieste and Inverness are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Inverness because of the small town charm. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

In the spring, Inverness is much colder than Trieste. Typically, the spring temperatures in Inverness in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Trieste averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during spring. Inverness gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Inverness usually receives less rain than Trieste. Inverness gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Inverness 7°C (44°F) 
    Trieste 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Trieste and Inverness

Inverness Trieste
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)