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

Should you visit La Rochelle or Trieste?

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

Should I visit La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a peaceful, relaxing, and laid-back coastal town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

La Rochelle and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Rochelle or Trieste?

Visitors will generally find more to do in La Rochelle than Trieste. While Trieste is larger than La Rochelle, La Rochelle has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. La Rochelle is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Trieste is known for its impressive beauty. La Rochelle is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. It is also home to The Old Port. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is La Rochelle different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Rochelle or Trieste?

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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 La Rochelle or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Rochelle is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in La Rochelle have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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 La Rochelle or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both La Rochelle and Trieste.

If you're looking for night time activities La Rochelle has a few options to choose from. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 La Rochelle or Trieste Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both La Rochelle and Trieste are good choices.

La Rochelle is a good option for a beach vacation. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

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.

Is La Rochelle or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle 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, La Rochelle offers plenty to see. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

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 La Rochelle or Trieste Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is a coastal town with good options for its hiking trails. However, Trieste is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around La Rochelle. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Trieste is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Rochelle or Trieste?

La Rochelle is a coastal town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

La Rochelle has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is La Rochelle or Trieste Better for Families?

Trieste is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Trieste is very family-friendly. 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.

La Rochelle is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is La Rochelle or Trieste Better for Couples?

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

La Rochelle is a great coastal town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

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 La Rochelle or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit La Rochelle. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

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 La Rochelle or Trieste Better for Students?

Trieste is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for students.

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.

La Rochelle is a good coastal town to visit for students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

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

Trieste is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its public transit.

Public transit in Trieste can get you to some places easily. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

La Rochelle has a few public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is La Rochelle or Trieste a more walkable city?

La Rochelle and Trieste are excellent when it comes to walkability.

La Rochelle is a very walkable coastal town. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored 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 La Rochelle Worth Visiting? and Is Trieste Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Trieste or La Rochelle?

How long in La Rochelle or Trieste?

It's fun to spend time in either La Rochelle or Trieste. In our opinion, La Rochelle has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in La Rochelle than Trieste. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

One day in La Rochelle or Trieste?

La Rochelle is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Trieste. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in La Rochelle or Trieste?

La Rochelle might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that La Rochelle has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the energetic destination of Trieste. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in La Rochelle or Trieste?

La Rochelle 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.

The energetic city of Trieste offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in La Rochelle or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Rochelle. Since La Rochelle is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Trieste. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

When comparing the travel costs between La Rochelle and Trieste, we can see that La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle Expensive? and Is Trieste Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, La Rochelle or Trieste?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle or Trieste in the Summer?

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

In the summer, La Rochelle is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the summer temperatures in La Rochelle in July average around 20°C (67°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 La Rochelle, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Rochelle usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during summer. La Rochelle gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, La Rochelle usually receives less rain than Trieste. La Rochelle gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Trieste in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to La Rochelle as well as Trieste. Most visitors come to La Rochelle for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Trieste because of the natural beauty of the area.

In October, La Rochelle is generally around the same temperature as Trieste. Daily temperatures in La Rochelle average around 15°C (59°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, La Rochelle often gets less sunshine than Trieste. La Rochelle gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun.

La Rochelle usually gets less rain in October than Trieste. La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle or Trieste in the Winter?

Both Trieste and La Rochelle are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle is a little warmer than Trieste in the winter. The daily temperature in La Rochelle averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

La Rochelle usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during winter. La Rochelle gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, La Rochelle usually receives more rain than Trieste. La Rochelle gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Trieste in the Spring?

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

In the spring, La Rochelle is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the spring temperatures in La Rochelle in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Trieste averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, La Rochelle often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste. La Rochelle gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun.

La Rochelle usually gets less rain in April than Trieste. La Rochelle gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Trieste and La Rochelle