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

Should you visit Lillehammer or Trieste?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lillehammer or Trieste, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a adventure-filled, sporty, and natural city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Trieste

Trieste is a energetic, diverse, and cultural city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for beaches, museums, and nightlife.

Lillehammer and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
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


Is there more to do in Lillehammer or Trieste?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lillehammer than Trieste, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lillehammer is better known for its skiing, food, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Trieste is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Lillehammer is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics. Also, Lillehammer is famous for Lillehammer Olympic Park. Trieste is well known for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Lillehammer different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Lillehammer or Trieste Better for Skiing?

Lillehammer
Trieste

Lillehammer is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Trieste is not a skiing destination.

Lillehammer draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Trieste is not a skiing destination.


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

Lillehammer
Trieste

Both Lillehammer and Trieste have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Lillehammer is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

Trieste offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Lillehammer or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lillehammer
Trieste

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

Lillehammer has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

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 Lillehammer or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

Lillehammer
Trieste

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Lillehammer and Trieste.

Lillehammer has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

If you're looking for night time activities Trieste has a few options to choose from. 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 Lillehammer or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Lillehammer
Trieste

Trieste is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Lillehammer is not a beach destination.

Trieste has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Lillehammer is not a beach destination.

Is Lillehammer or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Lillehammer
Trieste

Trieste is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

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.

Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Is Lillehammer or Trieste Better for Hiking?

Lillehammer
Trieste

Lillehammer is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Trieste is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Lillehammer. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

Trieste is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Lillehammer or Trieste?

Lillehammer
Trieste

Lillehammer is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Lillehammer has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lillehammer or Trieste Better for Families?

Lillehammer
Trieste

Lillehammer and Trieste are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

Lillehammer is a very family-friendly place to visit. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

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.

Is Lillehammer or Trieste Better for Couples?

Lillehammer
Trieste

Lillehammer and Trieste are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Lillehammer frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

Trieste is a great city if you're traveling as 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 Lillehammer or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lillehammer
Trieste

Lillehammer and Trieste are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Lillehammer. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Trieste is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 Lillehammer or Trieste Better for Students?

Lillehammer
Trieste

Trieste is well known for students. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Trieste is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

It's common for students to visit Lillehammer. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

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

Lillehammer
Trieste

Trieste is well known for its public transit. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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

While Lillehammer offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses throughout the region.


Is Lillehammer or Trieste a more walkable city?

Lillehammer
Trieste

Trieste is well known for its walkability. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Lillehammer?

How long in Lillehammer or Trieste?

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

Families should spend more time in Trieste than Lillehammer. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Trieste than Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer or Trieste? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lillehammer 2-4 
    Trieste 2-4

One day in Lillehammer or Trieste?

In Lillehammer, you'll find shopping and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 nightlife and food when visiting the diverse 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 Lillehammer or Trieste?

In Lillehammer, you'll find museums 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lillehammer has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historic 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 Lillehammer or Trieste?

Lillehammer is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 historic 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 Lillehammer or Trieste?

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

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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Trieste or Lillehammer?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lillehammer is $102, while the average daily cost in Trieste is $108. 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 Lillehammer and Trieste in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lillehammer $61
    Trieste $59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lillehammer $122
    Trieste $118
Compare Hotels in Lillehammer and Trieste

Looking for a hotel in Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer


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: Lillehammer Hotel Prices and Trieste Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lillehammer $3.92
    Trieste $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Trieste

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

  • Private Direct Transfer From Trieste to Venice: $284
  • Private Transfer from Izola to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $243
  • Private Transfer from Koper Cruise Port to Ljubljana city hotels: $68
  • Private Transfer from Koper Port to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $68
  • Private Transfer from Koper to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $292
  • Private Transfer from Trieste Airport to Rovinj: $342
  • Private Transfer from Trieste Cruise Port to Milan hotels: $263
  • Private Transfer from Trieste Port to Malpensa Milan Airport(MXP): $293
  • Private Transfer from Trieste city or Port to Venice + water taxi: $145
  • Private direct transfer with local driver from Trieste to Zagreb: $175
  • Private transfer Seven Seas Splendor, Venice cruise terminal, Marco Polo airport: $221
  • Private transfer Trieste Airport from & to Bled: $251

Is it cheaper to fly into Lillehammer or Trieste?

Prices for flights to both Trieste and Lillehammer 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
    Lillehammer $35
    Trieste $33

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.
    Lillehammer $16
    Trieste $23

Tours and Activities in Lillehammer

Here are a few actual costs in Lillehammer for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Maihaugen Open-Air Museum, Lillehammer. Entry Ticket: $15

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
    Lillehammer $12
    Trieste $8.57

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


Which is Bigger, Lillehammer or Trieste?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lillehammer. When comparing the sizes of Lillehammer 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.