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

Should you visit Lyon or Trieste?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon 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.

Lyon

Lyon is a historic, beautiful, and cultural city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Trieste

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

Lyon and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or Trieste?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lyon than Trieste, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Lyon is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Trieste is known for its beaches. Lyon is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. It is also home to The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Lyon different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Lyon has many famous sights for visitors. There are many world class museums and historic landmarks in the city including Musée des Beaux Arts, Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine, and Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

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 Lyon or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lyon 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 Lyon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Known as "the Gastronomic Capital of the World" this city stands above the rest when it comes to Michelin star restaurants (there are 17!), fresh ingredients, and unique local flavors. Favorite local dishes include pâté en croûte, rosette de Lyon, and saucisson brioché.

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 Lyon or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

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

Lyon has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has enough diverse neighborhoods that you'll find a scene that is great for everyone. There are dance clubs, cocktail bars, and wine bars that meet every personality and style.

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 Lyon or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Lyon 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.

Lyon is not a beach destination.

Is Lyon or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Lyon 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, Lyon offers plenty to see. This impressive old town climbs from the river into Fourvière Hill. It's a Renaissance era district with beautiful buildings and plenty of character. You can spend days wandering the quaint streets and popping in the world class restaurants.

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 Lyon or Trieste?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Lyon. The city has many trendy markets, pedestrian shopping areas, and character-filled boutiques. From the charming shops in old town to the chic shopping streets, there are plenty of places to splurge around town.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lyon or Trieste Better for Families?

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

Lyon is a very kid-friendly city. The city has many kid-friendly museums including Musée des Confluences and the Cinema and Miniature Museum. There are also playgrounds, patisseries, and river cruises that you can enjoy as a family. Puppet shows are also fun, but do note that they're usually in French. While the restaurants are amazing for adults, it can be tricky to find a kid-friendly option with early opening hours that are convenient for little ones.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Trieste. 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 Lyon or Trieste Better for Couples?

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

Lyon is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy wandering the beautiful Old Town, taking a river cruise, and dining on some of the best food in France.

Trieste makes for a fun place to visit for 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 Lyon or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Lyon. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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 Lyon or Trieste Better for Students?

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Lyon is a very popular city for students. It is a very livable city with many fun cultural activities for students. There are many different entertainment options during the day, and during the evening there are plenty of places to hang out.

Many students visit Trieste. 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 Lyon or Trieste Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lyon is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Visitors in Lyon can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

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

Is Lyon or Trieste a more walkable city?

Lyon and Trieste both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Lyon is a very walkable city. The old town is particularly walkable, but the hills can make things a bit challenging. There are also a number of pedestrian streets around town.

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 Lyon Worth Visiting? and Is Trieste Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or Trieste?

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

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

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

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

One day in Lyon or Trieste?

Because Lyon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Lyon or Trieste?

Because Lyon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Lyon 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 Lyon or Trieste?

Lyon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lyon has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find food and museums around the cultural 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 Lyon or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lyon. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lyon. 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Lyon or Trieste?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Trieste. When comparing the sizes of Lyon 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 Lyon 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 Lyon or Trieste in the Summer?

Both Trieste and Lyon during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lyon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Trieste for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lyon is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lyon in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Trieste averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Trieste, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lyon. In the summer, Lyon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets less rain in July than Trieste. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Trieste in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and Trieste. Many travelers come to Lyon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Trieste in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Lyon is generally cooler than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 14°C (56°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Lyon usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during autumn. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lyon usually receives less rain than Trieste. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lyon or Trieste in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lyon as well as Trieste. Many visitors come to Lyon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Trieste for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Lyon can get quite cold in the winter. Lyon is cooler than Trieste in the winter. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Lyon often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets less rain in January than Trieste. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Trieste in the Spring?

Both Trieste and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lyon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Trieste because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Lyon is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lyon in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Trieste averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Lyon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste during spring. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lyon usually receives less rain than Trieste. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Lyon