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

Should you visit Madrid or Trieste?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Madrid and Trieste can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Madrid

Madrid is a cultural, diverse, and compact city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food.

Trieste

Trieste is a diverse, cultural, and historic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Madrid and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Madrid or Trieste?

You'll generally find more things to do in Madrid than Trieste. Madrid is bigger than Trieste, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Madrid is better known for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Trieste is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Madrid is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. Also, Madrid is famous for The Prado Museum. Trieste is well known for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Madrid different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Madrid or Trieste.

Madrid is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of cultural sights in the city including Museo Nacional del Prado, the Royal Palace and Gardens, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.

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 Madrid or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Madrid 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 Madrid have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a mix of flavors that come from all of Spain. There are amazing markets where you can grab a meal or snack. There are also many high quality restaurants around town where you're guaranteed a good meal. Local favorites include roast suckling pig, Spanish omelette, and meat and chickpea stew.

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 Madrid or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

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

Madrid has a large number of nightlife venues. Many tourists and international students hang out in the Huertas area, while Malasaña has a bohemian, hipster vibe with small clubs that play indie music. Chueca is a fun area that's known for being gay-friendly with many good bars. Finally, you'll find that the area around Avenida de Brasil is where famous DJs often perform.

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 Madrid or Trieste Better for Music?

Madrid is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Trieste is not a live music destination.

Madrid has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Rock, jazz, and flamenco are all popular in the city. Some of the most well known music venues include Sala Caracol, Sala Clamores, and Costello Club.

Trieste is not a live music destination.

Is Madrid or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Madrid is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Trieste. 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.

Madrid is not a beach destination.

Is Madrid or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Trieste is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Madrid 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.

Madrid does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Trieste?

Madrid is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Madrid specifically to go shopping. Gran Vía is a main thoroughfare in Madrid that is also popular for shopping. Calle Fuencarral is where you'll find the fashion shops and Calle Preciados is a fun pedestrian area to explore.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Madrid or Trieste Better for Families?

Both Madrid and Trieste are great to visit with kids.

Madrid is a very family-friendly destination. Kids love splashing around at Madrid Río, taking a ride on the cable car (Teleférico), and exploring the city's many parks and playgrounds. There's even a maze at Sabatini Gardens. Restaurants around the city are also very kid-friendly.

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.

Is Madrid or Trieste Better for Couples?

Both Madrid and Trieste are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Madrid is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Fun and romantic activities around town include taking a boat ride at Casa de Campo, riding a bike in one of the many parks, and enjoy dinner and show in the evening.

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.

Is Madrid or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Madrid 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 Madrid. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.

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 Madrid or Trieste Better for Students?

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

Madrid is a very popular city for students. With several great universities, this city is popular with international and study abroad students. The city also has a diverse population and an active nightlife that appeals to students.

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

Madrid 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 Madrid can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.

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

Is Madrid or Trieste a more walkable city?

Madrid is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Madrid. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Madrid?

How long in Madrid or Trieste?

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

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

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

One day in Madrid or Trieste?

Because Madrid is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Trieste. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Madrid or Trieste?

Because Madrid 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Madrid has to offer.

Trieste is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Madrid or Trieste?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Trieste. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Madrid or Trieste?

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

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historic destination of Trieste. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Madrid or Trieste?

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