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

Should you visit Malaga or Trieste?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Malaga and Trieste. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Malaga

Malaga is a welcoming, historic, and beautiful port city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Trieste

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

Malaga and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Trieste?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Malaga than Trieste, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Malaga is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Trieste is known for its museums. Malaga is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. It is also home to The Alcazaba. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Malaga different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Trieste is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Malaga or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Malaga has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

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 Malaga or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

The nightlife in Malaga is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

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 Malaga or Trieste Better for Music?

Malaga is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Trieste is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Malaga while you're in town. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

Trieste is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Trieste Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a port city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Trieste is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Malaga. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

Trieste is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Malaga and Trieste both offer good beaches.

Malaga offers a nice beach destination. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Trieste is a good option for a beach vacation. 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 Malaga or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Malaga is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

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 Malaga or Trieste?

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

Malaga has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Malaga or Trieste Better for Families?

Trieste is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port 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.

Malaga is a family-friendly port city. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

Is Malaga or Trieste Better for Couples?

Trieste is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port 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.

Malaga is a good port city for couples to visit. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Is Malaga or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Malaga, as it is a very popular port city for budget travelers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

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 Malaga or Trieste Better for Students?

Malaga and Trieste are both very good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Many students visit Malaga. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international students.

Trieste is a very popular port 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.

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

Trieste is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit 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.

Malaga has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

Is Malaga or Trieste a more walkable city?

Malaga and Trieste both are very good when exploring on foot.

Malaga is a very walkable port city. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible 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 Malaga Worth Visiting? and Is Trieste Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Trieste?

It's fun to spend time in either Malaga or Trieste. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Malaga due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 2-4 days is enough time in Trieste.

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

One day in Malaga or Trieste?

In Malaga, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This port 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 Malaga or Trieste?

In Malaga, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Malaga or Trieste?

Malaga 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 Malaga 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 Malaga or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. In Malaga, you'll find live music and food. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the energetic 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 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Trieste?

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

Both Trieste and Malaga during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Trieste because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Malaga is around the same temperature as Trieste. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°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 Malaga. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Trieste. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Trieste. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Trieste in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Trieste. The autumn months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

In October, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Trieste during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Malaga usually receives less rain than Trieste. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or Trieste in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Trieste. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Trieste for the museums and the cuisine.

Malaga is much warmer than Trieste in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Trieste. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in January than Trieste. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Trieste in the Spring?

Both Trieste and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Trieste in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Malaga is a little warmer than Trieste. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Trieste averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Trieste during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Trieste. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Malaga