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

Should you visit Manchester or Trieste?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Manchester and Trieste can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a diverse, cultural, and vibrant city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food.

Trieste

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

Manchester and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Trieste?

You'll generally find more things to do in Manchester than Trieste. Manchester is bigger than Trieste, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Manchester is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Trieste is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Manchester is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. Also, Manchester is famous for The National Football Museum. Trieste is well known for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Manchester different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Manchester 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 Manchester. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

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 Manchester or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Manchester has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

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 Manchester or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

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

Manchester has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

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 Manchester or Trieste Better for Music?

Manchester 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 Manchester while you're in town. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Trieste is not a live music destination.

Is Manchester or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is very good for its beaches. However, Manchester is not a beach destination.

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.

Manchester is not a beach destination.

Is Manchester or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Trieste is very good for its historic old town. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Trieste?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Manchester. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Manchester or Trieste Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Manchester or Trieste.

Manchester is a very family-friendly destination. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

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 Manchester or Trieste Better for Couples?

Both Manchester and Trieste are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Manchester is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

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 Manchester or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Manchester and Trieste are notable places to visit.

Manchester is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

It's common for backpackers to 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 Manchester or Trieste Better for Students?

For students, both Manchester and Trieste are superb places to visit.

Manchester is very popular with students. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

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.

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

Manchester and Trieste both offer superb public transit to get you around.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Manchester. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

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

Is Manchester or Trieste a more walkable city?

Trieste is great for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Trieste?

It's fun to spend time in either Manchester or Trieste. In our opinion, Manchester has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Manchester 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 Manchester. 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 Manchester than Trieste. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Manchester that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

One day in Manchester or Trieste?

Because Manchester 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.

With museums and nightlife around the dynamic city of Trieste, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Manchester or Trieste?

Because Manchester 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 Manchester has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Trieste, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Manchester or Trieste?

Manchester is a great place to explore. 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.

Trieste, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or Trieste?

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

Trieste is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Trieste?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of Trieste. When comparing the sizes of Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester or Trieste in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Trieste. Many travelers come to Manchester for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Trieste in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Manchester is generally cooler than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 16°C (62°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Trieste this time of the year. Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during summer. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Manchester usually receives less rain than Trieste. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Manchester or Trieste in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Trieste. Many visitors come to Manchester in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Trieste for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Manchester is cooler than Trieste in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in October than Trieste. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Trieste in the Winter?

Both Trieste and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Manchester for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Trieste because of the museums and the cuisine.

Manchester can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Manchester is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manchester in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Trieste averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during winter. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Manchester usually receives around the same amount of rain as Trieste. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Manchester or Trieste in the Spring?

Both Trieste and Manchester during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Manchester because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

In April, Manchester is generally much colder than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 8°C (46°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in April than Trieste. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Manchester