A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Messina vs. Trieste for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Messina 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 Messina 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.

Messina

Messina is a local, historic, and bustling port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Trieste

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

Messina and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Trieste?

You'll generally find more things to do in Messina than Trieste. Messina is bigger than Trieste, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Messina is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Trieste is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Messina is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. Also, Messina is famous for Piazza del Duomo. Trieste is well known for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Messina different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Messina is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of historic sights around town including the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, and the Regional Museum. There are also many ornate fountains around town.

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 Messina or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Messina and Trieste.

Messina offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's cuisine is a mix of the cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. The city has a longstanding fishing industry and one of the most popular dishes are swordfish rolls. Also try the pidone (similar to calzones with different fillings), and the focaccia (a local bread).

Trieste has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Messina or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

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

Messina has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the old town and you'll find a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in pubs and bars. During the summer months there are often free outdoor concerts to enjoy.

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 Messina or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Messina is not particularly known for the beache.

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.

You can check out the beach in Messina. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Is Messina or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

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

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Trieste?

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

Messina has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The best shopping is around Piazza Cairoli with the main shopping streets being Viale Europa and Viale San Martino. There are many small boutiques that have cheaper prices than some of the more upscale Sicilian towns.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Messina or Trieste Better for Families?

Both Messina and Trieste are great to visit with kids.

Messina is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number outdoor activities that kids will enjoy including Parco Avventura Dei Peloritani, which has ropes and obstacle courses. There's also the Karting Center, which is fun for the whole family, or a small aquarium in town. If you're looking for an excursion outside of town, head to Cascata Cataolo waterfall, which is very kid-friendly.

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 Messina or Trieste Better for Couples?

Trieste is well known for romance. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Trieste frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Messina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors see the city as an arrival or departure point for Sicily, but those couples who linger will appreciate a number of historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Messina or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Messina is a good port city to visit for backpackers. If you're traveling by train or ferry, you'll likely arrive or depart from this city. There are a number of hostels and cheap guesthouses around town that offer affordable accommodation.

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 Messina or Trieste Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

It's common for students to visit Messina. There are a few study abroad opportunities that bring international students to town. The city also have good transportation connections and a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to students.

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

Trieste is well known for its public transit. Also, Messina 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 Messina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

Is Messina or Trieste a more walkable city?

Messina and Trieste both are great when exploring on foot.

Messina is very walkable. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot and the port is a ten to fifteen minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Messina?

How long in Messina or Trieste?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Trieste than Messina 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.

One day in Messina or Trieste?

In Messina, you'll find nightlife and food. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Trieste, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Messina or Trieste?

In Messina, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Messina has to offer.

In Trieste, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Trieste has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Trieste?

Messina 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 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.

A week in Messina or Trieste?

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

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Messina or Trieste?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Trieste. When comparing the sizes of Messina 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 Messina 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 Messina or Trieste in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Messina as well as Trieste. The summer months attract visitors to Messina because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

In July, Messina is generally a little warmer than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 27°C (80°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Trieste. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In the summer, Messina often gets more sunshine than Trieste. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in July than Trieste. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Trieste in the Autumn?

Both Trieste and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Trieste for the natural beauty of the area.

Messina is a little warmer than Trieste in the autumn. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Messina usually receives more sunshine than Trieste during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Messina. In October, Messina usually receives more rain than Trieste. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or Trieste in the Winter?

Both Trieste and Messina during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Trieste in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

In the winter, Messina is much warmer than Trieste. Typically, the winter temperatures in Messina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Trieste averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets more sunshine than Trieste. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets more rain in January than Trieste. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Trieste in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Trieste. Many visitors come to Messina in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Trieste for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Messina is generally a little warmer than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 16°C (60°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Trieste during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Messina usually receives less rain than Trieste. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Messina