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

Should you visit Munich or Trieste?

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

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

Munich

Munich is a economically thriving, bustling, and high energy 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 energetic, diverse, and cultural city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, museums, and nightlife.

Munich and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Munich or Trieste?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Munich than Trieste. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Munich is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Trieste attracts visitors for its beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Munich is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. It is also well known for The Nymphenburg Palace. Trieste is famous for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Munich different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Munich 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 Munich. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.

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 Munich or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Munich has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

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 Munich or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

Munich 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 Munich is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has a young and vibrant population that keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are many bars and clubs around town, but the city is also famous for Oktoberfest during the months of September and October.

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 Munich or Trieste Better for Music?

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

Munich has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.

Trieste is not a live music destination.

Is Munich or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Munich 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.

Munich is not a beach destination.

Is Munich or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Trieste is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Munich does not have a historic old town.

Trieste offers a nice historic old town area. The old town highlights the diversity of cultures and influences from the city's past.

Munich does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Munich or Trieste?

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

Many people travel to Munich specifically to go shopping. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Munich or Trieste Better for Families?

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

Munich is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Popular kid activities include going to the top of Stadium Roof at Olympic Park, checking out the movie sets at Filmstadt, and taking a paddle boat ride in the city park.

Trieste is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Munich or Trieste Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Munich frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the palaces around the city, visiting the Roman baths at Müller's Volksbad, and checking out the many great restaurants around town.

Trieste is a great city if you're traveling as 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 Munich or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Munich 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 Munich, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has many fun hostels that often host events and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and take advantage of the nightlife around town.

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 Munich or Trieste Better for Students?

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

Munich is a very popular city for students. The city is an economic hub for both Germany and Europe, so it attracts employees from around the world. There are many wonderful university programs, including a great business school in town. The city's multicultural setting makes it great for international 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 Munich or Trieste Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Munich 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 Munich can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.

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

Is Munich or Trieste a more walkable city?

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

Munich is a very walkable destination. While walking tours are a great way to explore, the city is quite large so you'll want to take public transit as well.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Munich?

How long in Munich or Trieste?

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

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

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

One day in Munich or Trieste?

Because Munich 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 Munich or Trieste?

Because Munich 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 Munich 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 Munich or Trieste?

Munich 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 Munich 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 Munich or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Munich. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Munich. 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 cultural 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, The Best Walking Tours in Germany, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Munich or Trieste?

Munich has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Trieste. When comparing the sizes of Munich 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 Munich 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 Munich or Trieste in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Munich as well as Trieste. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Munich this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Trieste for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Munich is cooler than Trieste in the summer. The daily temperature in Munich averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, 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 Munich this time of the year. In the summer, Munich often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Munich gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun.

Munich usually gets more rain in July than Trieste. Munich gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Munich or Trieste in the Autumn?

Both Trieste and Munich are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Munich for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Trieste in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Munich is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Munich in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Trieste averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Munich usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during autumn. Munich gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Munich usually receives less rain than Trieste. Munich gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Munich or Trieste in the Winter?

Both Trieste and Munich during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Munich 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.

Munich can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Munich is generally much colder than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Munich average around -1°C (31°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Munich often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Munich gets 30 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun.

Munich usually gets less rain in January than Trieste. Munich gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Munich or Trieste in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Munich and Trieste. Most visitors come to Munich for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Trieste because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Munich is cooler than Trieste in the spring. The daily temperature in Munich averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Trieste fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Munich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste during spring. Munich gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Munich usually receives less rain than Trieste. Munich gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Munich