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

Should you visit Nantes or Trieste?

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

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

Nantes

Nantes is a historical, beautiful, and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Trieste

Trieste is a energetic, diverse, and cultural city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and museums.

Nantes and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantes or Trieste?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nantes than Trieste. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Nantes is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Trieste attracts visitors for its beaches. Nantes is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. It is also well known for The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany. Trieste is famous for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Nantes different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nantes 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 Nantes. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

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 Nantes or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantes 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 Nantes have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

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 Nantes or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

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

Nantes has a large number of nightlife venues. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

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 Nantes or Trieste Better for Beaches?

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

Nantes is not a beach destination.

Is Nantes or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Nantes and Trieste both have nice historical old towns that attract visitors.

Nantes has an old town worth visiting. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets 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 Nantes or Trieste?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nantes. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nantes or Trieste Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nantes. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

Trieste is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Nantes or Trieste Better for Couples?

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

Nantes makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

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.

Is Nantes or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Trieste is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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.

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Nantes or Trieste Better for Students?

Trieste is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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.

Nantes is popular with students. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

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

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Nantes and Trieste.

The public transit in Nantes can get you to most places easily. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

Visitors to Trieste can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

Is Nantes or Trieste a more walkable city?

Nantes and Trieste are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Nantes is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Nantes?

How long in Nantes or Trieste?

It's fun to spend time in either Nantes 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 Nantes, and 2-4 days is enough time in Trieste.

Families should spend more time in Nantes than Trieste. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Nantes, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Trieste than Nantes 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 Nantes or Trieste?

In Nantes, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Nantes or Trieste?

In Nantes, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nantes 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 Nantes or Trieste?

Nantes 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.

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 Nantes or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantes. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nantes. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Nantes and Trieste, we can see that Nantes is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nantes Expensive? and Is Trieste Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nantes or Trieste?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Trieste. When comparing the sizes of Nantes 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 Nantes 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 Nantes or Trieste in the Summer?

Both Trieste and Nantes are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nantes this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Trieste for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Nantes is cooler than Trieste in the summer. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Trieste fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Trieste. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nantes. Nantes usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during summer. Nantes gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nantes usually receives less rain than Trieste. Nantes gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nantes or Trieste in the Autumn?

Both Trieste and Nantes during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Trieste in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nantes is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nantes in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Trieste averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Nantes often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Nantes gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun.

Nantes usually gets less rain in October than Trieste. Nantes gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantes or Trieste in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantes and Trieste. Many visitors come to Nantes 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.

In January, Nantes is generally around the same temperature as Trieste. Daily temperatures in Nantes average around 6°C (42°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Nantes usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during winter. Nantes gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nantes usually receives more rain than Trieste. Nantes gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nantes or Trieste in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nantes as well as Trieste. Most visitors come to Nantes for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Trieste because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Nantes is cooler than Trieste in the spring. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Trieste fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Nantes often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste. Nantes gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun.

Nantes usually gets less rain in April than Trieste. Nantes gets 50 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 Nantes