A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nice vs. Trieste for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit Nice 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 Nice 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.

Nice

Nice is a chic, glamourous, and beautiful seaside destination. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Trieste

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

Nice and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nice or Trieste?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nice than Trieste, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Nice is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Trieste is known for its museums. Nice is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. It is also home to The Promenade des Anglais. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Nice different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Trieste is a city with good options for its sights and museums. However, Nice 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice 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 Nice have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

Nice 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 Nice is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice or Trieste Better for Resorts?

Nice is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Trieste is not a resort destination.

Nice is a world class resort vacation destination. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Trieste is not a resort destination.

Is Nice or Trieste Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a seaside destination 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 Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Trieste is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nice or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Nice is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

The beaches at Nice attract visitors from all over. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Trieste offers a nice beach destination. 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 Nice or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Nice 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.

Nice is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

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 Nice or Trieste?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nice or Trieste Better for Families?

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

Nice is a family-friendly seaside destination. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Nice or Trieste Better for Couples?

Nice is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Nice is a great seaside destination for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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 Nice or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Nice and Trieste are good destinations for backpackers.

Nice is a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

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 Nice or Trieste Better for Students?

Trieste is a well-known place for students. However, Nice is not popular with students.

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.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Both Nice and Trieste offer great public transit options.

The public transit in Nice can get you around easily. There are both buses and trams.

Trieste offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

Is Nice or Trieste a more walkable city?

Nice is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Nice. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Nice?

How long in Nice or Trieste?

It's fun to spend time in either Nice or Trieste. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Nice due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Nice, and 2-4 days is enough time in Trieste.

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

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

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

One day in Nice or Trieste?

In Nice, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside destination offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Trieste. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Nice or Trieste?

In Nice, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Trieste is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Nice or Trieste?

Nice is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nice has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find food and museums around the energetic destination of Trieste. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nice or Trieste?

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

The diverse city of Trieste offers museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

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

Which is Bigger, Nice or Trieste?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Trieste. When comparing the sizes of Nice 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 Nice 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 Nice or Trieste in the Summer?

Both Trieste and Nice during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Nice because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

In the summer, Nice is around the same temperature as Trieste. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nice in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Trieste averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Nice usually gets less rain in July than Trieste. Nice gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nice or Trieste in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nice and Trieste. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nice this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Trieste for the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Nice is generally around the same temperature as Trieste. Daily temperatures in Nice average around 17°C (63°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Nice gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nice usually receives more rain than Trieste. Nice gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nice or Trieste in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nice as well as Trieste. Many travelers come to Nice for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Trieste in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Nice is much warmer than Trieste in the winter. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Nice usually gets more rain in January than Trieste. Nice 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 Nice or Trieste in the Spring?

Both Trieste and Nice are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nice in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Trieste for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Nice is around the same temperature as Trieste. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nice in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Trieste averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In April, Nice usually receives less rain than Trieste. Nice gets 62 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 Nice