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

Should you visit Oslo or Trieste?

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

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

Oslo

Oslo is a green, clean, and progressive city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Trieste

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

Oslo and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oslo or Trieste?

You'll generally find more things to do in Oslo than Trieste. Oslo is bigger than Trieste, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Oslo is better known for its museums, shopping, and big city activities, while Trieste is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Oslo is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. Also, Oslo is famous for The Royal Palace. Trieste is well known for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Oslo different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oslo 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 Oslo. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

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 Oslo or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Oslo and Trieste can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Oslo offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city has a reputation of serving a lot of cured meats and potato dishes, but there is actually a good amount of variation available. Local favorites include smoked salmon, meatballs, and meat stews.

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 Oslo or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Oslo and Trieste.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Oslo. The city's high alcohol prices mean that many locals enjoy their drinks at home during pre-parties before heading out on the town. The atmosphere is usually laid-back and chill, with a diversity of entertainment venues that you can choose between.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Trieste. 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 Oslo or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Oslo 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.

Oslo is not a beach destination.

Is Oslo or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Trieste is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Oslo 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.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oslo or Trieste?

Oslo is a decent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Oslo has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. The shopping that is available includes shopping malls and local boutique shops.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Oslo or Trieste Better for Families?

Oslo is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Oslo is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city goes out of its way to integrate kid-friendly activities into everyday life. From playgrounds and parks to interactive museums and nearby amusement parks, this city is among the most kid-friendly around.

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 Oslo or Trieste Better for Couples?

Trieste is notable for romance. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Oslo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.

Is Oslo or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Oslo and Trieste are notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Oslo. Notoriously expensive, this city does have some hostels, but it can be a bit challenging for those on a budget. Because many backpackers avoid the area due to the costs, it can be challenging to meet other backpackers.

Trieste is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 Oslo or Trieste Better for Students?

Oslo and Trieste are both high quality destinations for students and younger travelers.

Oslo is a great city to visit as a student. The University of Oslo has an excellent reputation and welcomes many foreign students every year. The school does a lot to make sure international students feel at home here.

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.

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

Oslo 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 Oslo can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

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

Is Oslo or Trieste a more walkable city?

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

Oslo is very walkable. The city has a number of traffic-free areas so it's fun to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Oslo?

How long in Oslo or Trieste?

It's fun to spend time in either Oslo or Trieste. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Oslo due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Oslo, and 2-4 days is enough time in Trieste.

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

Couples should spend more time in Trieste than Oslo. 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 Oslo 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 Oslo.

One day in Oslo or Trieste?

Because Oslo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Oslo or Trieste?

Because Oslo 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 Oslo has to offer.

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 Oslo or Trieste?

Oslo 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 Oslo has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find food and museums around the diverse 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 Oslo or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oslo. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Oslo. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Oslo or Trieste?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Trieste. When comparing the sizes of Oslo 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 Oslo 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 Oslo or Trieste in the Summer?

Both Trieste and Oslo during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oslo this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Trieste for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Oslo is generally cooler than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around 18°C (64°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Trieste, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Oslo. In the summer, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Oslo gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets more rain in July than Trieste. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Trieste in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Oslo and Trieste. Many travelers come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Trieste in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area.

Oslo is much colder than Trieste in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Oslo usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during autumn. Oslo gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Oslo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Trieste. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oslo or Trieste in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Oslo as well as Trieste. Many visitors come to Oslo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Trieste for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Oslo can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Oslo is much colder than Trieste. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oslo in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Trieste averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Oslo gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets less rain in January than Trieste. Oslo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Trieste in the Spring?

Both Trieste and Oslo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Oslo 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.

In April, Oslo is generally much colder than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around 6°C (42°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Oslo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste during spring. Oslo gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oslo usually receives less rain than Trieste. Oslo gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Oslo