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

Should you visit Paris or Trieste?

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

Should I visit Paris or Trieste? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Paris

Paris is a energetic, beautiful, and iconic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Trieste

Trieste is a historic, dynamic, and energetic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Paris and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or Trieste?

You'll generally find more things to do in Paris than Trieste. Paris is bigger than Trieste, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Paris is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Trieste is more popular for its beaches and historical sights. Paris is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. Also, Paris is famous for The Eiffel Tower. Trieste is well known for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Paris is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Paris has many famous sights for visitors. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

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 Paris or Trieste Better for Theater?

Paris is an unbeatable place for its shows and theatre. However, Trieste is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Paris that are not to be missed. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Trieste is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris 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 Paris have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

Paris 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 Paris is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris or Trieste Better for Music?

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

Paris has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Trieste is not a live music destination.

Is Paris or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a popular place for its beaches. However, Paris is not a beach destination.

Trieste is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is Paris or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Trieste is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.

Trieste is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town highlights the diversity of cultures and influences from the city's past.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Trieste?

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

Many people travel to Paris specifically to go shopping. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Paris or Trieste Better for Christmas?

Paris is an unbeatable place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Trieste does not offer Christmas activities.

Paris offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Trieste does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or Trieste Better for Families?

Paris 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.

Paris is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris or Trieste Better for Couples?

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

Paris is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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 Paris or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris 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 Paris, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts 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 Paris or Trieste Better for Students?

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

Paris is a very popular city for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad 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 Paris or Trieste Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Paris 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 Paris can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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

Is Paris or Trieste a more walkable city?

Paris and Trieste are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Paris is very walkable. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored 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 Paris Worth Visiting? and Is Trieste Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Paris?

How long in Paris or Trieste?

It's fun to spend time in either Paris or Trieste. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Paris due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Paris, and 2-4 days is enough time in Trieste.

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

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

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

One day in Paris or Trieste?

Because Paris 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.

In Trieste, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this cultural destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Paris or Trieste?

Because Paris 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Trieste. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Paris or Trieste?

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

Trieste is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Trieste. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Paris or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

You'll find nightlife and food around the diverse destination of Trieste. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-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 Paris and Trieste, we can see that Paris 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris 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 Paris Expensive? and Is Trieste Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Paris or Trieste?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Trieste. When comparing the sizes of Paris 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 Paris 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 Paris or Trieste in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Trieste. Many visitors come to Paris in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Trieste for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Paris is generally cooler than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 20°C (68°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Trieste this time of the year. In Paris, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paris usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during summer. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Paris usually receives less rain than Trieste. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Paris or Trieste in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Paris as well as Trieste. Most visitors come to Paris for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Trieste because of the natural beauty of the area.

Paris is cooler than Trieste in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Paris often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets less rain in October than Trieste. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Trieste in the Winter?

Both Trieste and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Paris because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

The weather in Paris can be very cold. In the winter, Paris is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paris in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Trieste averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Paris usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during winter. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Paris usually receives less rain than Trieste. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Paris or Trieste in the Spring?

Both Trieste and Paris during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Paris this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Trieste for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Paris is generally cooler than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 11°C (52°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Paris often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets less rain in April than Trieste. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Paris