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

Should you visit Porto or Trieste?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Porto and Trieste can help you decide which place is right for you.

Porto

Porto is a cultural, cosmopolitan, and dynamic port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Trieste

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

Porto and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Trieste?

You'll generally find more things to do in Porto than Trieste. Porto is bigger than Trieste, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Porto is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Trieste is more popular for its beaches. Porto is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its authentic old town and the local port wine. Also, Porto is famous for Cais da Ribeira. Trieste is well known for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Porto different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Porto 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 Porto. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

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 Porto or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto 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 Porto have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

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 Porto or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

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

Porto has a large number of nightlife venues. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

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 Porto or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is very good for its beaches. However, Porto is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Trieste to enjoy the beach. 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.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Porto or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Porto 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.

Porto is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

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 Porto or Trieste?

Porto is a port city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Porto has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Porto or Trieste Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Porto or Trieste.

Porto is a very family-friendly destination. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

Trieste is a very kid-friendly port 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.

Is Porto or Trieste Better for Couples?

Both Porto and Trieste are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Porto is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

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.

Is Porto or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto 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 Porto, as it is a very popular port city for budget travelers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

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 Porto or Trieste Better for Students?

For students, both Porto and Trieste are superb places to visit.

Porto is very popular with students. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Trieste is a great port 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.

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

Porto and Trieste both offer superb public transit to get you around.

Public transit in Porto is fairly effecient and thorough. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

Trieste has some very good public transit options. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

Is Porto or Trieste a more walkable city?

Porto and Trieste are superb when it comes to walkability.

Porto is very walkable. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Porto?

How long in Porto or Trieste?

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

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

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

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

One day in Porto or Trieste?

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This port 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 diverse 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 Porto or Trieste?

Because Porto 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Porto has to offer.

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 Porto or Trieste?

Porto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto 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 Porto or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Porto. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find nightlife and food around the historic 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Trieste?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Trieste. When comparing the sizes of Porto 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 Porto 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 Porto or Trieste in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Trieste. Many travelers come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Trieste in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Porto is generally cooler than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 21°C (69°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 Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Porto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste during summer. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Porto usually receives less rain than Trieste. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Porto or Trieste in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Porto as well as Trieste. Many visitors come to Porto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Trieste for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Porto is around the same temperature as Trieste in the autumn. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Porto often gets more sunshine than Trieste. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Porto usually gets more rain in October than Trieste. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Trieste in the Winter?

Both Trieste and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Trieste because of the museums and the cuisine.

In the winter, Porto is much warmer than Trieste. Typically, the winter temperatures in Porto in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Trieste averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Trieste during winter. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In January, Porto usually receives more rain than Trieste. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Porto or Trieste in the Spring?

Both Trieste and Porto during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Porto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

In April, Porto is generally around the same temperature as Trieste. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 14°C (56°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. In the spring, Porto often gets more sunshine than Trieste. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in April than Trieste. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Porto