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

Should you visit Rouen or Trieste?

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

Should I visit Rouen 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.

Rouen

Rouen is a relaxing, historical, and charming 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 historic, dynamic, and energetic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Rouen and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Rouen or Trieste?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Rouen than Trieste. While Trieste is larger than Rouen, Rouen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rouen is more popular for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Trieste is known for its beaches. Rouen is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture. It is also home to The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Rouen different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rouen
Trieste

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Rouen and Trieste.

Rouen offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find the highest concentration of sights in the city's pedestrian zone. Highlights that you should check out include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, Musée des Beaux-Arts, Abbatiale Saint-Ouen, and Aître Saint-Maclou.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Trieste. 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 Rouen or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rouen
Trieste

Rouen is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Rouen has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many local specialties found in town. Make sure you try the Passe Crassane, which is a French pear. The town is also known for its cheese, chocolate, and pastries.

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 Rouen or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

Rouen
Trieste

Evening events are good in both Rouen and Trieste.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Rouen. You'll find wine bars, trendy cocktail bars, and local pubs where you can grab a drink.

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 Rouen or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Rouen
Trieste

Trieste is a popular place for the beache. However, Rouen 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.

Rouen is not a beach destination.


Is Rouen or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Rouen
Trieste

It's fun to wander around the good old towns in both Rouen and Trieste.

Many people head to Rouen to see the old town. The old town is where you'll find spectacular Gothic churches and the most charming streets.

Trieste has an old town worth visiting. The old town highlights the diversity of cultures and influences from the city's past.

Is the Shopping Better in Rouen or Trieste?

Rouen
Trieste

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

Rouen has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Some of the city's best shopping is found along the Rue du Gros-Horloge in the old city center. You'll find independent boutiques and well as upscale vendors.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Rouen or Trieste Better for Families?

Rouen
Trieste

Trieste is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Rouen is a family-friendly city. This beautiful city is filled with nice parks, free museums, and towers that offer views over the city. Kids will enjoy climbing the clocktower, eating pastries, or riding a bike around town.


Is Rouen or Trieste Better for Couples?

Rouen
Trieste

With fun activities for couples, both Rouen and Trieste make for a excellent place to visit.

Rouen is a very popular place to visit for couples. The beautiful city makes a great retreat for couples who enjoy good food and nice architecture. There are many hidden gems around town that make this a favorite French city for many couples.

Trieste makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Rouen or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rouen
Trieste

Trieste is a popular place for backpackers. However, Rouen is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Rouen is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Backpackers may struggle to find a hostel with a social setting, but for those who make it here there are many beautiful things to see.

Is Rouen or Trieste Better for Students?

Rouen
Trieste

Trieste is notable for students. However, Rouen is not popular with students.

Trieste is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Rouen is not popular with students.


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

Rouen
Trieste

Both Rouen and Trieste offer excellent public transit options.

Rouen has some very good public transit options. The city has two agencies that offer public transportation. Métro du Rouen is a tramway that runs north to south from Boulingrin in the north to Saint-Sever, where it branches off into two lines (one to Technopôle and one to Georges Braque). There are also buses and rail connections to town.

The public transit in Trieste can get you to most places easily. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

Is Rouen or Trieste a more walkable city?

Rouen
Trieste

Rouen and Trieste both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Rouen is a very walkable city. There are many parts of town that can easily be explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Rouen?

How long in Rouen or Trieste?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Trieste than Rouen 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.


  • How many days in Rouen or Trieste? Ideal Length of Stay
    Rouen 1-2 
    Trieste 2-4

One day in Rouen or Trieste?

In Rouen, you'll find nightlife and food. 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.

In Trieste, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this energetic 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 Rouen or Trieste?

In Rouen, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Rouen 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 Rouen or Trieste?

Rouen 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.

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 Rouen or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rouen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rouen. 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 energetic 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Trieste or Rouen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Rouen is €109, while the average daily cost in Trieste is €100. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Rouen and Trieste in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rouen 52
    Trieste 55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rouen 104
    Trieste 110
Compare Hotels in Rouen and Trieste

Looking for a hotel in Rouen or Trieste? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Rouen


Hotels in Trieste


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Rouen Hotel Prices and Trieste Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rouen 34
    Trieste 18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rouen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rouen:

  • Round-Trip Private Transfer Rouen Airport URO to Rouen by Minivan: $164

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Trieste

Also for Trieste, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Small-Group Transfer from Trieste City to Trieste Airport: $66
  • Private Transfer from Koper Port to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $68
  • Private Transfer from Koper Cruise Port to Ljubljana city hotels: $68
  • Transfer from Koper to Ljubljana Airport: $104
  • Trieste city to Venice Airport (VCE) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
  • Trieste City to Venice Piazzale Roma Arrival Private Transfer: $109
  • Transfer from Trieste Airport to Ljubljana: $115
  • Trieste or Cruise Port to Venice, piazzale Roma Arrival Transfer: $120
  • Trieste or Cruise Port to Venice Airport Departure Transfer: $120
  • Transfer from Koper to Treviso Airport: $137
  • Private Transfer from Trieste city or Port to Venice + water taxi: $145
  • Trieste city or Cruise Port to Venice+water taxi Arrival Transfer: $145

Is it cheaper to fly into Rouen or Trieste?

Prices for flights to both Trieste and Rouen change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Rouen 35
    Trieste 31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Trieste

For Trieste, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cesarine: Small group Street food tour in Trieste: $97
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Trieste with show cooking: $115
  • Istria - Truffles: Hunting & Cooking & Tasting, Slovenia: $141
  • Trieste Private Home Cooking Class: $155
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Trieste: $158
  • Private Mediterranean Fish Cooking Workshop with Irena: $180
  • 5-Course Food Tour with Electric Bikes: $235

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rouen 18
    Trieste 22

Tours and Activities in Rouen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Rouen are as follows:

  • Audio guided tour : Rouen retold - Joan of Arc retold: $16
  • From Normandy D-Day Beaches Private Full-Day Tour: $1,283
  • From Normandy’s Regional Highlights Private Tour: $933
  • Guided Tour of the Historic Center of Rouen: $26
  • Private Custom Walking Guided Tour in Rouen: $51
  • Rouen Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Rouen audio guided tour: $13
  • American Landing Beaches Discovery Private Tour: $1,128
  • Castles and Abbeys Private Full-Day Tour: $1,283
  • Discover Rouen with a licenced tour guide: $59
  • Guided Tour of the Historic Center: $26
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $307

Tours and Activities in Trieste

For Trieste, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Train ticket connecting airport and city: $5.64
  • Trieste Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • Trieste Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $8.95
  • Trieste Bus Tour with Audio Guide: $17
  • Trieste Bus Tour with Audio Guide: $17
  • Miramare Castle Entrance Ticket: $20
  • 60-minute Small Group Guided Walking Tour in Piran: $22
  • HO HO Scenic Tour to Piran with Sweet Surprise: $34
  • Piran Walking Tour with Local Wine and Food Tasting: $38
  • Wine Fountain Tasting Day Tour from Portoroz: $44
  • 2.5-Hour Prosecco Origins Tour and Tastings: $48
  • Prosecco Origins Wine Experience: $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rouen 7.86
    Trieste 8.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Trieste

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Trieste:

  • Wine Tasting from Istria, Carso and Friuli terroirs: $37
  • Trip to Stanjel castle wine tasting and gourmet lunch 4 courses from Piran: $131
  • Castles & Wine Tour: $140
  • Collio: Cividale Del Friuli and Wine Tastings from Trieste: $148
  • Experience Slovenian Coast line with Wine Tasting from Trieste: $164
  • Koper & Wine tasting: $186
  • Wine Tour on the Coast: $268


When comparing the travel costs between Rouen and Trieste, we can see that Rouen 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 Rouen Expensive? and Is Trieste Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Rouen or Trieste?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of Rouen. When comparing the sizes of Rouen 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 Rouen 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 Rouen or Trieste in the Summer?

Both Trieste and Rouen during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Rouen in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Trieste for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Rouen is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rouen in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Trieste averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Trieste, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Rouen. In the summer, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Rouen gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets less rain in July than Trieste. Rouen gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rouen 17°C (63°F) 
    Trieste 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Rouen or Trieste in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Rouen and Trieste. Most visitors come to Rouen for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Trieste because of the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Rouen is generally cooler than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 12°C (53°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Rouen usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during autumn. Rouen gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Rouen usually receives less rain than Trieste. Rouen gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rouen 12°C (53°F) 
    Trieste 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Rouen or Trieste in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Rouen as well as Trieste. The winter months attract visitors to Rouen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

The weather in Rouen can be very cold. Rouen is cooler than Trieste in the winter. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Rouen often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Rouen gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun.

Rouen usually gets less rain in January than Trieste. Rouen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rouen 4°C (39°F) 
    Trieste 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Rouen or Trieste in the Spring?

Both Trieste and Rouen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Rouen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Trieste for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Rouen is much colder than Trieste. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rouen in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Trieste averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Rouen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste during spring. Rouen gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rouen usually receives less rain than Trieste. Rouen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rouen 9°C (48°F) 
    Trieste 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Trieste and Rouen

Rouen Trieste
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)


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