A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint-Etienne vs. Trieste for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Saint-Etienne or Trieste?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Saint-Etienne and Trieste. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a undiscovered, authentic, and historic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Trieste

Trieste is a cultural, historic, and dynamic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint-Etienne and Trieste: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Saint-Etienne or Trieste?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Trieste than Saint-Etienne, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Trieste is more popular for its food, beaches, and historical sights, while Saint-Etienne is known for its hiking and shopping. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage. It is also home to Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia.

How is Saint-Etienne different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint-Etienne or Trieste?

Saint-Etienne
Trieste

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Saint-Etienne and Trieste.

Saint-Etienne offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

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 Saint-Etienne or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint-Etienne
Trieste

Trieste is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Saint-Etienne or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Etienne
Trieste

The vibe at night is good in both Saint-Etienne and Trieste.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint-Etienne has a few options to choose from. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 Saint-Etienne or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Saint-Etienne
Trieste

Trieste is a good destination for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.


Is Saint-Etienne or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Saint-Etienne
Trieste

Trieste is a good destination for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Trieste. The old town highlights the diversity of cultures and influences from the city's past.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Trieste Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne
Trieste

Saint-Etienne is a city with good options for its hiking trails. However, Trieste is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Saint-Etienne. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Trieste is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Etienne or Trieste?

Saint-Etienne
Trieste

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

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Saint-Etienne or Trieste Better for Families?

Saint-Etienne
Trieste

Trieste is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Trieste is very family-friendly. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Saint-Etienne or Trieste Better for Couples?

Saint-Etienne
Trieste

Trieste is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Trieste is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Saint-Etienne or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint-Etienne
Trieste

Trieste is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.


Is Saint-Etienne or Trieste Better for Students?

Saint-Etienne
Trieste

Trieste is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not popular with 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.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Saint-Etienne
Trieste

Trieste is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Trieste can get you to some places easily. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Trieste a more walkable city?

Saint-Etienne
Trieste

Trieste is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.


For even more information, also check out Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting? and Is Trieste Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Saint-Etienne?

How long in Saint-Etienne or Trieste?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne, and 2-4 days is enough time in Trieste.

Families should spend more time in Trieste than Saint-Etienne. 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 Trieste than Saint-Etienne. 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 Trieste than Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne or Trieste? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint-Etienne 1-2 
    Trieste 2-4

One day in Saint-Etienne or Trieste?

In Saint-Etienne, you'll find nightlife and museums. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the cultural destination of Trieste. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Saint-Etienne or Trieste?

In Saint-Etienne, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Saint-Etienne has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Trieste. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint-Etienne or Trieste?

Saint-Etienne 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the diverse destination of Trieste. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.


A week in Saint-Etienne or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint-Etienne. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Trieste. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Trieste or Saint-Etienne?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint-Etienne is €108, 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 Saint-Etienne and Trieste in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint-Etienne 46
    Trieste 55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint-Etienne 92
    Trieste 110
Compare Hotels in Saint-Etienne and Trieste

Looking for a hotel in Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne


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: Trieste Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint-Etienne 44
    Trieste 18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Trieste

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

  • Rome & Cruise Port Roundtrip Private Transfer: $5,067
  • Cruise Port to Milan Roundtrip Private Transfer: $4,014
  • Trieste Cruise Port : One Way Private Transfer to Milan: $2,007
  • Trieste Port or City: 1-Way Transfer to Venice + water taxi: $1,027
  • Venice Airport(VCE):1-Way Transfer to Trieste or Cruise Port: $706
  • Trieste City/Port: One Way Transfer to Venice, Pazzale Roma: $524
  • Private Transfer from Trieste Airport to Rovinj: $342
  • Trieste Cruise Port to Malpensa Airport (MXP)- Departure Transfer: $293
  • Private Transfer from Trieste Port to Malpensa Milan Airport(MXP): $293
  • Private Transfer from Koper to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $292
  • Trieste Cruise Port to Venice - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $290
  • Private Direct Transfer From Trieste to Venice: $284

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint-Etienne or Trieste?

Prices for flights to both Trieste and Saint-Etienne 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
    Saint-Etienne 34
    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.
    Saint-Etienne 25
    Trieste 22

Tours and Activities in Trieste

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

  • The best of Izola walking tour: $98
  • 60-minute Small Group Guided Walking Tour in Piran: $22
  • Amazing Private Tour Postojna and Predjama from Portoroz: $192
  • Deluxe Venice Shore Excursion from Trieste Cruise Port: $96
  • E-bike Vipava River Tour : $164
  • EXPRESS LITERATURE Trieste Letteraria: Guided walking tour and readings: $74
  • Experience Trieste: $164
  • Explore highlights of Trieste on a private 3-hour walking tour: $299
  • Flavours of Istria Tasting Experience from Koper: $125
  • Flavours of Istria Tasting Experience from Piran or Portoroz or Izola: $126
  • Flavours of Istria Tasting Experience from Trieste: $133
  • Food & Wine -> Gourmet tour in Piran: $131

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint-Etienne 10
    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 Saint-Etienne and Trieste, we can see that Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne Expensive? and Is Trieste Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint-Etienne or Trieste?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne or Trieste in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Etienne and Trieste. Most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Trieste because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint-Etienne is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint-Etienne in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Trieste averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Trieste this time of the year. In Saint-Etienne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint-Etienne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste during summer. Saint-Etienne gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Trieste. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint-Etienne 22°C (71°F) 
    Trieste 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Trieste in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint-Etienne as well as Trieste. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

In October, Saint-Etienne is generally cooler than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 14°C (56°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

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

Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in October than Trieste. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint-Etienne 14°C (56°F) 
    Trieste 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Trieste in the Winter?

Both Trieste and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Trieste for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Saint-Etienne in the winter. Saint-Etienne is cooler than Trieste in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

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

In January, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Trieste. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint-Etienne 4°C (39°F) 
    Trieste 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Trieste in the Spring?

Both Trieste and Saint-Etienne during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Trieste in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Saint-Etienne is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint-Etienne in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Trieste averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Saint-Etienne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste. Saint-Etienne gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in April than Trieste. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint-Etienne 11°C (53°F) 
    Trieste 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Trieste and Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne Trieste
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)