A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Salzburg vs. Trieste for Old Town, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Salzburg or Trieste?

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

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

Salzburg

Salzburg is a historic, beautiful, and musical city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food.

Trieste

Trieste is a energetic, diverse, and cultural city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Salzburg and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salzburg or Trieste?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Salzburg than Trieste. While Trieste is larger than Salzburg, Salzburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Salzburg is very popular for its museums, food, music, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Trieste attracts visitors for its beaches. Salzburg is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. It is also well known for The Salzburg Old Town. Trieste is famous for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

The Salzburg Old Town

How is Salzburg different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Salzburg 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 Salzburg. There are many historic sights to explore including Mozart's birthplace, the Mozart Residence, the Salzburg Museum, and the many stunning churches and concert halls.

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 Salzburg or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Salzburg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The old town is filled with charming restaurants that serve local specialties including schnitzel, tafelspitz, and strudel. The city is also known for it's impressive breakfast spread that is often served on a three tiered cake stand and includes cheeses, salami, fresh fruit, pastries, olives, jams and more.

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 Salzburg or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

Both Salzburg and Trieste are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Salzburg. The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.

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 Salzburg or Trieste Better for Music?

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

Salzburg has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Although most people think of Mozart and the Sound of Music when they think of this city, there are also many music festivals, including the famous Salzburg Music Festival, as well as concert venues and an independent music scene that is excellent.

Trieste is not a live music destination.

Is Salzburg or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Salzburg 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.

Salzburg is not a beach destination.

Is Salzburg or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Salzburg offers plenty to see. This beautiful old town is filled with cafes, restaurants, and churches. You can enjoy local music performed by street performers as you soak in the atmosphere and the regular chime of the church bells really gives the city personality. There are also frequent markets and shops to explore.

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 Salzburg or Trieste?

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

Many people travel to Salzburg specifically to go shopping. The city's historic heart is filled with boutique shops, chocolate markets, and charming local vendors. It's fun to peruse the many shops that line the streets while you shop for local souvenirs.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Salzburg or Trieste Better for Families?

Salzburg and Trieste are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

Salzburg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who know the Sound of Music will enjoy visiting the setting of a number of scenes from the movie. There are even popular Sound of Music tours that take you to the gardens where they sang "Do Re Mi" and out of town to the church where Maria married the Captain. The city also offers Marionette Puppet shows, cooking classes, castles and more around town that everyone can enjoy.

Trieste is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Salzburg or Trieste Better for Couples?

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

Salzburg is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The town offers a romantic setting with elaborate breakfasts, beautiful architecture, live shows, and plenty that couples can enjoy. You can simply wander around old town or explore the many gardens around town. Couples will also enjoy the concerts and music that the city is so famous for.

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 Salzburg or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salzburg is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Salzburg. This is a popular city to visit, so there are plenty of amenities for backpackers. If you want to save a little money, you can stay and eat outside of old town where the prices are a little less.

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 Salzburg or Trieste Better for Students?

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

Salzburg is a very popular city for students. International students appreciate the high quality of life, excellent educational opportunities and unique European setting that makes this city special. There are also a number of beautiful places just outside of town that you can explore, as well as many travel connections to other popular cities in Europe.

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

Both Salzburg and Trieste offer high quality public transit options.

The public transit in Salzburg can get you to most places easily. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

Visitors to Trieste can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

Is Salzburg or Trieste a more walkable city?

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

Salzburg is a very walkable destination. The old town is very walkable, but if you stay outside of the main tourist areas, you'll likely want to take a bus.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Salzburg?

How long in Salzburg or Trieste?

It's fun to spend time in either Salzburg or Trieste. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Salzburg due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Salzburg, and 2-4 days is enough time in Trieste.

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

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

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

One day in Salzburg or Trieste?

In Salzburg, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Trieste offers nightlife and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Salzburg or Trieste?

In Salzburg, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Trieste is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Trieste, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Salzburg or Trieste?

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

Trieste is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Salzburg or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Salzburg. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Salzburg. 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.

Trieste is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Trieste?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Salzburg. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg 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 Salzburg 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 Salzburg or Trieste in the Summer?

Both Trieste and Salzburg during the summer are popular places to visit. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Trieste for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Salzburg is cooler than Trieste in the summer. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Trieste fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Trieste, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Salzburg. In the summer, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Salzburg gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets more rain in July than Trieste. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Trieste in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Trieste. Many travelers come to Salzburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Trieste in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Salzburg is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Salzburg in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Trieste averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Salzburg usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during autumn. Salzburg gets 108 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Salzburg usually receives less rain than Trieste. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Salzburg or Trieste in the Winter?

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

Salzburg can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Salzburg is generally much colder than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around -0°C (31°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Salzburg gets 44 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets less rain in January than Trieste. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Trieste in the Spring?

Both Trieste and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Salzburg for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Trieste because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Salzburg is cooler than Trieste in the spring. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Trieste fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Salzburg usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during spring. Salzburg gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Salzburg usually receives less rain than Trieste. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Salzburg