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

Should you visit Stockholm or Trieste?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Stockholm and Trieste can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Stockholm

Stockholm is a clean, coastal, and safe city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food.

Trieste

Trieste is a diverse, cultural, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, museums, and nightlife.

Stockholm and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stockholm or Trieste?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Stockholm than Trieste, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Stockholm is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Trieste is known for its beaches. Stockholm is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town. It is also home to Gamla Stan (the old town). Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

Gamla Stan (the old town)

How is Stockholm different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Stockholm 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 Stockholm. Famous sights and museums include the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Royal Palace.

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 Stockholm or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Stockholm and Trieste offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Stockholm. Most famous for its Swedish meatballs, there is so much more to the food scene in this city. Although they're expensive, the restaurants often have a relaxed atmosphere with dishes that take advantage of local, fresh ingredients. Seafood is obviously popular as well.

Trieste is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Stockholm or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

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

Stockholm has a large number of nightlife venues. The city is a particularly fun place to visit during the summer months when clubs open outdoor areas and parties happen day and night.

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 Stockholm or Trieste Better for Music?

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

Stockholm has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.

Trieste is not a live music destination.

Is Stockholm or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a city with good options for the beache. However, Stockholm is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Trieste. 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.

Stockholm is not a beach destination.

Is Stockholm or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm 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, Stockholm offers plenty to see. Right in the middle of the city is Gamla Stan. It's spread out over a hill and filled with character, cobblestone streets, cafes, and historical sights.

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 Stockholm or Trieste?

Stockholm is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Stockholm. Right by Gamla Stan, you'll find the city's main shopping street of Drottninggatan. The city has great jewelry and artisan crafts.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stockholm or Trieste Better for Families?

Stockholm 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.

Stockholm is an extremely popular city to visit for families. As cities go, this is among the most child-friendly in Europe. There are many unique activities like Junibacken, which is a Pippi Longstocking themed kid's museum. There's also Tom Tits Experiment, which is a hands on science and technology museum, the swimming pools at Eriksdalsbadet, and the amusement park Gröna Lund.

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 Stockholm or Trieste Better for Couples?

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

Stockholm is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city is filled with romance, from wandering around Gamla Stan to taking a dinner cruise or exploring a rose garden. During the winter months, the Christmas markets and festive atmosphere bring the city to life.

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 Stockholm or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Stockholm and Trieste are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Stockholm is a good city to visit for backpackers. While the city has a lot to offer, many backpackers avoid the area because it is so expensive. There are some hostels, but in general food and entertainment are all going to cost a lot.

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 Stockholm or Trieste Better for Students?

Trieste is well known for students. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

It's common for students to visit Stockholm. The cost of the city scares off many international students, but those that come here will find a clean, safe, and fun city with excellent academics.

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

Stockholm 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 Stockholm can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

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

Is Stockholm or Trieste a more walkable city?

Stockholm is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Stockholm. The city has actively worked to create a walkable environment that is safe and pleasant. There are restrictions on vehicles as well as pedestrian-only areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Stockholm?

How long in Stockholm or Trieste?

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

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

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

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

One day in Stockholm or Trieste?

Because Stockholm 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 live music. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find food and museums around the city of Trieste. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Stockholm or Trieste?

Because Stockholm 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 live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Stockholm has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the dynamic destination of Trieste. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Stockholm or Trieste?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Trieste. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stockholm or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stockholm. Because Stockholm is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Trieste is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Sweden, The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Stockholm or Trieste?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Trieste. When comparing the sizes of Stockholm 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 Stockholm 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 Stockholm or Trieste in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Stockholm as well as Trieste. The summer months attract visitors to Stockholm because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

In the summer, Stockholm is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the summer temperatures in Stockholm in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Trieste averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Trieste. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Stockholm this time of the year. In the summer, Stockholm often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Stockholm gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Trieste. Stockholm gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stockholm or Trieste in the Autumn?

Both Trieste and Stockholm are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Stockholm this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Trieste for the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Stockholm is generally much colder than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around 8°C (46°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Stockholm usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during autumn. Stockholm gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Trieste. Stockholm gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Stockholm or Trieste in the Winter?

Both Trieste and Stockholm during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Stockholm for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Trieste in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Stockholm. Stockholm is much colder than Trieste in the winter. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Stockholm often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Stockholm gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets less rain in January than Trieste. Stockholm gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stockholm or Trieste in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Stockholm and Trieste. Many visitors come to Stockholm in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Trieste for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Stockholm is much colder than Trieste. Typically, the spring temperatures in Stockholm in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Trieste averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Stockholm usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste during spring. Stockholm gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Trieste. Stockholm gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Stockholm