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

Should you visit Tallinn or Trieste?

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

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

Tallinn

Tallinn is a charming, quaint, and whimsical 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Trieste

Trieste is a energetic, diverse, and cultural city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and museums.

Tallinn and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Trieste?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tallinn than Trieste, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Tallinn is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Trieste is known for its beaches. Tallinn is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. It is also home to The Old Town. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

The Old Town

How is Tallinn different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tallinn 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 Tallinn. There are beautiful historic churches, particularly in the city's old town. A highlight is the stunning Alexander Nevski Cathedral. You'll also find some unique museums around town as well as Toompea Castle.

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 Tallinn or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Tallinn has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food is affordable and hearty. Many dishes incorporate rye bread, pork, smoked fish, potatoes, or dairy products. You'll also find a lot of variation in dishes between seasons.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Trieste area. 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 Tallinn or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

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

Tallinn has a large number of nightlife venues. As it's grown in popularity with tourists, the city has put itself on the map as a top party destination in Eastern Europe. There's an active bar and club scene, but there are also art venues and other creative activities for everyone.

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 Tallinn or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Tallinn 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.

Tallinn is not a beach destination.

Is Tallinn or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn 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, Tallinn offers plenty to see. The city's medieval old town is at the heart of it's tourist attractions. The Gothic architecture, local restaurants, and cobblestone streets give the city a fairytale charm.

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 Tallinn or Trieste?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Tallinn. There's a mix of quirky shops and recognizable brands around town. Old town is a popular shopping area, as is nearby Kalamaja. Visitors enjoy picking up marzipan, local crafts, and unique art.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tallinn or Trieste Better for Families?

Trieste is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Tallinn. Your kids will feel like they stepped into a fairytale in this beautiful city. It has countless museums including an open air museum and a zoo. There's also nearby Pirita Beach, where you and your kids can enjoy ice cream in a seaside setting.

Is Tallinn or Trieste Better for Couples?

Tallinn and Trieste are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Tallinn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with gardens, romantic walks, and impressive views, this city makes for a great couple's getaway. Base yourself in the city's beautiful old town and dine in one of the many local restaurants. There are also nice hotels around town that are great for couples.

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 Tallinn or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn 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 Tallinn, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is both affordable and unique, which is perfect for travelers on a budget. There are plenty of hostels around town as well as casual places to grab a cheap bite to eat.

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 Tallinn or Trieste Better for Students?

Trieste is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Trieste is a great 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.

Tallinn is popular with students. International students appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the affordable options around town.

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

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Tallinn and Trieste.

Tallinn has some very good public transit options. There are buses trolleys and trams around 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 Tallinn or Trieste a more walkable city?

Tallinn 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 Tallinn. The city is compact and easily explored on foot, particularly in the most touristy areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Trieste?

It's fun to spend time in either Tallinn or Trieste. In our opinion, Tallinn has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Tallinn than Trieste. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Tallinn or Trieste?

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

In Trieste, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Tallinn or Trieste?

In Tallinn, you'll find food and shopping. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tallinn has to offer.

In Trieste, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Trieste has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Trieste?

Tallinn is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 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.

A week in Tallinn or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tallinn. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Tallinn. 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.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Trieste?

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

Both Trieste and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Trieste for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tallinn is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tallinn in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Trieste averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Trieste. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tallinn. Tallinn usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste during summer. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tallinn usually receives more rain than Trieste. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tallinn or Trieste in the Autumn?

Both Trieste and Tallinn during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the shopping 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 October, Tallinn is generally much colder than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 7°C (44°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in October than Trieste. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Trieste in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Trieste. Many visitors come to Tallinn 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.

Tallinn can get quite cold in the winter. Tallinn is much colder than Trieste in the winter. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around -5°C (22°F) in January, and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during winter. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Trieste. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tallinn or Trieste in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Trieste. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Trieste because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Tallinn can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Tallinn is much colder than Trieste. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tallinn in April average around 4°C (39°F), and Trieste averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Tallinn often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in April than Trieste. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Tallinn