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

Should you visit Toulouse 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 Toulouse 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.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a historic, vibrant, and friendly city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Trieste

Trieste is a diverse, cultural, and historic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Toulouse and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulouse or Trieste?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toulouse than Trieste. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Toulouse is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Trieste attracts visitors for its beaches. Toulouse is famous for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. It is also well known for Basilique Saint-Sernin. Trieste is famous for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Toulouse different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Toulouse 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 Toulouse. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.

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 Toulouse or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toulouse is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Toulouse have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.

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 Toulouse or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

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

Toulouse has a large number of nightlife venues. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.

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 Toulouse or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a city with good options for the beach. However, Toulouse 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.

Toulouse is not a beach destination.

Is Toulouse or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Toulouse is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Toulouse is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.

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 Toulouse or Trieste?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Toulouse. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Toulouse or Trieste Better for Families?

Both Toulouse and Trieste are great to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Toulouse. The city's known for its space industry so the La Cite de l’Espace (Space Museum) is a favorite attraction for kids and adults alike. You can also visit Aeroscopia, the airplane museum. La Halle de la machine is a truly unique and impressive playground. The city also has many other museums and outdoor spaces to explore.

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 Toulouse or Trieste Better for Couples?

Both Toulouse and Trieste are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Toulouse is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many beautiful parks, gardens, and walking paths. Make sure you take a stroll along the Canal du Midi and visit Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This is also a great city for visiting a spa.

Trieste is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Toulouse or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Trieste is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Toulouse is not a good destination for backpackers.

Trieste is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Toulouse is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a major stop off for many backpackers in Europe so you won't find as many hostels as you do in other cities.

Is Toulouse or Trieste Better for Students?

Trieste is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

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.

Toulouse is a good city to visit for students. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

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

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

Trieste offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

Toulouse has a few public transit options. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

Is Toulouse or Trieste a more walkable city?

Toulouse and Trieste are great when it comes to walkability.

Toulouse is a very walkable destination. Within the city center it is very walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Toulouse?

How long in Toulouse or Trieste?

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

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

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

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

One day in Toulouse or Trieste?

In Toulouse, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Toulouse or Trieste?

In Toulouse, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toulouse has to offer.

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 Toulouse or Trieste?

Toulouse 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 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 Toulouse or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulouse. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Toulouse. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Toulouse or Trieste?

Toulouse has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Trieste. When comparing the sizes of Toulouse 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 Toulouse 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 Toulouse or Trieste in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulouse and Trieste. The summer months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

Toulouse is around the same temperature as Trieste in the summer. The daily temperature in Toulouse averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Trieste fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Trieste this time of the year. In Toulouse, it's very sunny this time of the year. Toulouse usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste during summer. Toulouse gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Trieste. Toulouse gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Toulouse or Trieste in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Toulouse as well as Trieste. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Trieste for the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Toulouse is around the same temperature as Trieste. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Toulouse in October average around 15°C (60°F), and Trieste averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Toulouse often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste. Toulouse gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets less rain in October than Trieste. Toulouse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulouse or Trieste in the Winter?

Both Trieste and Toulouse are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Toulouse for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Trieste in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

In January, Toulouse is generally a little warmer than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 6°C (44°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Toulouse usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during winter. Toulouse gets 88 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Trieste. Toulouse gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Toulouse or Trieste in the Spring?

Both Trieste and Toulouse during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Toulouse 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.

Toulouse is around the same temperature as Trieste in the spring. The daily temperature in Toulouse averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Trieste fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Toulouse often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste. Toulouse gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets less rain in April than Trieste. Toulouse gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Toulouse