A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Trieste vs. Amalfi for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Trieste or Amalfi?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Trieste and Amalfi 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.

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.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a dramatic, charming, and picturesque town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Trieste and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Trieste or Amalfi?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amalfi. Although Trieste and Amalfi are both popular with visitors, Amalfi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Amalfi is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. It is also home to the dramatic coastline. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Trieste different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Amalfi and Trieste.

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.

Amalfi is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is the Food Better in Trieste or Amalfi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Amalfi 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 Amalfi have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

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 Trieste or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

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

Amalfi has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

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 Trieste or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Amalfi is a town with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Trieste is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Amalfi. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Trieste is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Trieste or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Both Trieste and Amalfi are considered to be good beach destinations.

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.

Amalfi offers a nice beach destination. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Is Trieste or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Amalfi 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.

Amalfi is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

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 Trieste or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Amalfi is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Trieste is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Amalfi. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Trieste is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Trieste or Amalfi?

Amalfi is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Amalfi has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Trieste or Amalfi Better for Families?

Trieste is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Trieste is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Amalfi offers lots of family activities. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

Is Trieste or Amalfi Better for Couples?

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

Amalfi is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

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 Trieste or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Trieste is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

Is Trieste or Amalfi Better for Students?

Trieste is well known for students. However, Amalfi is not popular with 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.

Amalfi is not popular with students.

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

Trieste is well known for its public transit. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Trieste can get you around easily. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

While Amalfi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Trieste or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Amalfi 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 Amalfi. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's 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 Trieste Worth Visiting? and Is Amalfi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Trieste?

How long in Trieste or Amalfi?

Both Trieste and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Trieste. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Trieste, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

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

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

One day in Trieste or Amalfi?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Trieste. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in Trieste or Amalfi?

Trieste is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Amalfi, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Amalfi has to offer.

Five days in Trieste or Amalfi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Trieste. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Trieste or Amalfi?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Trieste. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amalfi. In Amalfi, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Trieste or Amalfi?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Trieste and Amalfi, 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 Trieste or Amalfi?

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 Trieste or Amalfi in the Summer?

Both Amalfi and Trieste during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Trieste because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Amalfi this time of year.

In July, Trieste is generally around the same temperature as Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Trieste average around 24°C (75°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Amalfi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Trieste. In the summer, Trieste often gets less sunshine than Amalfi. Trieste gets 288 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun.

Trieste usually gets more rain in July than Amalfi. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Trieste or Amalfi in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Trieste and Amalfi. The natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Trieste this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Amalfi for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Trieste is around the same temperature as Amalfi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Trieste averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Amalfi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Trieste usually receives less sunshine than Amalfi during autumn. Trieste gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Amalfi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Trieste usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Trieste or Amalfi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Trieste as well as Amalfi. Many travelers come to Trieste for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Amalfi in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Trieste is much colder than Amalfi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Trieste in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Amalfi averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Trieste often gets less sunshine than Amalfi. Trieste gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Amalfi. Trieste usually gets less rain in January than Amalfi. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Trieste or Amalfi in the Spring?

Both Amalfi and Trieste are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Trieste in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Amalfi for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Trieste is generally around the same temperature as Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Trieste average around 13°C (56°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Trieste usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi during spring. Trieste gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Trieste usually receives more rain than Amalfi. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Trieste