A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Trieste vs. Bergamo for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Trieste or Bergamo?

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 Bergamo 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 energetic, diverse, and cultural city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Bergamo

Bergamo is a historical, fascinating, and beautiful city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Trieste and Bergamo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Trieste or Bergamo?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Bergamo than Trieste. While Trieste is larger than Bergamo, Bergamo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bergamo is more popular for its food and shopping, while Trieste is known for its beaches. Bergamo is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for its historical buildings and beautiful squares. It is also home to Piazza Vecchia. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Trieste different from Bergamo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bergamo 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 Bergamo?

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

Bergamo is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are historical buildings as well as fascinating museums that are worth checking out. Highlights include the Basilica of St. Mary Major, Colleoni Chapel, the Accademia Carrara, and the Cathedral of Sant'Alessandro.

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

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

Bergamo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find traditional restaurants around town that serve the local specialties, many of which have their roots in peasant dishes. The flavors are humble but high quality and the food is fresh and masterfully prepared.

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 Bergamo Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Trieste and Bergamo.

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.

Bergamo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Despite not being high on the itinerary of many travelers, the city has a great nightlife scene that includes many local bars and clubs. You can enjoy a local brew or sip some Italian wine while you enjoy the atmosphere of the old town.

Is Trieste or Bergamo Better for Beaches?

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

Bergamo is not a beach destination.

Is Trieste or Bergamo Better for its Old Town?

Both Trieste and Bergamo have good historic old towns worth visiting.

Trieste has an old town worth visiting. The old town highlights the diversity of cultures and influences from the city's past.

Many visitors go to Bergamo to see the historical old town. Since the old town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town has become more popular with visitors. Still, you can enjoy the authentic and less touristy vibe of this beautiful city.

Is the Shopping Better in Trieste or Bergamo?

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

Bergamo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas around town including shopping malls and shopping streets. You'll find most of the major brands as well as some interesting boutique shops.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Trieste or Bergamo Better for Families?

Trieste is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Bergamo is a mediocre city 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.

Bergamo is not always a place people visit with their families. It's a beautiful city that is filled with history, and for kids there are pedestrian streets to explore and great Italian food. There's also the Museo di Scienze Naturali, which is worth checking out.

Is Trieste or Bergamo Better for Couples?

Trieste is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Bergamo is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will appreciate the beautiful architecture and impressive squares. There are also great restaurants and pedestrian streets that are fun to wander through.

Is Trieste or Bergamo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Trieste and Bergamo are both good destinations 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bergamo. While it's not the most popular backpacker city in Italy, it does have a couple of hostels and guesthouses that offer affordable rates and a young vibe.

Is Trieste or Bergamo Better for Students?

Trieste is notable for students. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Bergamo. The university attracts international students and the city makes a great base for learning and exploring.

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

Trieste is notable for its public transit. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Trieste has some very good public transit options. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

Bergamo has some public transit options. There are buses around town as well as two funiculars, one connecting Città Bassa with the Città Alta and the other connecting Città Alta to San Vigilio.

Is Trieste or Bergamo a more walkable city?

Trieste and Bergamo are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

Bergamo is very walkable. There are many pedestrian streets and the best way to explore the city is on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergamo or Trieste?

How long in Trieste or Bergamo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Trieste and Bergamo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Trieste than in Bergamo. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Trieste, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bergamo.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Trieste than Bergamo 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 Trieste or Bergamo?

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.

In Bergamo, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Trieste or Bergamo?

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.

In Bergamo, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Bergamo has to offer.

Five days in Trieste or Bergamo?

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.

Bergamo 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 Trieste or Bergamo?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergamo. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bergamo. 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 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 Bergamo, we can see that Bergamo 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 Bergamo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bergamo 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 Bergamo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Trieste or Bergamo?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of Bergamo. When comparing the sizes of Trieste and Bergamo, 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 Bergamo?

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 Bergamo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Trieste as well as Bergamo. Most visitors come to Trieste for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bergamo because of the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bergamo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Trieste this time of the year. In the summer, Trieste often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bergamo. Trieste gets 288 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bergamo receives 286 hours of full sun.

Trieste usually gets more rain in July than Bergamo. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Trieste or Bergamo in the Autumn?

Both Bergamo and Trieste are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Trieste because of the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bergamo this time of year.

Trieste is a little warmer than Bergamo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Trieste averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Bergamo fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Trieste usually receives more sunshine than Bergamo during autumn. Trieste gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Bergamo receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergamo. In October, Trieste usually receives less rain than Bergamo. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Trieste or Bergamo in the Winter?

Both Bergamo and Trieste during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Trieste this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bergamo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bergamo. In the winter, Trieste is much warmer than Bergamo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Trieste in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Bergamo averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Trieste often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bergamo. Trieste gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bergamo receives 98 hours of full sun.

Trieste usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bergamo. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Trieste or Bergamo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Trieste and Bergamo. Many travelers come to Trieste for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bergamo in the spring for the natural beauty.

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

Trieste usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bergamo during spring. Trieste gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Bergamo receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Trieste usually receives more rain than Bergamo. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergamo and Trieste