Which place is cheaper, Bologna or Trieste?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Trieste and Bologna 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 is a dynamic, energetic, and diverse city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.
Bologna is a culinary, beautiful, and fun city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Bologna than Trieste. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bologna is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Trieste attracts visitors for its beaches. Bologna is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. It is also well known for Piazza Maggiore. Trieste is famous for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bologna and Trieste. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Bologna 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.
Bologna is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It has many historical and religious landmarks, active squares, and impressive museums including the Basilica of St. Petronius, St. Stephen Basilica, the Leaning Towers, and the Portico of the Madonna di San Luca.
Bologna 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 Bologna have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Foodies will appreciate the city's well earned culinary reputation. Some people even consider Bologna to be a food capital in Italy. There are cooking classes and food tours around town, as well as many great restaurants that serve up local dishes. Visitors should try Tagliatelle with Ragu (now famously known around the world as Bolognaise), Tortellini in broth, and Mortadella (salami).
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.
Bologna is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.
Bologna has a large number of nightlife venues. The young population that is filled with international students means that the city has a fun and active nightlife scene. Some of the city's best neighborhoods for nightlife include Centro Storico, where the tourists hang out, the University District, which is perfect for students in their 20s, and Via dell'Indipendenza, which is popular for an upscale evening out.
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.
Trieste is very good for the beach. However, Bologna is not a beach destination.
Many people head to Trieste to enjoy the beach. 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.
Bologna is not a beach destination.
Bologna 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.
Bologna is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).
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.
Bologna is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.
Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bologna. The city hosts regular open-air markets where you can pick up local produce or local items. It is among the best shopping destinations in the region. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Piazza Maggiore, Mercato di Mezzo, Mercato delle Erbe, or Via Rizzoli.
Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.
Trieste is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.
Trieste is known to be 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.
Bologna is a family-friendly city. There are kid-friendly museums such as Museo Geologico Cappellini and the interactive history museum of Museo della Storia di Bologna. There's even a museum solely dedicated to gelato - Gelato at Carpigiani Museum. If your kids need a bit of time in nature, check out Dulcamara farm or the Botanic Garden. On the weekend you many be able to catch a show at Margherita's Puppet Theatre.
Trieste is a well-known place for couples. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.
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.
Bologna is a nice destination for couples. With beautiful museums, interesting architecture. and lively squares, this is a great city for a couple's holiday. It's filled with romance, but it has less tourist crowds than some of Italy's more popular cities.
Bologna is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.
Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Bologna. It's not a popular as some of the other cities in Italy and Europe, but it still has a number of hostels and a good backpacker scene.
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.
Bologna is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.
Bologna is a very popular city for students. It's a top study abroad destination in Italy and is home to a few great universities including the well ranked University of Bologna. There are many great activities for students and a variety of fun places to explore.
Many students visit 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.
Trieste is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.
Many visitors use the public transit system in Trieste. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.
Bologna has some public transit options. There is an efficient and reliable bus system.
Trieste and Bologna are superb when it comes to walkability.
Trieste is a very walkable destination. It's a hilly city, but it's also very walkable.
Bologna is very walkable. Most sights are always within a 30 minute walk, and the city itself is very walkable.
For even more information, also check out Is Trieste Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Trieste and Bologna. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Trieste than in Bologna. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Trieste, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.
Families should spend more time in Trieste than Bologna. 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 Bologna. 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 Bologna 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 Bologna.
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 Bologna, 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. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.
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 Bologna, 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 Bologna has to offer.
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.
Bologna 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.
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 Bologna. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bologna. 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.
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.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Trieste is €100, while the average daily cost in Bologna is €159. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Trieste and Bologna in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Trieste or Bologna? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Also for Trieste, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bologna:
Prices for flights to both Bologna and Trieste change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
For Trieste, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bologna.
For Trieste, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bologna are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bologna are as follows:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Trieste:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bologna:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Trieste and Bologna, we can see that Bologna 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 Bologna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bologna 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 Bologna Expensive?.
Bologna has a larger population, and is about 76% larger than the population of Trieste. When comparing the sizes of Trieste and Bologna, 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.
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.
The summer brings many poeple to Trieste as well as Bologna. Many visitors come to Trieste in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Trieste is around the same temperature as Bologna in the summer. The daily temperature in Trieste averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bologna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Trieste this time of the year. In the summer, Trieste often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Trieste gets 288 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.
Trieste usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Bologna and Trieste are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Trieste for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bologna because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Trieste is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Trieste in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Bologna averages at about 16°C (61°F).
Trieste usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during autumn. Trieste gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bologna. In October, Trieste usually receives less rain than Bologna. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Both Bologna and Trieste during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Trieste because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.
It's quite cold in Bologna in the winter. In January, Trieste is generally much warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Trieste average around 5°C (41°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
In the winter, Trieste often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Trieste gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.
Trieste usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bologna. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Trieste and Bologna. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Trieste this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the natural beauty.
Trieste is around the same temperature as Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Trieste averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Trieste usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during spring. Trieste gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Trieste usually receives more rain than Bologna. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Trieste | Bologna | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Feb | 7°C (44°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Mar | 9°C (49°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
Apr | 13°C (56°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
May | 18°C (64°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
Jun | 22°C (71°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
Sep | 20°C (68°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
Oct | 16°C (60°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
Nov | 10°C (51°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
Dec | 6°C (44°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |