A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Trieste vs. Como for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Trieste or Como?

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 Como 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 offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and museums.

Como

Como is a trendy, fun, and vibrant lake area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Trieste and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Trieste or Como?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Como than Trieste. While Trieste is larger than Como, Como has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Como is very popular for its food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Trieste attracts visitors for its museums and historical sights. Como is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. It is also well known for the lakeside setting. Trieste is famous for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Trieste different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Trieste is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Como is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Como offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.

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

Como 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 Como have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

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 Como Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Trieste and Como.

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.

Como has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

Is Trieste or Como Better for Beaches?

Both Trieste and Como are considered to be nice 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.

Como offers a nice beach destination. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.

Is Trieste or Como Better for its Old Town?

Trieste is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Como does not have a historic old town.

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

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Trieste or Como Better for Hiking?

Como 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 Como. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

Trieste is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Trieste or Como?

Como is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Como specifically to go shopping. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Trieste or Como Better for Families?

Both Trieste and Como are high quality to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Trieste. 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.

Como is a very family-friendly place to visit. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.

Is Trieste or Como Better for Couples?

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

Como is a great lake area for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

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 Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como 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 Como. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

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 Trieste or Como Better for Students?

Trieste is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Como is not popular with 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.

Como is not popular with students.

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

Trieste is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Trieste. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

You'll find some public transit in Como, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Is Trieste or Como a more walkable city?

Trieste and Como 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.

Como is very walkable. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

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

Should I spend more time in Como or Trieste?

How long in Trieste or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Trieste or Como. In our opinion, Como has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Como 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 Como. 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 Como than Trieste. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Como that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

One day in Trieste or Como?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Trieste. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Como, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This lake area 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 Como?

Trieste is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Five days in Trieste or Como?

You'll find food and museums around the cultural destination of Trieste. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Como is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Como?

The dynamic city of Trieste offers museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Trieste or Como?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Trieste and Como, 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 Como?

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 Trieste or Como in the Summer?

Both Como and Trieste are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Trieste for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Como because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Trieste is around the same temperature as Como in the summer. The daily temperature in Trieste averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Como fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Como. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Trieste. Trieste usually receives more sunshine than Como during summer. Trieste gets 288 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Trieste usually receives more rain than Como. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Trieste or Como in the Autumn?

Both Como and Trieste during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Trieste because of the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Como this time of year.

In the autumn, Trieste is around the same temperature as Como. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Trieste in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Como averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Trieste often gets more sunshine than Como. Trieste gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.

Como gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Trieste usually gets less rain in October than Como. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Trieste or Como in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Trieste and Como. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Trieste this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Como for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Como. In January, Trieste is generally around the same temperature as Como. Daily temperatures in Trieste average around 5°C (41°F), and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Trieste usually receives less sunshine than Como during winter. Trieste gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Trieste usually receives around the same amount of rain as Como. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Trieste or Como in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Trieste as well as Como. Many travelers come to Trieste for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Como in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Trieste is around the same temperature as Como in the spring. The daily temperature in Trieste averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Trieste often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Como. Trieste gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.

Trieste usually gets more rain in April than Como. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Como and Trieste