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

Should you visit Trieste or Imperia?

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 Imperia 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 historic, dynamic, and energetic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Imperia

Imperia is a undiscovered, authentic, and charming town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Trieste and Imperia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Trieste or Imperia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Trieste. Although Trieste and Imperia are popular destinations, Trieste has more sights and attractions for tourists. Trieste is very popular for its beaches and historical sights, while Imperia attracts visitors for its shopping. Trieste is famous for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage. It is also well known for Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia. Imperia is famous for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

How is Trieste different from Imperia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Trieste
Imperia

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Imperia 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.

Imperia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.


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

Trieste
Imperia

Dining out at restaurants in both Trieste and Imperia can be an enjoyable experience.

Trieste is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Imperia offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is Trieste or Imperia Better for Nightlife?

Trieste
Imperia

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

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.

Imperia has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

Is Trieste or Imperia Better for Beaches?

Trieste
Imperia

Trieste is a popular place for the beach. However, Imperia is not a beach destination.

Trieste is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Imperia is not a beach destination.


Is Trieste or Imperia Better for its Old Town?

Trieste
Imperia

Trieste is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Trieste offers a nice historic old town area. The old town highlights the diversity of cultures and influences from the city's past.

Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Trieste or Imperia?

Trieste
Imperia

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

Imperia has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Trieste or Imperia Better for Families?

Trieste
Imperia

Trieste is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Imperia is a family-friendly city. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.


Is Trieste or Imperia Better for Couples?

Trieste
Imperia

Trieste is notable for couples. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Imperia is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.

Is Trieste or Imperia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Trieste
Imperia

Trieste and Imperia are both nice 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 Imperia. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

Is Trieste or Imperia Better for Students?

Trieste
Imperia

Trieste is notable for students. However, Imperia is not popular with students.

Trieste is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Imperia is not popular with students.


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

Trieste
Imperia

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

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

Imperia has some public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

Is Trieste or Imperia a more walkable city?

Trieste
Imperia

Trieste is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.

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

Should I spend more time in Imperia or Trieste?

How long in Trieste or Imperia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Trieste or Imperia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Trieste than Imperia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Trieste, and 1-2 days is enough time in Imperia.

Families should spend more time in Trieste than Imperia. 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 Imperia. 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 Imperia 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.


  • How many days in Trieste or Imperia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Trieste 2-4 
    Imperia 1-2

One day in Trieste or Imperia?

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 Imperia, you'll find nightlife and food. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A weekend in Trieste or Imperia?

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 Imperia, 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 Imperia has to offer.

Five days in Trieste or Imperia?

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.

Imperia 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 Imperia?

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 Imperia. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Imperia. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Imperia or Trieste?

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 Imperia is €108. 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 Imperia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Trieste 55
    Imperia 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Trieste 110
    Imperia 102
Compare Hotels in Trieste and Imperia

Looking for a hotel in Trieste or Imperia? 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.

Hotels in Trieste


Hotels in Imperia


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Trieste Hotel Prices and Imperia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Trieste 18
    Imperia 36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Trieste

Also for Trieste, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Small-Group Transfer from Trieste City to Trieste Airport: $65
  • Private Transfer from Koper Cruise Port to Ljubljana city hotels: $67
  • Transfer from Koper to Ljubljana Airport: $103
  • Trieste city to Venice Airport (VCE) - Departure Private Transfer: $108
  • Trieste City to Venice Piazzale Roma Arrival Private Transfer: $108
  • Transfer from Trieste Airport to Ljubljana: $114
  • Trieste or Cruise Port to Venice Airport Departure Transfer: $120
  • Trieste or Cruise Port to Venice, piazzale Roma Arrival Transfer: $120
  • Transfer from Koper to Treviso Airport: $136
  • Private Transfer from Trieste city or Port to Venice + water taxi: $145
  • Trieste city or Cruise Port to Venice+water taxi Arrival Transfer: $145
  • Trieste or port to Lido + water taxi - Arrival Private Transfer: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Trieste or Imperia?

Prices for flights to both Imperia 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Trieste 31
    Imperia 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Trieste

For Trieste, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cesarine: Small group Street food tour in Trieste: $97
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Trieste with show cooking: $114
  • Istria - Truffles: Hunting & Cooking & Tasting, Slovenia: $140
  • Trieste Private Home Cooking Class: $155
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Trieste: $158
  • Private Mediterranean Fish Cooking Workshop with Irena: $180
  • 5-Course Food Tour with Electric Bikes: $234

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Trieste 22
    Imperia 13

Tours and Activities in Trieste

For Trieste, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Train ticket connecting airport and city: $5.62
  • Trieste Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.78
  • Trieste Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $8.98
  • Trieste Bus Tour with Audio Guide: $17
  • Trieste Bus Tour with Audio Guide: $17
  • Miramare Castle Entrance Ticket: $20
  • 60-minute Small Group Guided Walking Tour in Piran: $22
  • HO HO Scenic Tour to Piran with Sweet Surprise: $34
  • Piran Walking Tour with Local Wine and Food Tasting: $38
  • 2.5-Hour Prosecco Origins Tour and Tastings: $48
  • Prosecco Origins Wine Experience: $49
  • Trieste Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52

Tours and Activities in Imperia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Imperia are as follows:

  • Imperia - Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour: $426

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Trieste 8.00
    Imperia 7.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Trieste

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Trieste:

  • Wine Tasting from Istria, Carso and Friuli terroirs: $37
  • Trip to Stanjel castle wine tasting and gourmet lunch 4 courses from Piran: $130
  • Castles & Wine Tour: $139
  • Collio: Cividale Del Friuli and Wine Tastings from Trieste: $147
  • Experience Slovenian Coast line with Wine Tasting from Trieste: $163
  • Truffle Hunting & Wine Tasting In Istria (private V.i.p. Tour): $261


When comparing the travel costs between Trieste and Imperia, we can see that Imperia is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Trieste Expensive? and Is Imperia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Trieste or Imperia?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Imperia. When comparing the sizes of Trieste and Imperia, 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 Imperia?

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 Imperia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Trieste as well as Imperia. Many travelers come to Trieste for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Imperia in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Trieste is around the same temperature as Imperia in the summer. The daily temperature in Trieste averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Imperia fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Imperia. 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 Imperia. Trieste gets 288 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 295 hours of full sun.

Trieste usually gets more rain in July than Imperia. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Trieste 24°C (75°F) 
    Imperia 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Trieste or Imperia in the Autumn?

Both Imperia and Trieste are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Trieste in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Imperia for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Trieste is cooler than Imperia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Trieste in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Imperia averages at about 19°C (66°F).

Trieste usually receives less sunshine than Imperia during autumn. Trieste gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Trieste usually receives less rain than Imperia. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Trieste 16°C (60°F) 
    Imperia 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Trieste or Imperia in the Winter?

Both Imperia and Trieste during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Trieste for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Imperia because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Trieste is generally much colder than Imperia. Daily temperatures in Trieste average around 5°C (41°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Trieste often gets less sunshine than Imperia. Trieste gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 127 hours of full sun.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Trieste 5°C (41°F) 
    Imperia 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Trieste or Imperia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Trieste and Imperia. The spring months attract visitors to Trieste because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Imperia this time of year.

Trieste is around the same temperature as Imperia in the spring. The daily temperature in Trieste averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Imperia fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Trieste usually receives less sunshine than Imperia during spring. Trieste gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Trieste usually receives more rain than Imperia. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Trieste 13°C (56°F) 
    Imperia 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Imperia and Trieste

Trieste Imperia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in) 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in) 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in) 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in) 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)


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