A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Trieste vs. Kotor for Food, Old Town, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Trieste or Kotor?

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 Kotor 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 dynamic, energetic, and diverse city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for beaches, museums, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a peaceful, remote, and dramatic coastal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Trieste and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Trieste or Kotor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kotor than Trieste, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kotor is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Trieste is more popular for its museums and nightlife. Kotor is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. Also, Kotor is famous for The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral). Trieste is well known for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Trieste different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Trieste is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Trieste is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor 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 Kotor have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Trieste is very good for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Trieste or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Trieste is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Kotor as a resort destination, but it has a few places. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Trieste is not a resort destination.

Is Trieste or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a coastal 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 Kotor. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Trieste is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Trieste or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Both Trieste and Kotor are considered to be notable 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.

Kotor offers a nice beach destination. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Is Trieste or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Kotor offers plenty to see. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

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 Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, Trieste is not a hiking destination.

Around Kotor visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Trieste is not a hiking destination.

Is Trieste or Kotor Better for Families?

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

Trieste is 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.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Trieste or Kotor Better for Couples?

Both Trieste and Kotor are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Trieste makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit Kotor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Trieste or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kotor 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 Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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 Kotor Better for Students?

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

Trieste is very popular with students. 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.

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

Trieste is well known for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Trieste can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Trieste or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor 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 Kotor. The old town is best explored 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 Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Trieste?

How long in Trieste or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Trieste or Kotor. In our opinion, Kotor has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Kotor than Trieste. In general, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Trieste, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

One day in Trieste or Kotor?

In Trieste, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this diverse destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Kotor is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This coastal 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 Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Trieste. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Trieste or Kotor?

Trieste is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Trieste. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kotor 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.

A week in Trieste or Kotor?

You'll find nightlife and food around the energetic destination of Trieste. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kotor. Since Kotor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

When comparing the travel costs between Trieste and Kotor, we can see that Trieste 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 Kotor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Trieste or Kotor?

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

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 Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor and Trieste during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Trieste in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Kotor for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Trieste is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Trieste in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Kotor averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Trieste. In the summer, Trieste often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Trieste gets 288 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.

Trieste usually gets more rain in July than Kotor. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Trieste or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Trieste and Kotor. Most visitors come to Trieste for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kotor because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Trieste is generally around the same temperature as Kotor. Daily temperatures in Trieste average around 16°C (60°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. Trieste usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during autumn. Trieste gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Trieste usually receives less rain than Kotor. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Trieste or Kotor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Trieste as well as Kotor. The winter months attract visitors to Trieste because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

Trieste is cooler than Kotor in the winter. The daily temperature in Trieste averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Trieste often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Trieste gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Trieste usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Trieste or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Trieste are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Trieste this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Trieste is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Trieste in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Kotor averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Trieste usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during spring. Trieste gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In April, Trieste usually receives less rain than Kotor. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Trieste