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

Should you visit Trieste or Livorno?

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 Livorno 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Livorno

Livorno is a friendly, down-to-earth, and waterfront port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Trieste and Livorno: 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
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Trieste or Livorno?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Livorno than Trieste. While Trieste is larger than Livorno, Livorno has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Livorno is very popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Trieste attracts visitors for its museums, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Livorno is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its large port and its great seafood. It is also well known for The Waterfront Promenade. Trieste is famous for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Trieste different from Livorno?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Trieste
Livorno

Trieste is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Livorno is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Livorno offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The waterfront promenade and New Venice are nice to explore. There's an aquarium in town as well as a fun central market.


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

Trieste
Livorno

Dining out at restaurants in both Trieste and Livorno 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.

Livorno offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. As a port city, this is the place to try seafood. Many dishes include calamari, shrimp, or freshly caught fish. The city is less touristy than most in Italy, so even the food has an authentic and down-to-earth vibe.

Is Trieste or Livorno Better for Nightlife?

Trieste
Livorno

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

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.

Livorno has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Most visitors arrive by cruise ship, and depart in the evening, but the city is large and for those that stay the night, there are a number of bars and clubs around town.

Is Trieste or Livorno Better for Beaches?

Trieste
Livorno

Trieste is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Livorno is not a good destination for its beaches.

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.

Livorno is a good spot to see the beach. The beaches are pebbly or rocky, so you won't really find a long stretch of sandy beach where you can relax. They can also stay very crowded.


Is Trieste or Livorno Better for its Old Town?

Trieste
Livorno

Trieste is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Livorno 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.

Livorno does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Trieste or Livorno?

Trieste
Livorno

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

Livorno has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The main shopping street in town is Via Grande. It's generally filled with major chain stores and familiar brands.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Trieste or Livorno Better for Families?

Trieste
Livorno

Trieste is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Livorno is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a nice aquarium as well as outdoor recreational activities like cycling and boating. There's a beach and parks where kids can stretch their legs and run around as well.


Is Trieste or Livorno Better for Couples?

Trieste
Livorno

Trieste is great for couples. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Trieste is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Livorno is a nice destination for couples. There are some nice museums as well as parks and boat rides that couples can enjoy. There's also an aquarium and a beach.

Is Trieste or Livorno Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Trieste
Livorno

Trieste is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Livorno is not a good destination for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Livorno is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this city, so you won't find many hostels around town. It's a relatively affordable place to stay with some fun entertainment options if you do pass through.

Is Trieste or Livorno Better for Students?

Trieste
Livorno

Trieste is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Livorno 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.

Livorno is not popular with students.


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

Trieste
Livorno

Trieste is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its public transit.

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

Livorno has a few public transit options. There are buses around town including lines that run from the central train station to the port.

Is Trieste or Livorno a more walkable city?

Trieste
Livorno

Trieste is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its walkability.

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

Livorno is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but if you're arriving by cruise ship, you'll want to take a shuttle bus from the port.

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

Should I spend more time in Livorno or Trieste?

How long in Trieste or Livorno?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Trieste or Livorno to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Trieste than Livorno 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 Livorno.

Families should spend more time in Trieste than Livorno. 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 Livorno. 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 Livorno 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 Livorno? Ideal Length of Stay
    Trieste 2-4 
    Livorno 1-2

One day in Trieste or Livorno?

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 Livorno, you'll find shopping and nightlife. This port city 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 Livorno?

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 Livorno, 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 Livorno has to offer.

Five days in Trieste or Livorno?

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.

Livorno 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 Livorno?

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 Livorno. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Livorno. 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, Livorno 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 Livorno is €135. 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 Livorno in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Trieste 55
    Livorno 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Trieste 110
    Livorno 150
Compare Hotels in Trieste and Livorno

Looking for a hotel in Trieste or Livorno? 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 Livorno


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 Livorno Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Trieste 18
    Livorno 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Trieste

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

  • Rome & Cruise Port Roundtrip Private Transfer: $5,067
  • Cruise Port to Milan Roundtrip Private Transfer: $4,014
  • Trieste Cruise Port : One Way Private Transfer to Milan: $2,007
  • Trieste Port or City: 1-Way Transfer to Venice + water taxi: $1,027
  • Venice Airport(VCE):1-Way Transfer to Trieste or Cruise Port: $706
  • Trieste City/Port: One Way Transfer to Venice, Pazzale Roma: $524
  • Private Transfer from Trieste Airport to Rovinj: $342
  • Private Transfer from Piran to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $300
  • Trieste Cruise Port to Malpensa Airport (MXP)- Departure Transfer: $293
  • Private Transfer from Koper to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $292
  • Private Direct Transfer From Trieste to Venice: $284
  • Private transfer, Oceania Marina, Trieste cruise terminal, Marco Polo airport: $273

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Livorno

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

  • Private Transfer from Livorno Port to Florence Hotels: $197
  • Private Transfer from Livorno Cruise Port to Florence City Hotels: $110
  • Private Transfer - Livorno Cruise Port to Florence Airport (FLR): $110
  • Livorno Private Arrival Transfer: Cruise Port to Central Florence: $173
  • Livorno Port to Pisa Airport (PSA) - Arrival Private Transfer: $100
  • Livorno Cruise Port to Pisa city hotels -Arrival Private Transfer: $100
  • From Florence and Pisa Roundtrip Transfer: $48
  • From Bus Transfer to the Leaning Tower of Pisa: $20
  • From Livorno Cruise Port: Bus Transfer to Pisa and Lucca: $34

Is it cheaper to fly into Trieste or Livorno?

Prices for flights to both Livorno 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
    Livorno 42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Trieste

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

  • Dining experience at a local's home in Trieste with show cooking: $115
  • Istria - Truffles: Hunting & Cooking & Tasting, Slovenia: $141
  • 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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Livorno

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

  • Private Home Cooking Class and Meal with a Local: $155
  • Cesarine: Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Livorno: $158

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Trieste 22
    Livorno 26

Tours and Activities in Trieste

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

  • 60-minute Small Group Guided Walking Tour in Piran: $22
  • Amazing Private Tour Postojna and Predjama from Portoroz: $192
  • Deluxe Venice Shore Excursion from Trieste Cruise Port: $96
  • E-bike Vipava River Tour : $164
  • Experience Trieste: $164
  • Explore highlights of Trieste on a private 3-hour walking tour: $299
  • Flavours of Istria Tasting Experience from Koper: $125
  • Flavours of Istria Tasting Experience from Piran or Portoroz or Izola: $125
  • Flavours of Istria Tasting Experience from Trieste: $133
  • Food & Wine -> Gourmet tour in Piran: $130
  • Guided tour of Cividale, a UNESCO site for Lombard history: $217
  • HO HO Scenic Tour to Piran with Sweet Surprise: $34

Tours and Activities in Livorno

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Livorno.

  • 2-Hour Private Guided Tour with Tasting of Bolgheri DOCs: $38
  • 2-Hour Private Tour with Photo Shoot in 500 to Bolgheri: $272
  • Cinque Terre small group tour max 15 people from Livorno port: $168
  • Cruise Excursion to Florence from Livorno/La Spezia by Car: $1,550
  • Epicurean Experience Private Diner with a Local and Local Food: $150
  • From Pisa and Florence Trip from Cruise Port: $1,369
  • Full-Day Private Tour of Cinque Terre with Personal Photographer from Pisa: $196
  • Half Day Pisa and Jewel of the Cinque Terre Tour From Livorno: $68
  • Livorno Food and Market Tour: $87
  • 24-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket Experience: $20
  • Aquarium Entrance Ticket: $16
  • Florence and Pisa Private Shore Tour: $856

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Trieste 8.00
    Livorno 24

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: $140
  • Collio: Cividale Del Friuli and Wine Tastings from Trieste: $148
  • Experience Slovenian Coast line with Wine Tasting from Trieste: $164
  • Wine Tour on the Coast: $268

Sample the Local Flavors in Livorno

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

  • Wine Tour Experience at Agricola Tamburini: $49
  • PRIVATE EXCURSION: Pisa and Lucca with Lunch and wine tastings : $272
  • From Siena and Chianti Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $477


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Trieste and Livorno, we can see that Livorno 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 Livorno would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Livorno 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 Livorno Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Trieste or Livorno?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Livorno. When comparing the sizes of Trieste and Livorno, 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 Livorno?

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 Livorno in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Trieste and Livorno. Most visitors come to Trieste for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Livorno because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Livorno this time of the year. In Trieste, it's very sunny this time of the year. Trieste usually receives less sunshine than Livorno during summer. Trieste gets 288 hours of sunny skies, while Livorno receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Trieste usually receives more rain than Livorno. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 24 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Trieste 24°C (75°F) 
    Livorno 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Trieste or Livorno in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Trieste as well as Livorno. The autumn months attract visitors to Trieste because of the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Livorno this time of year.

In the autumn, Trieste is around the same temperature as Livorno. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Trieste in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Livorno averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Trieste often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Livorno. Trieste gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Livorno receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Livorno. Trieste usually gets less rain in October than Livorno. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Trieste 16°C (60°F) 
    Livorno 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Trieste or Livorno in the Winter?

Both Livorno and Trieste are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Trieste this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Livorno for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Trieste is generally cooler than Livorno. Daily temperatures in Trieste average around 5°C (41°F), and Livorno fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Trieste usually receives less sunshine than Livorno during winter. Trieste gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Livorno receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Trieste usually receives around the same amount of rain as Livorno. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Trieste 5°C (41°F) 
    Livorno 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Trieste or Livorno in the Spring?

Both Livorno and Trieste during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Trieste for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Livorno in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

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

In the spring, Trieste often gets less sunshine than Livorno. Trieste gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Livorno receives 192 hours of full sun.

Trieste usually gets more rain in April than Livorno. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Trieste 13°C (56°F) 
    Livorno 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Livorno and Trieste

Trieste Livorno
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in) 10°C (50°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in) 20°C (68°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in) 23°C (73°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in) 20°C (68°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)


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