A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Trieste vs. Naples for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Trieste or Naples?

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 Naples 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. Other popular activities here include beaches, museums, and nightlife.

Naples

Naples is a historic, authentic, and gritty city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Trieste and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Trieste or Naples?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Naples than Trieste. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Naples is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Trieste attracts visitors for its beaches and impressive beauty. Naples is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also well known for Piazza del Plebiscito. Trieste is famous for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Trieste different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Naples is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Naples. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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.

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

Naples 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 Naples have been singled out for their culinary prowess. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

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 Naples Better for Nightlife?

Naples is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Naples has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

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.

Is Trieste or Naples Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Naples is not a beach destination.

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.

Naples is not a beach destination.

Is Trieste or Naples Better for its Old Town?

Naples 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.

Naples is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

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 the Shopping Better in Trieste or Naples?

Naples is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Trieste or Naples Better for Families?

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

Naples offers lots of family activities. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Trieste or Naples Better for Couples?

Both Trieste and Naples are high quality 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 Naples frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

Is Trieste or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples 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 Naples. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

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 Naples Better for Students?

Trieste is well known for students. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

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

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Trieste and Naples.

Trieste offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Naples. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

Is Trieste or Naples a more walkable city?

Trieste and Naples 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.

Naples is very walkable. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Naples or Trieste?

How long in Trieste or Naples?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Trieste and Naples. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Trieste than in Naples. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Trieste, and 1-3 days is enough time in Naples.

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

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

One day in Trieste or Naples?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Trieste. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Because Naples is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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.

A weekend in Trieste or Naples?

Trieste is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Because Naples is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Naples has to offer.

Five days in Trieste or Naples?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Trieste. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Naples 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 Naples?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the energetic destination of Trieste. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Naples. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Naples. 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Trieste or Naples?

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

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 Naples in the Summer?

Both Naples and Trieste during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Trieste for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Naples because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Trieste is around the same temperature as Naples in the summer. The daily temperature in Trieste averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Naples fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Naples, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Trieste. In the summer, Trieste often gets less sunshine than Naples. Trieste gets 288 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun.

Trieste usually gets more rain in July than Naples. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Trieste or Naples in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Trieste and Naples. 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 Naples this time of year.

In the autumn, Trieste is around the same temperature as Naples. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Trieste in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Naples averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Trieste usually receives less sunshine than Naples during autumn. Trieste gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Naples receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Trieste usually receives less rain than Naples. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Trieste or Naples in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Trieste as well as Naples. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Trieste this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Naples for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Trieste is generally much colder than Naples. Daily temperatures in Trieste average around 5°C (41°F), and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Trieste often gets less sunshine than Naples. Trieste gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Naples. Trieste usually gets less rain in January than Naples. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Trieste or Naples in the Spring?

Both Naples and Trieste are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Trieste for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Naples in the spring for the activities around the city.

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

Trieste usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Naples during spring. Trieste gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Trieste usually receives more rain than Naples. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Naples and Trieste