A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Trieste vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Trieste or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a world-famous, spectacular, and scenic national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Trieste and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Trieste or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Plitvice Lakes National Park than Trieste, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Plitvice Lakes National Park is better known for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Trieste is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and historical sights. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. Also, Plitvice Lakes National Park is famous for the terraced chain of lakes. Trieste is well known for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Trieste different from Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Trieste is very good for its historical sights. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Trieste or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Trieste is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Trieste. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll find a few tourist cafes near the lakes that serve grilled meats and other simple dishes. You can also grab a snack from the food stalls that are near the entrance to the park.

Is Trieste or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Trieste is very good for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Trieste has a few options to choose from. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Trieste or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Beaches?

Trieste is very good for its beaches. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Trieste to enjoy the beach. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Trieste or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for its Old Town?

Trieste is very good for its historic old town. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

Trieste is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town highlights the diversity of cultures and influences from the city's past.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Trieste or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are eight different walking routes that range in length from 3 kilometers to 18 kilometers. They take between 3 and 8 hours and are well marked.

Trieste is not a hiking destination.

Is Trieste or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Both Trieste and Plitvice Lakes National Park are superb 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a fun place to explore with kids, but if you're traveling with young ones, keep a close eye on them. Also take note that it's not stroller-friendly and make sure that you arrive early to avoid the crowds.

Is Trieste or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Both Trieste and Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a natural wonder that is beautiful and romantic to explore as a couple. It can get crowded, as it's a top tourist destination is Croatia, so make sure you arrive early to avoid the peak times.

Is Trieste or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options in the area.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Students?

Trieste is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not popular with students.

Is Trieste or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Trieste is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are several bus stops near the park but the bus service is infrequent and can involve long trips.

Is Trieste or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. The park is well organized into several walking routes that can be explored in a few hours.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park or Trieste?

How long in Trieste or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Families should spend more time in Trieste than Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park 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.

One day in Trieste or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Trieste, you'll find museums and nightlife. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Trieste is a fun place to experience. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, you'll find . 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park has to offer.

Five days in Trieste or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find food and museums around the diverse destination of Trieste. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The dynamic city of Trieste offers museums and nightlife. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.

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

When is the best time to visit Trieste or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Trieste and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many visitors come to Trieste in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Trieste is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Trieste in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of the year. In Trieste, it's very sunny this time of the year. Trieste usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during summer. Trieste gets 288 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Trieste usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Trieste or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Trieste as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Most visitors come to Trieste for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Trieste is generally a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Trieste average around 16°C (60°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Trieste often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Trieste gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun.

Trieste usually gets more rain in October than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Trieste or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Trieste are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Trieste because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. Trieste is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Trieste averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Trieste usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during winter. Trieste gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Trieste usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Trieste or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Trieste during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Trieste this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Trieste is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Trieste in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Trieste often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Trieste gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun.

Trieste usually gets more rain in April than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Trieste