A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Trieste vs. Pompeii for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Trieste or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii 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 offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and museums.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a famous, iconic, and one-of-a-kind archeological site. It's also popular because of the museums.

Trieste and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Trieste or Pompeii?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pompeii. Although Trieste and Pompeii are popular destinations, Pompeii has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pompeii is very popular for its museums and shopping, while Trieste attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Pompeii is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It is also well known for the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins. Trieste is famous for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

The Pompeii Archaeological Ruins

How is Trieste different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Pompeii has many famous sights for visitors. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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 Pompeii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Trieste is very good for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Trieste or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Trieste is very good for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Trieste or Pompeii Better for Beaches?

Trieste is very good for the beach. However, Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Is Trieste or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

Trieste is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Pompeii 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.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Trieste or Pompeii?

Pompeii is not a good area for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Pompeii can be found for those interested. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Trieste or Pompeii Better for Families?

Both Trieste and Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is a very family-friendly place to visit. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

Is Trieste or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Trieste is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Pompeii is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Trieste or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Trieste and Pompeii 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 Pompeii. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Is Trieste or Pompeii Better for Students?

Trieste is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Pompeii is popular with students. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

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

Trieste is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Pompeii, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Trieste or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Pompeii 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 Pompeii. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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 Pompeii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Trieste?

How long in Trieste or Pompeii?

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

Families should spend more time in Trieste than Pompeii. 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 Pompeii. 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 Pompeii 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 Pompeii?

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 Pompeii, you'll find museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This archeological site 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 Pompeii?

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 Pompeii, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pompeii has to offer.

Five days in Trieste or Pompeii?

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.

Pompeii 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 Pompeii?

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 Pompeii. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Pompeii. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 Pompeii, we can see that Pompeii 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 Pompeii would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pompeii 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 Pompeii Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Trieste or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii in the Summer?

Both Pompeii and Trieste are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Trieste in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Pompeii for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Pompeii. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Trieste. Trieste usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during summer. Trieste gets 288 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Trieste usually receives more rain than Pompeii. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Trieste or Pompeii in the Autumn?

Both Pompeii and Trieste during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Trieste for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

In the autumn, Trieste often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Trieste gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Trieste usually gets less rain in October than Pompeii. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Trieste or Pompeii in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Trieste and Pompeii. The winter months attract visitors to Trieste because of the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums are the main draw to Pompeii this time of year.

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

Trieste usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during winter. Trieste gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Trieste usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Trieste or Pompeii in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Trieste as well as Pompeii. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

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

In the spring, Trieste often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pompeii. Trieste gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Trieste usually gets more rain in April than Pompeii. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Trieste