A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Trieste vs. Rijeka for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Trieste or Rijeka?

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 Rijeka 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a coastal, accessible, and diverse town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Trieste and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Trieste or Rijeka?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Rijeka than Trieste. While Trieste is larger than Rijeka, Rijeka has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rijeka is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Trieste attracts visitors for its beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Rijeka is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port. It is also well known for Trsat Castle. Trieste is famous for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Trieste different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Rijeka and Trieste.

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.

Rijeka is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Trieste and Rijeka 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.

Rijeka offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Trieste or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

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

Rijeka has a large number of nightlife venues. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

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 Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Trieste is very good for the beach. However, Rijeka is not a good town for its beaches.

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.

Rijeka is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Is Trieste or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Trieste is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Trieste offers a nice historic old town area. The old town highlights the diversity of cultures and influences from the city's past.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Trieste or Rijeka?

Rijeka is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Rijeka has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Trieste or Rijeka Better for Families?

Both Trieste and Rijeka 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.

Rijeka is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

Is Trieste or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Trieste is a well-known place for couples. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Trieste is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Rijeka is a nice destination for couples. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Trieste or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Trieste and Rijeka 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 Rijeka. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Trieste or Rijeka Better for Students?

Trieste is a well-known place for students. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Rijeka. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

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

Trieste is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Trieste. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

Rijeka has some public transit options. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Is Trieste or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Trieste is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Trieste?

How long in Trieste or Rijeka?

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

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

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.

In Rijeka, you'll find nightlife and food. This town 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 Rijeka?

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.

In Rijeka, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Rijeka has to offer.

Five days in Trieste or Rijeka?

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.

Rijeka 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 Rijeka?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the cultural 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 Rijeka. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rijeka. 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 Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Trieste and Rijeka, 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 Rijeka Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Trieste or Rijeka?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Trieste and Rijeka, 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Trieste as well as Rijeka. Many visitors come to Trieste in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Rijeka for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rijeka. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Trieste this time of the year. In the summer, Trieste often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka. Trieste gets 288 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun.

Trieste usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Rijeka. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Trieste or Rijeka in the Autumn?

Both Rijeka and Trieste are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Trieste for the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

Trieste usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka during autumn. Trieste gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Trieste usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rijeka. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Trieste or Rijeka in the Winter?

Both Rijeka and Trieste during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Trieste because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

In January, Trieste is generally around the same temperature as Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Trieste average around 5°C (41°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Trieste often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka. Trieste gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun.

Trieste usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Rijeka. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Trieste or Rijeka in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Trieste and Rijeka. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Trieste this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rijeka for the beaches and the activities around the city.

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

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

In April, Trieste usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rijeka. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Trieste