A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Trieste vs. San Remo for Food, Beaches, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Trieste or San Remo?

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 San Remo 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 historic, dynamic, and energetic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and museums.

San Remo

San Remo is a authentic, historic, and relaxing coastal city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Trieste and San Remo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Trieste or San Remo?

Visitors will generally find more to do in San Remo than Trieste. While Trieste is larger than San Remo, San Remo has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. San Remo is very popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Trieste attracts visitors for its museums & sights. San Remo is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its olives, lemons, and flower market. It is also well known for The Flower Market. Trieste is famous for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Trieste different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Trieste is a popular place for its museums and history. However, San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

San Remo is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

San Remo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local restaurants are charming and sell a number of local specialties. Many traditional dishes are made with rabbit or chicken. There are also vegetable pies and sardenaira, which is a type of pizza that's made with tomatoes, garlic, and anchovies. Also make sure you pick up Baci di Sanremo, which are soft chocolate biscuits that are available in local bakeries.

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 San Remo Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Trieste and San Remo.

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.

San Remo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has a number of clubs and bars where you can enjoy a drink or hang out late into the evening. It's a pretty mellow nightlife scene, but there's still plenty of places to go as well as a local vibe that doesn't have the influx of tourists that you find in many of other Italian cities.

Is Trieste or San Remo Better for Beaches?

San Remo is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

The beaches at San Remo attract visitors from all over. The beautiful sandy beaches are nice to visit and it's possible to rent chairs and umbrellas in many places. The main beach in town is Spiaggia dei Porti. Other popular nearby beaches include Spiaggia dei tre ponti, which is a large public beach, and Cala degli Orsi, which is one of the most beautiful public beaches in the area.

Trieste offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Is Trieste or San Remo Better for its Old Town?

San Remo 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.

San Remo is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old quarter of Pigna is a Medieval area with narrow streets that feel as if they're frozen in time. The hills offer impressive city views and the area has a unique historic character.

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 San Remo?

San Remo is a coastal city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

San Remo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Trieste or San Remo Better for Families?

Both Trieste and San Remo are excellent 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.

San Remo is a very family-friendly place to visit. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy. There's horseback riding, hiking, rowing, snorkeling, cooking classes, farm tours and more. There are also a number of hotels in the area that have kid-friendly activities.

Is Trieste or San Remo Better for Couples?

Both Trieste and San Remo are excellent 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 San Remo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's known as the city of flowers, and the many beautiful gardens make this a truly romantic place to visit. Couples will enjoy soaking up the city's history and enjoy the vibrant culture and outdoor activities that are available.

Is Trieste or San Remo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Trieste is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, San Remo is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

San Remo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in town, and most backpackers head to more popular Italian destinations. If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten path destination, then this may be your style.

Is Trieste or San Remo Better for Students?

Trieste is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, San Remo is not popular with students.

Trieste is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

San Remo is not popular with students.

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

Trieste is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, San Remo 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 San Remo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses around town.

Is Trieste or San Remo a more walkable city?

Trieste and San Remo are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

San Remo is very walkable. The old quarter is fun to explore on foot and there are a number of walking tours through town.

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

Should I spend more time in San Remo or Trieste?

How long in Trieste or San Remo?

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

Families should spend more time in San Remo than Trieste. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in San Remo, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Trieste than San Remo 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 San Remo?

The city of Trieste offers nightlife and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In San Remo, you'll find shopping and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal 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 San Remo?

Trieste is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Trieste, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In San Remo, you'll find nightlife and food. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Remo has to offer.

Five days in Trieste or San Remo?

Trieste is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

San Remo is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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 San Remo?

Trieste is a great place to explore. 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 something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Remo. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting San Remo. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 San Remo, we can see that San Remo 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 San Remo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Remo 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 San Remo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Trieste or San Remo?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of San Remo. When comparing the sizes of Trieste and San Remo, 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 San Remo?

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 San Remo in the Summer?

Both San Remo and Trieste are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Trieste for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to San Remo in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in San Remo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Trieste. Trieste usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Remo during summer. Trieste gets 288 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Trieste usually receives more rain than San Remo. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Trieste or San Remo in the Autumn?

Both San Remo and Trieste during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Trieste in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to San Remo for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

In the autumn, Trieste often gets less sunshine than San Remo. Trieste gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 183 hours of full sun.

San Remo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Trieste usually gets less rain in October than San Remo. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Trieste or San Remo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Trieste and San Remo. Most visitors come to Trieste for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to San Remo because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Trieste is generally much colder than San Remo. Daily temperatures in Trieste average around 5°C (41°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Trieste usually receives less sunshine than San Remo during winter. Trieste gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Trieste usually receives less rain than San Remo. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Trieste or San Remo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Trieste as well as San Remo. The spring months attract visitors to Trieste because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Remo this time of year.

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

In the spring, Trieste often gets less sunshine than San Remo. Trieste gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 198 hours of full sun.

Trieste usually gets more rain in April than San Remo. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Remo and Trieste