A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Trieste vs. Trento for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Trieste or Trento?

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 Trento 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.

Trento

Trento is a high energy, dynamic, and youthful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Trieste and Trento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Trieste or Trento?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Trento than Trieste. While Trieste is larger than Trento, Trento has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Trento is better known for its food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Trieste is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and historical sights. Trento is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its beautiful mountain scenery and its historical buildings. Also, Trento is famous for Castello del Buonconsiglio. Trieste is well known for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Trieste different from Trento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Trento 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.

Trento is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Perhaps one of the most popular sights is Castello del Buonconsiglio. The Museum of Science is also fun for kids and adults alike and the Duomo is beautiful.

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

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

Trento has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food in the region is influenced by nearby countries such as Austria. Carne salada, which is like corned beef, has a long history in the area. Schüttelbrot is a local flatbread and meraner wurst is a bit like a hot dog. You'll also find salamis and various cheeses.

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 Trento Better for Nightlife?

Trieste is very good for nightlife. However, Trento is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

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.

Most people don't head to Trento specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Despite the large student population, there aren't a lot of bars and clubs around town. Most parties are held in private residences, so visitors may find the nightlife scene a bit slow.

Is Trieste or Trento Better for Beaches?

Trieste is very good for its beaches. However, Trento 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.

Trento is not a beach destination.

Is Trieste or Trento Better for its Old Town?

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

Trento does not have a historic old town.

Is Trieste or Trento Better for Hiking?

Trento 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 Trento. The surrounding countryside has many beautiful hikes and stunning viewpoints that make for a great outing outside of town.

Trieste is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Trieste or Trento?

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

Trento has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the main shopping street, Via Balenzani for boutique shopping. You'll also find artisan shops and other unique vendors around town.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Trieste or Trento Better for Families?

Trieste is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Trieste is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Trento is a family-friendly place to visit. Outside of town you'll find plenty of outdoor adventures that the kids will enjoy. In town, there's history and fun kid-friendly museums.

Is Trieste or Trento Better for Couples?

Trieste is great for romance. Also, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Trieste is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Trento makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town mixes old and new in a beautiful setting that makes for a great romantic getaway. Nearby there are outdoor adventures and in town there's a beautiful atmosphere and great restaurants.

Is Trieste or Trento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Trieste and Trento are both notable 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 Trento. There aren't many hostels in town, but there are some fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Trieste or Trento Better for Students?

Trento is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Trento is a very popular city for students. It's a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of interesting places to explore in the area.

Many students visit Trieste. 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.

Is Trieste or Trento 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. Also, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Trieste is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

Trento has a few public transit options. The city has a number of bus lines through town.

Is Trieste or Trento a more walkable city?

Trieste and Trento are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Trento is very walkable. Much of the city can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Trento or Trieste?

How long in Trieste or Trento?

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

Families should spend more time in Trieste than Trento. 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 Trento. 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.

One day in Trieste or Trento?

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 Trento, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Trento?

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

Five days in Trieste or Trento?

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.

Trento 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 Trento?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the diverse 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 Trento. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Trento. 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 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 Trento, we can see that Trento 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 Trento would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Trento 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 Trento Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Trieste or Trento?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Trento. When comparing the sizes of Trieste and Trento, 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 Trento?

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 Trento in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Trieste is around the same temperature as Trento. Typically, the summer temperatures in Trieste in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Trento averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Trento this time of the year. In Trieste, it's very sunny this time of the year. Trieste usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Trento during summer. Trieste gets 288 hours of sunny skies, while Trento receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Trieste usually receives more rain than Trento. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Trento receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Trieste or Trento in the Autumn?

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

In October, Trieste is generally a little warmer than Trento. Daily temperatures in Trieste average around 16°C (60°F), and Trento fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Trieste often gets more sunshine than Trento. Trieste gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trento receives 137 hours of full sun.

Trieste usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Trento. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Trento receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Trieste or Trento in the Winter?

Both Trento 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 museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Trento this time of year.

It's quite cold in Trento in the winter. Trieste is much warmer than Trento in the winter. The daily temperature in Trieste averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Trento fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Trieste usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Trento during winter. Trieste gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Trento receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Trieste usually receives more rain than Trento. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Trento receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Trieste or Trento in the Spring?

Both Trento 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 Trento for the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Trieste often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Trento. Trieste gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trento receives 169 hours of full sun.

Trieste usually gets more rain in April than Trento. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Trento receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Trento and Trieste