A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Trieste vs. Turin (Torino) for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Trieste or Turin (Torino)?

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 Turin (Torino) 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 energetic, diverse, and cultural city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Turin (Torino)

Turin (Torino) is a lively, beautiful, and authentic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Trieste and Turin (Torino): Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Trieste or Turin (Torino)?

Both Turin (Torino) and Trieste have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Trieste is very popular for its beaches and historical sights, while Turin (Torino) attracts visitors for its museums, food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Turin (Torino) is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for its grand squares, beautiful palaces, and easy access to the Alps. Trieste is famous for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Trieste different from Turin (Torino)?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Turin (Torino) 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 Turin (Torino)?

Turin (Torino) is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Turin (Torino). The city boasts a number of museums including The Egyptian Museum, Museo Nazionale del Cinema, and Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile. Other landmarks include the Royal Armory, The Cathedral and the Holy Shroud, and Palazzo Madama.

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 Turin (Torino)? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Turin (Torino) has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The region has been credited with being the birthplace of the Slow Food Movement. The dishes often use locally made ingredients and there are very diverse flavors and recipes. Local favorites include antipasto misto, risotto ai funghi (mushroom risotto), and carne cruda (beef tartare).

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 Turin (Torino) Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Trieste and Turin (Torino).

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.

Turin (Torino) has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a good nightlife scene that includes everything from bars to dance clubs. Via Po is one of the city's main bar hopping streets. For a more relaxed night out head to Via Garibaldi which has a number of restaurants and cocktail bars.

Is Trieste or Turin (Torino) Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Turin (Torino) is not a beach destination.

Trieste has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Turin (Torino) is not a beach destination.

Is Trieste or Turin (Torino) Better for its Old Town?

Trieste is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Turin (Torino) 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.

Turin (Torino) does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Trieste or Turin (Torino)?

Turin (Torino) is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Turin (Torino) has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has everything from high end shopping to local boutiques. For the best luxury shopping head to Via Roma. Via Garibaldi is another popular pedestrian street that has many shops and restaurants.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Trieste or Turin (Torino) Better for Families?

Trieste is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Trieste is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Turin (Torino) is a family-friendly city. If the kids need to stretch their legs, head to Valentino Park. For kid-friendly museums, check out The Cinema Museum The Egyptian Museum, or the Museum of Car. It's also fun to take a ride of the historic tram.

Is Trieste or Turin (Torino) Better for Couples?

Both Trieste and Turin (Torino) are high quality 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 Turin (Torino) frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With grand squares, beautiful architecture, and excellent cuisine, couples will enjoy every minute of their trip to Turin. The city is also near the Alps, so outdoor adventure isn't far away.

Is Trieste or Turin (Torino) Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Turin (Torino) 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 Turin (Torino). You'll find hostels around town and easy access to outdoor activities. The city also has great food and a lively atmosphere.

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 Turin (Torino) Better for Students?

Both Trieste and Turin (Torino) are high quality destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Many students visit Turin (Torino). It's relatively easy to find study abroad opportunities to the area. The city's atmosphere is diverse and fun with many activities that the student population can enjoy.

Is Trieste or Turin (Torino) Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Trieste and Turin (Torino).

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

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Turin (Torino). The public transit system is operated by Gruppo Torinese Trasporti (GTT) and includes one metro line, nine tram lines, and a number of bus lines.

Is Trieste or Turin (Torino) a more walkable city?

Trieste is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Turin (Torino) is somewhat walkable. While the city is large, the city center is generally compact and walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Trieste Worth Visiting? and Is Turin (Torino) Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Turin (Torino) or Trieste?

How long in Trieste or Turin (Torino)?

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

Families should spend more time in Trieste than Turin (Torino). 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Turin (Torino) than Trieste 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 Turin (Torino).

One day in Trieste or Turin (Torino)?

In Trieste, you'll find nightlife and food. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Turin (Torino), you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Trieste or Turin (Torino)?

Trieste is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Turin (Torino), 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 Turin (Torino) has to offer.

Five days in Trieste or Turin (Torino)?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Trieste. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Turin (Torino) 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 Turin (Torino)?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the city of Trieste. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Turin (Torino). Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Turin (Torino). 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 Turin (Torino), we can see that Turin (Torino) 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 Turin (Torino) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Turin (Torino) 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 Turin (Torino) Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Trieste or Turin (Torino)?

Turin (Torino) has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Trieste. When comparing the sizes of Trieste and Turin (Torino), 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.