A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Trieste vs. Zagreb for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Trieste or Zagreb?

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 Zagreb 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 cultural, historic, and dynamic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, museums, and nightlife.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a authentic, under-rated, and local city. 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 Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Trieste or Zagreb?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zagreb than Trieste, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Zagreb is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Trieste is known for its beaches and impressive beauty. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage. Zagreb is popular for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. It is also home to The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Trieste different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Zagreb 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 Zagreb. There are many historical sights around town, particularly in the historic Upper Town. Make sure you visit the Zagreb Cathedral, the Museum of Broken Relationships, Lotrscak Tower, and the historic Stone Gate.

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 Zagreb? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Zagreb has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food is heartier than you might expect with many recipes that involve stew or dumplings. Cheese and meat are common ingredients as well, with far less seafood than you'll find in the coastal cities. Popular dishes include Zagrebački odrezak (a rolled up ham, cheese, and veal sandwich), Štrukli (dough filled with cheese), and Ajngemahtec (vegetarian stew).

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 Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

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

Zagreb has a large number of nightlife venues. There are a huge number of live music venues, clubs, and bars around town where locals hang out late into the evening. The city's nightlife has a more local vibe than other Croatian cities, so you can party with the students and residents and get a true feel for the Croatian culture.

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 Zagreb Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a good destination for the beache. However, Zagreb is not a beach destination.

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.

Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Is Trieste or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Zagreb 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.

Zagreb is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The upper town is filled with charm, cafes, and historical landmarks such as St. Mark Church, Kamenita Vrata (the Stone Gate), and the cathedral.

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 Zagreb?

Zagreb is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Zagreb. The city has a huge number of shopping centers where you'll find retail shops selling international brands, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Trieste or Zagreb Better for Families?

Trieste is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Trieste is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Zagreb offers lots of family activities. The city is filled with parks where kids can run around. There are also kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Illusions and markets that are fun for the whole family. While it doesn't have the coastal activities that many Croatian towns offer, this is a unique city in its own way.

Is Trieste or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Trieste is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Trieste frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Zagreb is a good city for couples to visit. Filled with history and beautiful parks, this often overlooked Croatian city actually has a lot that couples can enjoy. The historical monuments offer a glimpse into the country's past and the markets let you experience a more authentic side to what has become a very touristy country.

Is Trieste or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb 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 Zagreb. Because it's not the most touristy city, prices are reasonable. There are also a wide range of hostels in town where you can meet other backpackers and enjoy the fun environment.

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 Zagreb Better for Students?

Both Trieste and Zagreb are very good 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 Zagreb. There's an endless supply of bars and cafes where students hang out. This is a great student city that offers access to many beautiful parts of Croatia and Europe in general.

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

Visitors will find very good public transit in both Trieste and Zagreb.

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 Zagreb. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

Is Trieste or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Trieste and Zagreb are very good when it comes to walkability.

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

Zagreb is very walkable. It's a city that lives outdoors. It's very walkable with many outdoor cafes and parks where you can take a stroll.

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

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Trieste?

How long in Trieste or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Trieste or Zagreb. In our opinion, Zagreb has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Zagreb than Trieste. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Trieste or Zagreb?

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 Zagreb, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Zagreb?

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

Five days in Trieste or Zagreb?

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.

Zagreb is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Zagreb?

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 Zagreb. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Zagreb. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Trieste and Zagreb, we can see that Trieste is more expensive. And not only is Zagreb much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zagreb would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zagreb 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 Trieste would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Trieste than you might in Zagreb.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Trieste Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Trieste or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Trieste. When comparing the sizes of Trieste and Zagreb, 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 Zagreb?

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 Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Trieste during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Trieste this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Trieste is generally around the same temperature as Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Trieste average around 24°C (75°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Zagreb, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Trieste. In the summer, Trieste often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Trieste gets 288 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Trieste usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Trieste or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Trieste and Zagreb. Many travelers come to Trieste for the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zagreb in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Trieste is a little warmer than Zagreb in the autumn. The daily temperature in Trieste averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Trieste usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during autumn. Trieste gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Trieste usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Trieste or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Trieste as well as Zagreb. Many visitors come to Trieste in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Zagreb for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Zagreb can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Trieste is much warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the winter temperatures in Trieste in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Zagreb averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Trieste often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Trieste gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Trieste usually gets more rain in January than Zagreb. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Trieste or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Trieste are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Trieste for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the activities around the city.

In April, Trieste is generally around the same temperature as Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Trieste average around 13°C (56°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Trieste usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during spring. Trieste gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Trieste usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Trieste