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

Should you visit Varenna or Trieste?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Varenna and Trieste. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Varenna

Varenna is a pristine, beautiful, and scenic village. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Trieste

Trieste is a cultural, historic, and dynamic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and museums.

Varenna and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Varenna or Trieste?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Varenna. Although Varenna and Trieste are both popular with visitors, Varenna has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Varenna is more popular for its food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Trieste is known for its nightlife, beaches, and historical sights. Varenna is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its beautiful location by Lake Como. It is also home to Lake Como. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

Lake Como

How is Varenna different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Trieste and Varenna. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Varenna or Trieste?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Varenna and Trieste.

Varenna offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most people visit the town for its beautiful setting on Lake Como. There are some popular sights around town though such as the Church of San Giorgio and Castello di Vezio.

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.

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

Varenna is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Varenna have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

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 Varenna or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

Trieste is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Varenna is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

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.

Varenna is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Is Varenna or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a good destination for the beache. However, Varenna 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.

Varenna is not a beach destination.

Is Varenna or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Trieste is a good destination for its old town. However, Varenna does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Trieste. The old town highlights the diversity of cultures and influences from the city's past.

Varenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Varenna or Trieste Better for Hiking?

Varenna 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 Varenna. There are lakefront trails and other hiking options near town. The Lungolago di Varenna - Baia di Varenna loop follows the water and makes for a pleasant stroll.

Trieste is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Varenna or Trieste?

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

Varenna has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Varenna or Trieste Better for Families?

Trieste is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Trieste is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Varenna. The charming village has play areas for children and the beautiful Villa Monastero, which are gardens that they'll enjoy exploring. It's also worth visiting the Castle of Vezio.

Is Varenna or Trieste Better for Couples?

Varenna is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Varenna is a great village for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful village has a romantic atmosphere with a "lovers promenade" and many stunning views. It makes the perfect couples trip, whether you're on your honeymoon or just need some time away.

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.

Is Varenna or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Varenna and Trieste are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Varenna. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

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.

Is Varenna or Trieste Better for Students?

Trieste is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Varenna is not popular with students.

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.

Varenna is not popular with students.

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

Trieste is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Trieste can get you to some places easily. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

You'll find some public transit in Varenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

Is Varenna or Trieste a more walkable city?

Varenna is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Varenna. Everything is walkable and the town is best explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Varenna?

How long in Varenna or Trieste?

It's fun to spend time in either Varenna or Trieste. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Trieste due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Varenna, and 2-4 days is enough time in Trieste.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Trieste than Varenna 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 Varenna or Trieste?

In Varenna, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This village offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Trieste, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Varenna or Trieste?

In Varenna, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Varenna has to offer.

In Trieste, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Trieste has to offer.

Five days in Varenna or Trieste?

Varenna 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.

Trieste 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 Varenna or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Varenna. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Varenna. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Trieste. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Trieste. 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 Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to Italy, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varenna and Trieste, we can see that Varenna 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 Varenna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Varenna 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 Varenna Expensive? and Is Trieste Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Varenna or Trieste?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Varenna and Trieste, 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 Varenna or Trieste?

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 Varenna or Trieste in the Summer?

Both Trieste and Varenna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Varenna for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Trieste because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Varenna is around the same temperature as Trieste. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varenna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Trieste averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Trieste. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varenna. Varenna usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during summer. Varenna gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. In July, Varenna usually receives more rain than Trieste. Varenna gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Varenna or Trieste in the Autumn?

Both Trieste and Varenna during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Varenna because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

In October, Varenna is generally around the same temperature as Trieste. Daily temperatures in Varenna average around 15°C (58°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Varenna often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Varenna gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. Varenna usually gets more rain in October than Trieste. Varenna gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Varenna or Trieste in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Varenna and Trieste. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Varenna this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Trieste for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Varenna in the winter. Varenna is around the same temperature as Trieste in the winter. The daily temperature in Varenna averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Varenna usually receives more sunshine than Trieste during winter. Varenna gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Varenna usually receives around the same amount of rain as Trieste. Varenna gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Varenna or Trieste in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Varenna as well as Trieste. Many travelers come to Varenna for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Trieste in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Varenna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste. Varenna gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun.

Varenna receives a lot of rain in the spring. Varenna usually gets more rain in April than Trieste. Varenna gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Varenna