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

Should you visit Vienna or Trieste?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vienna or Trieste, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Vienna

Vienna is a ritzy, classical, and traditional city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food.

Trieste

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

Vienna and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Trieste?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vienna than Trieste, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Vienna is more popular for its museums, food, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Trieste is known for its beaches. Vienna is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also home to The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vienna 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 Vienna. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

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 Vienna or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Vienna has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

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 Vienna or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Vienna and Trieste.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Vienna. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

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 Vienna or Trieste Better for Music?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Trieste is not a live music destination.

Vienna has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Trieste is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Vienna 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.

Vienna is not a beach destination.

Is Vienna or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Vienna offers plenty to see. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

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 Vienna or Trieste?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Vienna specifically to go shopping. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Vienna or Trieste Better for Families?

Trieste is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vienna 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 Vienna. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

Is Vienna or Trieste Better for Couples?

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

Vienna is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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 Vienna or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vienna and Trieste are both good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Vienna. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

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.

Is Vienna or Trieste Better for Students?

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

Vienna is a very popular city for students. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

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

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

Visitors in Vienna can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Trieste. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

Is Vienna or Trieste a more walkable city?

Vienna 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 Vienna. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Trieste?

It's fun to spend time in either Vienna or Trieste. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Vienna due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Vienna, and 2-4 days is enough time in Trieste.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vienna 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 Vienna.

One day in Vienna or Trieste?

In Vienna, you'll find shopping and museums. 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.

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.

A weekend in Vienna or Trieste?

In Vienna, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Vienna has to offer.

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.

Five days in Vienna or Trieste?

Vienna is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vienna has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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.

A week in Vienna or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vienna. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Vienna. 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Trieste?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Trieste. When comparing the sizes of Vienna 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 Vienna 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 Vienna or Trieste in the Summer?

Both Trieste and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vienna this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Trieste for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Vienna is around the same temperature as Trieste. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vienna 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 Vienna. Vienna usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during summer. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vienna usually receives less rain than Trieste. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vienna or Trieste in the Autumn?

Both Trieste and Vienna during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Vienna for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Trieste in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Vienna is generally cooler than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 12°C (54°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Vienna often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in October than Trieste. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Trieste in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Trieste. Many visitors come to Vienna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Trieste for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Vienna can get quite cold in the winter. Vienna is much colder than Trieste in the winter. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Vienna usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during winter. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vienna usually receives less rain than Trieste. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vienna or Trieste in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Trieste. Most visitors come to Vienna for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Trieste because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vienna this time of the year. In the spring, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Trieste. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in April than Trieste. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Vienna