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

Should you visit Lille or Trieste?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lille 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.

Lille

Lille is a friendly, historic, and under-rated city. With stunning beauty, Lille attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Lille travel costs.

Trieste

Trieste is a energetic, diverse, and cultural city. Trieste is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Trieste travel costs.

Lille and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lille or Trieste?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lille than Trieste, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Lille is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Trieste is known for its beaches. Lille is more touristy than Trieste and is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. It is also home to Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle). Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Lille different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Lille and Trieste.

Lille offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city offers an amazing atmosphere, with many of the most beautiful buildings near Place du Général de Gaulle (the main square). Top rated attractions in town include Palais des Beaux-Arts, Musée du Louvre-Lens, and Eglise Saint-Maurice.

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 Lille or Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille 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 Lille have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a cuisine all its own. There are many local dishes that are recommended with some of the most popular being les moules (mussels), the Welsh (a beer and cheddar cheese dish), and la carbonade flamande (beef stew). Most dishes are served with a hearty side of fries. The mussels are a favorite and are served with various toppings including local cheese. You can expect your very own pot of mussels with each order. Many of the restaurants around the main square (General de Gaulle Square) offer these local specialties. Outside the old town you'll also find plenty of international restaurants including Asian street food.

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 Lille or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

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

Lille has a large number of nightlife venues. With its young population and countless places to hang out, there's rarely a dull night around town. The most popular nightlife areas are Rue Masséna and Rue Solférino. The city also offers plenty of theaters and shows that you can enjoy.

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 Lille or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Trieste is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Lille 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.

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Lille or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Lille 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.

Lille is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town (Le Vieux Lille) is charming to explore. Many of the buildings are from the 16th or 17th centuries and feature very ornate architecture. The area is filled with shops and restaurants and it stays active throughout the day. This is an area where locals and tourists alike live and play.

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 Lille or Trieste?

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

Many people travel to Lille specifically to go shopping. The city is filled with shopping opportunities. Almost any store you could want is in or around the old town and the two main shopping centers in town are McArthur Glen and A l'Usine. Also by the train station is a shopping mall.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lille or Trieste More Beautiful?

Lille is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Lille attracts visitors from all around. The city is all about the historic architecture, which give it a lot of beauty. The buildings in the old town have very ornate details.

Trieste is a gorgeous place to visit. It may not top most traveler's lists, but the city has its own old town and relaxed, pebbly beaches.

Is Lille or Trieste Better for Families?

Trieste is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Lille is a family-friendly city. There are a handful of kid-focused activities like a small zoo, a small amusement park, several museums and even a puppet theater. Many of the restaurants also have kid's menus that are reasonably priced.

Is Lille or Trieste Better for Couples?

Trieste is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Trieste is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Lille is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy shopping, dining out, and exploring beautiful cities will enjoy a visit. There are many great restaurants worth experiencing, as well as beautiful architecture and fun shops.

Is Lille or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Lille and Trieste are good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Lille. This small city flies under the radar for most backpackers, but there are a handful of hostels and a great experience for those who venture here. It feels more off the beaten path than some French cities, but you'll find great food and a nice atmosphere.

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 Lille or Trieste Better for Students?

Lille and Trieste are both high quality destinations for students and younger travelers.

Lille is a great city to visit as a student. The city is home to a number of students, both local and international. It has a lower cost of living than many places in France as well as a youthful vibe with fun activities and plenty of shopping.

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.

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

Both Lille and Trieste offer high quality public transit options.

The public transit in Lille can get you around easily. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

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

Is Lille or Trieste a more walkable city?

Lille 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 Lille. The old town in particular is compact and best explored on foot, but even outside of the old town, many areas are easily 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 Lille Worth Visiting? and Is Trieste Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Lille?

How long in Lille or Trieste?

It's fun to spend time in either Lille or Trieste. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Trieste due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lille, and 2-4 days is enough time in Trieste.

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

One day in Lille or Trieste?

In Lille, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

In Trieste, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this dynamic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Lille or Trieste?

In Lille, 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 Lille has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Trieste. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Lille or Trieste?

Lille 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.

Trieste is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Trieste. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lille or Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lille. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lille. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the dynamic destination of Trieste. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Lille or Trieste?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Trieste. When comparing the sizes of Lille 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 Lille or Trieste?

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 Lille or Trieste in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Lille is cooler than Trieste. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lille in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Trieste averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Trieste, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lille. In the summer, Lille often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Lille gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Trieste. Lille gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or Trieste in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Trieste. Many travelers come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Trieste in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area.

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

Lille usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during autumn. Lille gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lille usually receives less rain than Trieste. Lille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lille or Trieste in the Winter?

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

Lille can get quite cold in the winter. Lille is much colder than Trieste in the winter. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Lille often gets less sunshine than Trieste. Lille gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets less rain in January than Trieste. Lille gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or Trieste in the Spring?

Both Trieste and Lille are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lille 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, Lille is much colder than Trieste. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lille in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Trieste averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Lille usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during spring. Lille gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lille usually receives less rain than Trieste. Lille gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Lille