Venice or Trieste?

Haven't been to Trieste but Venice is wonderful, even with all the tourists.

Venice, Venice, Venice.... It is the most magical place in the world IMO. If you stay in a quieter area like Cannaregio it is quite possible to have periods of time with no other tourists in sight - especially at night. Sitting by a quiet canal drinking wine and listening to no other sounds except the water in the canal is amazing. Riding a vaporetto down the Grand Canal, sitting in Piazza San Marco listening to the 'orchestras' at night, wandering and getting lost in the small calle - all things you can experience in no other place.

Venice. Definitely. Show your husband these pictures that I took during two different trips in May: Uncrowded Venice in May It shows that you can indeed get away from the crowds in Venice, if you just wander away from the crowded places. And the busy places becomes much less busy after about 6 pm, when the daytrippers leave.

Venice really has a much more special atmosphere and more dense history to experience. It's popular, but not a "big city" in terms of high-rises, construction, motor scooters, etc. It's not that hard to get off the beaten path in Venice if you just walk away from the signs that say "To San Marco." Good food can be found in either city if you look for places that don't display their menus in several languages. In Venice, the better-quality restaurants tend to need reservations, or for you to be waiting at the door when they open at 7 p.m. Trieste is where I first ate Lardo di Colonna, but that was the most memorable part of my one-night stay there.

Best case scenario, a train from Trieste to Venice is about 1.5-2 hours each way so its not exactly convenient if you are using at as a base to see Venice. With that said, Venice will be far more interesting and have lots more to see than Trieste. Despite the tourist crowds you can still have Venice to yourself. Most of the crowds are due to cruise tourists that jam the streets between San Marco and the Rialto Bridge from about 10am to 3pm. Before and after those times the city is practically yours. During those times don't be afraid to venture off the beaten path. You will quickly find that a large majority of the city is virtually unexplored by the tourist hordes leaving you free to move about as you please. Venice really is a unique and special city to which there is no comparison.

Absolutely, unquestionably Venice!

Why? The beauty, gondolas, history, fantastic food, the ability to dance in San Marco square in the evening, the unique atmosphere unlike any other location.

My husband & I have been there twice, and we'd go in a heartbeat.

Enjoy!

I've been to both, I like Trieste but Venice is unique. The whole city is filled with special places that you will wander into. Magical after dark.

I enjoyed Trieste but four days might be a couple of days too long. Venice wouldn't exhaust things to see and do in four months.
Your husband is correct, it will be busy in Venice but away from the most well known sites it is not oppressive.
You might take a day trip to Trieste by train to see the band which could give you a taste of Trieste which is half Italian half Slovenian in style and cuisine.

I lean towards Trieste. We spent 3 nights in Trieste last October and liked it very much. It's an elegant city that's perhaps a little more orderly than other cities in Italy due to it's Austro-Hungarian history.

Our only issue was that we picked a hotel too far out of the city center. I saved the name of this hotel--L'Abero Nascosto--in case we return. It's in a great location and has good reviews.

It would be fun to attend a concert there--especially if it's one of your favorite groups!

Have never been to Trieste. However, Venice is magical, especially awAy from the tourist hotspots. Leaving for Venuce on Saturday and I can't wait. It's our fourth time there.

Can you do both? Spend one day and night in Trieste to see your favorite group, and spend the remainder of your trip in Venice? There are many trains each day, and the trip takes less than 2 hours. We had great food in Trieste, and we enjoyed the city, but if you've never seen Venice, I feel it's a place you must go. Just to wander, on the little side canals away from San Marco and the Rialto Bridge, is magical.

We've taken side trips to Trieste twice from Venice. The first time we enjoyed our short time there (afternoon into early evening). The second time we had a good lunch and then decided to cut our losses and head back to Venice. If you find Venice too touristy, perhaps you are leaving the city at the best time to stay, the nighttime. All of the tours from the cruise ships end around dinner time and then you have the city to yourselves. I can't imagine choosing Trieste over Venice. It is one of the most unique cities on earth!