‘Not too touristy’ Trieste is yet to find a place on the tourism map of Italy. It lags way behind its more famous counterparts of Rome and Venice, but I would say Trieste is worth the visit if an Italian vacation is on your mind. And if you’re sailing the Mediterranean or Adriatic Seas, cruise ships that used to leave from Venice now depart from Trieste.

Compared to other Italian cities, Trieste is much cheaper and a value-for-money destination, and less crowded, a complete win-win. On the world map, you can spot Trieste on the Adriatic Sea in northeast Italy, extremely close to the Slovenian border. Trieste is just two hours from Venice. You can mark Trieste as a transit city in your itinerary or simply plan a day trip to Trieste. Both are perfect!

A day in Trieste is enough to cover the major highlights of Trieste, provided you start early and have a pre-planned itinerary. You will come across many Trieste itineraries online. But everybody’s interests are different. I have made a list of the top attractions of Trieste, what to expect from them, and some experiences which are exclusive to Trieste.

Best Places to Visit in Trieste

Ticket prices for various attractions of Trieste are reasonable. Look out for FVG Cards online; it might help you save money and skip lines, saving you time. Another time-saving hack is to opt for Hop on Hop off tours. You can choose to get off at the stop of your liking. The bus is quicker and knowledgeable guides will help you understand the attraction better. If you are a museum lover and are in Trieste on the first Sunday of any month, museum entry is free!  

Miramare Castle

An architectural gem, Miramare Castle was built with love by Ferdinand Maximilian of the Hapsburg dynasty to stay in with his wife. Completed in 1867, each castle window lends a spectacular view of the Adriatic Sea. It is much known for its plush interiors and beautifully landscaped gardens. The giant chandeliers, larger-than-life paintings, and beautiful furniture used by its past royal residents are well maintained. The intricate carvings on the walls and pillars are simply outstanding. There is a small museum where you learn interesting facts about the castle and its residents. There is no ticket for the gardens, but you must buy a ticket to enter the castle. 

Castle of San Giusto 

Located on the San Giusto hill, the best panoramic views of the city and the Gulf are from the Castle of San Giusto. Built in the 15th century, it was home to the Austrian royalty till 1750 before being turned into a prison. Within the castle’s premises are two museums, an open courtyard, and the Gothic chapel of San Giorgio l. In the Lapidarium of Tergeste museum, you can see on display some sculptures and manuscripts dating back to the Roman era. Besides that, you can see some beautiful mosaics from the residences of local rich people. The second museum is the City Museum, where a fine collection of weapons is displayed. The castle also has an amphitheater which hosts concerts and events occasionally.

Cathedral of San Giusto 

Built in the 1300’s, extremely close to the Castle of San Giusto, is the cathedral of San Giusto. It is the city’s main church, the seat of the Bishop of Trieste, and also called the Trieste Cathedral. The cathedral’s facade is simple bricks painted in white. Despite being plainer than other Italian cathedrals, it is a popular attraction among tourists. Its gothic rose window and five gigantic bells on the top give it a regal look. The interior has a lot of woodwork with murals made of the Byzantine mosaics. You will also see ancient statues and artifacts dating back to the 13th century. Most prominent of them being the original ‘Halberd of Saint Sergius’, which Trieste has adopted as its emblem. 

Piazza Unità d’Italia

The main square in Trieste, Piazza Unità d’Italia, is a popular tourist attraction. Also referred to as Piazza Grande or the Great Square, it is located in the old town; the square is massive in area. The square has buildings on its 3 sides and the Adriatic on the 4th. Il Municipio or Palazzo del Comune (Town hall) is the grandest of all buildings. Other historical buildings of the Square are Palazzo Pitteri, the Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta, and Palazzo della Luogotenenza Austriaca (Palace of the Austrian Lieutenancy). Right in the middle is the Fontana dei Quattro Continenti (the fountain of four continents), an attraction in itself. There are many cafes and restaurants just to sit back and relax.

Serbian Orthodox Church of Saint Spyridon

Completed in 1869, the Serbian Orthodox Church is where the Serbians and the Greek community worship. Its grand white facade with blue domes is not even a patch on what you get to see inside. The walls and ceilings of the church are heavily ornamented with frescoes done in Byzantine mosaics and murals depicting religious scenes. It is a well-maintained church, one of the best in Italy. You don’t have to go out of your way to visit it; it is extremely close to the Grand Canal and Piazza Unità d’Italia. Entry is free. 

Museo Revoltella

Situated in the former mansion of a wealthy Triestien, Mr. Revoltella, the museum takes its name from him. With no heir, Mr. Revoltella surrendered his belongings to the city administration, who converted it into a museum after his death. Spread over six floors, the museum displays his art collections, possessions, and the work of well-known Trieste artists. There are paintings, furniture, statues, etc from different periods. The lower floors have an antique collection, and there is some modern art on the upper floors. 

Molo Audace

Just steps away from Piazza Unità d’Italia is Molo Audace. A beautiful pier, Molo Audace, is about 250 meters long. There are benches on which you can sit and appreciate the views. You can see many prime attractions of Trieste. If you go there during the day, you see some boats, yachts, and big vessels come in and go. As the sun sets, the water turns crimson in the evening, a sight to watch. At night Trieste comes alive with lights, and that view from Molo Audace is equally beautiful. In short, any time is good to be at Molo!

Civic Museum of Natural History 

Built in 1846, Civic Museum of Natural History displays a wide variety of fossils of local flora and fauna and animals. You will come across human skeletons showing the evolution of man. The Lonche Man’s jaw is an interesting exhibit, a complete jaw of an ancient man with dental fillings. Star exhibits to look out for at the Civic Museum of Natural History are the complete fossil of Antonia, a mid-sized dinosaur who inhabited Trieste, and the fossil of Carlotta, a well-preserved shark’s fossil around 5.4 meters long. A variety of Interactive exhibits keep the museum visitors engaged. Placards are clear to read and understand. The museum is spread over two floors—a good family attraction.

Barcola Beach 

Also referred to as Lungomare di Barcola or Topolini, Barcola Beach is a big-time favorite of locals. In peak season, if you don’t arrive early, spotting a place to spread your mat will be hard. It gets that crowded! The beach has no sand; it is just a wide promenade you can lay on with steps leading down to the water. No one gets bored at Barcola. You can buy some fresh food from the food trucks. It is close to the Barcola Fountain, which locals call Fontana Di Barcola.

Grand Canal 

Trieste has only one canal, which is the Grand Canal. Though not too big, just around 650 feet long, if you are in the old town, it will keep appearing now and then. The Grand Canal area is one of the most touristy areas in Trieste and starts getting busy from noon onwards. There are cafes and restaurants lining both sides of the banks serving authentic Triestien cuisine. Colorful boats and yachts tied to the docks make for a cute sight.

Risiera di San Sabba 

The history of  Risiera di San Sabba is strange and never fails to give one goosebumps. The museum was built as a rice husking factory in prosperous times. In the year 1940, it served as barracks for the Italian army. It was turned into a concentration camp, eventually becoming a prison where thousands of Jews were executed and murdered. The building and the museum exhibits are grim reminders of WWII. The artifacts and documents narrate stories, making one shudder at the acts of brutality carried on by the Nazis on Jews there. This attraction is accessible; most exhibits are accessible by ramps. You can borrow a wheelchair or an electric bike at no extra cost.

Faro della Vittoria 

Completed in 1927, the iconic Faro della Vittoria, in English ‘Lighthouse of Victory’ celebrates the passage of the city of Trieste to the kingdom of Italy and commemorates those killed at sea during the First World War. Facing the sea, the lighthouse is still operational and helps guide the mariners to the shores of Trieste. It is 67.85 meters tall with a winged Mary on top of it. At its base is the statue of the unknown sailor and an anchor. Faro della Vittoria has been declared as a national monument by the government. Despite it still being operational, tourists can climb on it to get an eagle-eye view of Trieste. 

Experiences to Try in Trieste

Sip on the Triestien coffee. 

No one leaves Trieste without having coffee. Trieste is famous for its coffee. The love affair of Triestiens with their coffee shall surprise you. Illy, Musetti, and Hausebrandt are famous brands you should try. A confusing thing about their cafes is their menu. Espresso is not called espresso; it is called Nero. Caffè macchiato in Trieste is known as capo. Cappuccino is called caffe latte. The famous Caffè Degli Specchi has been serving coffee since 1839. Another local favorite is Caffè San Marco. But then no cafe in Trieste serves lousy coffee.

Taste the Triestian cuisine. 

One of the most loved dishes, pizza, is Italian; you’ll find it in Trieste. But Trieste is an excellent city to feast on lesser-known Italian food. The famous dishes of Trieste include jota (bean and sauerkraut soup), strucolo (a local strudel), cevapcici (a small rolled meat patty), and gulasch (traditional stew). 

Go on a cruise. 

Just cruise around Trieste and see its prime attractions from a distance. Many tour companies operate these kinds of tours. View attractions as you sail in the Adriatic’s blue waters. This one is for those looking for a laidback activity!

Take a wine-tasting tour. 

Close to the Slovenia border, just where Trieste starts, are some beautiful vineyards and wineries. To promote their craft, now some wineries offer tours where you will get to know and learn about fine Italian wine and its culture. The tour hours can last from two hours to five hours. Prior booking is required. 

How to Get to Trieste

Trieste has its own airport (TRS), but most people don’t fly into the city. Instead, visitors generally arrive in one of two ways if they do not have their own vehicle (like a rental car). Both buses and trains are great ways to travel to Trieste. There are direct routes to Trieste from several nearby popular tourist destinations such as Venice, Ljubljana, and Zagreb. Reserve your bus or train seat in advance to ensure a smooth experience. The bus and central train station are next to each other, requiring a short taxi ride to the town center.

Best Time to Visit Trieste

Due to its location on the Adriatic Sea, Trieste enjoys mild springs and summers. Most visitors to the area come to enjoy an Adriatic or Mediterranean cruise or to witness exciting regatta action. The city is the most crowded in warmer weather months, making it popular in three seasons. While January is the coldest month, it rarely hits freezing temperatures, meaning there is no terrible time to visit. 

Where to Stay in Trieste

Luxury: Savoia Excelsior Palace Trieste: The location of this hotel can’t be beat! This beautiful building offers sea-view rooms that are worth upgrading to. You can walk to your cruise ship if it leaves from the city terminal.

Mid-range: 9 Stanze Boutique Hotel: Located steps from Piazza della Borsa, you’ll be close to everything! The rooms are large and updated.

Budget: Trieste 411 Hotel: Located a little bit farther away from the city’s attractions but still within walking distance of all the sights, Trieste 411 is highly praised for its modern and clean rooms.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Trieste

Whether exploring the area or planning on using it as your starting or ending point for a cruise, it is worth spending a day or two exploring the best things to do in Trieste and trying some unique experiences.  

Check out these additional posts:

• 16 Best Things to Do in Rome for First-Time Visitors
• 2 Week Central Europe Itinerary (no car needed!)

Happy travels,
Annick, The Common Traveler

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