Trieste, located in the Northeastern corner of Italy and surrounded by Slovenia is one of Italy's most surprising hidden gems. It offers so much and yet is still unknown to many travellers. Whether it is the city, sea or mountains -- Trieste offers it all.
Marvel at the grand architecture of the Habsburg era, enjoy the medieval charm of the Castello di San Giusto and drink your coffee on Europe's largest sea-facing square. The city's beautiful waterfront whispers tales of maritime glory, while the Canal Grande and Molo Audace provide you with picturesque scenes that seem painted by an artist's brush. As in all of Italy, food is part of the Italian joie de vivre. But nowhere else will you find such a unique blend of Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian flavours. Also, if you are a coffee enthusiast, Trieste is one of the hot spots. Beyond the city limits, the stunning Miramare Castle stands witness to royal intrigue and tragedy, and the hills surrounding Trieste offer hiking trails with breathtaking views.
Top 10 Highlights of Trieste
Viennese flair on the Adriatic
Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia
Visiting the main square, the largest square in Europe with open access to the sea, is a must in Trieste. Don't be surprised if the architecture reminds you of Vienna. Trieste was part of Austria until 1918, and the elegant palaces are built in the same architectural style as the Viennese Ringstrasse.
The best panoramic views of Trieste
Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia
High up on a hill, the Castello offers the best panoramic view over the rooftops of Trieste. The medieval castle from the 16th century has its roots in ancient Roman times. The castle museum showcases a beautiful weapons collection and offers interesting insights into the Roman and military history of the city.
Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia
The Cathedral of San Giusto in Trieste is located on the hill of the same name and is a beautiful example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture. The beautiful rose window and the impressive apse mosaics, depicting scenes from the lives of Christ and the Virgin Mary, make the church one of the city's most beautiful sights. You can also climb the bell tower for lovely views, but the view from the adjacent castle is much nicer.
Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia
The Molo Audace is a historic pier located on the sea shore of Trieste, just steps from Piazza Unità d'Italia and the Grand Canal. Originally constructed in the mid-18th century using the wreck of the Austrian vessel San Carlo, it has been extended over the years to its current length of 246 meters. Today, the pier serves as a popular spot for leisurely walks and offers stunning views of the seafront and the city. It is also a traditional meeting place for couples, who often share a kiss at the end of the pier.
Photo spot at the Grand Canal
Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia
The Canale Grande in Trieste, built in 1754, is small compared to Venice's famous canal at only 300 meters long, but still charming. Originally, it was intended for ships to sail directly into the city. Today, surrounded by historic buildings, the canal is a wonderful place for a stroll. The pedestrian bridge Passaggio Joyce is particularly popular for photos.
Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia
The Revoltella Museum, founded by Baron Pasquale Revoltella in 1872, showcases 19th and 20th-century art. Housed in a historic palace with a modern extension designed by Carlo Scarpa, the museum offers a wonderful collection of Italian and European masterpieces.
Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia
Risiera di San Sabba is a five-storey brick-built compound located in Trieste, northern Italy, that functioned during World War II as a Nazi concentration camp for the detention and killing of political prisoners, and a transit camp for Jews, most of whom were then deported to Auschwitz. SS members Odilo Globočnik and Karl Frenzel, and Ivan Marchenko are all said to have participated in the killings at this camp. The cremation facilities, the only ones built inside a concentration camp in Italy, were installed by Erwin Lambert, and were destroyed before the camp was liberated. Today, the former concentration camp operates as a civic museum.
Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia
Saint Spyridon Church is a Serbian Orthodox church in Trieste, Italy.
Triest's second living room
Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia
Piazza della Borsa, a significant square in Trieste, is a vibrant hub known as the city's "second living room." Once the economic center in the 19th century, it houses the neoclassical Old Stock Exchange and features notable landmarks like the Leopold I column and the Art Nouveau Bartoli house. Recently the square was pedestrianized.
Since it's in the historic centre, you'll have no trouble seeing it on your way to/from the Canal Grande.
Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia
The Temple of Monte Grisa, officially the National Shrine of Mary Mother and Queen, is a Roman-Catholic church north of the city of Trieste. Located at an altitude of 300 metres on the edge of the Karst Plateau above Barcola and Miramare Castle, it is a most conspicuous landmark.
It was built at the initiative of Antonio Santin, since 16 May 1938 Bishop of Trieste and Koper. Seeing the riots between the Nazi occupiers and the Comitato di Liberazione Nazionale on 30 April 1945 he made a vow to erect a church, if Trieste was saved from total destruction. The city was saved and in 1959 Santin obtained permission from Pope John XXIII to build a pilgrimage church dedicated to the Holy Mary as a symbol of the peace and unity of all people.
The temple was designed by Professor Antonio Guacci, after sketches by Santin. The triangular structures should evoke the letter M as a symbol of the Holy Mary. The church was built in between 1963 and 1965, after a first stone had been laid on 19 September 1959. Santin inaugurated the church on 22 May 1966. On 1 May 1992 Pope John Paul II visited the temple. In 2010 restoration works took place, because the concrete had suffered from alkali-silica reaction.
Inspiration
Travel Information
How long should you stay?
Trieste is ideal for a weekend trip (min 2 days) or as a stop on a road trip through Slovenia, Croatia, or Italy. Don't miss the stunning Miramare Castle just outside the city. For this, either plan for 3 days, or visit the castle on your way out if driving by car. Trieste serves also as a nice base to explore the surrounding areas more in-depth (see Day Trips from Trieste).
Best time to visit
- September: The best month, since it is still warm enough, and the main tourist season is over (between 20-25 C)
- Spring and Fall: Ideal for exploring both the city and to go hiking; in fall there is risk of rain, but the autumn colours bring their own magic to your hikes. (17-23 C)
- Summer: Peak season; not ideal since there are no close good beaches to cool down (20-28 C)
- Winter: not recommended due to the bitterly cold Bora wind (unless you want to visit the Christmas market at the main square)
How to get to Trieste?
Trieste is well connected and easily reachable by train, car and plane.
By Plane
Trieste has an airport, but you will likely find more direct connections to Venice. From there, take a train to Trieste.
By Train
There are daily direct trains from Austria (Vienna) and Slovenia. From Venice and Udine you have regular, direct train connections and you will also find fast trains from Florence, Milan, Turin and even Rome.
Car
Traveling by car is straightforward, whether you are coming from Austria, Slovenia, or Venice. The city offers convenient parking garages (see Parking). As in all Italian cities, you should pay attention to ZTL signs (restricted traffic zones). However, we did not have any problems with this in Trieste.
Trieste map with restrictions (2022)
For more ZTL information for Trieste, click here.
Parking in Trieste
You can find parking spaces in Trieste on the road for a fee. To avoid stress, we recommend to use the centrally located parking garages.
Fancy a roadtrip?
Be inspired by our hand-picked road trips.
Interested?
Start planning your next adventure!
Day Trips from Trieste
Miramare Castle
Perched majestically above the Adriatic Sea, the Castello Miramare will impress you with its stunning views and surprise you with the insights into Archduke Maximilian life. Built between 1856 and 1860, this iconic castle was commissioned by the Archduke and designed by Carl Junker. Take half a day for this beautiful place, learn about Maximilian's fascinating downfall in Mexico and his strong influence on the Castle interior's design. Take stunning photos from the terrace and end your visit in the enchanting and extensive gardens.
Grotta Gigante
Located just 15km from Trieste, near Sgonico, the Giant Cave and its impressive stalactite formations are definitely worth visiting. Previously listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest show cave accessible to tourists, it attracts about 90,000 visitors each year. The main chamber is remarkably expansive, measuring 98 meters in height, 167 meters in length, and 76 meters in width. Visitors can explore this natural wonder on an hour-long guided tour, which takes them along an 850-meter pathway descending 100 meters below the earth’s surface. The cave maintains a constant temperature of +11 °C and is open all year round. Additionally, the visitor center includes a science museum that can be visited.
Visit Duino Castle
A short drive from Trieste, Duino Castle offers a relaxing excursion amidst stunning natural beauty. The enchanting castle, perched on a cliff, dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Visitors can explore its well-preserved rooms and enjoy panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea. For those using public transportation, take bus 41 from Trieste's Piazza Oberdan to reach this historic site.
Hike up the Rilke Trail
Follow in the footsteps of the renowned poet Rainer Maria Rilke by hiking along the Rilke Trail (Sentiero Rilke). This scenic trail meanders along the cliffs of the Carso Plateau, offering breathtaking vistas of the Gulf of Trieste and the city's coastline. Starting from the village of Duino, take the trail and enjoy the beauty that inspired Rilke to write his famous work,
Duino Elegies, during his stay at Duino Castle.
Temple of Montegrisa
Every visitor to Trieste sees this unusual temple from afar. The National Temple to Mary Mother and Queen of Monte Grisa was built after the WWII to give thanks to God. Locals nicknamed the temple aptly
“the little cheese” because of its triangular shape. You can easily reach the sanctuary by car since there is a parking close by. There is also a restaurant to eat lunch.
Aquileia
Visit the ancient city of Aquileia, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its archaeological treasures. Once among the grandest cities of the Roman Empire, it remains a significant archaeological gem today. The city reveals stunning remnants of its glorious past, notably an early Christian basilica adorned with one of Europe's largest and oldest mosaic floors. Additionally, visitors can explore the National Archaeological Museum, which houses a rich collection of Roman artifacts.
Muggia
A charming seaside town just south of Trieste, Muggia beckons with its colorful houses, narrow streets, and a picturesque harbor. The town's medieval old town and the scenic promenade make for a delightful day excursion.
Škocjan Caves (Slovenia)
Discover a spectacular underground world at this UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, just a few kilometers from Trieste. The Škocjan Caves are considered one of the most important cave systems in the world and house a vast underground river system. Visitors can look forward to an impressive tour through gigantic dripstone formations and one of the largest underground canyons in Europe. The immense dimensions, the roaring waters of the Reka, and crossing the famous Cerkvenik Bridge over the riverbed leave no visitor unmoved.
The caves are not only known for their natural beauty but also for their significant archaeological findings indicating a long history of human settlement. Information on prices, opening hours, and a map is available on the Škocjan Caves Park website.
Hiking along the trails of the Carso Plateau
The Karst or Carso Plateau surrounding Trieste is a haven for hikers with its scenic trails winding through vineyards, quaint stone villages, and breathtaking landscapes. Stretching from Italy to Croatia, the Trieste Karst region is rich in limestone and dotted with dramatic caves and deep sinkholes that mystically absorb water. Among the most notable are the Grotta Gigante, the Škocjan Caves in Slovenia, and the Postojna Cave, also in Slovenia.
Hike Through Val Rosandra
Val Rosandra, a beautiful retreat southeast of Trieste, spans 1800 hectares and enchants with idyllic hiking trails. The valley is characterized by its spectacular karst landscape, marked by sharp limestone cliffs and diverse flora. A special natural highlight is the 30-meter-high waterfall at the beginning of the Rosandra Valley. Along the winding Rosandra River, picturesque paths lead past a historic Roman aqueduct site. For more information, visit
Discover-Trieste.
Local Specialties
What to Eat
Seafood
As a port city, seafood takes center stage in Triest. Typical dishes are:
- Baccalà (salted cod)
- Scampi alla Busara (seafood dish featuring langoustines cooked in a tomato and wine sauce)
- Sardoni (large sardines served breaded and fried).
- Brodetto di Pesce, a fish stew made with a variety of local fish, shellfish, tomatoes, and white wine.
You will also find everything from bass, tuna, clams, mussels and cuttlefish.
Slavic influence
Trieste's cuisine is also strongly influenced by its Eastern neighbours. So don't forget to try Italy's most un-italian dishes, since you won't find them anywhere else. Look out for local dishes such as
- Jota soup, a hearty red bean and sauerkraut soup
- Gnocchi de susini: enjoy the surprising flavors of plum, sugar and cinnamon. This is definitely a unique experience and highly recommended while in Trieste.
- Goulash Triestino, a variation of the traditional Hungarian goulash. It usually consists of beef stewed with onions, garlic, and paprika, served with a side of polenta
- Frico: A popular appetizer or snack made with Montasio cheese and potatoes. It is baked or fried until crispy and can be served in various forms, such as a pancake or a chip.
- Luganega sausage: A local sausage often made with pork and seasoned with garlic and pepper. It is usually grilled or pan-fried
More Specialties
Other local specialities are Prosciutto di San Daniele, which has a sweeter and more delicate flavor than other varieties. It is cured with local sea salt and matured for at least 13 months.
If you have a sweet tooth, look for Viennese influenced Strudel and Krapfen. During special occasions you will also find Presnitz. A sweet pastry filled with nuts, dried fruits, and spices.
Triests Coffee & Cafés
Before we turn to wine, we must talk about coffee. Trieste's history as a tax-free port (and the Habsburg's only maritime port) led to Trieste being one of the main coffee trade hubs during Europe's first coffee craze. Trieste is famous for having the finest café culture in Italy and Triestinos are one the biggest coffee consumers in Italy.To order your coffee, you need to know Trieste's regional names. For espresso, order a 'un nero', for macchiato an 'un capo'. If you want to enjoy your macchiato in a glass, ask for 'capo in b'. To taste a small espresso with a dollop of whipped cream, take a caffe Triestino.
Experience the unique atmosphere in one of Trieste's oldest coffeehouses:
- Caffe Tommaseo: The oldest café in Trieste (founded in 1825)
- Caffe degli Specchi (1839) has the greatest location at the Piazza Unita d'Italia. The name originates from its mirrors, which let in more natural light and allowed to save on oil lamps. -- Someone here had an economical mind!
- Caffè San Marco (1914) was destroyed by the Habsburg army only one year after its opening. It was known as a meeting place for prining fake passports for anti-Austrian patriots. Today it is one of the most beautiful cafes in Trieste,
- Caffe Pirona: James Joyce was a regular guest and he wrote his Ulysses right at one of the café's tables.
Wine and Prosecco
Prosecco: Sparkling wine made from Glera grape in. It is one of the most exported Italian white wines and is made exclusively in the regions of Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Friulano: The grape is rarely seen outside Italy and is considered as one of the signature grapes in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The Friulano wine is known for its versatility and ranging from light-bodied to complex. Exhibits apple, pear, peach, and almond aromas.
Refosco: Red grape varieties, including the popular Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, producing wines ranging from light and fruity to robust. Deep red color, rich in tannins and acidity. Primarily from Friuli-Venezia Giulia, also found in Slovenia and Croatia
Pignolo: Red wine grape producing tannic wines. Believed to originate from the Colli Orientali of Friuli. Known for age-worthy wines with exceptional quality
Restaurants
Buffet da Pepi: The small trattoria dates back to 1897 and is famous for its traditional food, including the iconic panino con la salamella (sausage sandwich) The name Pepi S'ciavo, used until 1952, means Pepi the Slovenian and is also linked to the curious Trieste habit of giving nicknames to everyone, a tradition in use until the sixties.
Fun Facts
- Trieste was James Joyce's home for over a decade, and the city is peppered with references to his works. Take a look at the Caffe Pirona, where he wrote Ulysses!
- Both, the famous Illy coffee brand (1933) as well as Hausbrandt (1892) originated in Trieste, emphasizing the city's deep-rooted coffee culture.
- Did you know? Trieste was considered the end point of the maritime Silk Road.
- Look out for giant jellyfish at the pier!
