visit slovenia from trieste

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Your Eurail Pass is your key to a true rail travel adventure. Discover the splendid architecture, mountain vistas, and the lovely Adriatic coast of Slovenia. If you want to explore this fascinating and beautiful country by rail, there are plenty of Eurail passes to choose from. The convenience and efficiency of train travel will make it well worth your while.

Train types

Rail network.

The  national railway company of Slovenia  is called SŽ (Slovenian Railways - Slovenske železnice).

How to get there

The capital city of Ljubljana is easy reachable by direct trains from Austria (Vienna), Germany (Munich), Switzerland (Zurich), Croatia (Zagreb), Hungary (Budapest) and Serbia (Belgrade).

• Domestic trains
• International high-speed
• Night trains

Regional and intercity trains in Slovenia

Regionalni vlaki (RE)

Regional trains linking larger cities to smaller towns and villages.

2nd class carriages only.

Bicycles allowed on board upon purchase of a special bike ticket.

No reservation required.

Lokalni potniški (RE)

Local trains running on suburban commuter routes.

InterCity (IC)

Fast trains connecting major towns and cities in Slovenia.

Reservations are not required but it may be worth making one when travelling during a busy period.

InterCitySlovenija (PEN)

Tilting, fast pendolino trains providing the best comfort and rail experience in Slovenia.

Regular services between Maribor and Ljubljana.

A seat reservation is optional, but it may be worth making one when traveling during a busy period.

International trains in Slovenia

EuroCity (EC)

• Fast, modern trains connecting major cities in Slovenia with other European countries.
• The following services are available to/from Slovenia:
• Trieste –  Ljubljana  –  Maribor  – Graz – Vienna
• Zagreb –  Ljubljana  – Villach – Salzburg – Munich – Frankfurt am Main
• Fast trains connecting major cities in Slovenia with other European countries.
• Vinkovci – Zagreb –  Ljubljana  – Villach
• Ljubljana  – Graz – Budapest
• Ljubljana  – Budapest
• Ljubljana  – Rijeka
• Ljubljana  – Villach

Night trains in Slovenia

EuroNight  (EN)

•  International night train connecting Slovenia with Austria, Croatia, Germany, and Switzerland.
• Ljubljana  – Zurich
• Ljubljana  – Munich – Stuttgart

Airport city connection

Fr om the International Airport you can  take a bus to Ljubljana railway station . The journey takes about 45 minutes. Eurail passes are not valid on this connection.

Eurail aid office

For help with Eurail in Slovenia, you can go to the international ticket office at:

Ljubljana Railway Station Mon-Fri: 08.00 - 20.00 Sat, Sun and holidays: closed

See  Eurail aid offices  for details and more aid offices in Europe.

Popular connections

• Domestic Routes
• International Routes

You can travel to and from Slovenia from popular cities in the following European countries:

Reservations

How can i make reservations for trains in slovenia.

Eurail reservation self-service system

Administration costs when booking through Eurail self-service:

• € 2,- p.p.per train
• Additional € 9,- per order (for paper tickets)

With railway carriers

• ÖBB (Austrian railways) : domestic and international trains

An explanation of how each booking platform works can be found here:   How do I book my reservations

Locally at the train station

Which trains in Slovenia require reservations?

• No reservations:  Regional trains (RE) and Interregio (IR)
• Reservations highly recommended during summer season
• Compulsory:  EuroNight on all routes

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Slovenia pass.

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Tips and tricks

Pass benefits in slovenia, free bus travel.

With a Eurail pass valid in Slovenia, you get free travel on the following bus route:

Divača – Škocjan Caves 

Hotel and resort services

Eurail pass holders also get discounts on swimming pools, aqua parks, and saunas at various hotels and wellness spas.

Station facilities

Stations in Slovenia usually have excellent facilities such as:

Luggage lockers

Foreign exchange desks

Restaurants and cafés

Tourist information offices

ATM cash machines

Elevators and escalators

Access for disabled passengers

Quick facts

Capital: Ljubljana

Population: 2 million

Language: Slovene

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Dialing code: +386

Slovenian hub stations

These are the major train stations in Slovenia:

• Ljubljana Central Train Station
• Maribor Train Station (Železniška postaja Maribor)
• Celje Train Station

From the International Airport you can  take a bus to Ljubljana railway station . The journey takes about 45 minutes. Eurail passes are not valid on this connection.

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Piran and Slovenia Coast Tour from Trieste, Slovenia

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Home » Tours » Slovenia » Piran and Slovenia Coast Tour from Trieste

Depart Trieste and journey to one of the oldest and most beautiful towns in Slovenia. Arrive in Piran and see the bronze statue of the famous composer and violinist Giuseppe Tartini on Tartini Square. Visit the house where he lived and admire one of his violins.

Marvel at the majestic buildings that surround the square, such as the Municipal Palace and Maritime Museum. Get panoramic views from the Church of Saint George, and stroll along the narrow streets to encounter pretty fishing nets and compact houses.

Continue along the coast to visit the seaside towns of Portorož, Izola and Koper. Hear about their main attractions and learn about the local traditions. Take in the scenic views of the natural salt pans of Sečovlje near Portorož, and sample the local food and wine at a typical village. Learn about the fishing history of Izola and more.

Want to Book at Piran and Slovenia Coast Tour from Trieste?

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Day Trip to Ljubljana

• 9.20 / 10 5 reviews | 77 travellers The excursion to Lujbliana was canceled and we did the Flavors of Istria instead, which was excellent. 10 Daniel Antonio
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the service starts
• Hotel pick up

On this day trip to Ljubljana from Trieste, Italy , we'll cross the border into Slovenia  to visit the stunning capital with its historical center and magnificent castle . 

We'll pick you up at your hotel in downtown Trieste at the established time and head towards the Slovenian border. The scenic road trip will take a bit over an hour before we reach the charming city of  Ljubljana.

This beautiful capital city is the cultural, economic, political, and administrative center of the country. Its rich history is reflected in its heritage and the contrast between medieval and baroque architecture , a fascinating mix!

We'll visit the old town of Ljubljana , where we'll admire the design of architect Jože Plečnik , who transformed a simple provincial town into a bustling capital city by remodeling the center and building bridges, squares, and parks.

On our guided tour of Ljubljana, we'll of course pass by the must-see buildings, such as the Town Hall and the Cathedral . We'll also stroll through Prešeren Square and Congress Square , and cross the Triple Bridge and the Cobblers' Bridge .  At midday , we'll take a break of about forty-five minutes so that you can have lunch on your own in a local restaurant . 

The Ljubljana Dragon , the symbol of the city who lives in the Castle Tower , is another highlight. We'll take a cable car up to the imposing fortress and visit the inside, reaching its highest points to enjoy fantastic panoramic views.

Afterwards, we'll return to Trieste, where we'll arrive six hours after pickup.

More Information

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Hotel pickup and drop off

Bus transport

English–speaking guide

Entrance to the Ljubljana Caslte

Not included

Lunch and drinks

When to book?

You can book up until 24 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

You don’t need to print any tickets or receipts for this activity. The organizer will have a list with the people who have signed up, so all you have to do is give your name.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

Kopertrips Show more

Corporate name: Vital.Care, zavod za vitalno življenje

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

A - This activity requires a minimum of 2 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

You may also be interested in.

Ljubljana & Bled Day Trip

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Trieste Tour Bus

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Valentina's Travel Guide

Where to find everything you need to plan your next vacation

How to Plan a Trip to Trieste for the First Time

Updated: Sep 9, 2023

If you plan to visit the beautiful city of Trieste , you are in the right place. In this article, I will give you all the tips & info you need to know before starting to plan your trip to Trieste, one of the most beautiful cities in Italy .

Trieste is my home town, so I know a lot about it, from when to visit Trieste to enjoy the most of it, how to move around Trieste ( the city center is walkable so no need to use any transport, but I'll give you info about them too anyway ), how to visit Trieste if you have only one day, what to see and do and where and what to eat .

After all, what is a trip without tasting all the local food? ( This is one of the main reasons I travel; is it yours too? )

Trieste is a beautiful destination spot, and its demand is growing ( maybe thanks to all my articles? Well, it's my hometown, and I obviously wish everyone would visit it ).

The question is: Do you want to know everything about how to plan a trip to Trieste? Well, that’s exactly what you will learn in this article. Make sure to read it till the end!

So, let's start planning your trip to Trieste!

Please sit back, relax, get a cup of coffee ( or a hibiscus tea, my favorite ), and let me help you plan the best trip to Trieste!

*This post contains affiliate links. I receive commissions for purchases made through those links at no extra cost to you. Please understand that I have experience with all of these companies, and I recommend them because they are helpful and valuable, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something.

Is Trieste worth visiting?

It's absolutely worth visiting Trieste in Italy, and I'm not saying it only because I grew up in Trieste.

Trieste is a beautiful city with stunning Adriatic sea views from the main square, Piazza Unita' d'Italia, from the top of the hill at San Giusto Castle, or from the long promenade called Barcola.

Trieste will surprise you with its intense Bora wind, sweeping you from your feet and making you fly like Mary Poppins ( don't worry, it doesn't blow every day ).

In Trieste, you will find delicious fresh fish and local cuisine made of Italian and Austro-Hungarian recipes.

What is Trieste Italy known for?

Trieste is a mix of cultures that create a wonderful city full of stunning buildings, hospitable locals, delicious wines, relaxed atmospheres, unmissable museums, and much more for travelers who can't wait to explore and learn everything about it.

Obviously, I am biased about Trieste because it is my hometown. But if you don't believe me, you must check out my " The most complete guide of Trieste " to see if my words are true ( they are, and you will thank me for all the info I will give you ).

If you are visiting Trieste because you will embark on a cruise starting from my beautiful city, take advantage of the opportunity to visit Trieste for at least one day.

Hi! I’m Valentina,

I help people plan the most organized trip of their life by providing all the necessary information and tips. Be part of my FREE VIP AREA to receive weekly travel discounts, itineraries, packing checklists, and more.

How many days in Trieste is enough?

Trieste city center is pretty small so if you have only one day to explore it, you can easily see the main attraction in Trieste.

If you wish to visit some museums in Trieste, like the San Giusto Castle , the beautiful Miramare Castle , the Revoltella museums with all its antiques, and the museum dedicated to the life of the famous writer James Joice , you will need at least three days in Trieste. There are many things to do in Trieste .

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Don't forget there are plenty of beautiful places to visit around Trieste, like the Giant Cave , the Collio region where to drink delicious wine, and also many other cities in Italy, like a day trip to Venice , to Slovenia's capital Ljubljana or the small fisherman's town of Piran ( also in Slovenia ).

There are plenty of stunning destinations to see during a day trip from Trieste , so before deciding how many days to spend in this incredible city, have a look at what to do in Trieste to make a list of all the places you wish to see and activities you want to do and to all the fabulous day trips from Trieste.

There are so many things to do and places to see you will stay longer than you thought.

Embaring a cruise that start in trieste?

Check out these helpful articles I wrote for you:

28 Top-rated Hotels near Trieste Cruise Port

The Ultimate Trieste Cruise Port Guide

How to Visit Trieste in One Day

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Essential things to know about visiting Trieste

Booking an accommodation in Trieste

How to get to trieste, cost of visiting trieste, how to move around trieste, drinking and eating out in trieste, shopping and souvenirs in trieste, is trieste safe, tours and activities in trieste.

Important telephone numbers

If you like this article, share it with your friends; maybe someone you know is planning to visit Trieste.

*All links in every article open on a new page, so you will stay on this page while looking around!

How to plan a trip to Trieste like a pro

Essential things about visiting Trieste

What is the time zone in trieste.

Trieste, Italy, is in the Central European Time Zone, GMT +1. Italy observes daylight-saving in summer, advancing time by 1 hour to GMT +2. The changes happen on the last Saturday of March and October.

What is the best time to visit Trieste?

Trieste can be visited in every season, it depends on what you wish to get from your vacation in Trieste. There are always plenty of things to see and do in Trieste in every season. If you want to enjoy sunny days without the crowds of tourists, April, May, and September are the perfect months.

If you want to spend some time on one of Trieste's beaches, June, July, and August are your months, but be aware that Trieste can be very hot during summer, with the highest temperature reaching 38°/100F, so not so pleasant for walking all day.

If you wish to visit Trieste on a budget, months like October, November, and March could be perfect.

I would honestly avoid visiting Trieste in December ( unless you want to see the Trieste Christmas markets ), January, and February when the Bora wind is at its peak, and it can rain or snow the whole day.

What is the language spoken in Trieste?

The main language spoken in Trieste is Italian. Most locals speak the Trieste dialect, called "Triestino." In Trieste, there is a mix of cultures with people from Greece, Austria, Slovenia, and Serbia.

Wish to learn some sentences in Italian before your trip to Italy? Check out Duolingo , the free app I use to learn a new language.

What is the currency used in Trieste?

Trieste is in Italy, so the currency used is Euro.

Is it easy to find ATMs in Trieste?

You can find ATMs very easily in Trieste. Remember that many ATMs in Italy are inside the bank, so if you need to withdraw money when the bank is closed, you will need a card with a magnetic stripe to enter the bank's ATM.

Which credit cards to use in Trieste?

Almost all credit cards are accepted in Trieste. Having a Visa or Mastercard would be better because American Express or Discover might not be accepted everywhere. Remember to ALWAYS have some cash with you when in Trieste. Not every place accepts a card payment, and many shops have a minimum spend of € 5-10.

When traveling, I always use my Revolut Card , the best pre-paid travel card to use abroad! Learn here about Revolut !

Do I need vaccinations to visit Trieste?

You do not need to get any vaccinations to visit Trieste in Italy. But if you prefer to check it out, you can always consult the Vaccination Requirements for Italy.

Do I need Travel insurance to visit Trieste?

You cannot leave home for a trip without booking a good travel insurance!

I always get my travel insurance on VisitorsCoverage for short trips up to a few weeks, while SafetyWings is the best travel insurance for longer trips.

Is there a Visa Requirement to visit Trieste, Italy?

If you come from outside Europe, you might need to apply for a Visa to visit Italy . Check on Italy Visa requirements to make sure to apply for it as soon as you book your flight ticket!

What are the Voltage and adaptors needed in Trieste?

The standard voltage used in Trieste is 220-240 volts, with most sockets using European plugs of the two round-pin varieties. If you come from outside Europe, your appliances will require a voltage converter and plug adaptor to function properly.

If you frequently travel to Europe and need to use hair styling tools, purchasing a travel hair dryer and a travel curling iron is recommended so you will always have them for your next adventures!

Is it easy to find Wifi in Trieste?

You will find free wifi in Trieste in most bars and restaurants, all hotels, and on some new buses.

If you wish to always have data with you to be able to connect with your family and friends or to post your pictures on your social media, I advise you to purchase an eSim Card for Italy , as I always do when I visit my family in Trieste.

Are there any luggage storages in Trieste?

If you arrive in Trieste too early for check-in or cannot leave your luggage at your accommodation after your check-out and want to explore the city during these free hours, you can always leave your luggage at a Luggage Storage in Trieste .

When traveling, remember to always use an anti-theft backpack ( see that one I use here ) to keep your valuables safe, a TSA-approved cable luggage lock for your luggage, and please never forget to add to all your bags luggage tags ( I just bought these ones for me and Lajos ).

Hello! I'm Valentina.

I specialize in helping people plan their trips with ease and organization. Join my FREE VIP AREA to receive exclusive weekly travel discounts, detailed itineraries, helpful packing checklists, and much more to make your next trip the best one yet!

Trieste is a very popular city so you will find accommodations for every budget. Check out my best hotels in the city center ( and near the cruise port ) to chose the right accommodation for your next adventure, to be right in the middle of the city, only a short walk from all the most famous sights, or the top rated accommodations in Trieste for every budget.

You can reach Trieste by flying to Trieste Airport, which is well-connected to many European capitals and other Italian cities ( see flight connections from your airport ).

You have multiple options for transportation from Trieste Airport to the Port of Trieste Cruise Terminal.

By taxi: One of the most convenient ways is to take a taxi or arrange a private transfer . Taxis are readily available outside the Trieste airport terminal. The journey to the cruise port costs €60 and takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

By bus: Alternatively, you can opt for a shuttle service , which provides a cost-effective and hassle-free transfer between the airport and the cruise port. These shuttle services operate regularly, offering comfortable transportation for passengers with luggage to Trieste Autostazione ( bus station ) or Trieste Cruise Port.

By train: A train stops at Trieste Airport thrice per hour and will take you to Trieste Centrale Train Station. See train schedules from Trieste Airport to Trieste Centrale here .

You are in luck, like always, and in my Trieste Cruise Port Guide , I have a complete guide on how to reach the Trieste city center from every airport in the region and even from Treviso and Venice Airports.

Read it now or bookmark it for later!

I hope you will always have a safe flight and never have to experience a flight delay, but in case it happens, Airhelp and Compensair are the websites I used when I had a flight delay and asked for some compensation.

Check them out!

Is Trieste expensive to visit?

Trieste is becoming a very popular Italian destination, but you can visit it with any budget, thanks to the info and tips I provide in my Trieste Travel Guide .

There are plenty of hotels for every type of traveler, from hostels where to meet other young travelers, budget hotels with breakfast included right in Trieste's old town, some gorgeous Boutique Hotels to visit the city in style, and some pretty new luxury hotels to have the vacation of your dreams.

Looking for the perfect hotel in Trieste?

I can help you with that, see the best hotels in Trieste city center for every budget!

Is Trieste Italy walkable?

Trieste city center is pretty small so you can easily visit it just by walking around. Only to reach San Giusto Castle you will have to walk up a hill, but you can always catch the bus 24.

Visit Trieste by bus:

Trieste has a dense bus network that is well-connected in every ward. See Trieste bus tickets prices .

If you prefer to move by bus around Trieste, remember you can pay for your ticket on the bus with a debit/credit card and see bus routes on your Google Maps.

If you want to explore the area around Trieste, renting a car to move freely is the best solution.

Hire a Taxi in Trieste:

Trieste taxis have a metered kilometer rate. The first click of the taximeter device is valid for the first 83.3 meters: € 3.50

For each subsequent 83.3 meters: € 0.10. It is pretty affordable, and in case you cannot find one straight away, call them at Trieste Radio Taxi (0039-30-77-30), and someone will come to pick you up, or they will tell you where to find the closest one.

If you don't speak Italian and prefer an app, download Radio Taxi Trieste .

Travel Tip: Do you see those two letters on the taxi's back window? ( see picture above ). AP means this taxi accepts card payments.

Move outside Trieste by Ferry:

There is a lovely way to visit the charming sea village of Muggia or get to Barcola, Grignano, and Sistiana for a swim or just a walk along the waterfront.

You can catch the Delfino Verde ferry on the left side of the Stazione Marittima (Molo dei Bersaglieri 3, 34123 Trieste) check out time schedule and prices here.

If you like my content, remember that I covered many destinations worldwide, and I keep adding more content weekly. So, let's keep in touch. SUBSCRIBE TO MY FREE VIP AREA to receive weekly updates about new destinations. Let's become friends!

What food is Trieste famous for?

One of the most famous dishes in Trieste is the soup Jota, made with sauer krauts, potatoes, beans, and pork meat, and it is Lajos's favorite I make it for him every winter.

Trieste offers many local dishes, from Austro-Hungarian to classic Italian dishes to delicious fresh fish that local chefs prepare dayly in the local restaurants.

There are also many local cakes you will love to taste, like the Pinza, Presnitz, Putizza, and much more. Read all the local food you have to try in Trieste !

Are tap water and food safe in Trieste?

Drinking water in Trieste from taps is safe, mainly because the water comes from the Alps and is very pure and tasty. You can bring your reusable water bottle and refill it at any fountains you can find around the city.

Honestly, Trieste has so much delicious food to offer that the only problem you will have is that your stomach needs to be bigger to eat everything you wish.

Food and drinks prices in Trieste:

Prices may vary from bar to restaurant also from where the place is located if near a famous, and tourist spot or a bit further, but these are the approximate prices for the most common foods and drinks in Trieste:

In Trieste supermarkets:

Bottle 1.5 L water: around 0.40-0.50 Euro

Beer 0.33 L: approximately 1.50 Euro

Bottle of Wine: 5-10 Euro

In a Trieste Bar:

Coffee-latte: 1.50 Euro

A glass of 0.5 L Beer: around 1.50-2.00 Euro

A bottle of wine: 12-20 Euro

Coke in a can: Around 2.00-2.50 Euro

A glass of wine: Around 3.50-6.00 Euro

At a Restaurant in Trieste:

Restaurant on a budget per person: Around € 15

Restaurant medium-range per person: Around € 30-40

Fine dining Restaurant per person: From € 80

There are many food activities to enjoy in Trieste, from cooking classes , to local Aperitivo to wine tastings tours , there is something for everyone to enjoy the Italian food like every travelers wish to do when visiting Italy.

Tipping guide in Trieste:

A gratuity of 10-20% in Italian restaurants is often added to the bill, so check that you still need to pay the tip before you add more to your payment.

If not, a 10-15% tip is encouraged, mostly in tourist places. The tip should reflect the customer service you received, so it is up to you to decide how much to give.

Hey Traveler!

If you enjoy this article and find it helpful, can you do me a quick favor and share it on your socials? I’d love to know that you are enjoying my content and that this is helping you!

Thank you from your super-organized travel blogger!

If you love shopping, Trieste will surprise you with many shops of the best Italian clothes, shoes and anything else you might want to buy.

The most famous shopping streets in Trieste are Corso Italia, via Mazzini, via San Nicolò, via Roma, via Carducci, and via Battisti.

There are many things to buy in Trieste as a souvenir for yourself or a gift for your family and friends. Read my what to buy in Trieste article to learn everything about the best handmade items and local food to purchase in Trieste.

Is Trieste safe for a solo woman traveler?

Trieste is pretty safe during the day with tourists and locals around the streets; the only thing you must worry about are pickpockets that, unfortunately, can be present in every tourist city.

So I advise having with you an antitheft purse or an antitheft backpack . Prudence is never enough when you are far from home, even in the safest place in the world.​

Overnight I advise a solo woman traveler to keep her guard up at all times because bad things can happen anywhere, anytime, to anybody, so please take safety first.

During my solo travels, I always contacted local ladies through travel Facebook groups, and I have been lucky to meet people who took me around and showed me their city, so I felt pretty safe being out late in the evening because I wasn't alone.

In Trieste, there is a wide range of activities to choose from. You can take a walking tour of the city center , to explore its rich history and architecture.

If you're a wine lover, you can also book a wine-tasting tour in Trieste or discover the flavors of the Collio region . To taste the local cuisine, you can have an aperitivo with a local and try the delicious delicacies and wines.

If you prefer a more personalized experience, you can opt for a private guided tour of the city . Additionally, guided day trips are available to nearby destinations that are just a few hours away, allowing you to explore even more wonderful places.

Important telephone numbers in Trieste

European Emergency Number 112 ( they will direct you to the number you need )

General Emergency 113

Police ( polizia )

Financial Police ( guardia di finanza ) 117

Medical Emergency ( emergenza medica ) 118

Fire Brigade ( vigili del fuoco ) 115

Forest Fire Brigade ( guardia forestale ) 1515

Coast Guard ( guardian costiera ) 1530

Road Assistance ( soccorso stradale ) 803116 from an Italian phone and 800 116 800 from a foreign mobile.

Before you go...

If you're planning a trip to Trieste, it's important to plan ahead and book everything in advance to ensure you have the best experience.

Trieste is becoming increasingly popular among both Italians and foreigners, and this makes me very proud of my beautiful hometown, but it's best to secure your accommodations, activities, and transportation early to avoid any sold-out situations ( being a super-organized traveler means plan as much as possible in advance ).

By following my tips and gathering all the necessary information I wrote in this article, you'll be well-prepared for your trip to Trieste.

Don't forget to read my other articles about Trieste:

The complete Trieste travel guide

Where to eat local in Trieste

What are the local dishes in Trieste

Best accommodations in the heart of Trieste

What are the top-rated hotels in Trieste for every budget

Best tours and activities to do in Trieste

Best gifts and souvenirs from Trieste

Unmissable day trips only 2 hours from Trieste

The complete Trieste cruise port guide

How to spend one dy in Trieste

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17 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Trieste

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 23, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The first thing you notice about Trieste may be how little it looks like Italy. There's a good reason: from 1382 until 1919 it was part of Austria.

You'll notice bits of all this history in Trieste's colorful mix of people, languages, cuisines, attractions, and architecture, and other attractions, and it is the last of these that will strike you first. Grand buildings in traditional Habsburg style that would be at home in Vienna stand between those in Neoclassical, Baroque, Art Nouveau, and other styles, punctuated by a few remains of the Roman city of Tergeste.

All these arrange themselves in a near-perfect setting of broad streets and squares facing the Adriatic. At the heart of this is the Canale Grande , a wide basin that extends into the city and reflects the colors of elegant buildings that line its banks. The most important places to visit are in this busy central area. As you explore Trieste, be sure to stop and enjoy its lively café scene.

Plan your days of sightseeing in and around the city with our list of top attractions and things to do in Trieste.

See also: Where to Stay in Trieste

1. Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia

2. castello di miramare, 3. castello di san giusto, 4. museum riseria di san sabba, 5. museo revoltella, 6. stroll along the molo audace and harbor, 7. cattedrale di san giusto, 8. canale grande and san spiridione, 9. savor trieste's coffee culture, 10. take a day trip to lake bled and ljubljana, 11. teatro romano (roman theater), 12. see the panorama from faro della vittoria, 13. explore the grotta gigante, 14. take a day trip to predjama castle and postojna cave, 15. museo civico di storia naturale (museum of natural history), 16. museo del mare (maritime museum), 17. explore gorizia on a day trip, where to stay in trieste for sightseeing.

The largest square in the older part of Trieste is the Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia, facing onto the harbor. On its north side is the Palazzo del Governo (1904), on the south side, the massive 1882 palazzo of Lloyd Triestino, a shipping line founded in 1836 as the Austrian Lloyd company.

On the east side, the 1876 Palazzo del Municipio (City Hall) completes the square in late 19th-century harmony. Northeast of the Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia, the Teatro Verdi faces the water. For good views of the town and harbor, cross to the Molo Audace , the pier opposite the theater.

For more information on the best places to visit, stop in the Trieste tourism information office, located in the piazza.

This white fairy-tale palace was built for Archduke Maximilian of Austria and his wife Charlotte of Belgium in 1855-60, before they went off to become (briefly) emperor and empress of Mexico. It stands above the sea, with views artfully framed by almost every window in its sumptuously decorated and furnished rooms.

Along with the interior, tour the terraced gardens in the park for even more magnificent views over the Adriatic. The 54-acre grounds, designed by the archduke himself and now protected as the Parco Marino di Miramare , are filled with tropical and exotic trees and plants.

Address: Viale Miramare, Trieste

Crowning San Giusto Hill is the castle, built by the Habsburgs in the 15th to 17th centuries to enlarge a medieval Venetian fortress that replaced earlier Roman fortifications. Enter the castle over a wooden drawbridge across a narrow moat to explore its vaulted halls and climb to its ramparts.

The views are panoramic, covering the city, the Gulf of Trieste, and the surrounding hills. Inside the castle are displays of weapons from medieval times to the 19th-century, as well as furniture and tapestries; the Lapidario Tergestino contains 130 Roman stone finds from the city, including statues from the amphitheater.

Halfway up Castle Hill, at Piazza San Silvestro, stop to admire the Baroque interior of the 17th-century Jesuit church of Santa Maria Maggiore .

Address: Piazza della Cattedrale 3, Trieste

Touching, often heartbreaking mementos and documentation that recall the horrors of the Nazi occupation of Trieste fill this former rice processing factory that became a concentration camp during World War II.

Here, the Nazi police carried out their systematic killing of partisans, political prisoners, and Jews, as well as processing other detainees before deportation to concentration camps in the Reich. Property confiscated from Jewish families in Italy, Croatia, and Slovenia was stored here, as well.

Visitors interested in World War II history might also want to look into the tours of the underground shelters built by the Germans to protect the German governor and army and select civilians from bombing raids in the latter days of the war. Known as Kleine Berlin (Little Berlin), this network of shelters is not a museum, but tours are conducted once a month by volunteers. Consult the tourist office for information.

Address: Via Giovanni Palatucci, 5, 34148 Trieste

At the corner of the Piazza Venezia, the Museo Revoltella is one of Italy's major museums of modern art, with more than a thousand paintings and 800 sculptures, as well as prints and drawings. Its six floors and 40 rooms cover all the major movements from the mid-1800s through to the modernists.

The collections include works by nearly all the most significant names in 20th-century Italian art: Carlo Carrà, Giorgio Morandi, Lucio Fontana, and Mario Sironi among them - and it is fitting that the renovation of the adjacent Brunner Palace, completed in 1991, was designed by the preeminent Italian architect Carlo Scarpa. There is a beautiful view of the harbor from the museum's terrace.

Address: Via Armando Diaz, 27, 34123 Trieste TS, Italy

Trieste spreads around and above its harbor like a giant amphitheater with the Adriatic as its stage. Wide boulevards run along its perimeter connecting the four piers and long breakwater of the old port of Punta Franco Vecchio on the north with the Campo Marzio station and the Punto Franco Nuovo (New Free Port) and large shipyards to the south.

Along the harbor are a succession of large squares and the Canale Grande . Tourists join locals to catch the breeze and watch the sunset from the long Molo Audace , a pier that extends more than 250 meters into the Adriatic. There are beautiful views of the city from here, too.

Several tourist attractions are along the harbor, including an aquarium, railway museum, and the maritime museum. The harbor is always your best landmark if you lose your way.

The cathedral of San Giusto was formed in the 14th century by combining two churches from the 6th and 11th centuries. On the right was the church of San Giusto and on the left, Santa Maria; their side aisles were combined to make the cathedral's central aisle (the nave).

Along with the two churches, bits of Roman stonework were recycled into the building - look for them in the doorway and the campanile. Look also for the excellent mosaic work from the 7th and 12th centuries in the altars at the end of the side aisles. To fully appreciate them, you can activate the lights for a '1 coin.

In the cathedral are the tombs of eight House of Bourbon claimants to the Spanish throne, who were promoted by the Carlist movement. You may hear another note of European history ring out here, as the cathedral bell was cast in 1829 from a cannon left by Napoleon.

His troops had fired cannon balls at the cathedral, some of which you can still see imbedded high on the façade. Outside are the remains of the second-century Roman forum and a first-century temple.

Address: Piazza Cattedrale 2, Trieste

North of Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia is the Canale Grande (1756), a long harbor formerly used by sailing ships, and now filled with small boats. Cafés line the wide walkways at either side, and behind them stand beautifully maintained buildings.

Relax or stroll here at any time of day, but be sure to return in the evening, when the lights and reflections shimmer on the water. The area was a favorite of James Joyce, who lived in Trieste from 1904 to 1915. He is commemorated by a statue on one of the bridges across the Canale Grande.

The canal was once longer, but the upper end was filled in to create Piazza Sant'Antonio. Above the square stands Trieste's largest church, the Neoclassical Sant'Antonio, built in 1849. To the right is the Serbian Orthodox church of San Spiridione , built in 1868 and reminiscent of Byzantine-style Eastern churches.

Along with frescoes and paintings, the church contains four outstanding early 19th-century Russian icons in the iconostasis, covered in gold and silver. The large silver candelabrum in front of the iconostasis was a gift of a Romanov Grand Duke.

Trieste's position as the main port for trade with the East also made it the Mediterranean's main coffee port, a position it still holds today. One of Italy's biggest coffee brands is based here, and coffee is a way of life.

Trieste is considered Italy's coffee capital , and its café scene rivals that of even Vienna. All along the seafront and in almost every piazza, café tables spill out into the street, and they seem to be perpetually full. Unlike other Italian cities, where coffee is usually downed at a bar, in Trieste it's all about sitting down and savoring it.

Cafés are the center of social life. Become a part of the local scene by spending time in one — or several — of these. And go inside, even if the weather is beautiful outside. The cafés are elegantly decorated bastions of leisurely living, and worthy of a place on your sightseeing agenda.

Sink into a red leather chair at Caffè degli Specchi, overlooking Piazza Unità d'Italia since the early 1800s, or the nearby and equally historic Caffè Tommaseo . Order a caffelatte , the Trieste term for a cappuccino, and enjoy some people watching.

One of the most idyllic spots in neighboring Slovenia, Lake Bled, is only about 100 kilometers from Trieste. The beautiful, clear glacial lake sits under a background of a mountain range, with a pretty village along its wooded shore and a postcard-perfect island set in its center.

The island rises to a beautiful spired Gothic church. Swans swim in the lake, and walking paths lead along its shore from the village, where the 12th-century Bled Castle perches atop a steep 130-meter cliff above the lake.

Although you can get here by bus via the capital city of Ljubljana , itself worthy of a visit for its unique architectural heritage, the easiest way is to combine the two attractions on the seven-hour Lake Bled and Ljubljana Tour from Trieste . After a pickup from your hotel or the harbor and a ride through the Slovenian countryside, you'll explore Ljubljana on a guided walking tour, seeing Ljubljana Cathedral, Prešeren Square , the Town Hall, Triple Bridge, Shoemakers' Bridge, and other landmarks. From here, you'll travel to Lake Bled, where there's plenty of time to walk along the shore and explore the village.

Leave the "modern" elegance of Trieste's waterfront and follow the broad Via del Teatro Romano southeast from Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia to the Roman theater, built in the first century AD, when the Romans were busy developing Tergeste at the orders of Emperor Octavius.

The stone theater uses the slope of the San Giusto hill as its base, and the upper steps and the stage were probably made of wood. You can see some of the statues that adorned the theater, which was brought to light in the 1930s, in the Castello San Giusto .

Several other tourist attractions are on this hill, which is the old city of Trieste, with narrow winding streets and venerable buildings, quite a contrast to the Austrian-Hungarian part of the city below. It's a nice place to stroll, and if you're wondering where to eat in Trieste, you'll find a number of restaurants and cafes here.

Both a monument and a working lighthouse, Faro della Vittoria was built after World War I, commemorating those who had died at sea during the war, and celebrating Trieste's joining the Kingdom of Italy following its long occupation by the Austrian Empire.

The location, too, has symbolic significance, as the lighthouse stands on the foundations of an important former Austrian fort. Atop the lighthouse, a seven-meter-tall statue of the Winged Victory holds a raised torch in one hand, a laurel branch in the other.

Below, standing against the base of the tower is an 8.6-meter statue representing an unknown Seaman, also created by sculptor Giovanni Meyer. Below the statue is the anchor of the destroyer Audace, commemorating the historic entry of the first Italian ship in Trieste.

The lighthouse is often open to visitors, who are treated to panoramic views of the harbor, the city, and the Adriatic Coast.

Address: Str. del Friuli 141, Trieste

The 50-minute guided tour of this karst cave, about 20 kilometers from the city center, cannot possibly show you all of it. But you'll be impressed as you stand inside the main underground chamber, which is 98 meters high, 76 meters wide, and 167 meters long.

This and other galleries you'll see are studded with stalactites and stalagmites in all sorts of colors and convoluted shapes. Until 2010, the Guinness Book of Records listed Grotta Gigante as the largest cave in the world that's open for tourists, but the record was broken with the opening of La Verna cave in southwest France.

Bring a jacket, as the temperature inside never goes above 55 degrees.

Location: Borgo Grotta Gigante 42, Sgonico, Trieste

Only a few minutes apart, and 48 kilometers from the city center in neighboring Slovenia, the 800-year-old Predjama Castle and Postojna Cave are among the most popular places to visit near Trieste.

Close to the pretty little village of Predjama, the castle is an amazing sight, built high on a vertical 123-meter-high cliff, set right into the mouth of a giant cave. So good a defensive position was this that it withstood a siege of more than a year, thanks to an underground water source and supply tunnels inside the network of caves.

Part of the same karst cave system, the nearby Postojna Cave is one of the world's largest karst caverns and the only one of its size that can be toured on an electric train. The tour takes you on a route through a web of tunnels, passages, and fantastic galleries filled with a variety of diverse features and amazing colors.

A convenient way to see both these attractions is on the five-hour Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle from Trieste tour , which includes guided visits and entrance fees to both these attractions and pickup from your Trieste hotel.

The prize of this excellent museum has to be the fossil of a 3.6-meter-long hadrosaurus found near Trieste, almost entirely intact and anatomically connected. Its other paleontology exhibits are worthwhile, and there is a section on the evolution of hominids (humans and their fossil ancestors), with the skull of the Man from Mompaderno, which was found in Istria in the late 1800s. Along with the fossils themselves are casts of important fossil hominids, including the famous "Lucy."

The zoological exhibits show mammals from all over the world, as well as fresh and saltwater fish, corals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. There is a good mineral collection and a large exhibit on local plants and those from elsewhere in Italy and the Adriatic.

Address: Via dei Tominz 4, Trieste

Ship models, many of them works of art in themselves, make up much of the collection in the Museo del Mare , which focuses on the sailing ships of the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian Sea, as well as fishing craft through the ages. Along with beautifully crafted models of sailing ships are intricately detailed models of some of the most prestigious cruise liners in history, commissioned to convince shipping companies to invest.

The exhibits are not all models. There is one of only two known examples in the world of the "zopolo," an ancient dugout canoe used in the Mediterranean, and made by hollowing out a single log. A highlight is the collection of ancient nautical instruments, showing ancient cross-staffs, and the original wireless key used by Guglielmo Marconi.

Even rowing gets a nod, with the boat that delivered the first Olympic gold in the sport.

Address: Via Campo Marzio 5, Trieste

The old town of Gorizia was part of Austria until 1918 and was largely destroyed in the First World War. In 1947, the eastern suburbs were transferred to what was then Yugoslavia, and are now part of Slovenia, known as Nova Gorica. At the foot of the castle hill is the triangular Piazza della Vittoria , with the 17th-century Jesuit church of Sant'Ignazio.

South of this is the Gorizia Cathedral, whose origins are 14th century, but which was completely rebuilt in 1927. Notice especially, the angels on the ceiling of St. Acathius' Chapel, painted in the mid-15th or early 16th century. The cathedral treasury contains gold and silver works of the 12th to 14th centuries.

Address: Piazza del Duomo, Gorizia

We recommend these highly rated hotels in Trieste close to the city's top sites:

• Starhotels Savoia Excelsior Palace : The grand luxury hotel has bay views from its spacious and elegantly decorated guest rooms. These have marble bathrooms, and the fitness center has a sauna and offers spa services.
• NH Trieste : With mid-range pricing and a great location, the hotel has a modern décor and helpful front desk staff. Breakfast is included in the rate.
• Hotel Residence L'Albero Nascosto : The 3-star boutique hotel is furnished with antiques and serves excellent espresso.
• Nuovo Albergo Centro : This owner-run budget hotel has a bright décor and comfortable beds. Guests can choose between rooms with private or shared baths.

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Places to Visit near Trieste: This far eastern corner of Italy, known as the Friuli-Venezia Giulia, is still one of Italy's secrets, stretching northeast from Venice through scenic foothills into the ski resorts of the Dolomite Alps . Even closer to Trieste, heading south through a narrow strip of Slovenia are the Adriatic beaches and historic cities of Croatia .

In and around Venice: Trieste is only a two-hour train ride from Venice, where you could spend days exploring St. Mark's Basilica , the palaces along the Grand Canal or gliding through Venice on a gondola. After exploring the attractions in Venice , you'll find plenty of nearby adventures in our list of top day trips from Venice .

Italian Vacation Ideas: Visitors who enjoyed exploring the lovely seaside gardens at Miramare can find other beautiful gardens in Italy , and if thoughts of Adriatic beaches appeal, refer to our list of Italy's best beach resorts . For insider advice on seeing the top attractions in Italy , whether traveling by train, bus, or car (even by boat), see Plan Your Trip to Italy: Top Itineraries.

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Tumbling down to the Adriatic from a wild, karstic plateau and almost entirely surrounded by Slovenia, Trieste is physically and psychologically isolated from the rest of the Italian peninsula. As such, it preserves its own unique border-town culture and retains a fascinating air of fluidity encapsulated in the Triestini dialect, a strange melange of Italian, Austrian-German, Croatian and Greek.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Museo Revoltella

This extraordinary house-museum was the home of wealthy Triestini merchant Pasquale Revoltella, who made his fortune in the timber industry and had a hand…

Chiesa di Santo Spiridione

Constructed from pearly white Istrian stone in 1868, the Serbian Orthodox church has a typical Byzantine style, its large central dome flanked by four…

Faro della Vittoria

Trieste’s elegant lighthouse, with its 68m-high, fluted tower and copper dome sporting a soaring Winged Victory, is perched on the Gretta Hill and worth a…

Risiera di San Sabba

This former rice-husking plant became a concentration camp in 1943 and has been a national monument and museum since the 1960s. The site commemorates the…

Borgo Teresiano

Much of the graceful city-centre area north of Corso Italia dates to the 18th-century reign of Empress Maria Theresa, including the photogenic Canal…

Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia

This vast public space – Italy's largest sea-facing piazza – is an elegant triumph of Austro-Hungarian town planning and contemporary civil pride…

This imposing and richly decorated neoclassical synagogue, built in 1912, is testament to Trieste's once significant Jewish community. Heavily damaged…

Civico Museo Sartorio

This elegant urban villa set in a large garden belonged to the haute bourgeoisie Sartorio family, who amassed a huge collection of art, ceramics and…

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Oct 21, 2019 • 6 min read

Italy's northeastern outpost Trieste is finally on the map, and in 2020 will be Europe’s Capital of Science. Find out why now is the time to visit Trieste.

Oct 14, 2015 • 5 min read

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Slovenia & the Gulf of Trieste

Fully Guided

Flights & Transfers

• Explore Eastern Europe on this 7-night holiday to Slovenia & the Gulf of Trieste.
• Stay in Portoroz, a resort town on Slovenia’s coast known for its luxurious spas.
• Learn the history of Slovenia on a guided walking tour of the country’s capital, Ljubljana.
• Discover Slovenia’s most famous attraction, the stunning glacial Lake Bled 
• Take in the beautiful Adriatic Sea by boat, on a half day guided excursion from Portorož to Izola.
• Venture into Italy on a day trip to the incredible seaside Miramare Castle & the medieval town of Trieste.
• Explore the spectacular Postojna caves and enjoy a visit to Predjama Castle
• Relax & unwind with plenty of free time in Portorož with recommendations from your expert guide

Book Your Trip From € 1798 pp

Book your trip from € 1399 pp, from € 1798pp from € 1399pp, add to wishlist, remove from wishlist, view hotels, your guided group holiday to slovenia & trieste .

Discover the astounding natural beauty and culture wealth of Slovenia with us on this 7-night holiday. From stunning coastal views, to charming cities and inspiring architecture, this Eastern European gem will take you by surprise. On this guided package holiday, we’ll discover Slovenia’s most famous and stunning sight – Lake Bled, enjoy a panoramic boat trip on the Slovenian coastline from Portorož to Izola, and take in the impressive historic buildings of Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital. We’ll also venture into neighbouring Italy and enjoy a full day excursion to the city of Trieste. Based halfway between Piran and Portorož, charming resort towns on Slovenia’s coast, you’ll also have plenty of leisure time to explore the nearby towns, take a stroll along the beach or visit one of the many spas that use mud and brine from the nearby traditional salt pans.

Trip Itinerary

Activity Level: Moderate

Travel to slovenia, travel to lucija-portoroz.

Fly to Venice airport in the morning, where you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in Lucija-Portoroz, a resort town on Slovenia's coast.

Boat Trip from Portoroz to Izola

After breakfast you will meet your guide who will accompany you on a half day's panoramic boat trip from Portoroz to Izola. Depart Portoroz port towards the picturesque coastal town of Piran, tucked between the sea and its impressive town walls. Continue along the peninsula of Piran and enjoy a spectacular view of the high cliffs of Strunjan Natural Park and the charming towns scattered along its coast. Marvel at the amazing backdrop of the Italian coastline as you reach Izola, an ancient fishing town. Take in Izola's white-washed bell towers, exclusive marina and fertile vineyards in the distance as you return to Portoroz. (Note that in the rare occurrence of unsuitable weather, this excursion may be re-scheduled to a different day).

Free Time at Leisure

The afternoon can be spent at your leisure. Your guide would be delighted to recommend some other hidden gems for you to discover.

Miramare Castle & Trieste

Full day excursion to italy.

After breakfast today you will set off for a full day excursion to the neighbouring country of Italy. After crossing the border, you will travel towards the city of Trieste, well known for its numerous cultural and historical monuments, palaces and churches. Start your tour at the beautiful Miramare Castle, a 19th century castle located on the Gulf of Trieste. Surrounded by a flourishing park, it offers a spectacular panoramic view from a cliff high above the sea.

We’ll continue to Trieste for a guided walking tour of its historic centre, where we’ll discover many wonders the city has to offer, such as a picturesque piazzas, sumptuous palazzo-museums, classic coffeehouses and delicious seafood restaurants.

Postojna Caves & Predjama Castle

Explore postojna caves & visit to predjama castle.

After breakfast, embark on a morning guided excursion to the Postojna Caves to admire the spectacular 24km underground system of passages, tunnels, halls, and karst features. While there, enjoy a one-of-a-kind train ride on the unique cave railway, view the blackened entrance which was damaged by fire during World War II and the impressive Congress Hall, which is now used as a concert venue. From here, we will head to Predjama Castle (entrance included), a storybook castle wedged beneath a dramatic stone archway and against a cliff. Admire the unique Renaissance architecture of the castle located in south-central Slovenia, in the historical region of Inner Carniola

Lake Bled & Ljubljana

Discover lake bled.

This morning, come with us to Lake Bled for a guided tour including a boat trip to Bled Island, which lies in the centre of the lake's glacial blue waters. The small island is home to St. Mary's church (entrance included) with it's famous wishing bell, a small museum and the historic South Staircase, a set of 99 steps built in 1655.  

Walking tour of Ljubljana

We’ll continue to Ljubljana where we will enjoy a guided walking tour of the city's highlights, including the leafy banks of the Ljubljanica River. Afterwards, you will have free time to further explore the city at your own pace or relax with a coffee along the river. Your local guide will be happy to offer suggestions of activities that suit your interests. There will be free time for lunch in Ljubljana. 

At Leisure Days 6 & 7

Explore portoroz at your own pace.

Enjoy two free days to relax at your hotel and explore your enchanting surroundings at your own pace. Why not try therapeutic treatments based on the mud and brine from the nearby Secovlje Salina salt pans for further relaxation?

Return Home

Depart slovenia.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and depart for Venice airport for your flight home.

Customer Reviews

Hotels available.

Portoroz   Slovenia

Grand Hotel Portoroz

This seafront hotel in Portoroz offers comfortable and well - equipped rooms for your stay. Among many attractions at the property are an extensive wellness complex with indoor pools and a café servi…

Hotel Histrion

This hotel lies on Slovenia’s Adriatic Coast between the historic towns of Portoroz and Piran, both easily reached on foot along the seafront promenade. Among many attractions at the property are a s…

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Will i be met at the airport.

You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.

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Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements

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We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.

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18 Things to Know Before You Go to Trieste

Sep 27 2016.

Embrace the melancholy, the buffet, and a new coffee language: how to travel well in Italy’s polyglot port state.

Don’t expect to (only) speak Italian. Trieste, right on Italy’s border with Slovenia, has changed hands several times in its 2,000-year history. It’s been an Austrian Habsburg port, the site of a Napoleonic occupation, and even, briefly, an independent city-state. Both Slovene and Italian are widely spoken, and in Karst villages outside Trieste, you may find native Slovene speakers. But triestinà —the city’s wildly inventive cosmopolitan dialect, influenced by the city’s many conquerors—is a language in itself. Here, you don’t “ accendere una sigaretta ,” as in traditional Italian, but “ impizar un’ spagnoletto .” As a half-Italian, half-American with an astoundingly confused cultural background, I find that Trieste’s gleeful polyphony feels like home. I first came to Trieste in 2010 for a travel story, then to cover the Triestine independence movement then, increasingly, almost by accident, because wherever I was going in Central Europe or Northern Italy, it seemed that Trieste—a bus or train ride away from so many other capitals—kept calling me back.

Don’t be put off by first impressions. Trieste’s historic center is almost ostentatiously grand, with snowy imperial Austrian buildings and the art nouveau borsa (stock exchange), but the area around the train station (which is also where airport buses drop off passengers) is singularly unprepossessing. Faded 19th-century houses, vertiginous traffic (there’s a dimly lit, ostensibly safe underpass) and a proliferation of discount clothing stores make the walk between Trieste’s railway station and its Old Town one of the least auspicious in Italy. (Many of the city’s cheaper hostels and B&Bs are here, and some, popular with groups of single men seeking work in the port, are seedier than others.) But 10 minutes on foot into the city center and you’re sipping cocktails on the waterfront.

Learn the coffee language. Trieste’s linguistic innovations extend to its coffee culture. The home of Illy, Trieste—with its cultural links to the stately Kaffeehäuser of the Austro-Hungarian Empire—is one of Italy’s great coffee cities. Elsewhere in the country, coffee is downed quickly at a bar counter, but here, professors and grande dames linger for hours at wood-paneled fin de siècle institutions like Caffè San Marco and Caffè Tommaseo (the latter a favorite of James Joyce). Make sure you know what you’re getting: an espresso here is a nero , a macchiato is a capo , and a cappuccino is a caffelatte . Pro tip: order your coffee “in B” to get a glass, rather than a tazzina (ceramic cup), as in, “nero in B.” Some people prefer the glass because it lets them enjoy the color of the coffee, and because, they say, drinking from the thinner rim makes the coffee taste better.

Don’t expect pizza. For visitors expecting traditional Italian fare, Trieste’s heavily Central European menu can be disappointing. While good pizza and spaghetti con pomodoro can be found here (along with plenty of less-good options), they’re generally less reliable than the city’s heartier regional specialties: sautéed sardines, puréed stockfish on toast, and local cheese and meat platters. (When in doubt, just ask for a seafood antipasto platter of “whatever’s good.”) The best Triestine meals are at self-service buffets like Da Pepi , where you can elbow your way past workers and professors alike for Central European cured meats and cheeses. Try the jota (Slovene for “soup”) with slow-simmered pork, beans, and sauerkraut.

Get used to the wind. Visit Trieste when the wind is blowing, and you’ll find people clutching the sides of buildings, desperately trying to stay upright. When the bora comes, blowing north by northeast, it comes savagely: houses in Trieste and surrounding towns often have stones on the roofs to prevent tiles from being taken by the wind, and the city puts up chains or ropes to serve as railings during particularly bad storms.

Embrace sadness. There are cities in which to savor la dolce vita , but Trieste is not one of them; it’s famously melancholy. Travel writer Jan Morris memorialized it as the ultimate “nowhere-place,” writing that “melancholy is Trieste’s chief rapture. In almost everything I read about this city, by writers down the centuries, melancholy is evoked.” It may not be quite as mournful as the clichés suggest, but its grey-and-white Austrian architecture and chilling winds hardly make for a cheery experience. Its grand hotels—like the fantastically elegiac Duchi D’Aosta off Piazza dell’Unita—often feel equal parts nostalgic and mournful, like something out of a Stefan Zweig novel. (That’s a good thing.)

Have cocktails for dinner. Like its northern Italian neighbors, Venice and Milan, Trieste has a serious aperitivo culture: order a drink in the late afternoon and you’ll get a host of snacks, from a meager handful of peanuts to a full meat-and-cheese spread. The best place for an aperitivo in Trieste is quite literally on the city’s Grand Canal, where Caffé Rossini’s outdoor seating spills over onto a floating raft. Aperol Spritzes are common here, as they are in Venice, but for something quintessentially Triestine, try the hugo (pronounced “ugo”): a blend of elderflower, prosecco, lime, soda, and mint.

Don’t confuse your independence groups. Like many cities on the Istrian peninsula , Trieste has had its fair share of independence movements . Two of them—rival groups Free Territory of Trieste and Trieste Libera—are currently active, with competing flags and banners lining the city center. Both argue that the city, which was briefly granted Free Territory status after the Second World War before being returned to Italy in 1954, is under unlawful Italian occupation and envision this polyglot, culturally diverse port state as an autonomous city-state along the lines of an Adriatic Singapore—although of the two, Free Territory of Trieste is more focused on reclaiming the Croatian and Slovene parts of the former independent city-state.

Get out of the city center. Trieste is a relatively large, walkable city, but some of the most extraordinary sights in the region are a bus ride away. To the north, the town of Duino, a 20-minute bus journey from Trieste Centrale station, has one of the region’s most beautiful rock beaches, as well as the start of the cliffside Rainer Maria Rilke path, which inspired the poet’s “Duino Elegies.” Inland, the village of Aquileia—now a UNESCO World Heritage site—was once one of the largest cities in ancient Rome, and houses a fifth-century basilica and 10th-century Gothic cathedral.

Know your castles. Trieste may not have the museums of a Florence or a Rome, but what it lacks in pinocotecas it makes up for in palaces. North of Trieste, the cream-colored Miramare Castle was once home to Maximilian, the ill-fated brother of Kaiser Franz-Joseph, the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s last real leader. (Maximilian was executed after a botched attempt to establish the Habsburg dynasty in Mexico.) The seaside complex is now a museum. Further north, there’s the less-visited but no less stunning Duino Castle. Unlike Miramare, part of Duino is still inhabited, and the principessa is a local fixture in village life.

Beware the sightseeing schedule. Monday is closing day for most museums in Italy, but Trieste and its environs operate on their own idiosyncratic timetables. The Revoltella Museum—known for its 19th-century fine arts collection—and the seaside Duino Castle, for example, are open every day except Tuesday. The Oriental Art Museum is closed Mondays, but only open from 1 pm all other days except Sunday, when it opens at 10 am. And the historic villa at the Sartorio Museum is closed Monday, open exclusively mornings Tuesday through Thursday, and exclusively afternoons Thursday through Sunday. (General rule: check before you go.)

Hit an Osmica . A vestige of Trieste’s Austrian past, these country farmhouse taverns—named for the eight days each year that peasants were traditionally allowed to sell their wares under old imperial decrees—are the best place to sample Slovenian Karst fare (many of Trieste’s surrounding villages are still primarily Slovene-speaking). There’s rarely a menu: just turn up and ask for a pitcher of local wine and whatever meats and cheeses are available. (Plan ahead: while Osmicas are open for more than eight days, generally only one is open in each town.)

Take the tram. Head up from Piazza Oberdan, near Trieste’s train station, to take one of Italy’s most extraordinary methods of public transport: a combination tram-funicular that links central Trieste with the village of Villa Opicina. Operational since 1902, this historic route offers some of the best views of Trieste and the surrounding sea. Get off at the Obelisco stop, right before the end, and take the panoramic three-mile Napoleon walk along the limestone Karst plateau.

Take a day trip—to another country. Trieste’s proximity to the Slovenian border (to say nothing of nearby Croatia) make it an ideal jumping-off point for international day trips. (This works in reverse, too: on weekends, Croatians and Slovenes come into Trieste to do their shopping.) Drive an hour to the Croatian hill town of Groznjan, known for its truffles, or take the daily 30-minute hydrofoil to the minute Baroque Slovenian town of Piran, where prices for gargantuan portions of seafood buzhara (stew) are about half what they are across the border.

Know your literature. Florence may be the city of visual artists, but Trieste is easily Italy’s literary capital. James Joyce lived here (there’s a statue of him, mid-stroll, on the Grand Canal), as did travel writer Sir Richard Francis Burton and Italian modernist Italo Svevo. This literary heritage is well preserved: bookstore-café San Marco, popular with university students and professors alike, runs regular salons in English and Italian.

Go swimming. While there’s no beach in Trieste proper, the stretch of road between Miramare Castle and Trieste city center doubles as a beach. Take the number six bus (towards Grignano) from Trieste Centrale train station and get off anywhere along the waterfront (about a 15-minute ride), which also features a few acres of parkland and several reasonably good seafood restaurants; the best of these is Trattoria al Pescatore at Viale Miramare 211.

Attend carnival. Everybody knows about Venice’s carnevale , but almost nobody knows about the equally striking, culturally syncretic traditions of the Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region. Mixing Slovene and Italian folk practices, the town of Muggia (15 minutes’ drive from Trieste) and its surrounding villages in the Karst highlands host wild, raucous carnival celebrations each February. Muggia’s—which dates back to 1420—is known for biting political satire and elaborate floats, while nearby, in the Slovene-speaking mountain village of Resia, inhabitants celebrate Pust, where villagers don both “beautiful” and “ugly” masks and ritually burn the Babac puppet to purge the excesses of carnival.

Watch the sun set from the Rive . Trieste is pretty enough during the day, but like many Italian cities, it’s most striking at night. Have an evening aperitivo in the elaborate, Austrian-style, waterfront Piazza Unità d’Italia at Caffé degli Specchi or Harry’s Bar at the Duchi D’Aosta Hotel, then take a stroll along the Rive —the waterfront—along with the rest of Trieste. You might pass a live open-air rock concert in front of the Verdi Theatre, or meet a few tango dancers gliding along the waterfront.

Top image by: acrogame/Adobe Stock

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Trieste in Italy and Piran in Slovenia – worth a visit?

I was on my way further south, heading towards Croatia . Between  Ljubljana  and Piran in Slovenia , there is not much worth a visit or stop. However, once I looked on the map, I saw the corner of another country. Trieste in Italy was literally (or more or less) on the way, and as I loved Italy, I had to stop there. I looked it even up to see whether Trieste is worth a visit.

All the blogs and websites I found said yes, it’s a beautiful city in Italy. Well, I would disagree… what a disappointing detour it was.

TRIESTE in Italy

I am a big fan of Italy and have done many trips to this beautiful country, while living in Munich. (Not to mention my roadtrip through Italy a year later, in March 2019 )

Crossing the boarder to Italy was exciting however as soon as approached Trieste, noticing the big size of the city, I wanted to turn around. It seemed way too big and too industrial for my liking! Even from far away. I should have known though, as I read that is was one of the biggest import/export harbour .

Anyway, I had the accommodation already paid so had to drive in. This night cost me a relative fortune with parking, food and everything else. Yes, I was new to traveling and doing a road trip, and this was my very first lesson of ‘what not to do’. (I am much more experience after two years of it). Is it even worth mentioning that the hotel host didn’t speak English, lied about the breakfast and free parking as well as the ‘ shared bathroom’ scenario… etc. It wasn’t a very good impression of my return to Italy.

I guess the only thing that saved the total disappointment was the local market in the city that had lots of amazing street food. Like EatStreet in Brisbane really.. loved the simplicity and atmosphere there. And the food was delicious!

My Trieste summary

You might like the town, personally, I wouldn’t call Trieste in Italy ‘a little hidden treasure on the coast’ as some websites say. In my opinion, and given what else Italy or Slovenia has to offer, this city is not worth a visit.  Can you tell? I hardly took any photos.

Luckily Slovenia was only a few kilometers away and the landscape changed back to beautiful coast lines, amazing Mediterranean hills and small villages . I couldn’t wait to see Piran in Slovenia. What a roadtrip so far!

Piran in Slovenia

I also read, that the small village Piran is worth a visit! Piran is a very cute and small resort town on the Slovenia’s Adriatic coast and it is known for its long coast lines and the mediavel architecture, as well as narrow streets. I liked Piran and I highly recommend it. It lifted my travel mood a bit, after my disappointing trip to Trieste in Italy.

The town of Piran is so small, that, as a tourist, you have to park your car outside the town and then walk in. Happens a lot I noticed during my future travels. I did my usual walk, had delicious breakfast and left for Croatia! Porec and Pula were first on my list.

Crossing the border is always exciting, but this time, at the border between Slovenia and Croatia I had my first proper border control, including passport check. I can’t remember last time I had that.. back in 1989 before the polish (European) borders opened? (That said, during this roadtrip I had a border check in Turkey and back in Bulgaria as well).

But for now, I can’t wait to tell you more about Croatia! You will love it!

Piran, Slovenia

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Sidewalk Safari | Part-time Travel Blog

Is trieste worth visiting 25 reasons to discover this adriatic jewel.

Getting to Trieste

Where to stay in trieste, day 1: trieste's architecture and food, 1. brilliant architecture.

2. Ornate Lampposts

3. Disturbing Edifices

4. Jaunty Sculptures

5. See Where Illy was Born in Trieste

Trieste is known for coffee culture. for over two centuries, trieste has been the main italian trading port for coffee beans. it's no surprise then that trieste is the home of illy coffee, an italian staple. check out the illy shop for a coffee or souvenir., 6. stand-up espresso at a classic cafe in trieste.

7. Trieste's World-Class Gelato

8. Italian Sweets at Pasticceria La Bomboniera

9. Hearty Northern Italian Lunches

10. Aperitivo Time in Trieste

11. A No Fuss Dinner in Trieste at Osteria Da Marino

Day 2: Trieste Museums, Piazzas and the Sea

12. chocolate-filled krapfens for breakfast, keep an eye out for krapfens in trieste. krapfens are chocolate-filled doughnuts dusted with dark chocolate powder. hotel continentale trieste served krapfens on the breakfast buffet. i'd recommend the hotel on that basis alone. , 13. cozy museums like civico museo teatrale carlo schmidl.

14. Walk in Joyce's Footsteps

15. Sun Yourself on Molo Audace Pier

16. Trieste's Seaside Square Day and Night

17. Watch the Sun Set Over the Gulf of Trieste on the Adriatic Sea

18. Dinner al Fresco

Browse the restaurants with outdoor seating options near the hotel. expect to find hearty local specialties including steak tagliata, gnocchi and pasta with shaved truffles.  for dessert, we could resist sharing a tiramisu. warning: bring your extra-loose pants to trieste, day 3: beyond trieste city, 19. take the public bus to castello di miramare.

20. Explore Trieste's Roman Past

21. Hike Up to Trieste's Cathedral

22. Stop in to the Museo del Castello di San Giusto

23. Get Lost and Embrace the Surprises

24. Climb Scala Dei Giganti

25. Buy A Bag of Italian Candy

Trieste Map of Things to Do

Did you enjoy this post about 3 days in Trieste? I hope I've been able to answer the question: Is Trieste worth visiting? If you agree, sharing is caring...

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Ten reasons to visit Trieste, Italy’s jewel of a city

Close to the border with both croatia and slovenia, trieste is a city at the crossroads of cultures.

Trieste, Italy: The church of St Antonio Thaumaturgo is situated at the northern end of the Canale Grande.

Nestled in northeastern Italy and close to the border with both Croatia and Slovenia, Trieste is a city at the crossroads of cultures, a beloved refuge for many artists, and the uncrowned capital of Italian coffee culture. Here are 10 reasons to visit it right now.

Miramare Castle: A 19th-century castle on the Gulf of Trieste, built from 1856 to 1860 for Austrian Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian and his wife, Charlotte of Belgium.

1. Miramare Castle

With fairytale looks and Adriatic blueness surrounding it, Miramare Castle in the neighbourhood of Grignano is a splendid architectural masterpiece, and one of the most beautiful jewels in Trieste's crown. It was built by Ferdinand Maximilian of the Habsburgs to be his quiet family residence far from the Viennese court. Finished in 1860, it combines the architectural features of Austrian, German and English castles. Take a tour inside to see Maximilian's bedroom designed as the ship's cabin, before meandering through the park filled with plants from all over the world. Well-preserved and almost untouched by time, Miramare Castle stands as a glorious reminder of the romantic past of Trieste. castello-miramare.it

2. Antico Caffè San Marco

Trieste is a renowned centre of coffee drinking in Italy, with 10kg of coffee consumed per person yearly, almost double the Italian average of 5.8kg. As historic as it gets, Caffè San Marco is a legendary coffee shop serving customers for over 100 years. Established in 1914, adorned by magnificent Art Nouveau frescoes, and frequented by bright literary minds including James Joyce, Italo Svevo and Umberto Saba, this cafe is more of a cultural institution than just an ordinary place to have a cuppa. Via Cesare Battisti 18, caffesanmarco.com .

3. Antica Trattoria Suban

The city's cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean seafood-based dishes with meaty central European recipes. Antica Trattoria Suban is your best choice for authentic local meals. Founded in 1895 by Giovanni Suban, this restaurant is located at the outskirts of the city, close to the border with Slovenia. It has survived two world wars, and is still run by a representative of the Suban family. While you're here, indulge in a traditional Trieste feast by sampling a cheese strudel, traditional sauerkraut and bean jota soup, and veal shin, accompanied by locally produced wine. Via Emilio Comici 2, suban.it .

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4. Joyce heritage

There's a bronze statue of a man at the picturesque Ponte Rosso bridge built over the beautiful Canale Grande. His posture is relaxed, and his eyes observe the Trieste harbour. The statue is of James Joyce, and the place where he stands is a couple of steps away from the apartment where he lived for more than 15 years, while teaching English at a local Berlitz school. Joyce has left his mark on the literary life of Trieste, and in return, the city stayed in the writer's heart. It is here that he completed Dubliners, published Chamber Music and wrote Giacomo Joyce. To learn more about his life in Trieste, visit the Museo Joyce. Via della Madonna del Mare 13, museojoycetrieste.it .

There’s no better reflection of the city’s diversity than in its array of museums. For starters, there’s an impressive Egyptian collection (one of Europe’s biggest) featuring more than 1,000 exhibits, as well as a rich Roman history section at the Civic Museum of History and Art. The Museum of the Oriental Art features magnificent objects from Japan, China and India, while the Revoltella Museum of Modern Art presents a rich selection of art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Finally, there’s a modern Museum of the War for Peace, housing the collection of Italian pacifist Diego de Hernandez.

6. Al Civicosei

With strong Austrian and Slavic food traditions, you won’t find many pizza or pasta joints in Trieste. Nevertheless, there is a place to try great Italian pizza. Hiding away on one of the quiet backstreets in the central part of town, at Al Civicosei you may well have the best pizza of your life. This restaurant serves a traditional Neapolitan-style oven-baked pizza: simple, fresh and extremely delicious. Try the cheesy La Bufala with buffalo mozzarella, and the Marta, topped with Austrian-style würstel sausages. Via del Toro 6, Al Civicosei.

7. Savoia Excelsior Palace

Being a part of the Austro-Hungarian empire, Trieste has numerous luxurious hotels in the city centre. Once a pearl of the Austrian Riviera, a maritime trade hub and a beacon for the rich and talented, Trieste has seen many beautiful hotels built on its streets throughout history. Savoia Excelsior Palace is where the Belle Époque can be felt most strongly, with its ornate interiors, riverfront position and magnificent Trieste Gulf views from the windows of beautifully furnished rooms. This hotel has been an obligatory rest stop for the international travel elite since its grand opening in 1911, and remains one of the best. Riva del Mandracchio 4, from €149 for a double, starhotelscollezione.com .

Trieste has stunning Adriatic views to offer, and the Barcola promenade is the best place to enjoy them. Swept by the intense Bora wind, this seafront walkway is a popular local outdoor spot dotted with small beaches and elegant parks, and provides the best vantage point in the city to watch the sunrise or sunset. Barcola can be easily reached by bus from the city centre; the promenade goes all the way to Miramare Castle.

9. La Bomboniera

This famous pastry shop has been serving locals and sweet-tooth visitors since 1836. With an elegant interior that has remained intact throughout its history, La Bomboniera provides a fascinating insight into traditional pastry making, still baked in the original wood-fired oven. There's a dazzling selection of treats on display, but don't leave without trying the putizza cake filled with nuts, Trieste-style presnitz, or the traditional pinza Easter cake. Via Trenta Ottobre 3, pasticcerialabomboniera.com .

10. Urbanis

It may be old enough to qualify as one of the “historic cafes” of Trieste, but Urbanis is quite the opposite. Perfect for both a relaxing aperitif on a warm summer evening or a lively night out accompanied by a DJ set, Caffe Urbanis caters to both young and old, serving great cocktails in a buzzing atmosphere. Enjoy an Aperol Spritz surrounded by 19th century mosaics and frescoes for a true taste of the Trieste way of life. Piazza della Borsa 15.

Get there: Fly from Dublin to Venice with Aer Lingus, or Dublin to Treviso with Ryanair. From both airports, it is a two-hour drive to Trieste.

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A local’s guide to Trieste: 10 top tips

The Italian port city has blossomed from being a frontier post at the edge of the Balkans into vibrant cultural hub – with excellent seafood

• Trieste’s Barcolana regatta – in pictures

Strada Napoleonica

Discovering Trieste also means discovering The Carso, a steep limestone plateau that follows the Gulf of Trieste and the Slovenia border, is perfect for picnicking, hiking, biking (including e-biking) and rock climbing or just picnicking. There are half-a-dozen trails, but the Strada Napoleonica is the perfect introduction. Take a number 4 bus from Piazza Oberdan to the Opicina obelisk and begin a bracing 5km clifftop hike to the village of Prosecco (it gave its name to what is now one of the world’s most popular wines, though production is now concentrated 100km west in Veneto). Like all Carso hamlets it has an osmiza , a pop-up cantina serving vino for under €1 a glass. Prosecco’s Osmiza Verginella is one of the rare ones open throughout the year, with incredible views down the wild coastline. discover-trieste.it

Trattoria alla Sorgente

Trieste is excellent for seafood lovers, with the freshest produce arriving straight from the Adriatic, cooked simply and at very reasonable prices in the many traditional osterie and trattorie . With its rustic wooden tables and sunny terrace, the friendly Trattoria alla Sorgente is an excellent for lunch choice, but popular with locals, so call first to book. The abundant antipasti misti (€14), with tender octopus, plump scallops, grilled sardines and creamy baccalà is enough for two, while the creative pastas include chunky paccheri (tubes) with baby squid and cherry tomatoes. Closer to the docks are two other top addresses: the lively Osteria Istriano , for alici impanati (€10), tiny breaded anchovies, or the more elegant Trattoria Nero di Seppia , which has a chocolate panna cotta (€6.50) to die for. 2 via della Sorgente, +39 347 939 6519

Il Posto delle Fragole

Another of Trieste’s important symbols of freedom, the Posto delle Fragole (strawberry patch) is a bar, restaurant and cultural centre in the grounds of Trieste’s former psychiatric hospital, in the extensive Parco San Giovanni above the city. Some 45 years ago, this was the first Italian city to end the forced enclosure of mentally ill people, opening the hospital gates to all in the 1970s. Today students attend university courses here, and many of the distinctive pastel-yellow Liberty buildings are venues for the performing arts, cinema, a radio station ( Radio Fragola ), concerts, and late-night summer parties. The park and its famous rose gardens are easily reached on the number 12 bus from the city centre. 4 via de Pastrovich, ilpostodellefragole.eu

Stazione Rogers

Trieste comes alive in the early evening when aperitivo time kicks off, with Aperol and Campari spritz from €3 with free snacks. There are plenty of bars in the old town, but a fun offbeat address is this once-abandoned modernist petrol station – designed in 1953 by Ernesto Rogers, editor of Domus magazine and cousin of Richard Rogers. Today, instead of serving petrol, it serves alternative culture for the city, and is especially popular with Trieste’s large student population. Inside, there is a venue for performances, exhibitions and concerts, while the forecourt is a sprawling outdoor bar overlooking the marina, that stays open till 2am, with DJs and live music. 14 Riva Grumula, stazionerogers.org

Mastro Birraio

The owner of this 35-year-old pub, knowlegeable Daniele Stepancich, showcases a great selection of beer from Italy’s artisan breweries, including Zanna , made in nearby Gorizia. It has eight pumps and a huge range of bottled brews, plus tasty pub grub, from burgers and goulash to locally cured hams, salami and cheeses. Just don’t ask for wine, as this is a beer and spirits-only locale. Wine lovers should head to Enoteca Nanut , a hole-in-the-wall cantina near the canal, with over 50 wines served by the glass. 24 via Felice Venezian, on Facebook

Boat trip to Muggia

A visit to Trieste has to include a boat trip, and a good option is the Delfino Verde ferry that links Trieste and the Venetian port of Muggia. The journey only takes 20 minutes as it hugs the bay towards the frontier with Slovenia, and Muggia is a gem, with its tiny harbour filled with fishing boats. Have a drink at the local watering hole, Ai Fumi, then, further down the street, eat a classic fritto misto at Osteria al Corridoio , owned by Sabrina, whose son Mauro is the fisherman. delfinoverde.it , return trip €7.90

Bagno Alla Lanterna

At this historic public beach, there is proof that a wall does not have to divide but can actually give liberty to people. In a unique Trieste story, male and female bathers are divided by a wall at the tiny Lanterna beach, known popularly as El Pedochin. This may sound sexist and politically incorrect but I can assure you that the opposite is true. A local documentary presented at Cannes in 2016, The Last Resort , explains how the division lets bathers be themselves. Ask anyone here – teenagers, mums with kids, retired people – no one would ever get rid of the wall. The best way to understand is to come and see for yourself. Entrance is a symbolic €1, and of course there is a bar just outside where everyone has lunch or an evening aperitivo together. Molo Fratelli Bandiera 2, sport.comune.trieste.it

Piolo & Max

There is a tradition of after-dinner digestivo all over Friuli, a strong grappa or bitter herbal amaro , but two local wine buffs, Piolo and Max, have dug further into Trieste’s Hapsburg heritage to create their own unique liqueurs by infusing local grappas and fruit brandies with magical recipes of plants, herbs and spices. Like medieval alchemists, they have a workshop/laboratory cluttered with hundreds of jars and steel containers of weird and wonderful botanicals. What started off as a dare has turned into an artisanal success story, and their minuscule store and tasting bar in the town centre stocks tipples from lemon, ginger, absinthe, coriander, chilli and camomile infusions to Newtella, a light chocolate milk-based liqueur, from €10 a bottle. 11 via Felice Venezian, pioloemax.it

Da Giovanni

No one should visit Trieste without experiencing an authentic buffet , a tradition dating back to when the city was under Austrian rule. A buffet is a temple to pork, with roast hams, boiled pork loin, smoked sausage and giant mortadellas heaving on ancient marble bars. There are a dozen locales around town but Da Giovanni is a special place, where I always bring my class for a celebratory end-of-year party. Here architects and judges sit next to students and building workers at long communal tables, talking in Triestine dialect rather than Italian, and tucking into a €3.50 crusty roll of cooked ham covered with grated horseradish accompanied by a foaming beer or local wine straight from the barrel at €1 a glass. 14 via San Lazzaro, trattoriadagiovanni.com

Faro della Vittoria

Our historic lighthouse is an emotional icon for me, as when your boat turns the corner of the coastline, the sight of the it is the first sign that you are coming home. The Barcolana regatta and the Faro are inseparable, as the race begins in the waters around the lighthouse. But few visitors realise that, though it is run by the Italian navy, the lighthouse is open to the public at weekends, free of charge, including a guided tour. The panorama is exceptional, stretching across the sea to Slovenia and Croatia. This is a genuine frontier city, with a history of families divided by international borders, but today, the lighthouse has become a symbol of liberty. 141 strada del Friuli farodellavittoria.it

Mitja Gialuz is a world champion yachtsman, law professor at Trieste University and president of Trieste’s Barcolana regatta

At a glance

Getting there Ryanair flies to Trieste from Stansted. Venice’s two airports are within 150km.

When to go Spring, summer and autumn are best: winters can be windy and cold. The town holds regular festivals including a Sardine festival with live bands every night (until 19 August), and the spectacular Barcolana regatta , which attracts about 25,000 sailors each year and is celebrating its 50th year on 14 October 2018.

Stay Aria Marina is a converted palazzo in the old town with two apartments and one double from €50 room-only. Round the corner the chic Urban hotel has doubles from €96 B&B.

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