Trieste, Italy: A Lesser-Known Historic Gem on the Sea

Trieste, Italy is a port city often overlooked by the more popular cities in the main part of the “boot.” It sits in the far eastern section of Italy along the very northern section of the Adriatic Sea. Across the water on a clear day, you can spot the mountains above Venice, and the city is filled with incredible history and all the wonderful Italian flavors. 

Our decision to visit this city was spontaneous, following a few weeks of exploring the mountains of Slovakia and Slovenia. Craving the tranquility of the water, we set off on a mission to taste good food, enjoy cheap wine, and wander the city with no set plans. I’m thrilled to share that our mission was not just accomplished, but it was a journey filled with unexpected delights.

As people flock to all the major European sites for summer holidays, I cannot stress the idea of seeking out some of these lesser-known spots on the continent. You’ll be able to enjoy many things that make Italy so magical without the crowds. Here are just a few things that help prove my point.

The Proof that Trieste is a Wonderful Slice of Italy

Canals (like Venice)

While Venice might be made up of an intricate system of canals throughout the city, Trieste has a Grand Canal running into the center of the city, flanked by cafes and beautiful buildings. Walk along the canal, checking out the boats and enjoying the stunning architecture of the buildings. You’ll find wide-open plazas to sit and enjoy a snack or cup of coffee. It’s not quite the canals of Venice, but it gives you a little taste without the crowds.

Ancient Historic Sites (like Rome)

While walking the city streets, you’ll likely see remnants of structures from Ancient Roman times sandwiched between modern buildings. It’s remarkable. Our favorite was the Arco di Ricarrdo. It’s the only remaining part of the city’s Roman walls, constructed around 32 BC. Coming from the United States, it’s still wild for me to exist next to a building that is that old. We were the only ones near this arch who took time to stare and appreciate it. 

Another ancient relic is the Roman Theatre of Trieste, which was built at the end of the 1st century BC and then expanded at the beginning of the 2nd century AD. The stands could hold up to 6,000 spectators. Now, it’s just sitting in the open between two streets, next to a supermarket. 

A Stunning Castle (like Naples)

Miramare is a seaside castle built from 1856 to 1860 for Austrian Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian and his wife, Charlotte of Belgium. The castle was meant to be an intimate atmosphere for his family. It’s stunning, and visitors can wander through different parts of the castle and enjoy the incredible views of the sea and the surrounding gardens. 

Compared to many of the other castles we’ve visited, this one was very open and accessible. We took a self-guided tour and took lots of pictures. Because it is located along the seashore, we took the chance to walk back to the city along the waterfront and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. This is a top attraction in Trieste, and for good reason. 

Coffee Culture (like Palmero)

Palermo might be one of the high consumers of coffee in Italy, but Trieste is known to many as the coffee city. It’s the Mediterranean’s main coffee port and home to Illy, one of Italy’s biggest coffee brands. There is an annual Trieste Coffee Festival, and you can smell coffee in the air on some days. 

Wander into any cafe, order a cup of coffee, and then sit outside and watch the city meander by. Whether you’re someone who brings along a book or appreciates striking up a conversation with someone nearby, the cafes are like a second living room for the locals. Join them.

Fascinating Museums (like Milan)

The city of Trieste has so much history along its streets, but there are a few museums that are worth exploring. The Museo del Mare explores the maritime history of Italy. Learn more about Christopher Columbus’ vessels, the sailing yachts of the Mediterranean, and ancient boats carved from tree trunks. 

The Civico Museo della Risiera di San Sabba once housed military operations of the Nazis in WWII. It was the only one in Italy. The museum talks about the victims, who were mostly members of the resistance. 

The Revoltella Museum is another popular option in town. It’s an art museum that houses the personal collection of Baron Pasquale Revoltella, who passed away in 1872. The collection includes all his furniture, books, and modern art. 

Fresh Seafood (like Cinque Terre)

Located on the water, this city is packed with restaurants serving fresh seafood of a wide variety. Ask for something local and fresh when you sit down at any restaurant. We ate heaping plates of pasta with seafood sauces. You can also see the influence from the neighboring Slovenia, with dumpling dishes. Try Trattoria Nerodiseppia for a big menu with plenty of options. 

If seafood isn’t your favorite, you can find incredible pizza at multiple places. We made it our mission to try at least three different pizza spots, and picking a favorite was impossible. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so don’t skimp on the snacks.

Cheap Wine (like the rest of Italy)

With tasty bottles of wine for just a few euros, it’s perfect for a pair of budget travelers who want to share a glass over a beautiful sunset at the tiny Airbnb apartment. You can’t go wrong with snacks and wine on a beautiful evening.

Where to Stay in Trieste, Italy

The city is not too large, so you’ll just want to find a comfortable spot where you can walk or catch a quick bus to anything on your list. Here are a few highly recommended spots:

• This Waterfront Hotel with clean, modern finishes
• Modern rooms near the city center
• A fully stocked apartment closest to the one we rented while in town (which is no longer available)

Best Ways to Get to Trieste, Italy

There is an airport, but getting around Europe is best done by train. If you’re traveling to Trieste from another European city as part of a longer itinerary, book a train ticket on Rail Europe. You won’t need a car here at all. 

Final Thoughts About Visiting Trieste, Italy

We absolutely loved our four days in this city. It checked many boxes for us and helped us feed the desire for a little Italian escape. We have much more to explore in the boot and can’t wait to return. If you plan to head to the Slovenian Alps, Ljubljana, or even the Croatian coast, add this city on your way to or from. It would also be a great way to visit the water after exploring the Dolomites or the lakes outside of Milan.

We are happy to answer any questions and would love to know if you make your way to Trieste. Pin this for later:

Frequently Asked Questions