Trieste, Italy is a port city with a deep-rooted café culture shaped by centuries of trade and Central European influence. As a major coffee hub during the Austro-Hungarian Empire and home to Illy’s global headquarters, Trieste became a city of literary cafés, intellectual gatherings, and daily espresso rituals.

We spent the month of November in Trieste, visiting its historic cafés and exploring their architectural and cultural significance. This guide lists 10 of the best historic cafés in the city—places once frequented by writers like James Joyce, Umberto Saba, and Italo Svevo.

To experience them all in under an hour, follow our suggested Walking Tour of Historic Cafes in Trieste. The full route covers 10 cafés in 1.5 miles, while a shorter version highlights 7 cafés in less than 30 minutes. Whether you do the long or the short version, you will encounter many local pastries and desserts on these walking tours.

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aka Antico Caffè San Marco

Address: Via Cesare Battisti, 18, 34125 Trieste TS, Italy

One of the historic cafes in Trieste, known as San Marco, has a unique feature that sets it apart – it hosts a bookshop. This adds an additional appeal for those who love to read and write in an ambiance surrounded by books. The cafe also hosts concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural events on a regular basis, turning it into a cultural hub just as it used to be in the early 1900s when intellectuals, writers, and irredentists gathered here.

Address: Piazza Unità d’Italia, 7, 34121 Trieste TS, Italy

Caffe degli Specchi was founded in 1839. Of the four cafes once operating in what was then called Piazza Grande, it’s the only one remaining.

Address: Piazza Nicolò Tommaseo, 4, 34122 Trieste TS, Italy

One of the historic cafes in Trieste that is associated with renowned writer Claudio Magris is Caffè Tommaseo. This cafe, which opened in 1830, welcomed famous literary figures such as Italo Svevo and Umberto Saba. In fact, it is said that Magris wrote his masterpiece “Danubio” right here. Caffè Tommaseo holds a significant place in Trieste’s history for being one of the first buildings to use electricity and for introducing ice cream to the city in 1845.

Address: Piazza della Borsa, 15, 34121 Trieste TS, Italy

Caffè Urbanis, located in the heart of Trieste, is a hidden gem among the historic cafes of the city. With its elegant Art Nouveau decor and cozy atmosphere, it offers a unique experience for coffee lovers.

The cafe was established in 1898 and has since become a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike. Its prime location in Piazza della Borsa makes it easily accessible, attracting visitors from all walks of life.

Address: Largo della Barriera Vecchia, 12, 34129 Trieste TS, Italy

Pasticceria Caffé Pirona, nestled in the Largo della Barriera Vecchia, is a true testament to Trieste’s rich culinary heritage. Established in 1897 by the Pirona family, this historic pastry shop has delighted locals and visitors for over a century.

As you step into Pasticceria Caffé Pirona, you’ll be transported to a bygone era. The elegant Art Nouveau interior exudes old-world charm, creating the perfect ambiance for indulging in their delectable treats.

If you have limited time and want to see all the historic cafes in Trieste, we suggest visiting the recommended sites in the following order:

• • • Caffè Tommaseo
    • Caffè degli Specchi
    • Caffè Urbanis
    • Antico Caffè Torinese
    • White Cafe
    • Pasticceria La Bomboniera
    • Caffè San Marco
    • Gran Bar Italia
    • Pasticceria Caffé Pirona

Following the suggested route, you will pass all 9 Best Historic Cafes in Trieste in less than an hour (so long as you drink your espresso fast and don’t eat too many pastries).

Our suggested Walking Tour of Historic Cafes starts near Piazza Unità d’Italia at Caffe Tommaseo (the oldest cafe in Trieste), passes nine cafes on our list and many historical sights in the Old Town, and ends at Pasticceria Caffe Pirona. The route is less than 1 1/2 miles and will take less than an hour (even if you stop for a quick espresso).

Alternatively, you can easily see 7 of the Best Historic Cafes in Trieste in less than 30 minutes by cutting out Gran Bar Italia and Pasticceria Caffe Pirona, which are a bit out of the way. If you choose this route, you will end at Caffe San Marco – the perfect place to enjoy an espresso in a beautiful historic setting.

If the weather is nice, all the cafes have outdoor seating areas. Caffe degli Specchi is a large seating area in Piazza Unita d’Italia with excellent people-watching. If you’re looking for an indoor space, Caffe San Marco is perfect!

Caffè Tommaseo, established in 1825, holds the distinction of being the oldest café in Trieste. With its rich history and charming ambiance, it is a must-visit destination for coffee enthusiasts and history buffs alike. As you embark on your journey through Trieste’s historical cafés, starting at Caffè Tommaseo will provide a fitting introduction to the city’s vibrant café culture. From there, you can delve deeper into the fascinating world of Trieste’s coffee tradition by exploring other renowned establishments that have stood the test of time.

The oldest cafe in Italy is Caffè Florian, located in Venice. It was established in 1720 and has been serving customers for over three centuries. It is famous for its elegant interiors and outdoor seating on the Piazza San Marco. The cafe has a rich history and has been frequented by notable figures such as Lord Byron, Charles Dickens, and Casanova. It continues to be a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a wide selection of coffee, pastries, and other delicacies.

The oldest cafe in the world is Caffè Florian, located in Venice, Italy. It was established in 1720 and has been serving customers for over 300 years. Caffè Florian is known for its elegant interiors, beautiful artwork, and historical significance. It has been a popular meeting place for artists, writers, and intellectuals throughout its long history.

There are many great places to stay in Trieste. For the best experience, we recommend staying near the Piazza Unita d’ Italia (the castle marker on the map below). Northeast of the castle marker is a great area with historic churches, cafes, the canal, and many restaurants.  Southwest of the castle marker is a beautiful area with older churches and buildings, small shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Here’s an interactive map with hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.

Book your stay now!

If you fly into Trieste Airport, you can get to the historic city center by train, taxi, or bus. If you can walk to your accommodation from the train station with your luggage, I recommend taking the train. There is a train station at the airport, and it is an easy journey to Trieste Centrale Station.

If you need door-to-door service, then a taxi from the airport to the front door of your hotel is best. To arrange a taxi or private transfer, we recommend GetTransfer.