Trieste, located on a thin strip of Italy sandwiched between Slovenia and the Adriatic Sea, has many distinct attributes for visitors to explore. If you’re interested in architecture, the best things to see in Trieste are:

1. 1. Unity of Italy Square
   2. Trieste City Hall
   3. Trieste Cathedral
   4. Palazzo del Lloyd Triestino
   5. Church of Santa Maria Maggiore
   6. Palazzo Carciotti
   7. Prefettura di Trieste
   8. Palazzo della Borsa Vecchia
   9. Serbian Orthodox Church of San Spiridione
   10. Evangelical Lutheran Church
   11. Main Post Office Building
   12. Palazzo Stratti
   13. Palazzo del Tergesteo
   14. Trieste Synagogue
   15. Roman Theatre of Trieste
   16. Terni-Smolars House
   17. Neogothic Palace
   18. Salone degli Incanti
   19. Palazzo Gopcevich
   20. Bartoli House
   21. Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas
   22. San Silvestro Basilica
   23. Ex Lighthouse La Lanterna
   24. Church of Sant’Antonio Nuovo
   25. San Giusto Castle
   26. Eataly Trieste
   27. Fountain of the Four Continents
   28. Richard’s Arch
   29. Statue of James Joyce

We spent all of November visiting the sights in Trieste. Based on our experience, we compiled this list of the best things to see.

If you don’t have a month to explore, you can follow our suggested Trieste Walking Tour and easily see all the best sights on our list in one day.

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aka Piazza Unità d’Italia

aka Town Hall aka Palazzo del Municipio di Trieste aka Palazzo Cheba (meaning “cage”) aka Palazzo Sipario (meaning “curtain” because it hid the Old City)

The tower dominates the façade with the clock and two Moors, Mikeze and Jakeze, who ring out the hours.

The building houses the offices of the Municipality of Trieste.

aka Cattedrale di San Giusto Martire

The first religious building on the site was built in the 6th century using part of an existing structure. Two basilicas were built on the ruins of the old church between the 9th and 11th centuries. In the 14th century, the two basilicas were joined by demolishing one nave of each basilica and constructing an asymmetrical façade with a Gothic rose window.

The two lateral apses are decorated with mosaics from the 12th and 13th-century Veneto-Byzantine schools. The central apse is from 1932. The central nave’s wrought-iron chandelier, donated by the Habsburgs, was initially intended for the Throne Room in Castello di Miramare.

aka Palace of the Regional Government aka Palazzo of Lloyd Austriaco

The building was completed in 1883 for the Lloyd Austriaco company, one of the oldest maritime businesses in the city. The two fountains on either side of the façade symbolize freshwater (Thetis) and saltwater (Venus), the two liquid kingdoms on which Lloyd’s fortune was based.

Since 1991 the building has been the seat of the Presidency of the Regional Council of Friuli Venezia Giulia.

aka Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary aka the Baroque Church of the Jesuits

The church of Santa Maria Maggiore church was built by the Jesuits in the 17th century but has been managed by the Franciscans since 1922. The church is at the foot of the San Giusto hill near the Basilica of Christ the Savior (formerly the Basilica of San Silvestro).

Palazzo Carciotti, the home of the Greek merchant Demetrio Carciotti, is a jewel of neoclassical architecture designed by Matteo Pertsch. The palace includes the main house, sixteen apartments, and eighteen warehouses. The dome, topped by the Napoleonic eagle, served as an astronomical observatory. The sculptures of the deities are the work of Antonio Bosa, a pupil of Canova.

aka Prefecture aka Government Palace aka Palazzo della Luogotenenza Austriaca

Formerly the Palazzo della Luogotenenza, this is the most recent building in the square. Its Byzantine-style golden mosaics glitter at sunset. The mosaics originally depicted the Austrian double-headed eagles, but were replaced in 1919 with the crosses of Savoy.

The building is now the seat of the Prefecture, the Commissariat of the Government of Trieste.

aka Palazzo of the Old Stock Exchange aka the Old Stock Exchange Building

Today, the building is Trieste’s Chamber of Commerce. Similar to the nearby Fountain of the Four Continents, the statues across the front are allegories of the four known continents. On the roof are other sculptures representing the Danube, Trieste, Minerva, and Neptune.

A giant sundial using a camera obscura traces a golden ellipse inside the building. The work of the famous watchmaker Antonio Sebastianutti was used to synchronize ships’ chronometers. In 2010, a second sundial, with fossils, was mounted on the exterior sandstone floor.

The floor plan is a Greek cross surmounted by a large dome and four small Byzantine domes. Among the colorful mosaics, frescoes, and icons covered with precious stones, a silver lamp donated by Pavel Romanov, Tsar Paul I of Russia, stands out. The façade is partly covered with stone from the quarries of Santa Croce and Brioni.

aka Lutheran Evangelical Church (Luternasko Evangeličanska Cerkev)

One of the many effects of the Free Port regime in Trieste was a strong presence of German merchants and administrators in the city, so much so that the Augsburg (or Augustan) Confession Evangelical Community was already legally constituted by 1778. The church, consecrated in 1874, was designed in Neogothic style by the architect Zimmermann of Wroclaw.

aka Palazzo delle Poste Trieste

The majestic Palazzo delle Poste, the main post office, is an eclectic 1894 work by the Viennese architect Friedrich Selz. It now occupies the area of ancient salt pans on which the previous Customs building had been erected. The Mitteleuropa Postal and Telegraph Museum is on the ground floor, the only one in Italy.

The palace is a quadrilateral that occupies the entire block, following the model of Austrian administrative buildings. The main façade is decorated with statues representing Navigation, Railway, Commerce, Viticulture, Agriculture, and Industry.

aka Casa Stratti

Once the home of the Greek merchant Niccolò Stratti, the building is now owned by Assicurazioni Generali. The historic Caffè degli Specchi is located on the ground floor.

At the top of the façade, a sculptural group celebrates the city of Trieste, progress, and commerce.

aka Tergesteo Palace

The Tergesteo Palace is an important building in Trieste. The ground floor is a shopping arcade, while the upper floors have been offices and residential apartments since its inauguration. It was originally home to the Trieste stock exchange.

A neoclassical palazzo from the mid-19th century, traversed by a cross-shaped glassed-in arcade. The original iron and glass ceiling of the gallery was demolished and replaced with a glass block structure during restoration ending in 1957. The original roof of the gallery was restored in 2011.

The sculptures on the main façades represent Commerce, Industry, and Navigation. In the center stands the figure representing Trieste as Tethys, the goddess of the sea.

aka Israelitic Synagogue and Temple

The synagogue, one of the largest in Europe, replaced the four small preexisting ones. Today it is recognized as one of the most important places of worship for Jews in Europe.

The Roman ruins scattered throughout the city are popular tourist attractions. The most impressive is the Roman Theater. The Teatro Romano was built outside the walls, in an area by the sea at the time. It could accommodate more than 6,000 spectators. In the Middle Ages, it was buried by the houses that were built over it. After nearly 2,000 years, it was excavated and restored in 1938. Today, it is still the site of shows and artistic events during the summer months.

In addition to the theater, you can find a variety of Roman ruins in the square in front of the castle. Additionally, near the cathedral, you can walk among the remains of the ancient Roman basilica. These well-preserved ruins provide a glimpse into Trieste’s history and are a fascinating sight for history enthusiasts.

If Roman ruins are your thing, then Aquileia is a must-visit destination near Trieste. Located just a 45-minute drive from Trieste, this ancient Roman settlement, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its remarkable archaeological ruins.

aka Casa Terni Smolars

This Art Nouveau building has a large round window surrounded by female figures. The windows, balconies, railings, a pensile loggia, and a protruding cornice dominated by a dome are just some of the many elements that attract attention to this building and that change floor by floor.

aka Palazzo Neogotico

The neogothic-style palace was built at the far end of the seafront in the heart of the Borgo Giuseppino.

aka Santa Maria del Guato (a reference to the size of the vaults and the tower that resembles a bell tower, see it as a basilica dedicated to the guato, the goby, a very common fish in the gulf)

Fish auctions (incanti) were once held in the old fish market, which is now home to events and temporary exhibitions. It has a tower that once distributed seawater to the fish counters and today supplies the tanks for the adjoining Civic Marine Aquarium of Trieste.

Inaugurated in 1850, the residence of the Serbian shipowner Spiridione Gopcevich shows a façade with yellow and red motifs inspired by the Palazzo Ducale in Venice and architectural decorations that recall the history of the Serbian people. Today it houses the Carlo Schmidl Theatre Museum.

The building is one of the first and most important examples of Eclecticism in Trieste; indeed, Giovanni Berlam was one of the first Triestine architects to work with a variety of different historic architectural styles.

The Bartoli House is one of the city’s best-known and most famous Art Nouveau buildings. It was designed by Max Fabiani, a Mitteleuropa architect, and pupil of Otto Wagner at the Vienna Polytechnic. A cascade of leaves between the windows and elegant glass and cast-iron balconies dominate the façade.

aka Greek Orthodox Church of San Nicolò

Inside are two large canvases by Cesare Dell’Acqua, Maximilian of Habsburg’s favorite painter, and an engraved silver iconostasis illuminated by the lights and colors of sunset.

Basilica di San Silvestro aka Basilica of Christ the Savior

This is the oldest place of worship in Trieste. In 1784, after the closure of many Catholic churches imposed by the Austrian Emperor Joseph II, it was sold to the Helvetic community, which now manages it with the Waldensians.

Popular belief has it that the church stands on the foundations of the birthplace of the early martyrs Euphemia and Thecla.

The bell tower may have been built for defensive purposes in medieval times. The layout has no apse.

The old lighthouse of Trieste is situated on the Molo Fratelli Bandiera, 9 where maritime signals existed in Roman times.

The unpainted white stone lighthouse was ordered by Carlo Zinzendorf and designed by the architect Matteo Pertsch. It was constructed in 1830 and went into active use in 1833. The lighthouse is a 31 m (102 ft) round stone tower with a lantern and gallery, rising from a circular 2-story stone building intended for military defense. The Ex Lighthouse La Lanterna has been inactive since 1969.

The Victory Lighthouse (Faro della Vittoria) is now the working lighthouse in Trieste. Completed in 1927, this lighthouse stands 223 feet tall and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and coastline. It commemorates those who lost their lives at sea during World War I. The Faro della Vittoria is the best place for panoramic views of the harbor.

aka Church of Saint Antonio Taumaturgo

The largest church in the city. It stands on a square, also known as Sant’Antonio Nuovo, at the end of the Grand Canal.

The six Ionic columns support the tympanum, which is decorated with the statues of the martyrs of Trieste: San Servolo, Santa Eufemia, San Giusto, San Sergio, Santa Tecla, and Sant’Apollinare.

Castle of Saint Giusto aka Castello di San Giusto

The initial core of the Castle, the so-called Casa del Capitano, was incorporated into the triangular fortress, and differently shaped bastions of the Rotondo, Lalio, and Fiorito were added over the centuries. It was opened to the public in 1936 after extensive restoration.

Today, the Castle is one of the hubs of the city’s cultural life, hosting various museums. During the summer, it becomes the venue for outdoor shows and concerts.

aka The Ancient Wine Warehouse aka Eataly Trieste

Inaugurated in 1902, the building once stored the barrels from Istria and Dalmatia, kept at a constant temperature by what was then an innovative watering system. Completely renovated and equipped with a spectacular view of the Gulf of Trieste, since 2017 it has been the home to Eataly Trieste.

The Fountain of Four Continents was created from 1751 to 1754 by the famous sculptor Giovanni Battista Mazzoleni. The fountain symbolizes the four then-known parts of the world: Europe, Asia, Africa, and America.

Arco di Riccardo

This is one of the Roman city’s gates that was built as a way to the monumental area of ​​the hill of San Giusto.

At the beginning of the 20th century, it was the main thoroughfare of a densely-populated area of ​​taverns and meeting places. The arch was partly uncovered by excavations conducted in 1913 and separated from the houses on one side.

The Irish writer James Joyce (1882-1941) arrived in Trieste in 1904 with his partner Nora. The couple moved often and, for a short time, lived on Piazza Ponterosso on the third floor of the building that now houses the cafè of the same name. The statue by Nino Spagnoli was placed here in 2004.

The fruit and vegetable market once held on this spot is perhaps remembered in a passage from the prose poem Giacomo Joyce, set in Trieste: “The sellers offer on their altars the first fruits: greenflecked lemons, jewelled cherries, shameful peaches with torn leaves.”

If you’re still on the fence after reading about the 29 best things to see, check out “Is Trieste Worth Visiting.” We review a long list of factors you should consider before reserving a room and booking your flight.

If you only have one day in Trieste, we suggest visiting the recommended sites in the following order:

1. 1. Unity of Italy Square
   2. Palazzo del Lloyd Triestino
   3. Prefettura di Trieste
   4. Palazzo Stratti
   5. Fountain of the Four Continents
   6. Trieste City Hall
   7. Palazzo del Tergesteo
   8. Palazzo della Borsa Vecchia
   9. Bartoli House
   10. Roman Theatre of Trieste
   11. Church of Santa Maria Maggiore
   12. San Silvestro Basilica
   13. Richard’s Arch
   14. Trieste Cathedral
   15. San Giusto Castle
   16. Eataly Trieste
   17. Salone degli Incanti
   18. Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas
   19. Palazzo Carciotti
   20. Palazzo Gopcevich
   21. Lutheran Evangelical Church
   22. Main Post Office Building
   23. Statue of James Joyce
   24. Serbian Orthodox Church of San Spiridione
   25. Church of Sant’Antonio Nuovo
   26. Terni-Smolars House

Following the suggested route will take you past 26 of the 29 Best Things to See in Trieste and much of the Old Town! The only sights omitted are the Trieste Synagogue, Neogothic Palace, and the Ex Lighthouse Lanterna. All three are worth visiting, but they are somewhat out of the way from others on the list.

Depending on your level of urgency, it will take approximately 3 1/2 hours to complete the walking tour. This estimate allows time to stop for photos and take a peak inside the churches (along with an occasional drink of water). But it does not include tours of the attractions or lunch at Eataly.

Our suggested Trieste Walking Tour starts and ends at the Unity of Italy Square. Along the way, you will see many interesting architectural buildings and pass through much of the Old Town.

The first part of the tour starts in the Unity of Italy Square, passes through the Piazza della Borsa, then by the Roman Theatre and up San Giusto Hill to the Trieste Cathedral and the Castle of San Giusto. After you’ve taken in the sights, you’ll descend through historic neighborhoods down to Eataly Trieste where you’ll have the chance to get a snack.

When you get to Eataly Trieste you’re past the halfway mark. Eataly is located in a historic building and has many local food (and wine) products for sale. This would be a great place to get lunch or a snack before you finish the tour.

The second part of the tour takes you down the promenade near the pier (Molo Audace) and past numerous churches and palaces around the Canale Grande and back to the Unity of Italy Square.

If you’re up for seeing a little more of Trieste, we recommend the tour of historic cafes. This tour will take you to many beautiful cafes and some new areas of Trieste. Note: if you take this tour, you should visit the Trieste Synagogue after an espresso at the Caffè San Marco.

Want to learn about Trieste’s history with a guide? Book a highly-rated city tour!

The time of the year with good weather and fewer crowds is often referred to as the shoulder season. The shoulder season in Trieste is March, April, October, and November. For many, this is the best time of the year to visit.

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.

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!

Do you need cellular data during your trip and don’t want to pay for roaming? We use eSIMs from Airalo during our travel and highly recommend them. They are cheap, easy to set up, and allow you to leave your primary sim card in your phone (so you don’t lose it). Click below for more info.

Trieste is best known for its history, diverse culture, and stunning waterfront. Located in northeastern Italy, Trieste has a unique blend of Italian, Slovenian, and Austrian influences. It was once an important port city of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and has a fascinating mix of architectural styles, including neoclassical, baroque, and art nouveau. Trieste is also famous for its coffee culture and is home to several historic cafes where literary figures such as James Joyce used to gather. The city’s waterfront promenade offers beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Additionally, Trieste hosts the annual Barcolana Regatta, one of the largest sailing races in the world.

Trieste is unique among Italian cities due to its location in northeastern Italy. Significantly, its cultural and historical heritage blends Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian influences due to its location near the border of these countries. Trieste also has a unique geographical position as it sits on the Adriatic Sea and is surrounded by beautiful hills and mountains.

Additionally, one of the most unique and popular things to see near Trieste is the Grotta Gigante, the largest tourist cave in the world. Located about 30 minutes from the city center, this colossal single cavern is several million years old and is truly impressive. With its central cavern being over 320 ft. high, 200 ft. wide, and 420 ft. long, it offers a breathtaking experience for visitors. Exploring this karst cave on a guided tour allows you to witness its grandeur firsthand, although it’s important to note that even a 50-minute tour cannot cover all of its wonders.

If you’re a cave or nature enthusiast, the Postojna Cave, located only 48 kilometers from the Trieste city center in neighboring Slovenia, is a popular attraction for visitors. The Postojna Cave is known for its stunning underground formations and unique ecosystem. Visitors can take guided tours through the cave system and marvel at the beauty of stalactites, stalagmites, and other geological wonders.

Piazza Unità d’Italia, Trieste’s main square, is undeniably beautiful. The square and nearby Miramare Castle, along with its large park, goes a long way to making Trieste a beautiful city.

Trieste in Italy is definitely worth visiting! This beautiful city offers a unique blend of Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian influences, resulting in a cultural and architectural heritage. Trieste is known for its stunning waterfront promenade, historic buildings such as Miramare Castle, and vibrant café culture. Additionally, the city boasts several museums, including the Revoltella Museum and the Museo del Mare (Maritime Museum), which offer fascinating insights into Trieste’s history and maritime traditions. Whether you’re strolling through the charming streets of the old town or exploring the nearby Karst region with its caves and vineyards, Trieste has something to offer every visitor. So if you’re looking for a destination off the beaten path that combines history, culture, and natural beauty, Trieste should definitely be on your travel list!

Trieste is known for several local food products, including excellent smoked hams and cheeses. The most popular of these are Prosciutto di San Daniele and Montasio. Additionally, Trieste is known for its unique cuisine influenced by Austrian, Italian, and Slovenian flavors. Traditional dishes include jota (a stew), chifeletti (potato dough mixture), Gulasch alla Triestina (a variation of Hungarian goulash), and strucolo de pomi (apple strudel) for dessert. Trieste’s cuisine is a fusion of different cultures that settled in the city throughout history, making it a fascinating culinary experience.

Visit the Trieste Food page for more information.

The number of days you need in Trieste depends on your personal preferences and the activities you plan to do. Trieste is a beautiful city with many attractions, such as Piazza Unità d’Italia, Trieste Cathedral, and the nearby Miramare Castle.

If you want to fully immerse yourself in the city and visit all the major attractions, we recommend spending at least 2-3 days in Trieste. However, if you prefer a more condensed itinerary, it’s possible to see the city’s highlights in a single day. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how much time you want to dedicate to your visit and what activities you prioritize.

Trieste is a beautiful city with many attractions and activities to offer. Here’s a suggested itinerary for spending a day in Trieste:

Morning:

• Start your day with a coffee or cappuccino at one of Trieste’s historic cafes.
• Visit Piazza Unità d’Italia, the main square in the heart of the city, which is a must-see attraction. Take in the stunning sea views and surrounding architecture.
• Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, known as the Rive, where you can enjoy scenic views of the Adriatic Sea, and stop by the large Eataly store to learn all about Italian foods.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local trattoria, where you can savor traditional Italian dishes and local specialties.
• Explore the historic center of Trieste, wandering through its narrow streets and admiring the historical buildings and landmarks, such as the Cathedral of San Giusto.

Evening:

• Stop by a wine bar for a glass of local wine while enjoying small bites.
• A great way to end the day is a walk along the Molo Audace pier. This is the perfect place to catch a breathtaking sunset over the sea.
• For dinner, explore Trieste’s diverse culinary scene. Choose from seafood restaurants, pizza places, or traditional Trattorias offering regional dishes.

Remember, this is just one way to spend a day in Trieste. Feel free to adjust it based on your interests and preferences. Enjoy your visit to Trieste and make the most of your time exploring this charming city.

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.

Trieste is well worth a day trip because it is very different from other parts of Italy. Much of the city was built when it was part of the Austro-Hungary Empire. This fact is reflected in the architecture and the food.

The time of the year with good weather and fewer crowds is often referred to as the shoulder season. The shoulder season in Trieste is March, April, October, and November. For many, this is the best time of the year to visit.

Trieste is located in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy. Friuli-Venezia Giulia is in northeastern Italy with Slovenia to the east, Austria to the north. the Veneto region to the west, and the Adriatic Sea to the south.

Trieste, located on the Adriatic Sea in the northeast corner of Italy, is situated right at the border with Slovenia, with Ljubljana (Slovenia’s capital) less than 60 miles away from Trieste. Other popular cities nearby include Venice, Milan, and Bologna. If you’re planning a trip to Italy or exploring neighboring countries like Slovenia or Croatia, Trieste is definitely worth a visit.