Is Trieste Worth Visiting?

by Ryan | Jul 18, 2024

Should I Go to Trieste, Italy?

Trieste is definitely worth visiting for those who are curious and adventurous travelers. This Italian city offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that make it a must-visit destination. With its impressive architecture, historic cafes, and beautiful coastal scenery, Trieste has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in exploring less touristy destinations or simply want to experience the rich cultural heritage of Italy, Trieste is a great place to visit.

When we tell others we are full-time travelers, one of the most popular questions people ask is: “Where should I go?” The honest answer is: “It depends.” The best destination depends on what you want to do on your trip.

Every city is different and has its pros and cons. We can’t say which city is best or our favorite because we like them all (or, at least, most of them) for very different reasons.

When we start thinking about where we’re going to go next, we consider several factors. Some are given more weight than others, but we want to ensure the destination has what we’re looking for and that there are no disqualifying issues (like weather or crowds).

To help you decide if Trieste is a good choice, we’ve analyzed a list of factors we consider when choosing a destination.

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Factors to Consider Before Visiting Trieste

We spent all of November in the seaside city of Trieste and feel like we know the city well. Based on our experience, we assigned each factor a score from 1 to 5, with one being the worst and five being the best. If the attribute is unavailable or does not apply, we give it a 0.

If you’re asking yourself, “Is Trieste worth visiting?” hopefully, this information will help you make a more informed decision.

Weather

Hot in the Summer 2
Cold in the Winter 2

Crowds

Few Tourists in Large Groups 5
Few Cruise Ship Passengers 3
Few Tourists in Couples or Small Families 4
Pedestrian Only Areas 4
Lines at Attractions 5

Water Activities

Beaches with Calm Water (Kid-Friendly) 3
Beaches with Rough Water 3
Boating Activities/Kayaking 5
Rocky Swim Spots 3
Sunbathing 3

Food and Beverage

Wine 4
Beer 1
Specialty Liquor 5
Specialty Food 3
Seafood 5
Meat 3
Street Food 1
Large Food Market with Restaurants 3

Interests

History 3
Architecture 3
Art 2
Museums 2
Castles 3
Walled-City 1
Palaces 3
Hiking 4
Running 2
High-Fashion Stores/Shopping 3
Nightlife 3
Dog-Friendly 5
Kid-Friendly 2

Conveniences

Great Grocery Stores 3
English Widely Spoken 5
Outwardly Friendly Locals 3
American Tourists 1
Accessible by Train 5
Day Trips by Train 5
Clean Streets 4
Noise 4

Costs

Food Cost 3
Accommodation Cost 4
Activities Cost 4
Transportation Cost 5

A Closer Look at Each Factor

Some factors may sway you in one direction or another, depending on your circumstances and interests—for example, the weather. If you like to go to the beach, you may be looking for hot weather in the summer. If you like winter sports, you may be looking for cold weather in the winter. On the other hand, if you want to explore the old town (like us), you may be looking for milder weather in the summer and winter. For this reason, you may need to take your preferences into account.

Weather

While there are some exceptions, we assume the weather will be good in the Spring and Fall everywhere we consider visiting. So, we focus primarily on the Summer and Winter weather.

Hot in the Summer – 2

The average highs for June, July, and August are 78℉, 83℉, and 82℉, respectively. Trieste can get hot during the summer. If you don’t enjoy sightseeing in the heat, you should consider visiting during the spring or fall.

Cold in the Winter – 2

The average highs for December, January, and February are 49℉, 47℉, and 48℉, respectively. We spent the month of November in Trieste. Some days the weather was mild and beautiful. On other days it was cold and very windy. It is a very windy destination in general, which explains the large number of sailboats in the marina.

Trieste Italy Weather Graph

Crowds

Few Tourists in Large Groups – 5

Trieste is not a super popular tourist destination, and there aren’t large groups of tourists impeding on your enjoyment of the city.

Few Cruise Ship Passengers – 3

Trieste has a cruise ship port and waves of cruise ship passengers, but their numbers don’t make the city less enjoyable.

Few Tourists in Couples or Small Families – 4

Trieste has tourists in couples and small families, but they are manageable and the city can handle their numbers.

Pedestrian-Only Areas – 4

Trieste has a large pedestrian-only area that allows you to stroll through the beautiful areas with only a handful of street crossings.

Lines at Attractions – 5

The indoor sites in Trieste don’t have long lines. You won’t be spending your time waiting in lines.

Is Trieste Worth Visiting? If you like sailing, the answer is definitely yes!
Sailing Yacht A in Trieste, Italy

Water Activities

Beaches with Calm Water (Kid-Friendly) – 3

Trieste does have a couple of beaches with roped-off areas for swimming. But, I wouldn’t call Trieste a beach destination and wouldn’t recommend it to someone interested in spending their vacation at beautiful beaches. If beaches are your top priority, check out our article, “Is Rovinj, Croatia Worth Visiting?” Rovinj is a 2 to 3-hour ferry from Trieste.

Beaches with Rough Water – 3

When the weather is windy, the calm beaches of Trieste will have rough water.

Boating Activities/Kayaking – 5

Boating, especially sailing, is extremely popular in Trieste, and it has a huge marina.

Rocky Swim Spots – 3

Trieste does have a couple of swim spots from a rocky entrance. They provide the opportunity for swimming but are not postcard picturesque.

Sunbathing – 3

The few beaches in Trieste provide an opportunity to bask in the sun.

Pescherie Grassilli in Trieste, Italy
Mercato Coperto Trieste in Trieste, Italy

Food and Beverage

Wine – 4

Trieste is in the Friuli Venezia Giulia wine region, which produces fantastic white wines. These wines pair perfectly with the seafood of the area. For more information on the regional wines, check out our Trieste regional wine page.

Insider Tip: If you want to buy excellent table wine like a local, go to a bulk wine shop (vini sfusi). For more information, read our article titled “How to Buy Wine Like a Local in Trieste.”

Beer – 1

Trieste is not in a beer-production region and is not known for beer.

Specialty Liquor – 5

Trieste is in the Friuli–Venezia Giulia wine region, one of Italy’s Grappa-producing regions. You can purchase a bottle of grappa at wine shops and grocery stores. Our daily grocery store had a huge selection of regional grappa.

Specialty Food – 3

The specialty food that Trieste is known for is its seafood. There are many seafood restaurants and shops. A great place to enjoy seafood with a glass of wine and a great view of the Adriatic Sea is Eataly Trieste. In addition to seafood, there are regional cheeses and prosciutto. For more information on the local foods of Trieste, see our Trieste food page.

Seafood – 5

The specialty food that Trieste is known for is its seafood. There are many seafood restaurants and shops.

Meat – 3

Trieste does have several regional prosciuttos (prosciutti) that are very good, but this is not a steak and red wine destination.

Street Food – 1

Trieste is not a street food destination. With the exception of gelato, I did not see any street food sold in Trieste.

Large Food Market with Restaurants – 3

Eataly Trieste is a large food market with restaurants and a must-see destination for foodie travelers.

Experiences

Want to learn about the local food and wine of Trieste? Book a highly-rated food and wine experience!

Castello di San Giusto in Trieste, Italy
Roman Theatre of Trieste in Trieste, Italy

Interests

History – 3

If you’re into history, Trieste is a great place to visit as it offers an opportunity to touch history without entering a museum.

One of the city’s main attractions is its Roman ruins. The Teatro Romano is a compact Roman amphitheater dating back to the 1st century CE. The ruins of the theater are well-preserved and offer a glimpse into the past, with enough space to accommodate roughly 3,500 spectators in its glory days. The Teatro Romano is located right in the heart of Trieste and is one of the best testimonies to the city’s great past.

Additionally, day trips to Aguileia can also be arranged if you’re interested in exploring more Roman ruins and beautiful mosaics.

Architecture – 3

Due to its time under Austro-Hungarian rule, Trieste architecture is very different from the rest of Italy. Despite its name, the famous Piazza Unità d’Italia shows the influence of the Austrian Empire on the city’s architecture. In many ways, it resembles Vienna or Budapest more than any part of Italy.

Art – 2

Trieste does have art museums, but they are not large or famous.

Museums – 2

Trieste does have museums, but it is not a city with must-see museums.

Castles – 3

Trieste does have a couple of castles that can be visited without a car: Miramare Castle and San Giusto Castle. While both are worth visiting, Miramare Castle (Castello di Miramare) is by far the more impressive of the two. It was built by Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian who was the younger brother of the Emperor of Austria. He was also the Emperor of Mexico.

You can also take a day trip to nearby castles. See the day trip options to more castles in the below “Conveniences” section.

Walled-City – 1

Trieste was a walled city, but they have been torn down. You can find evidence of the old walls in the Tor Cucherna, a tower that survived because it had been converted into a house at the time the rest of the wall was demolished.

Palaces – 3

Trieste was a shipping port for the Austro-Hungarian Empire and has palaces, but none have been restored into museums that can be toured.

Hiking – 4

Trieste is very close to Slovenia, which is a fantastic hiking destination. It also has hiking trails that start from Miramare train station and take you into the hills and offer sea views.

For more information on Trieste hiking, check out AllTrails.

Running – 2

Trieste could have better running and has the potential for great running with the long waterfront. Unfortunately, the old industrial port breaks up the running route to the north of the city towards Miramare. If you get through the industrial area, there is an excellent run from Barcola to Miramare.

For more information on Trieste’s running routes, check out Map My Run.

High – Fashion Stores/Shopping – 3

Trieste has clothing stores but is not an extensive shopping, high fashion destination.

Nightlife – 3

Trieste has a large bar and café scene but is not a late-night party destination.

Dog Friendly – 5

Trieste is very dog friendly. It is one of the few Italian cities that allow dogs inside grocery stores.

Kid Friendly – 2

We don’t have kids, but we didn’t see many kid-friendly activities in Trieste except boating and water activities.

Experiences

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

Conveniences

Great Grocery Stores – 3

Trieste has medium-sized grocery stores. The best ones are outside the Old Town and carry a great selection of fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, and wine, but they won’t make your grocery shopping soul sing.

English Widely Spoken – 5

Although it is not a popular tourist destination, English is widely spoken in Trieste.

Outwardly Friendly Locals – 3

The Trieste locals are friendly but could be more engaging and outwardly friendly.

American Tourists – 1

There are few American tourists in Trieste. Every American tourist we saw was coming from or going to a cruise ship in the ferry port, but Americans were rare.

Accessible by Train – 5

Trieste has a train station ready to take you all over Europe.

Day Trips by Train – 5

There are lots of day-tripping options available from the train station.

Clean Streets – 4

The streets of Trieste are kept very clean.

Noise – 4

Except for the wind blowing, Trieste isn’t a noisy city.

Experiences

Want to explore the area around Trieste? Book a highly-rated day trip for your Trieste stay!

Costs

Food Cost – 3

Food in Trieste is less expensive than in more popular tourist destinations, but it is still not cheap. This can mainly be attributed to the higher cost of seafood.

Accommodation Cost – 4

Accommodation in Trieste is much less expensive than in more popular tourist destinations.

Activities Cost – 4

The most popular activities in Trieste are not very expensive.

Transportation Cost – 5

The local train station that can take you to the airport and other European cities makes transportation costs low.

Transfers

Need a transfer for your trip to Trieste? Book a transfer to get you to Trieste!

FAQs About Trieste

What is Trieste known for?

Trieste is a captivating destination with a rich blend of historical and cultural landmarks. History enthusiasts will find plenty to explore, from the Roman ruins and the grand Roman Theatre to the imposing Castello di San Giusto. The architectural marvels of the Miramare Castle overlooking the Adriatic Sea and the Trieste Cathedral offer glimpses into the city’s rich past. Additionally, a visit to the Risiera di San Sabba, a former concentration camp, provides insight into a darker chapter of Trieste’s history.

Trieste is an excellent destination for coffee enthusiasts. The port city supplied coffee beans to Vienna’s famous coffee houses for centuries. Today, it is home to Illy, one of Italy’s biggest coffee brands, and many historic cafes.

Where to stay in Trieste?

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!

Is Trieste a beautiful city?

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.

Palazzo Stratti in Trieste, Italy
Trieste City Hall in Trieste, Italy

What food is Trieste Famous for?

Trieste is known for several local food products, including several excellent smoked hams and cheeses. The most popular of these are Prosciutto di San Daniele and Montasio. Visit Trieste Food for more information.

Is Trieste Worth a Day Trip?

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.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Trieste?

You can see most of Trieste on foot in a single day. However, we recommend staying at least two days and visiting nearby Miramare Castle. Of course, there’s plenty to see and do if you have time for a longer stay.

For a list of the best things to see and a suggested walking tour, check out our article “29 Best Things to See in Trieste, Italy.” For selecting a cafe, check out our article “9 Best Historic Cafes in Trieste, Italy.”

How to get to Trieste?

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.

What is the best time to visit Trieste?

During warmer months, Trieste’s pebbly beaches along the Adriatic Sea become inviting spots for sun-seekers. The pleasant weather between June and September allows for enjoyable outdoor activities like exploring the city center and nearby attractions.

On the other hand, visiting in cooler months from October to April offers a unique perspective with fewer crowds. Wandering through the old town or savoring a warm cup of local cuisine can be particularly charming in the off-peak seasons.

Do they speak English in Trieste?

Most people in Trieste speak at least some English, and many speak it well. However, it’s best not to expect everyone to speak English, especially outside the city.

Is it safe to travel to Trieste?

While Trieste is generally a safe city, as with any destination, it’s wise to stay vigilant, especially in tourist areas. Keep belongings secure in crowded places and be cautious at night.

What region is Trieste in?

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.

How Far Is Trieste from Venice?

Trieste is approximately 2 hours from Venice via train, bus, or car.

Best Cellular for a Trieste visit?

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.

Where is Trieste?

Trieste is a port city on the Adriatic Sea in northeastern Italy. It is a 2 hr train ride east of Venice, Italy, a 4hr 15 min ride northeast of Florence, Italy, a 6hr ride northeast of Rome, Italy, and a 2hr 45min ride southwest of Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Jen

Jen

Author

I graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 2004 with a degree in accounting. I earned my CPA certification and worked in taxation for two public accounting firms in San Francisco, CA. In 2009, I moved to Austin, TX, and took a position in the Large Business and International Division at the Internal Revenue Service. There I worked as a Revenue Agent and audited large companies and their high-net-worth owners. After overcoming my risk-averse nature through extensive budget analysis and financial projections, I quit my safe and secure career in tax accounting in January 2022 and embarked on a life of travel with my husband, Ryan, and French Bulldog, Gus.