Discover The Best Things To See In Trieste | Hidden Gem Of Italy

Nestled on the east coast of the Adriatic between the sea and Slovenia, Trieste is an interesting town that entices travelers with rich history, grand architecture, delicious food, and a vibrant cultural scene. Often overshadowed by its more famous Italian neighbors, Trieste offers a unique blend of Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian influences from its diverse past, making it an off-the-beaten-path destination. From exploring its elegant Piazzas, to its grand palaces and castles, old Roman ruins, and fresh local cuisine, Trieste promises an unforgettable experience. This post covers the best things to see and do in Trieste Italy.

Best Things To See & Do In Trieste

Have Coffee At Piazza Unita d’Italia

Piazza Unita d’Italia means “Unity of Italy Square” in Italian. It was renamed this when Trieste became part of Italy in the 20th century (it was part of the Austria-Hungarian Empire and the Venetian Republic before that). It sits on the Adriatic coast near the port. This is the most beautiful square in Trieste and the largest sea-facing square in Europe.

The square is very impressive, surrounded by the grand architecture of several Palazzos or palaces, which includes the Town Hall, government buildings, and a luxury hotel. There’s also a bistro and some coffee shops in the square which are perfect to sit and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere here.

I don’t normally associate Italy with good coffee, but Trieste is considered the “capital of coffee” in Italy. It’s home to renowned coffee roasters, including Illy, which is internationally famous. This makes Trieste, and possible Unity of Italy Square the perfect place to try it, like at Caffè degli Specchi in Unity of Italy Square.

Take A Selfie At Canal Grand di Trieste

Canal Grand di Trieste is northeast of Unit of Italy Square. Just a 5- to 10-minute walk away. It was built in the 18th century so ships could deliver goods directly to the city center. Now, this picturesque canal is lined with historic buildings, cafes, and shops and one of the best things to see in Trieste.

It’s best to walk along the sidewalk of main street near the sea (Riva Tre Novembre) to get here for the best views. The foot of the canal is a very popular place for selfies for the colorful reflections of the sky and the beautiful Neoclassical architecture of Sant’Antonio Taumaturgo Church behind you (also called The Church of Sant’Antonio Nuovo). Especially as the sun starts to set to the west.

See Teatro Romano

Find the old Roman theater, or Teatro Romana, that dates back the 1st century AD. To get here, walk behind Piazza Unita d’Italia (away from the coast). It’s located at the base of San Giusto Hill on Via del Teatro Roman. It’s about a 5-minute walk from either Piazza Unita d’Italia or Piazza Sant’Antonio Nuovo (at the end of the canal).

This theater once held 3,500 or more spectators and had a wooden stage with elaborate statues. The artifacts from this site are in a museum in the Castello di San Giusto.

There are live concerts here in peak season. See the tourist information office in Unity of Italy Square for the latest details.

Explore Castello di San Giusto

After seeing the old Roman theater, look for the steps on the right hand side and walk up to Castello di San Giusto. This 15th century castle was built as a fortress when this area was part of the Austrian Empire. It gets its name from Saint Justus, the patron saint of Trieste, which is San Giusto in Italian.

Austrian Imperial Captains lived here until the late 18th century. After this is became a garrison and was also used as a prison. It was turned into a museum in the 20th century.

Make sure to climb to the rooftop for panoramic views of the city and the Adriatic Sea. The castle is pentagonal-like and you can walk along most of the rooftop for various views. There’s even a little rooftop cafe (image below left).

Inside the castle you’ll find historical artifacts, including weapons, furniture, and artwork from different periods (like the painting on the ceiling in the Capri Room below). The Museum of the Castle is the Armory is where you can learn more of the history of this fortress. You can also visit the Lapidarium de Tergeste, which showcases artifacts from Trieste’s Roman history (like the Roman theater and Forum).

Note that if you walk up the stairs from the theater as noted above, you’ll also see Tor Cucherna, a 14th century medieval tower, along the way. If you don’t want the uphill walk, which can take a bit of effort, drive or take a taxi around to the castle.

The castle is open every day of the week except Mondays (and key holidays). See the website castellodisangiustotrieste.it for ticket costs and more details.

Admire Cathedral di San Giusto

The Cathedral of San Giusto sits in the southwest side of Castello di San Giusto. Directly beside the old Roman Forum (below). In fact, this cathedral was built over the remains of a 1st century AD Roman temple.

The mosaics and guilded artwork inside are lovely to see. You can also climb the bell tower for a view of the Adriatic Sea below.

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Walk Around The Old Roman Forum

The ruins of the old Roman Forum, or Foro Romano, are on the west side of Castello di San Giusto, beside the Cathedral of San Giusto. This was the central public space of the ancient Roman city of Tergeste.

Most of this area is now in ruins, with a few columns remaining standing, but was once much larger, full of Roman temples, basilicas, and other buildings central to ancient public life.

Enjoy The Cuisine Of Trieste

The food in Trieste has influences from Italy, Austria and Slovenia, so make sure to add some time for a seaside trattoria or a cozy cafe while you’re here.

On my visit to Trieste, I parked (free) next to Eataly, which is a great place to shop for all kinds of delicious Italian foods. It’s located southwest of Unity Square and the main port. You definitely need to stop in this market if you’ve never been to one. You can also eat here if you want to.

Although I walked around Eataly, I chose to eat at the lovely little marina behind it, called The Pier. Look for the very unassuming red brick building with Marina San Giusto at the top at the end of the pier behind Eataly. I found eating here to be a great welcome to Trieste as it’s a little out of the fray and the atmosphere inside, and views of the sea, are lovely. The menu offers a variety of fresh seafood and pasta dishes as well as wines and other beverages. I had the Spaghetti Con Vongole E Bottarga, which was delicious.

Caffè degli Specchi in Unity of Italy Square is another well known place to try and is reasonably priced. Caffe Tommaseo, between Unity of Italy Square and Canal Grand di Trieste, is another well-known historic cafe here to eat at.

If you have time, which I did not, take a food tour in Trieste. Trieste: Guided Foodie Walking Tour looks like a lot of fun.

For more options, see the Trieste Michelin Guide. If you want something within waking distance of the port, click on the map icon in the guide above.

Visit Castello di Miramare

All the best things to see in Trieste above are within walking distance of the main port except Castello di Miramare, or Miramare Castle. To see this, which is worth it, you need to use public transportation or have a vehicle.

This beautiful 19th century castle sits on the coast of the Adriatic Sea about 5 miles (8 km) from Unity of Italy Square.

It was built as a residence for Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria and his wife when this area was part of the Austro Hungarian Empire. Its position on the waterfront and the surrounding gardens add to its beauty, making this one of the top things to see in Trieste.

The park and gardens around the castle are free all year round and lovely to explore on their own, but there is an entry fee to see the beautifully preserved rooms inside this clifftop palace. For options and costs, visit the website miramare.cultura.gov.it. Entry is free on the first Sunday of every month. Check the website for closures, changes, and more details.

If you arrive by car, there is a park lot before the castle. Note that you get your parking ticket when you enter, but you pay at a booth before you get back to your car. Not at the exit. If you don’t do this, you block the exit and get yelled at in Italian…lol.

To get here with public transportation, take the train from the Trieste Station to the Miramare Station. From there, Miramare Castle is a 10-minute walk. A taxi is another alternative, although this could be expensive. Uber is available in Trieste as of this writing, so you can check current prices.

Safe Travels!

Julie