View of Trieste city centre: elegant buildings and palaces along a canal in which they are reflected, street cafés with parasols and plants.
View of Trieste city centre: elegant buildings and palaces along a canal in which they are reflected, street cafés with parasols and plants.

Trieste – A Place of Longing on the Adriatic

Published: 12 April 2024, 12:00

The northern Italian coastal city of Trieste is often compared to Vienna because of its abundance of elegant, magnificent buildings, glamorous city palaces and traditional coffee houses. Thanks to its direct location on the northern Adriatic coast and the beautiful Canal Grande, Trieste also impresses visitors with its maritime charm and Mediterranean atmosphere. As soon as it gets warmer, the beach promenades and bathing piers on the Adriatic become popular meeting spots for the locals.  

The capital of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region is located in the north-easternmost corner of Italy and, therefore, very close to the Slovenian border. A visit to Trieste can be perfectly combined with a trip to the neighbouring countries of Slovenia and Croatia. Cruises also depart regularly from Trieste along the Adriatic and to other destinations in the Mediterranean. 

Numbers, datas, facts

  • Time difference: none
  • Population: 200.000
  • Official language: Italienisch
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

The best of Trieste

Bird’s eye view of the city with buildings and trees directly by the sea and an angel-like statue on the tower in the foreground.
The scent of the sea is in the air in Trieste: so don’t forget your swimwear and enjoy the maritime atmosphere on the beach promenades of the Adriatic! © xbrchx/stock.adobe.com
Large square surrounded by magnificent buildings, flagpoles and a blue sky with clouds.
Magnificent palazzi: the Piazza dell’Unità d’Italia exudes Viennese charm and is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. The open side borders the sea directly. © ArTo/stock.adobe.com
Square with three buildings, in the centre the old stock exchange building with four columns and a fountain in the foreground.
Old stock exchange: the place where stocks and bonds were once traded is now home to the chamber of commerce. The Borsa Vecchia is one of the most beautiful buildings. © ArTo/stock.adobe.com
Coffee house with a woman at the coffee machine behind the counter, both blurred in the background, two small glasses of coffee in the foreground.
Italy’s coffee capital: nowhere else in Italy do people drink as much coffee as in Trieste. Order a “capo” if you want an espresso with milk. © TTLmedia/stock.adobe.com
View of the remains of a semi-circular Roman amphitheatre with trees and a white building in the background.
Ancient Trieste: the Roman Theatre is located in the heart of the city centre. The medieval castle of San Giusto is also worth a visit if you are a history buff. © tichr/stock.adobe.com
Evening atmosphere on the canal with small boats, lights, street bars surrounded by brightly coloured buildings. The picture shows a bridge over the canal and a view of a church.
Take a stroll, stay and relax: the Canale Grand in Trieste is smaller and very different from its namesake in Venice, but no less charming. © eunikas/stock.adobe.com
View of the upper floors of two buildings facing each other with the sky in between.
Legacy of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy: the district of Borgo Teresiano was built in the 18th century. © AlexMastro/stock.adobe.com
Aerial view of the pier jutting out into the sea with city promenade, city view behind, slightly cloudy sky.
A walk into the sea: the famous writer James Joyce strolled along the 250-metre-long Molo Audace. It is particularly romantic at sunset. © Sebàstian/stock.adobe.com
White castle by the sea with green park and stone promenade. It is reflected in a pool of water.
A fairytale castle: Castello di Miramare is located on a rocky cliff and offers fantastic views over the Bay of Grignano. © rh2010/stock.adobe.com
Close-up shot of a red-walled building with towels on a washing line. Next to it stands an old, damaged building.
Away from the grand boulevards: traditional Trieste also has its charm. It is a great place to drift along and mingle with the locals. © AlexMastro/stock.adobe.com

Between the Alps, the Adriatic and the Balkans

Italy’s north-easternmost region is characterised by its diverse landscape. The Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, Friuli for short, borders the Carnic and Julian Alps to the north, Slovenia to the east, the Veneto region to the west and, not be overlooked, the Mediterranean influence of the Italian Adriatic coast with its beautiful long beaches and lagoons to the south. In between, there are vast forests, turquoise-coloured mountain lakes and picturesque towns, such as Udine, Muggia and Aquileia. The Balkan countries of Slovenia and Croatia, and notably the popular Istrian peninsula, are within easy reach. Another highlight is the Strada Costiera coastal road along the Trieste Riviera with its wonderful views and beaches for swimming. Trieste is the perfect place if you want to combine a city trip with excursions, hikes and beaches. 

Places to go around Trieste

Secluded lake surrounded by trees, high mountains with snow-covered peaks in the background. Mountains and trees are reflected in the water.
Fantastic nature: the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region is characterised by mountains and deep blue lakes, such as Lake Predil. © auergraphics/stock.adobe.com
Large church building with several outbuildings, deserted square and trees on a sunny day.
Exciting art treasures are waiting to be discovered in Aquileia: the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta is famous for its mosaic floors, which are a UNESCO World Heritage. © auergraphics/stock.adobe.com
Village situated on a hill with two church towers, surrounded by lots of greenery.
A good hour’s drive north of Trieste lies Gemona del Friuli, a particularly charming village in the heart of the mountains with a medieval centre. © Nicola Simeoni/stock.adobe.com
View from above of a densely built-up town with red rooftops, a church and small boats in the harbour.
The old fishing village of Muggia is the perfect half-day excursion. The tranquil coastal town can be easily reached by boat from the pier in Trieste. © Nicola Simeoni/stock.adobe.com
Turquoise, extensive bay with steep cliffs, green hinterland and beach with boats.
The Bay of Sistiana to the north of Trieste has wonderful beaches for swimming. The road there is one of the most beautiful panoramic roads in the Mediterranean. © Przemyslaw Iciak/stock.adobe.com

Triest from BER

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Five travel tips for ...

1. Stroll along the Canal Grande at sunset

2. Walk up to the Castello di San Giusto from the city centre

3. Walk the Rilke Trail connecting Sistiana to Duino along the cliffs

4. Walk along the Strada Napoleonica on the mountain path

5. Hike the limestone plateau of the Slovenian Karst mountains

1. From Strada Vincentina in the afternoon

2. The Molo Audace at sunrise

3. Bird’s eye view from the Faro della Vittoria (lighthouse)

4. Miramare Castle offers majestic views

5. Cooling down and wet feet included: the Barcola waterfront promenade

1. Drink “un giocciato” (espresso with milk foam) at the counter

2. Spend some time in one of the traditional coffee houses (locali storici)

3. Enjoy a speciality coffee in the elegant Piazza dell’Unità d’Italia

4. Try coffee with ginseng or even schnapps

5. Learn more about its history at the coffee museum 

Picture source title:
© Freesurf/stock.adobe.com 

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