13 reasons why you should visit Trieste, Italy

Trieste might not be the first Italian city that comes to mind when you think of Italy, and yet! This coastal town is one of the best cities to visit in Italy and has the most interesting mix of cultures: Italian, of course, but also Austrian, Croatian, Slovenian… Such a captivating mix! It made the city’s history, culture, and atmosphere something that truly deserves your attention. And if you’re not convinced yet: Trieste is considered Italy’s coffee capital! So you’ll have the luxury of spending your days drinking nothing but coffee and eating nothing but biscuits. If that’s not the life, I don’t know what is.

Anya

Hi! I’m Anya, founder of the travel blog Stop Going to Paris which focuses on underrated cities in Europe. I’m a passionate traveler but above all, a passionate adventurer always looking for the hidden gems that deserve more love.

After 10 years and 70+ destinations, I can help you plan your European trip: book a call with me. It includes a full itinerary with unique destinations, transportation, accommodation and activities.

Fun fact, I live in… drumroll… Paris! That’s why the name of the blog is funny.

Uncover the Freemason connections

Trieste holds some intriguing Freemason symbols, notably in the Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore, where the architecture and artwork feature Masonic imagery. For example, look for depictions of Hiram Abiff, a central figure in Masonic legend, known for building King Solomon’s Temple. On the front of the church (that doesn’t even have the traditional shape of a church by the way), you’ll find the symbol for the Freemasons, the Eye of Providence – the triangle shape with the eye enclosed inside – just above the door and below the window.

Visit Miramare Castle

Miramare Castle is a castle located right on the coast. Built in the 19th century for Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, used by allied troops during World War II, this castle has sprawling gardens, seaside views, and beautiful interiors that reflect aristocratic life. It’s a fantastic place to take a leisure walk or admire the sunset. The gardens and the Mediterranean backdrop there truly are something else.

Sip coffee at historic cafés

Trieste is Italy’s coffee capital, and as such has a rich coffee culture. It’s home to some historic cafés that have been around for over a century or two: places like Caffè Stella Polare, which once served as a ballroom during WWII, are a perfect spot to enjoy coffee. Make sure to ask for coffee “in a glass,” just like the locals do. Here is the list of cafés you absolutely need to try:

• Caffé Tommaseo; Trieste’s oldest caffé (1825), you cannot miss it.
• Caffé Pirona: delicious pastries, I highly recommend the chocolate biscuits.
• Caffé Stella Polare: very beautiful room and setting, it was frequented by writers such as Umberto Saba, James Joyce and Virgilio Giotti.
• Caffé San Marco: this caffé has a big library where events are held throughout the year, preserving its original spirit as an old intellectuals’ and rebels’ meeting point.
• Pasticceria La Bomboniera: you can have hot chocolate offered with your coffee in a glass.

I highly recommend this guided foodie walking tour to learn more about where to catch the best coffee and food in the city. And don’t forget to buy an Illy coffee cup as a keepsake – Trieste is, after all, the birthplace of Illy coffee!

Stroll along the Grand Canal

Modeled after the canals of Venice, Trieste’s Grand Canal is a picturesque spot to take a walk, snap photos, and watch boats parked on the water. The canal is lined with cozy cafes, so you can stop for a cappuccino or gelato while enjoying the view.

Visit the iconic Pyramid Church

Known for its unique pyramid shape, the Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Nuovo was a place where residents of all beliefs could pray together. The church stands as a symbol of Trieste’s unity, especially during the tense days when Trieste was divided into Zones A and B. Its unusual design is supposed to represent an M, for the Virgin Mary.

Explore Trieste’s other unique churches

Trieste is home to other one-of-a-kind churches. The Serbian Orthodox Church of San Spiridione is a striking example, with a beautiful interior and a patron saint that lets worshippers ask for “material things” (everything but money!) – a rare tradition in Orthodox Christianity. Nearby, Chiesa di San Giusto is home to stunning frescoes and amazing city views.

Learn the history of Autonomous Trieste

Between 1947 and 1954, Trieste was an autonomous city-state under Allied control, acting as a buffer between the West and East during the Cold War. Zone A was on the Italian side, and Zone B was on the Yugoslavian (now Slovenian and Croatian) side. You can still spot remnants of this era, like that city center building with a sign reading “U.S. & U.K. Come Back” (see picture below), hinting at Trieste’s complex past and its longing for autonomy.

Actually, Trieste still is today one of the five autonomous regions of Italy with a special statute and has a “president” who resides in Piazza Unità. For your information, this is the kind of things you learn on this fantastic private walking tour!

Take a dip in the Adriatic Sea

On a sunny day, do as the locals do and take a refreshing swim in the Adriatic Sea. Trieste’s coastline offers several accessible spots for swimming, and it’s a great way to cool off after a day of sightseeing. Just remember to bring a towel and some sunscreen!

Follow in James Joyce’s footsteps

Literary fans will love retracing the steps of James Joyce, who lived in Trieste for over a decade. He found inspiration here, writing and frequenting cafes like Caffè Walter, where he met fellow writer Umberto Saba. My advice: skip the touristy Joyce Café since the experience and customer service have gone downhill in the last few years. Instead, explore places that genuinely reflect his time in the city. You’ll easily find a James Joyce walking path flyer in the tourist office. Or you could do what I did: walk around the city and look for the signs on the walls that signal places he’s been to, studied, worked, wrote a little, etc.

Visit the Jewish neighborhood

Trieste’s Jewish Ghetto may be mostly gone, but its memory lives on in the area’s street names, like “Umbrella Street,” once filled with umbrella makers. Look out for Stolpersteine – small brass plaques set into the sidewalk that commemorate Holocaust victims, designed by artist Gunter Demning. It’s a subtle yet powerful reminder of Trieste’s Jewish heritage.

Wander in the Piazza Unità d’Italia

The Piazza Unità d’Italia is Trieste’s grand central square, as well as the largest square in Europe directly overlooking the sea. Surrounded by historic buildings like the Palo di Trieste and the Lloyd’s Trieste office. Once a site for speeches by leaders like Mussolini, this piazza holds layers of Italian history. The architecture reflects both Hapsburg and Italian influences, making it a truly fascinating place to end your visit to Trieste.

Little note for the business history enthusiasts (guilty! I am a business nerd): you’ll find on that square the historic Generali Insurance headquarters. Yes, their very first office, where the huge insurance company was born. I was fangirling like crazy when I learned that!

Explore the Roman ruins of Trieste

Trieste’s ancient amphitheater is almost smack dab in the city center. Dating back to the 1st century AD, it once hosted lively performances and gladiator battles. It’s amazing how much of the structure remains, blending history with the urban setting. Around the area, archaeologists also believe they’ve found traces of an ancient Roman villa that they are still exploring (not accessible yet as of date). Soon, the mosaics and layout of the villa could tell us more about life there centuries ago.

Take a day trip

Trieste is a perfect base for short trips to nearby gems. From Trieste, just a short drive away, you have access to:

• Slovenia’s Lake Bled, with its picturesque island church, is also just a couple of hours out. Very accessible through this organized Lake Bled and Ljubljana tour.
• The Škocjan Caves offer an unforgettable experience underground for those feeling adventurous.
• Aquileia, a hidden gem packed with history. Once a major Roman city, it now offers stunning ruins, from ancient mosaics to remnants of an old forum.
• Muggia, a charming little town that retains its Venetian character, with colorful buildings and a relaxed vibe.
  

Final Thoughts

Trieste is a city that beautifully blends Italian, Slovenian, and Austrian influences, making it an exceptional place to explore. The history buff, beach lover, and coffee enthusiast in me was over the moon in Trieste. I’m sure I’ll be back soon!

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