Things to do in  Trieste

Trieste is a port town in northeastern Italy, near Slovenia, known for its Habsburg history; it belonged to the Austrian empire for centuries. The city is also known as Italy’s unofficial coffee capital. It’s home to Illy’s headquarters and boasts too many coffee bars to count.

Start your day by ordering un caffè nero (aka an espresso in Trieste’s lingo). Stroll down the Molo Audace pier and visit the Trieste Grand Canal to look for jellyfish in the water and enjoy the area’s bustling restaurants. Later, see the sunset from the sea-facing Piazza dell’Unita d’Italia.

Yes; Trieste is one of Italy’s most underrated cities. Decidedly off the international tourist trail, the city is lovely but doesn’t attract the crowds that flock to its big-name neighbors like Venice and Verona. It’s also an easy jumping-off point for forays to nearby Slovenia, Croatia, and Austria.

Trieste isn’t big, so it’s a perfect spot for a long weekend. Most city sights can be covered on your first day. On your second day, visit the unmissable Miramar Castle (about 10 minutes away by train). Spend your evenings tasting how Italian, Austrian, and Slavic influences define Trieste’s cuisine.

Trieste’s port is big, but the passenger cruise terminal (Stazione Marittima) is near the city’s historical center, close to the Piazza dell’Unita d’Italia. While there’s not much to do in the port itself, the shops and eateries in the city center are within easy reach.

Visit the Cathedral of San Giusto to see Byzantine mosaics and medieval frescoes. Pay a few euros to climb the cathedral tower, and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping sea views. You can also see the Roman Theatre, another impressive piece of history located right in the city center.