Should You Visit Trieste?

Is Trieste worth visiting?

Yes, it's worth visiting this city for two to four days because of the many great activities. Trieste is often overlooked for more famous Italian cities, but for those who venture here, they'll find a sense of authenticity and cultural uniqueness. The city feels strikingly different than many Italian cities because for centuries it was part of Austria. The city's culture, cuisine, architecture, and languages all reflect its diverse past. Trieste is also set against the Adriatic Sea which offers pebbly beaches and a laid-back atmosphere.

Trieste, Italy

Reasons to Visit Trieste

Museums
Because Trieste was part of Austria for such a long stretch of time, you'll find that it looks different from many Italian cities. This is also evident in the different architectural and historic monuments around town. Major landmarks and sights include Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia, which is the largest square in the old part of the city, Miramare Castle, San Giusto Castle, Museum Riseria di San Sabba, and the Cathedral of San Giusto.

Food
It's hard to pinpoint exactly how to categorize the local cuisine. It's been influenced by the city's Austro-Hungarian past and you'll find Austrian, Slovenian, and even Croatian flavors. The food scene is often overlooked for more famous Italian cities, but that doesn't mean there's not a lot to enjoy. Make sure you try jota (a bean, potato, and sauerkraut stew), calandraca (a salted meat stew), and gulasch alla triestina (a local twist on goulash. The city is also a coffee capital in Italy.

Nightlife
While it's not known as a party destination, there is a laid-back nightlife scene that usually involves a late night enjoying drinks at a local bar with friends. Many establishments blur the café and bar concepts, but you'll find a number of lively bars west of Piazza Unità in the trendy Cavana neighborhood. There always seems to be something new in the area worth checking out.

Beaches
The beaches tend to be pebbly, but they are a nice way to experience the sea. Locals still refer to it as "bathing" in the sea, a throwback to years past. The most common beach to visit is Ausonia, which is at the bottom of the Rive past the port of Sacchetta. Nearby are La Lanterna, also called Pedocin. This area still separates men and women in the bathing areas.

Historical Sights
The old town highlights the diversity of cultures and influences from the city's past.

Authenticity
Trieste has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.

Is Trieste worth visiting in the Summer?

Summer is the high season for travel in Trieste, so expect more visitors and higher prices. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here.

The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 24°C (75°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 28°C (83°F).

You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to lounge on the beach, browse through museums, and browse around the old town. Also, you can check out the nightlife.

Is Trieste worth visiting in the Autumn?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Trieste. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 16°C (60°F).

During this season it's fun to experience the gorgeous scenery, the historic old town, and the famous sights and museums.

Is Trieste worth visiting in the Winter?

The weather in Trieste can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 5°C (41°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

The low season for travel in Trieste is during the winter. This destination is not very touristy, so in the low season it can become fairly quiet.

You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. This is a great time of year to browse the museums, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and admire the historic sights. Also, you can experience the nightlife.

Is Trieste worth visiting in the Spring?

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Trieste. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 13°C (56°F).

You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums, take in the beautiful scenery, and browse around the old town. Also, you can grab some drinks at a bar.

Related

What is Trieste most famous for?

Trieste is most famous for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage. People visit this impressive city for its great museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and historical sights. It is often described as diverse, cultural, historic, dynamic, and energetic.

What is the most famous sight in Trieste?

The most popular sight in Trieste is Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Trieste on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia and other attractions here.

How touristy is Trieste? Is it a popular city to visit?

Trieste is an off-the-beaten-path city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Food & Wine -> Gourmet tour in Piran: $130
• E-bike Vipava River Tour: $163
• Tour to Postojna and Predjama Castle from Koper: $74
• Postojna Cave and Castle Privat Tour From Koper, Trieste, Piran: $196
• Piran Old Town Walking Tour: $65
• Flavours of Istria Tasting Experience from Koper: $124
• 60-minute Small Group Guided Walking Tour in Piran: $22
• Wine Fountain Tour from Koper: $59

How long should I spend in Trieste?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Trieste is two to four days. Since Trieste has activities such as museums, dining, and nightlife, most people visit for up to four days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Trieste? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Trieste?.

More Things to Do in Trieste

• Is Castello di San Giusto Worth Visiting?
• Is Castello di Miramare Worth Visiting?
• Are The Caves of Torri di Slivia Worth Visiting?
• Is The Civic Museum of Natural History Worth Visiting?
• Is Piazza della Borsa Worth Visiting?
• Is Canale Grande Worth Visiting?
• Is The Roman Theatre of Trieste Worth Visiting?
• Is Piazza Unità d'Italia Worth Visiting?
• Is Trieste Cathedral Worth Visiting?
• Is The Revoltella Museum Worth Visiting?