How To Spend 1 Perfect Day In Trieste

Oh, Italy! There truly are so many wonderful towns and cities to explore in this incredible country. If you are looking to escape reality and get lost in a picturesque setting, Trieste is the place for you. Trieste is the perfect city to spend a day or more in as it is not too touristy, yet has many things to offer.

Located in the North-Eastern part of Italy, Trieste is an Italian gem situated right on the border of Slovenia. The city’s location makes it especially unique as it is filled with many influences (Austrian and Slovenian, to name a few) but still maintains a distinctly Italian charm.

To help you have an amazing visit, I’ve mapped out how to spend 1 perfect day in Trieste!

Wake up to the salty ocean breezes of the Adriatic and begin your day in the true Italian manner with a traditional breakfast. Savor a brioche (croissant) with a strong espresso. Since it’s breakfast, consider trying a Capo in B, the Triestin version of a Cappuccino, at one of the many of the cafes you will find in dell’Unità d’Italia, Piazza Oberdan or Viale XX Settembre.

Once the coffee kicks in, purchase your bus ticket from one of the many Tabaccherie and hop on bus number 6 heading to Miramare. Miramare is a stunning 19th-century castle located on the Trieste Gulf. The castle will enchant you with its regal Austrian air, and you are sure to enjoy spending time both inside the castle and outside in its luxurious gardens. Be sure to book your ticket (8 euro/adult) in advance so that you don’t have to wait around!  Spend an hour or so exploring Miramare and admiring the spectacular views.

Head back to the city and get ready to climb up the great Scalladei Giganti to the San Giusto Castle. The castle is situated on top of a hill, triumphally overlooking the city and port. Once you’ve conquered the climb, you will get the chance to explore the fortress and take in its rich history. Note that the castle sometimes hosts music concerts and parties with free entry.

Mid Afternoon: Eat Lunch + Explore Trieste

Exit the castle and begin heading toward the Trieste Cathedral. Take your time and enjoy getting lost on the narrow, colorful streets that wind down to the Roman theater and Arco of Riccardo. These historic landmarks date all the way back to the 1st and 2nd Century AD!  Continue walking to Ponte Rosso (Canal Grande) where you can stop and enjoy an exquisite Italian lunch.

After lunch, be sure to try one (or many) of the incredible flavors of gelato that the gelaterias of Trieste have on display. My personal favorite flavors are the fior di latte mixed with biscotto or bacio, which can be found near the train station at the Gelateria Zampolli.

As evening approaches, head to the center of the Piazza della Borsa for aperitivo at the La Portizza bar. If you are looking for a fancier “drink before dinner”, then try heading to the historic Caffee Degli Specchi. There, you can admire the sunset over the Piazza dell’Unità d’Italia.  For something more relaxed or budget friendly, simply grab a delicious pizza altaglio and a bottle of wine and head to the Molo Audace.

Once night has come and you’ve enjoyed the cuisine of Trieste, head out for a night of dancing and fun at one of the many clubs frequented by locals such as Ausonia and Macaki. Expect a lot of Italian music, dancing, and singing along to the oldies!

Other things to see and do in Trieste:

If you are in Trieste for more than one day or are looking for other things to do in this beautiful city, try adding some of these activities to your itinerary!

• Visit Duino Castle
• Watch the sun set at Barcola
• Dine at one of the many osmizzas around Trieste
• Go Rock climbing or just trekking in the Dolomites
• Visit the Grotta Gigante (and, if you’re lucky, even attend a concert here)
• Spend a day in the sun at Sistiana
• Take a day trip by bus or boat to nearby Muggia

Which of these would make it on your Trieste itinerary? Comment below!

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This guest post was written by Ingrid the blogger behind Ingrid Zen Moments. Ingrid lived in Trieste during her Erasmus program and even spent 3 months working in Rome! Today she is currently living and working in Bucharest, Romania. Despite working 40 hours a week at her corporate job, Ingrid still finds time to travel and record her experiences on her blog! 

You can follow Ingrid’s adventures on her blog, Ingrid Zen Moments or her Instagram. 

Is Trieste on your Italy bucket list, or have you been? Comment below and let me know!

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