THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Trieste
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Things to Do in Trieste
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Historical Museum of the Miramare Castle, Piazza dell'Unita d'Italia, Walking Tours, City Tours. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Historical Museum of the Miramare Castle, Piazza dell'Unita d'Italia, Walking Tours, City Tours. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Trieste.
Private Sightseeing Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)AU$165
Day Tripsfromper adult (price varies by group size)AU$195- fromper adult (price varies by group size)AU$248
- fromper group (up to 8)AU$1,204
Private Sightseeing Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)AU$80
Cooking Classesfromper adultAU$223
Day Tripsfromper adult (price varies by group size)AU$195
Ports of Call Toursfromper adultAU$27- fromper adult (price varies by group size)AU$157
Private Sightseeing Toursfromper group (up to 8)AU$132
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Seaside square framed by grand Austro-Hungarian architecture, ideal for leisurely strolls, people-watching, and enjoying a coffee with views of the gulf. Rich in history and culture.
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Churches & Cathedrals
Perched atop a hill, this cathedral is a tapestry of history, blending Roman ruins with medieval architecture and intricate mosaics. Features panoramic views and a notable bell tower climb.
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Beaches
Art Museums
Neighbourhoods
Hilltop castle with an archaeological museum, showcasing Roman and Egyptian artifacts, armory displays, and panoramic views from historic ramparts. Includes a café for refreshments.
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Bodies of Water
Other Top Attractions around Trieste
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What travellers are saying
- JPatti1Chicago, IL267 contributionsSTUNNING! My initial reaction was that this is my favorite building of all time - better than Biltmore, better than the Frick, better than Palazzo Pitti. The only rival is perhaps Neuschwanstein, which might be a toss-up.
The location just sets it apart, plus the building itself is so beautiful and tasteful. Then add to that the gorgeous landscaping around the castle and the lovely forested area that one walks through to arrive and this is the entire fairytale package just like Neuschwanstein. Even better than Neuschwanstein though, the interior of this castle was finished and is full of interesting rooms with fascinating history. This was a man who was assuredly not a success from a political perspective but his tastes have held up as erudite, elegant and coherent with little in the way of extreme ostentation (just a wee bit of self-aggrandizement, but he was the spare heir after all).
The part of the castle that was modernized by its later tenants is shockingly different - interesting in its own right but is a wonderful side-by-side exhibition of why the earlier 1800s style still engages the imagination and impresses while the spartan versions of art deco style leave much to be desired both from an aesthetic as well as comfort perspective.
Get the audio guide and listen to its (at times quite long) tales of Maximillian - definitely great information that brings him and his history to life. a MUST SEE!Written 6 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Mitar SPodgorica, Montenegro83 contributionsLocated in the very heart of Trieste, Piazza dell'Unita d'Italia is one of the most impressive and spacious squares in Europe. Surrounded by palaces from the Habsburg era, this square opens up towards the sea, offering a perfect blend of monumental architecture and the charm of the Adriatic coast.
Imposing Architecture and History
The square itself is a masterpiece of 19th-century urban planning, dating back to when Trieste was a key port of the Habsburg Monarchy. The buildings surrounding the square are a testament to the power and wealth of that time. The Palazzo del Municipio (Town Hall) dominates the center, while the Lloyd Triestino building, once the headquarters of a major maritime company, forms the impressive southern side. Other elegant and historicist structures, like the Palazzo del Governo, adorned with stunning mosaics, add to the grandeur of the space.
A True Postcard of Trieste
What makes this piazza truly unique is its extraordinary location—it's the only large square in Europe that directly faces the sea. The view of the Adriatic is spectacular, especially during sunset, when the colors of the sky and sea create a magical atmosphere. Many visitors sit at the nearby café terraces, soaking in the view of the square, while passersby and tourists from all over the world experience the blend of Italian, Central European, and Mediterranean spirit.
Events and the Life of the Square
Piazza dell'Unita d'Italia is the beating heart of the city. It hosts numerous cultural and entertainment events, from open-air concerts to political gatherings and celebrations. Throughout the year, the square is home to many festivities, including the famous Barcolana regatta, which attracts thousands of visitors annually. It’s also a favorite spot for locals, especially for evening strolls along the waterfront.
Gastronomy and Relaxation
The gastronomic side of Trieste should not be overlooked. Around the square, you’ll find many restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, accompanied by Trieste's renowned coffee. The coffee culture here is something special, and Piazza dell'Unita d'Italia is the perfect place to relax with an espresso, watching the world go by.
Conclusion
Piazza dell'Unita d'Italia is not just a square; it’s the heart and soul of Trieste, a place where history, culture, and everyday life converge. Its beauty and elegance, combined with the fantastic sea view, make it a must-see destination for every traveler. Trieste may not be the most famous of Italian cities, but Piazza dell'Unita d'Italia is undoubtedly one of the most impressive spots you can visit in all of Italy.Written 20 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Paul MDublin, Ireland48 contributionsI would echoes all the positive comments others have posted.Strongly recommend doing this.A wonderful guide...he had quite good English and a nice sense of humour.Written 29 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mark O139 contributionsWe feel it’s important that places like this from World War 2 have been retained and preserved. This is an important part of Italy’s story. The main display is inside and also shows English text.Written 13 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- westy54Sydney, Australia13,544 contributionsThe Cathedral is the result of a merger, in the early 14th century, of two separate pre-existing churches that were built between the 9th and 11th centuries on the site of an earlier 5th century Christian Basilica that had three naves and a mosaic floor. The Basilica had itself, earlier been built on the site of the Roman Capitolium.
The two 9th/11th century churches included a small Cathedral dedicated to the Virgin of the Assumption which had three naves and three apses and separately, the chapel of San Giusto that also had three naves. When the churches were merged in the 14th century into a single Cathedral, one of the naves in each of the churches was demolished which created the central nave and the four aisles of the current Cathedral.
The simple brick gabled facade has three portals and a very large Gothic rose window. There are also four busts mounted on the facade. The square bell tower impinges upon the facade. It was originally higher but was reduced to its current height after it was hit by a thunderbolt.
Internally the main items of interest to us were the section of mosaic floor that dates back to the 5th century Christian Basilica, the beautiful 13th century golden mosaics that cover two of the apses, the 13th century frescoes that depict the saint's life and the stunning 14th century high altar.
Entrance was free although there is a small cost to climb the bell tower.Written 13 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Kathy BLeominster, UK18 contributionsWe felt like escaping the town and finding the beach so took a bus (which was included in the 24 hour bus ticket) to Barcola.
The beach is not sandy but is perfect for a hot day because there are wooded areas, with trees for shade and plenty of seats. We sat near the steps that lead into the sea.
Swimming is only for strong swimmers because the water is deep straight away. We had a great time swimming and relaxing before taking the bus back into town.
The beach was mostly full of locals and had a friendly atmosphere.Written 13 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - westy54Sydney, Australia13,544 contributionsThis museum is spread over six levels. The first three encompass the former residence of Baron Pasquale Revoltella, who bequeathed his home, most of its furnishings, paintings, sculptures etc plus a sizeable sum of money to the city of Trieste. The upper three levels comprise the modern art gallery.
Baron Revoltella died in 1869 and in 1872 the house and everything in it became the foundation for the Revoltella Museum. The museum's art collection quickly increased via the funds that the Baron had bequeathed such that it became necessary, in 1907, to enlarge the museum's space. The adjacent Brunner palace was subsequently purchased and following a series of renovations during the rest of that century the Baron's palazzo was restored to its original magnificence as a stately historical residence with art works mainly from the Baron's own collection whilst the Brunner Palace holds most of the artwork purchased since the Baron's death.
The first three floors contain the entertaining and meeting areas as well as the private apartments of the Baron. These rooms are richly decorated with original furnishings, inlaid floors, beautifully painted ceilings and stucco decorations. We were particularly interested by the spy holes that Revoltella had installed which enabled him to see what was happening on the street outside his palazzo.
The top three floors now hold approximately 350 paintings and sculptures that have been bequeathed or donated to the museum or purchased by them. The majority of the works on display are by Italian (and in particular local regional) artists from the second half of the 19th and the 20th centuries. We had a mixed view of the artwork enjoying a large number of the paintings on levels four and five but thought the artwork on level six was nothing to write home about.
When we visited there were two special exhibitions. The first was a projection of jungle animals onto the walls and floor. The second the works of Antonio Ligabue.
Well worth a visit.Written 16 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Explore5898015 contributionsLovely and tranquil walk with stunning views. Started in Prosecco and finished at the Obelisk. Took the bus Nr 4 back to Trieste.Written 23 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BreandanOB396Palermo, Italy26 contributionsWalking down from the Castle, through the Old Town, stopping for lunch, proceeding down Piazza Unita and the Grande Canale for coffee, drinks and sunsets - the perfect way to uncover the beauty of the CityWritten 19 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ian1811Scotland, UK633 contributionsOnce you've got yourself up to the top of the hill, visit the castle. Well worth it for the views, let alone the seeing the place, the history, walking the walls, seeing the armoury and stopping for a coffee and cake in the cafe.Written 23 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ErikaCaracas, Venezuela9,913 contributionsNice place to walk around and relax. I august is extremely hot and I would recommend to visit in another time of the year.Written 7 September 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ErikaCaracas, Venezuela9,913 contributionsInteresting monument near the center of Trieste. A momument with a very cruel story and to remember the victims of the ocupation from Yugoslavia.Written 7 September 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above hotel descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
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