Trieste, Italy always seems to be at the crossroads for travelers coming or going from Croatia to Italy and back. But those with more time on their schedule should really spend a little time discovering this wonderful city. I think it’s definitely worth a visit to Trieste especially if you’re anywhere along the border of Croatia and Italy. There’s a lot to discover and enjoy with the city’s unique landmarks and attractions with only 24 hours to spare.

Most of the attractions are within the center of the historic district, so check out the highlights on Trieste, Italy – what to see and do in 24 hours. I’ll take you on a highlight tour of what to see, do and experience around Triest, Italy in the northeastern section of the country.

A brief history about visiting Trieste, Italy

Trieste, a port city in northeastern Italy, has a rich history shaped by its strategic location on the Adriatic Sea and its proximity to Central Europe. Its origins date back to Roman times when it was known as *Tergeste*, a thriving maritime hub. Over the centuries, the city came under the control of various powers, including the Byzantine Empire, the Frankish Empire, and Venice. Trieste’s fortunes changed significantly in the 18th century when it became part of the Habsburg Monarchy. In 1719, Emperor Charles VI declared it a free port, which sparked economic growth and transformed it into a major trade center. Under Habsburg rule, Trieste became a cultural and economic melting pot, attracting Italians, Austrians, Slovenians, Jews, and Greeks.

After World War I, Trieste was incorporated into Italy in 1918, though its borders remained a contentious issue. During and after World War II, the city became a point of dispute between Italy and Yugoslavia, leading to the establishment of the Free Territory of Trieste under international administration. In 1954, Trieste was formally returned to Italy, though its diverse cultural influences remained. Today, Trieste is celebrated for its Austro-Hungarian architecture, literary heritage, and its unique blend of Italian, Slavic, and Central European cultures.

Places to visit in Trieste, Italy

Considering that Trieste so close to Venice, It would make a perfect day trip to visit the city and area. I think it’s truly one of the hidden gems of Italy to visit and experience in person.

If you’re wondering about what to do in Trieste, here are the popular Trieste sightseeing spots worth visiting around the city.

1) A walk along the waterfront area of Trieste will allow you to see many of the city’s historic sites, the main piazzas, dining and shopping venues that are close to the bay front.

2) Piazza Unita D’italia is the main plaza or piazza fronting the bay front and the historic center of Trieste. Within this huge square are historic and ornate buildings originally palaces on three sides and a large central sculpture called the fountain of the four continents. It’s a perfect spot for taking a nice break to enjoy the square, take pictures and enjoy some people watching. The buildings now house various government offices,  a visitors’ center and city hall in the center.

3) Cittavecchia or the old quarter is filled with many pedestrian streets and filled with fun shopping and eating venues leading to and from the main Piazza, Unita D’italia.  The wonderful historic quarter with its narrow cobbled streets and beautiful old world architecture is a delight to explore, window shop and photograph the street life.

4) The roman amphitheater and ruins are in the center of town and are well-preserved and worth visiting while in the area. This amphitheater built around the first century was originally close to the water, but with the filling in of land in the bay, the theater is now further back from the waterfront. The roman grounds are closed off, so there is only access to view the  amphitheater from the street level.

5) The Canal Grande not far from Piazza Unita D’Italia is a very scenic area with roads lining the canal, filled with restaurants, shops and other beautiful buildings. It’s a great place to stroll, do some people watching or enjoy a drink and dinner at any of the cafes along the canal. Fronting the canal is the church of San Anthonio Nuovo dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua, it’s a beautiful basilica built in Neo-Classical style. The interior of the basilica is also worth visiting and filled with many classical details of the period. In front of the basilica is a small and ornate carousel, it’s a sweet and popular hang out spot with locals and their children enjoying their passiagata “evening walk” before the dinner time.

6) Miramar castle built around 1856 for Hapsburg nobility now houses a historical museum with dramatic and scenic views from the cliffs and seaside. The twenty-two hectare park and castle is open to the public for tours of its ornate interiors. The exterior gardens are free to the public and contain exotic trees and plants, beautiful pathways, follies and scenic garden rooms.

7) James Joyce statue fronting the Canal Grande lived in various areas in Trieste from 1904 – 1920 – it’s easy to find along the walkway and take a nice photo with the author as if you were having a nice conversation while walking down the boulevard.

8) Palazzo Revoltella – a gorgeous baroque palace owned by Baron Revoltella houses an eclectic mix of landscapes, abstracts, portraits and sculpture from the 19th to 20th century. Some of the private rooms are still intact to view including the library,  reception and mirror hall, private bedrooms and other sitting rooms with all its elegant furnishings.

9) Castle of San Giusto – at the top of the hill is the 15th century castle and fortifications. Within the castle is a museum housing some armory collection, period pieces and art including tapestries. The ramparts and grounds are fun to walk through with beautiful vistas below.

Here are some more photo highlights from Trieste:

How to get to Trieste from Venice area

Getting to Trieste from the Venice area is fairly easy, with several transportation options available:

1. Train

The most convenient way is by train. Trains run frequently from Venice’s Santa Lucia station to Trieste’s Centrale station, with the one way trip taking around 2 hours. You can check schedules and book tickets through Trenitalia or Italo, the two main train operators in Italy.

2. Bus

There are also long-distance buses that connect Venice with Trieste. Companies like FlixBus offer services that take about 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and stops. There tends to be more bus service offerings to Trieste area when you search the local bus outfitters

3. Car

Probably the most flexible of options is by driving with a rental car, it’s about a 2-hour drive from Venice to Trieste along the A4 highway (Autostrada). Just be aware of potential tolls along the way.

4. Ferry

In the summer months, you might find ferry services between Venice and Trieste, though these are less frequent and more geared toward tourists.

Each option offers a scenic and straightforward route, with trains generally being the fastest and most comfortable way to go.

If you enjoyed this post, check out these other points of interest

Trieste city hall at night time

Exploring Burano, Italy

Exploring Murano for Travel Photo Mondays

Venice highlights in black and white

Venice random thoughts and observations

Venice Cicchetti and the pub crawl experience

Venice and the small details

Thanks for stopping by to visit Trieste, and enjoy the local attractions and landmarks of the city. If you enjoyed reading this post on Trieste, Italy – what to see and do in 24 hours, please do share it with any of the social media buttons below and on the side of the post, thank you!

Sharing is caring!