GENERAL

Trieste is a vibrant port city in northeast Italy. Formerly a significant port and political centre of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, today Trieste has retained a multicultural feel, with an impressive and eclectic array of architecture and Viennese flair. The historic buildings, museums and traditional markets are a treat to explore on holidays in Trieste, and provide a city break with a difference.

Explore Trieste...

Trieste's architecture and lively atmosphere makes it a good place to explore on foot. Take in the medieval squares, neoclassical and art nouveau buildings as you go. The oldest part of the town has quaint, narrow streets flanked by towering, impressive buildings, such as the hilltop Venetian castle, Castello di San Giusto.

History & culture...

At the foot of San Giusto hills are the city's Roman remains - a former theatre from the 1st century, in a wonderful location that today is put to use as an open-air concert venue. Trieste has many museums and galleries to visit, one of the best being the Museo Revoltella. It's housed in a stunning neo-Renaissance palace owned by Baron Pasquale Revoltella.

Festivals & markets...

The city has several major events and festivals going on in summer, and if you're on holiday in Trieste in July, you may experience the famous International Operetta Festival. The city also has many bustling markets held in the spacious piazzas, including delicious-smelling food markets and an excellent antiques market.

Coffee & gelato...

Trieste is famous for its coffee, and you can find cafés all over the city to try the famous brew. There are also several gelaterias that are popular with visitors, particularly if you've never tasted real Italian ice cream before!

Cosmopolitan dining...

Trieste's cuisine is an interesting mix of its cosmopolitan past, with Austrian and Slavic dishes in abundance, as well as Italian classics. Stop in an Austrian pastry shop to try strudel and traditional Austrian cake, and in the evenings enjoy dishes like gnocchi or goulash. You'll also find many pizzerias and seafood restaurants near the busy port.

If you like the sound of Trieste...

...take a look at holidays to Ljubljana here, holidays to Pula here and city breaks in Venice here.