The Ultimate Walking Tour of Trieste, Italy

** Darla Travels is reader-supported.
When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. **

Are you ready for a one-day walking tour of Trieste, Italy? The northernmost port of the Adriatic, Trieste, was Tergeste in Roman times and a primary port for economy and trade during the Austro-Hungarian era. It has a long history as a crossroads between Italian, Slovenian, and Austro-Hungarian traditions, to name a few. As a result, the city boasts a blend of cultural influences.  

Trieste started popping up on more cruise ship itineraries more after Venice banned large cruise ships in 2021. Just two hours from Venice by train, Trieste is a captivating city for walking during a day in port or any other time you might be passing through.  

Trieste will charm you with Roman ruins, historic buildings, charming cafes, and picturesque squares that hint at the city’s grandeur in the 18th century. Keep reading to find out how to make the most of this gem on the Adriatic with a one-day walking tour of Trieste.  If you’re in a hurry, you can go straight to the suggested route map for the Trieste walking tour below.

Making Your Way Around Trieste on Foot

The city of Trieste has an app to help visitors make the most of their walks in the city. TRIESTEMETRO will guide you, whether looking for historical landmarks, cultural hotspots, Roman ruins, or sights with architectural interest. The app highlights over 260 sites and suggests multiple routes. It also includes a QRcode reader that integrates with the interpretive signs at each stop. 

Another app that can help you with a self-guided walking tour of Trieste is GPSmyCity. Currently, the app features two routes named “Trieste Introduction” and “Roman Ruins.” I found the site descriptions in this app to lack significant details. They could also be challenging to interpret; however, GPSmyCity will direct you to the recommended sites effectively. 

You can start your walking tour of Trieste anywhere in the city. For this article, I’ll begin with the stunning Piazza Unità d’Italia on the waterfront.

Start the Walking Tour of Trieste at Piazza Unità d’Italia

The Piazza Unità d’Italia (Unity of Italy Square),is one of the main attractions in Trieste, for good reason. Sources say it’s the largest water-facing square in Europe. While the Bay of Trieste practically forms one side of the square, buildings with even grander architecture from the 1800s line the other three sides. Take a 360-degree tour of the square by standing roughly in the center and turning yourself around in a circle. Here are some of the features to note: 

The Fountain of the Four Continents. The water feature is a nod to Trieste’s history as an essential port for commerce and trade. This fountain would be impressive in most city squares but seems almost too small in this immense space.  

Behind the fountain, the City Hall, or Il Municipio or Palazzo del Comune, dates from 1875. It’s an exceptionally wide building, facing the bay and taking up an entire side of the square. In the center of the building, look for the clock tower and a bell flanked by two bronze figures, Michez and Jachez. 

The Palazzo Modello was built between 1871 and 1873. The building is so called because it was the “model” for designing others in the piazza. 

Next to the Palazzo Modello is the Palazzo Generali. Originally named the Palazzo Stratti for its originator, this symmetrical building is topped by sculptures of women representing Trieste, Fortune, and Progress. On the ground floor, visit the storied Caffè degli Specchi and follow in the footsteps of 19th-century artists and writers who used it as a favorite meeting place. 

The Palazzo Lloyd Triestino was the headquarters of the Lloyd Triestino shipping company, which had its heyday in the late 1800s. Notice the ornamental fountains incorporated into the facade at either end of the building.  

Additionally, don’t miss the Palazzo del Governo (Palazzo della Prefettura). It’s recognizable by its large covered balcony and patterned mosaics made with Murano glass adorning the front.  

Walk to the Piazza Della Borsa

Continue your walking tour of Trieste at the Piazza Della Borsa (Stock Exchange Square). This open plaza is just a minute or two away on foot from the Piazza Unità d’Italia. It’s another square that lends itself to a 360-degree tour from a central spot.  

Orient yourself by finding the Fontana del Nettuno (Neptune Fountain, 1750). The first building to catch your eye is likely the Borsa Vecchio or Stock Exchange Palace (1806). It’s a lovely neoclassical design with Doric columns, a triangular pediment housing a clock, and recessed statues. The lower statutes represent Europe, Africa, Asia, and America, trading partners important to Trieste at the time of its construction. After the Stock Exchange moved in 1928, his building became the Trieste Chamber of Commerce. 

Moving along, the controversial bronze Statua di Gabriele D’Annunzio sits on a concrete bench before the stock exchange Palace. D’Annunzio was arguably the leading writer in Italy from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. He wrote poetry, novels, short stories, journalistic articles, and stage plays, among other things. But he was also a military hero and proto-fascist political leader. D’Annunzio, contending that the city of Fiume (now Rijeka, Croatia) belonged to Italy, occupied it with the help of Italian rebels and ruled it as a dictator for several months before the Italian government told him to knock it off (and before they took it over later themselves).    

The statue, installed in 2019, was immediately criticized by the government of Croatia and some citizens of Trieste, which said it appeared to glorify an aggressor, tyrant, and enabler of Italian fascism.  

To the left of the Stock Exchange Palace, look for the Palazzo Del Tergesteo (Tergesteo Palace). The Stock Exchange moved to this building in 1844. 

The Palazzo della Borsa Nuova, or Dreher Palace, is to the right of the Stock Exchange Palace, across the street and technically outside the square, but it has a fascinating history. After its completion in 1910, it housed restaurants, including one of the most upscale in all of Europe at the time. The stock exchange moved here from Tergeste Palace in 1928, gaining the name New Exchange, and functioned as such until the 1990s. 

Note the tall column with Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I of Austria standing atop. This monument from 1673 commemorates the Emperor’s first visit to Trieste in 1660. I’ll bet he didn’t realize that one day, his likeness would overlook not only the grand Hapsburg-era buildings in the piazza but also fashion clothing shops, drugstores, and a row of trash cans.  

A few other notable sights around the Piazza Della Borsa include, across the street, the neo-renaissance style Rusconi house and Steinfeld Palace next to it.  

Inside the piazza, decorative leaves on the facade of the Art Nouveau Bartoli House (or Green House) appear to fall down the front of the building between windows with charming balconies.  

Finally, look for the Portizza, formerly a gate in the city wall in medieval times, with the head of Hercules as its keystone. It’s now incorporated into the Casa della Portizza. Through the 1700s, the Portizza was one of the primary connections to the city’s Jewish ghetto.  

Roman Ruins Along the Walking Tour Route

Leaving the Piazza Della Borsa, it’s time to see a few of Trieste’s Roman Ruins that are easily accessible on foot. The most visible of these is the Teatro Romano (Roman Theater), which dates from the first century B.C. This exceptionally well-preserved theater is incorporated into the side of a hill, and it looks like the perfect fit. Artifacts found when it was unearthed in 1938 were moved to the Lapidario Tergestino in the Castle of San Giusto (mentioned above). Sources say that between 3,500 to 6,000 spectators could attend a performance here. Additionally, as the shore was at this spot in Roman times, the venue likely overlooked the sea. I recommend viewing the theater from the ground level on Via del Teatro Romano as well as getting a view from the top along Via di Donato.  

The Arco di Riccardo (Richard’s Arch) has a non-Roman name, and one side is incorporated into a new building. This 23.5-foot (7.2-meter) arch was once part of the city’s Roman walls, built from 33 to 32 B.C. Today, it’s the only section of the former walls still standing in Trieste. 

For completeness, I’ll include the Antiquarium di via del Seminario (Antiquarium in Seminary Street) and the Antiquarium di via Donota (Antiquarium in Donota Street). These two sites are open only one day a week for a few hours or for tour groups with a reservation. So you’ll likely be unable to enter these two sites. It will only be possible to peer through small windows to get a limited view of what is preserved. This could include a portion of the ancient city walls and a herringbone-patterned floor (Seminario). The Donota Antiquarium includes an archeological site and a small museum with recovered artifacts from the Roman Theatre area and along Donata Street.

Walking up San Giusto Hill

After your time considering Trieste’s Roman ruins, continue your walking tour of Trieste by climbing to San Giusto Hill. This high point which bears the name of the patron saint of Trieste, Saint Justus of Trieste, or San Giusto, has many landmark sights. 

Orient yourself by finding the imposing Church of Santa Maria Maggiore (Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary), built by Jesuits in 1627 at the base of the hill. While you’re here, contrast it with Trieste’s oldest place of worship, the diminutive Basilica di San Silvestro (Basilica of Christ the Savior), consecrated in 1322. (construction date unknown) 

After climbing the hill, look for the Cathedral of San Giusto. The current building was created from two separate buildings from around 1302 to 1320, with the adjacent bell tower beginning construction in 1337. The entrance of the Romanesque cathedral is slightly off-center as a result of the merger of two buildings into one.  

A simple yet refined Gothic rose window admits light into the otherwise dim interior, which remains distinctly unmodernized. The chapels contain austere Byzantine mosaics incorporated from the original buildings dating from the 12th century.  

The mosaic floors in the Cathedral are even older, originating as part of a Roman Capitoline Temple on this site. The Roman Propylaeum, the gateway to Tergeste’s Capitoline temple, was incorporated into the base of the Cathedral’s Bell Tower. Remarkably, the Cathedral today is the leading Catholic center of worship in Trieste and also the seat of the bishop of Trieste.  

Adjacent to the Cathedral, the Castello di San Giusto (Castle of San Giusto) is identifiable by the fortification wall with a round bastion on the corner overlooking the city. The building originated in 1468 when Frederick III ordered a fortress for defensive purposes. The Captain’s House was the first building erected, followed by walls and bastions, which resulted in a triangular fortress finishing in 1536. In 1750, the fortress was converted to a military post and a prison. It wasn’t until 1936 that the building was revamped and turned into a museum. 

Today, the Castle includes the San Giusto Castle Museum in the former Captain’s house. It contains historic weapons, art, and artifacts exemplifying the city’s long history.  

Early 20th-century excavations on San Giusto Hill uncovered ruins of a Roman Basilica dating from the 1st century C.E. Situated between the Cathedral and the Castle, the footprint of the former civic center is readily visible, as are the ruins of its columns. The former Forum is adjacent to the Basilica, on the sea-facing side.  

Additionally, Roman Ruins from various archeological sites around Trieste can be found in the Lapidario Tergestino (Tergestino Lapidary), inside the Castle’s Lalio Bastion.

Adjacent to the Roman ruins, Trieste’s World War I Monument (Attilio Selvasits, 1935) commemorates Trieste’s fallen soldiers of the Great War.   

Viale XX Settembre (September 20th Avenue) Area

To continue the walking tour of Trieste, head to Viale XX Settembre (September 20th Avenue). The Street’s name refers to the day in 1870 of the so-called Breaking of the Pia Gate (Breccia di Porta Pia). After the Pia Gate was breached, Rome was captured by Italian forces. Italy’s unification was completed shortly after, with Rome established as the capital.

A Roman aqueduct once carried water along the route of Viale XX Settembre. Still, the modern street is easy to identify by the small plaza with a decorative water feature: a two-headed Fountain of Janus. This tree-lined pedestrian street is filled with cafes, restaurants, and retail shops, not to mention movie theaters and a theater for live performances. It’s a place to stroll, sit, relax, eat, drink, and people-watch.

There’s more to see in this part of town, but I’ll point out just two more sights. 

The Caffè San Marco has a rather bland entrance. In contrast, the interior of this historic café, and bookstore retains the elegance of its original 1914 decor. Look for marble tables with cast iron legs, bronze-colored wall decorations, chandeliers, mirrors, and a large, shiny espresso maker behind the dark wood bar. It’s easy to see why the cafe became a meeting place for writers, poets, intellectuals, and students in its heyday–and yes, James Joyce was a frequent visitor. In recent years, the cafe has appeared in multiple “best of” lists.  

Adjacent to the Caffè San Marco, find the Tempio Israelitico di Trieste (Synagogue of Trieste), one of the largest synagogues in Europe. It features Middle Eastern-inspired decor, a large rose window, a large central dome, a half-dome, and smaller side domes. Guided tours are available at set times for a small fee.   

 Canal Grande

After viewing the synagogue, head to the last major area of exploration for the walking tour of Trieste: the Canal Grande (Grand Canal). It’, i’ss not that large but is lined with colorful buildings, open-air restaurants, and cafes. This navigable canal was once one of several that connected the city with the waterfront.   

The Grand Canal is surrounded by historic buildings, impressive churches, open plazas, and other notable features, with three bridges and one pedestrian walkway crossing over it. 

Riva Tre Novembre Street includes the Ponte Verde (Green Bridge) and the Ponte Bianco (White Bridge), which take traffic across the Grand Canal in opposite directions.  

Near the inland terminus of the Canal, the Ponte Rosso (Red Bridge) sports wrought iron railings and a statue (Nino Spagnoli, 2004) of Irish novelist and poet James Joyce, who lived in Trieste for 15 years.

Between the two sets of bridges and near the canal midpoint, a modern pedestrian walkway (2012) made of steel and glass crosses over the waterway. Its official name is Passagio Joyce (Joyce Passage), after James Joyce.

The most inland part of the canal was filled in in 1934 to create the Piazza Sant’Antonio Nuovo with its large fountain. At the far end of piazza, look for the neoclassical Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Taumaturgo (Church of Saint Antonio Taumaturgo).  

The Chiesa Serbo Ortodossa di San Spiridione (Saint Spyridon Church) takes up almost an entire side of the Piazza Sant’Antonio Nuovo. This imposing Serbian Orthodox church was completed in 1869 with a capacity of 1600 people. The Byzantine-style church has a central bluish-gray dome and matching corner bell towers suggesting its Greek-cross footprint. 

While you’re at the Grand Canal, don’t miss the Pasticceria La Bomboniera just off the Piazza on vis XXX Octobre. This notable pastry shop is one of the oldest in Trieste, opened in 1836. It’s unique because the pastries are baked in the shop’s original wood-burning oven. Additionally, it had the distinction of being named one of Italy’s 10 most beautiful historic pastry shops in 2018. 

Suggested Route for a Walking Tour of Trieste, Italy

I created this map on AllTrails to help you make your way around Trieste. The route is about 2.8 miles (4.4 km). If you don’t see the map or want to see the original, click here. Please note, this suggested route is approximate and may require modification at intersections or other landmarks.

How to get to Trieste

How do you want to get to Trieste? If you’re arriving by cruise ship, you’ll dock at one of two ports: The more convenient dock for passengers is just off the Piazza Unità d’Italia, and the second is farther away. Once you disembark, you can explore the city center on foot as detailed above or use local transportation to reach your hotel or specific site of interest.

If coming by plane, you’ll land at the Trieste Airport (Ronchi dei Legionari) or Aeroporto di Trieste-Friuli Venezia Giulia, about 33 kilometers northwest of the city. Take a train, taxi, bus, or shuttle service from the airport to the city center of Trieste. 

Trieste’s Centrale Railway Station makes getting to the city by train convenient. Trains run from other Italian cities like Venice, Florence, or Rome. International trains also connect Trieste with neighboring countries like Slovenia (from Ljubljana) and Austria (from Vienna, for instance).  

From the train station, walk to the city center. Or if you’re loaded with luggage, taxis and buses are available.  

Getting to Trieste by ferry is also possible. Connections can be had from other Adriatic ports, including Venice, and multiple cities in Croatia and Greece.

Eating and Drinking in Trieste

This one-day walking tour of Trieste will take you past many restaurants, bars, cafes, and pastry shops, so the choice of refreshment is yours, as is the decision of when and where to stop.  

We chose to eat dinner al fresco at The Bridge 1754 along the Grand Canal and can highly recommend it. We started with an Aperol Spritz, followed by cicchetti starters of tuna, mortadela, and cod on bread. The main courses were grilled octopus and spezzatino, a traditional beef stew with polenta. 

Where to Stay in Trieste

If you’re embarking on or disembarking from a cruise ship in Trieste, you’ll likely want to stay a night or two in one of Trieste’s many hotels.  

Would you like to stay in one of Trieste’s impressive 19th-century buildings? You can!! The Doubletree by Hilton Trieste is a centrally located hotel occupying the former headquarters of the RAS insurance company in Piazza della Repubblica.  

The solid yet beautiful neo-classical design impresses as intended, and the glorious building is now a modern 4-star hotel. Among the splendid historical features that grace this hotel is an entrance framed with large, ornate wrought iron gates, epic sculptures, and a re-creation of a Roman mosaic floor. In addition, the rooms are well-appointed and extremely comfortable. 

Your walking tour of Trieste can begin from the Hilton, as it’s close (within 5-7 min walking) to the Canal Grande, Piazza Della Borsa, Piazza Unità d’Italia and the Roman Theatre.

If the Hilton isn’t available, Trieste has many other lodging options depending on your location, style, and amenity preferences. Use the map below to look for lodging in Trieste, Italy.  

Other One-Day Walking Routes Ideal for a Shore Excursion

If you are cruising and only have one day in port, consider this other walking-focused route as a shore excursion:

How to Walk to Trsat Castle and More in Rijeka, Croatia: One-Day Shore Excursion

Wrapping up the Ultimate One-Day Walking Tour in Trieste

This guide should give you plenty of ideas for where and how to walk around Trieste during a one-day visit. A walking tour of Trieste makes for a satisfying shore excursion, and can be adapted for other journeys.

I’ve made a couple of pins to save to your Pinterest Boards for future reference to a one-day walking tour in Trieste.