Another Side of Italy

Cruise to Trieste, Italy

Once part of the Habsburg Empire, this Italian port city by the Adriatic Sea has been heavily influenced by Austria and Hungary. Trieste is a place where you'll find goulash on the menu alongside Italian favorites and local wine. The Trieste cruise port is conveniently located next to Piazza Unità d'Italia, the city's largest square, making exploration easy. Several of the best things to do in Trieste are just a short walk away. Visit an ancient Roman amphitheater, experience an Italian twist on Austrian cafe culture or ride the oldest tram in Europe. Like Venice, Trieste has a grand canal that shows off the city's unique architectural style. Take a day trip outside the city to see the fairy tale Miramare Castle or go deep underground to admire the stalactites and stalagmites at Grotta Gigante, one of the largest caves in the world that's accessible to visitors. With so much to do, you might have to come back.

National Language Italian

Currency Accepted Euro (EUR)

Things To Do in Trieste

Canal Grande in Trieste, Italy

Discover the Canal

At the Canal Grande you can dine along the water, take in gorgeous architecture and sip local wine. You'll find Trieste's Canal Grande about halfway between the city's train station and Piazza Unità d'Italia.

Tourists in Grotta Gigante - the biggest cave in Europe, located near Trieste, Italy

Explore a Cave

Experience Grotta Gigante, one of the largest caves in the world that's open to visitors. In addition to walking into chambers, this is also an unforgettable place to take photos surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites. They also offer private cave visits, including wine and local salami.

View of San Giusto Castle in Trieste, Italy

Visit San Giusto Castle

This 15th-century castle sits on the hill it was named after. With its protective walls, it feels more like a fort than an opulent royal estate. Go there for the epic views of the Gulf of Trieste. It's also home to a museum where visitors can wander through 15th-century walkways and check out historic weapons.

Jota Sauerkraut stew with borlotti beans, potatoes and sausages close-up in a bowl on the table.

LOCAL CUISINE

Trieste's location along the Adriatic makes it a prime spot for seafood. Menus also reflect the city's Habsburg past, like goulash and strudels. A local specialty is jota, a beann and sauerkraut soup. Another, brovada e muset, combines sausage, turnips and fermented marc, the leftovers after wine is pressed.

Open market stall with summer straw hats in Trieste, Italy

SHOPPING

Trieste has three pedestrian shopping streets lined with boutiques selling clothing, including Italian fashion and accessories. But the city is perhaps best known for antiques shops. Head straight to Piazza Unità d'Italia to look for treasures including porcelain, furniture, jewelry, art and books.