How to get to Trieste by train
Venice is the closest large city to Trieste. You can travel by train from Venice to Trieste in less than two hours on a Frecciarossa train, making it an attractive option for day trips from Italy's City of Water. The town of Udine is even closer, with regional trains from Udine to Trieste taking only 1h 10m to arrive.
If you're travelling from Milan, you'll find it's quicker than you might imagine. Trains from Milan to Trieste take around four hours. You can take a Frecciarossa high-speed train to Venice, where you'll often change – this is an excellent place to stop and explore for some time. Perhaps make it part of a wider tour of Italy, culminating in a visit off the beaten track to Trieste.
On Frecciarossa trains, you’ll get to enjoy high-quality onboard services, including free WiFi, large leather armchairs, at-seat power sockets and a catering service called FrecciaBistrò offering Italian gourmet lunch and menu options. What’s more, a welcome service with a wide selection of snacks and drinks to choose from is available in Executive (First Class), Business and Premium Class.
The top highlights of Trieste
The city's historical sights include ancient fortresses and churches, bringing together the best of Italian architecture and culture. Check out San Giusto Castle, built in the 16th century to establish the city's dominance in the region. It offers striking panoramic views across the historic part of the city and the Gulf of Trieste.
Also, be sure to see Trieste Cathedral – Cattedrale di San Giusto Martire. It's gorgeous from the outside, and its stunning mosaics on the inside are also a wonder to behold. It's built on the site of Roman ruins, stacking millenia of history in one spot. The Roman Theatre of Trieste dates back to the 1st century, a prime example of an ancient amphitheatre. It even occasionally puts on live performances!
The best things to do in Trieste for culture enthusiasts
Trieste also has a number of superb museums to explore. These include the Revoltella Museum, a modern art gallery with an excellent collection of paintings and sculptures. It’s also worth mentioning the Civic Museum of Natural History, which includes a permanent exhibition on human evolution.
Housed inside a marvellous stately villa, the Museo Sartorio is another must-see in Trieste. Lose yourself in the grounds of this splendid home, which features antiques and art collections. The house also enjoys close proximity to the Marina, perfect for a stroll in the sunshine afterwards.
Ideal family activities in Trieste
The Grotta Gigante (‘Giant Grotto’) is an excellent place to bring children when you visit Trieste. Explore the depths of these natural winding caves, with stalagmites and stalactites in its massive caverns. Take a guided tour along the walkways and learn about how they were formed.
The Marine Aquarium is another great place to visit for families – it has plenty to keep everyone entertained for an afternoon and features a wonderful collection of exotic marine life to admire. The vivarium is a small zoo onsite, with a number of snakes native to the region. Amphibians and other creatures are also housed here, rounding off a particularly interesting attraction for animal enthusiasts.
Scenic spots for perfect photos in Trieste
This picturesque, charming Italian city is ripe with opportunities for taking beautiful pictures. The Victory Lighthouse sits atop a hill overlooking the Gulf of Trieste to one side and the city to the other. Over 200 feet tall, it's one of the tallest in the world. It's occasionally open for visits inside, making this a superb vantage point in Trieste inside and out.
Just inland from the coast is Ponte Rosso, a bridge spanning the canal. It's a marvellous setting for a photo op, surrounded by Trieste's pretty architecture.
Trieste's range of war history
Trieste's strategic position at Italy's northeastern border means it was greatly impacted across both World Wars. The Victory Lighthouse itself is a monument to World War I sailors. Kleine Berlin was used as an air-raid shelter in the Second World War and offers tours of its various tunnels and chambers.
Risiera di San Sabba is a former rice factory, which was converted into a concentration camp in World War II. This memorial reminds visitors of the local tragic events of the war. It rounds off an important look at Trieste's past, adding to the city's excellent collection of historical museums.
Savouring the cuisine of Trieste
With its position on the coast, Trieste is one of the very finest places to taste delicious Italian seafood. Brodetto alla triestina is a type of fish soup popular in the area, excellent as a starter or light meal when you stop to eat. Sardoni in savor is a pickled pilchard dish common in Trieste.
Besides seafood, Italian favourites such as risotto, pasta, and pizza are all easy to find in the city. Walk a little off the beaten track and into the more residential neighbourhoods to find authentic family restaurants. The local Friuli wine is excellent, especially its white varieties, which are often considered among the best in Italy.
Train travel to Trieste is an easy way to reach this attractive, historic city. With connections via Rome, it's simple to get to Trieste from almost anywhere in Italy. Take a look on our website for great deals on train tickets to Trieste, and start planning your stay in this splendid destination.