Location & Transportation
The Trieste Maritime Station doubles as a congress center and acts as the cruise terminal and ticket office for both international cruises and local ferry lines along the nearby coastlines of Slovenia and Croatia. It’s set in the Customs port, right in the heart of Trieste. Step outside and you’re immediately immersed in the elegant, well-cared-for center of the city.
If you’re planning your journey, check out this guide on How to get to Trieste.
For those arriving by air, the Trieste – Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport is about 20 miles from the city. From the airport, the number 51 bus runs along the coast to the Trieste bus station (located beside the railway station). A single ticket costs around €3, buses run half-hourly on weekdays, and the journey takes about 50 minutes. Keep an eye out for the beautiful Castello Miramare along the way. Taxis are also available outside the arrivals hall from 08:00 to 24:00.
Additionally, many cruise lines—such as Costa and MSC—offer shuttles from Venice Marco Polo Airport. The ride takes roughly two hours, with a particularly scenic stretch as you cruise past the Adriatic.
Nearby Lodging
There are several comfortable hotels near the cruise terminal that offer picturesque harbor views and easy walking access to Trieste’s top attractions.
Nearest Airport
The Trieste – Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport is located about 20 miles from the city center. Whether you choose to take the bus (number 51) or a taxi, plan for a journey of around 50 minutes by bus or a similar time by car.
Sightseeing
Trieste is like an open-air museum, where ancient Roman ruins mix with elegant 18th-century buildings and striking Art Nouveau facades. A must-see is the vast Piazza Unità d'Italia—the heart of the city—lined with charming sidewalk cafés and impressive architecture. I always enjoy a leisurely coffee at one of the local cafes, as Trieste is famous for its coffee culture (think Illy!).
Other highlights include:
- The Cathedral of San Giusto, adorned with beautiful Byzantine mosaics and medieval frescoes.
- The neoclassical former stock exchange at Piazza della Borsa.
- Castello di San Giusto, perched on a hilltop and housing a fascinating museum with exhibits of weaponry, armor, and tapestries.
- Wandering through quaint neighborhoods like Muggia and the charming upland villages that dot the surrounding countryside.
For more ideas, check out the Trieste guide on Wikivoyage.
Tours & Excursions
A unique local experience is exploring the route of the historic Villa Opicina Tram Line. Although the old tram service hasn’t run since 2016, you can still hop on bus number 4, which follows a similar route. This journey takes you from the city center (near Piazza Oberdan) up to the scenic Carso plateau, about 348 meters above sea level. It’s a great way to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding Trieste and to see the city from a different perspective.
Shopping
Trieste offers a vibrant market scene alongside elegant boutiques in its historic center. Two local food markets are not to be missed:
- The covered market at the corner of Via Carducci and Via della Majolica is open on Mondays from 8:00 to 14:00 and from Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 to 19:00.
- The open-air market on Ponte Ponterosso, located alongside the canal that cuts through the city center, operates Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 to 17:30.
These markets are perfect for sampling local produce and picking up unique culinary souvenirs, while the upscale stores in the elegant center offer a range of high-quality goods.
Dining
Trieste’s culinary scene is rich and inviting. I love trying local dishes like jota—a hearty bean and sauerkraut soup—and sampling the region’s fresh seafood. Of course, you can’t visit Trieste without experiencing its world-famous coffee. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely espresso at a historic café or savoring a full meal at a seaside restaurant, you’ll find that dining in Trieste is a memorable experience.
Culture & Local Events
Trieste boasts a deep cultural heritage with a lively calendar of events throughout the year. One of the city's biggest highlights is the annual Barcolana regatta, a thrilling sailing competition that draws participants and spectators from around the world.
A few cultural insights to help you enjoy your visit:
- Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases.
- Local shops, cafés, and markets typically follow traditional Italian opening hours, and while tipping isn’t compulsory, rounding up the bill as a gesture of thanks is common.
- Trieste’s blend of Italian, Austrian, and Slavic influences makes for a unique cultural mix that’s reflected in its architecture, food, and everyday life.
- For emergencies, remember that the local emergency number is 112.