Compared to main Italian tourist cities, such as Rome, Venice or Florence, Trieste doesn't have a lot to offer in terms of tourist attractions. However, less popular tourist attractions also means lesser crowds, thus travellers to Trieste can explore its lovely sights in relative peace. Trieste does get an occasional busload of foreign tourists but these are usually more interested in shopping than sightseeing.
If you happen to be in Trieste for a day (in our opinion there is no need to linger much longer), you can take in the following Trieste tourist attractions during a leisurely half-day stroll:
Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia
This is the largest square in Trieste flanked by some quite impressive 18th and 19th century buildings: Pallazo del Governo (1904) on the north side, pallazo of a shipping company Lloyd Triestino (1882-83) on the south side, and Pallazo del Municipio ( Town Hall, 1876), on the east side. The western side of the square opens to the sea. Look for the lovely 'statue di donne che cuciono' near the shore.
The large Fontana dei Quattro Continenti in front of the town hall represents four continents and was made by Mazzoleni in 1751. The four continents are represented by animals: Europe by the horse, Africa by the lion, Asia by the camel and the Americas by the crocodile. Australia is not represented as in 1751 Europeans were still unaware of its existence.
From the Town Hall at Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia continue towards the old town and you will pass several cafés, which are quite expensive but still popular among locals and tourists alike. Walk a bit further northeast and you will see Borsa Vecchia on your left.
Borsa Vecchia
Borsa Vecchia is the old Trieste Stock Exchange, quite an impressive Neo-Classical building dating from 1806. If you continue walking south-east on Corso Italia and turn first right, you will soon get to another Trieste tourist attraction, Roman Theatre.
Teatro Romano
Teatro Romano is quite an impressive Roman Theatre dating from the second century A.D. It was excavated in 1938. Some fine marble statues have been found on location and are now housed in the Museum of History and Art. From the Roman Theatre, walk north-east along Via del Teatro Romano which becomes Via Santo Spirituone and you will get to Canale Grande.
Canale Grande
Believe it or not, Trieste has its own Grand Canal too. Its grandeur is not to be compared to the famous Grand Canal in Venice. The one in Trieste is small and quiet, flanked by nicely renovated buildings. Grand Canal was formerly used by sailing ships and today it offers refuge to small private boats. Inland from the canal you can see the Greek church of San Nicolo with a pretty pool in front of it.
Market
When we visited Trieste on a Friday morning there was a small farmers' market setup at the square along Via Vinceno Bellini at the southern side of Canale Grande. Apart from fruits and vegetables, there were some home-made Italian pastries on offer as well as olive oil and some organic produce such as honey.