Chill Day-Trip to Trieste: Venice’s Calm Twin

I went on a spontaneous day trip from Ljubljana to Trieste—super easy, just over an hour by bus. I picked Trieste because it’s nearby and honestly feels like Venice’s calm twin. It’s got that Italian charm but without the chaos and crowds, and it’s actually located east of Venice along the Adriatic coast, giving it a more relaxed seaside vibe.

I decided to explore on my own and walked around the city, checking out some of Trieste’s gems. Ponte Rosso was my first stop, a small bridge over a peaceful canal framed by neoclassical buildings and the Church of Sant’Antonio. Then I headed to Piazza della Borsa, a lively square that was once the financial hub of Trieste in the 19th century. It’s lined with beautiful old buildings like the Old Stock Exchange and Casa Bartoli, and now it’s full of cafés and open-air events. Teatro Romano was another cool spot, a quiet Roman theater just tucked away near the center—small but full of history.

The highlight was definitely Piazza Unità d’Italia, the city’s grand square right by the sea. It’s huge, possibly the largest seafront square in Europe, surrounded by impressive government and historic buildings. I also checked out Molo Audace, a long pier stretching into the sea built on the remains of an old shipwreck—it’s a romantic spot where locals say couples often hang out at sunset.

I ended the day by chilling at a cozy café, sipping coffee and soaking up the atmosphere before catching the bus back to Ljubljana. It was the perfect way to wrap up a calm and beautiful escape.

#trieste #italy #travel #thingstodo #myitinerary #citydaytours

Post by OMAR AL-ATTAS | Aug 22, 2025