Where to Stay in Trieste: Best Neighborhoods & Hotels for Every Traveler
Trieste is a wonderful destination for a day or two visit. I think of it as an Italian escape in north Italy where history, cultures and the Adriatic Sea collide
I stayed in Trieste for an entire week spread over two visits in two different areas of the city. I came back after only two weeks becaue I enjoyed Trieste so much the first time.
My curated guide will help you find your ideal place to stay in this lovely and laid-back city. I have included hotels, hostels, B&Bs and a separate section on the best Boutique and Luxury hotels to accomodate all types of travelers.
Short on time? Here is my list of the overall best hotels in Trieste:
Best Hotels in Trieste:
🍷Best Boutique Hotel: Seven Historical Suites
🏰Best Luxury Hotel: Savoia Excelsior Palace Trieste
🖼️Best Mid-Range Hotel: Citta de la Parenzo
💖Best Budget Hotel: BnB Filoksenia
😎Best Hostel: Hostel Controvento
You can use the Table of Contents to go quickly to a specific neighborhood or the Luxury or Boutique Hotel sections.
Top Neighborhoods & Where to Stay in Trieste
Honestly, you can’t go wrong in any place near the center of Trieste, which is where you want to be for wonderful restaurants and things to see and do.
To you make a great choice, I’ve listed the main areas with hotel picks for luxury, mid-range, budget, and a hostel option.
And separate sections of the best Boutique Hotels and Luxury Hotels in Trieste at the end of this post.
Now first to the historic city center, which is where I stayed and loved it:
Historic City Center
The City Center is Trieste’s vibrant core, centered around Piazza Unità d’Italia, one of Europe’s largest seafront squares.
You are steps from the Canal Grande, the Roman Theatre, and top cafes.
The City Center is overall best choice for any traveller and ideal for first-timers. You are also close enough to walk to the train and bus station.
- Vibe: Lively, urban, central
- Best For: First-time visitors, foodies, culture lovers, slow travelers
- Why Stay Here: Walk to major sights, dine at historic cafes, and soak in the energy.
- Where to Stay:
- Luxury: Savoia Excelsior Palace Trieste – Elegant rooms, Gulf views, and top-tier amenities like a spa. (~$$$$)
- Mid-Range: Hotel James Joyce Popular, character hotel, homey atmosphere, great breakfast. (~$$$)
- Budget: BnB Filoksenia – I stayed here and loved it! Elegant, wonderful owners, close to train station. (~$$)
- Hostel: Hostel Controvento – Cozy, budget-friendly dorms in the heart of the city, ideal for backpackers. (~$)
Barcola – Beach Promenade
Barcola is one of the beach areas of Trieste, loved by locals for at least a century.
This area is a quiet coastal escape just a short bus ride from downtown. The promenade and Adriatic views make it perfect for sunset walks or relaxing by the sea.
Be aware that you will have to drive or take a bus to the city center.
- Vibe: Relaxed, scenic, coastal
- Best For: Couples, nature lovers, tranquility seekers
- Why Stay Here: Stunning sea views, peaceful atmosphere, and a quick hop to the city center.
- Where to Stay:
- Luxury: Hotel Riviera & Maximilian’s – Upscale retreat with seafront elegance and top-notch service. (~$$$$)
- Mid-Range: Residence La Torre – Aparthotel with balconies, kitchenette and 12 minute walk to Barcola. (-$$$)
- Budget: Hotel Tritone – Sea views, comfortable with air conditioning, free parking (-$$)
- Hostel: Hostel Controvento – Closest best choice to Barcola for a hostel. There aren’t any hostels in the actual Barcola area. (~$)
San Giusto – San Guisto Castle and Panoramic Views
San Giusto sits on a hill, with panoramic views and historic charm. Home to San Giusto Castle and Cathedral, it’s a good place for history buffs and little quieter than the center
Expect cobblestone streets with a short walk or bus to the main square.
NOTE: This area is hilly. It is a steep walk up to the San Guisto cathedral.
- Vibe: Historic, scenic, cultural
- Best For: History enthusiasts, photographers, slow travelers
- Why Stay Here: Stunning views, rich heritage, and a time-travel feel.
- Where to Stay:
- Luxury: Al Castello di San Guisto – A lovely apartment in a historic building, free parking, 5 minute walk to the castle, family rooms, private parking (~$$$$)
- Mid-Range: Hotel San Guisto – Modern rooms, family rooms, garage, excellent breakfast. (~$$$)
- Budget/Mid-Range: Hotel Le Corderie – Charming hotel, old world charm, breakfast, family rooms, parking (~$$)
- Hostel: Hostel Controvento – Central hostel, closest to San Guisto and accessible by bus. (~$)
Gridondo – Castle Miramare
Stay near the castle Miramare for excellent seaside access and a luxurious and peaceful stay.
Note that it is a short drive to the city center.
- Vibe: Elegant, sea-side, quiet, away from tourist crowds
- Best For: Luxury lovers, slow travelers, car travelers
- Why Stay Here: Quiet seaside access, elegant coastline, castle Miramare.
- Where to Stay:
- Luxury: Hotel Riviera & Maximilian’s (800 meters from the castle) elegant, direct beach access (May to mid-September), wellness center, and sea-view rooms with terrace.
- Mid-range: Hotel Miramare – Adults Only, stylish, 10 min walk to the castle, modern, free breakfast, free parking, balconies overlooking the Adriatic.
- Mid-Range/Luxury: Miramare Luxury Suites, cozy studio apartments near Trieste’s train station, offering a home-like experience with weekly cleaning and free Wi-Fi, short bus ride from the castle.
Best Boutique and Luxury Hotels In Trieste
Most of these luxury and boutique hotels are located in or near the historic center.
Below are separate lists of boutique and luxury hotels to help you decide a good fit, including whether they are family friendly, have pools and parking.
Top 5 Boutique Hotels in Trieste
- Boutique Hotel Albero Nascosto
Nestled in Trieste’s historic center, this family-run gem in a renovated building brims with art and antiques, offering a warm, authentic stay.- Family-Friendly: Yes, with spacious rooms suitable for families.
- Parking: Private parking available upon request, at an extra cost.
- Highlights: Central location near the seafront, exceptional Italian-style breakfast with fresh pastries, and highly personalized service.
- YouMe Design Place Hotel
A stylish 4-star boutique hotel in the old town, inspired by luxury cruise ships, featuring modern rooms with artistic decor.- Pool/Spa: Small wellness area with massage room and Starpool; no pool.
- Family-Friendly: Yes, offers family suites with separate living areas.
- Parking: Limited parking nearby, often at an extra cost (e.g., nearby garage for €15/day).
- Highlights: Steps from Piazza Unità d’Italia, 24-hour bar, and hand-crafted Italian mattresses.
- Forvm Boutique Hotel
Located in the city center near Piazza della Borsa, this hotel offers elegant rooms with classic furnishings in a historic setting.- Family-Friendly: Yes, with comfortable rooms for small families.
- Parking: Nearby garage parking available at an additional cost.
- Highlights: Free Wi-Fi, proximity to Trieste’s port, and a cozy atmosphere ideal for leisure travelers.
- Le Corderie Hotel
Housed in a former rope and sail workshop in a quiet residential area, this boutique hotel blends nautical charm with modern comfort.- Family-Friendly: Yes, with spacious rooms suitable for families.
- Parking: Nearby parking available, typically at an extra cost.
- Highlights: Rich buffet breakfast, garden access, and a short drive to Trieste’s bustling center.
- Piazza Venezia Le Camere
A charming boutique B&B in a historic building near Piazza Venezia, offering an intimate stay with luxurious touches.- Family-Friendly: Limited family accommodations due to smaller room sizes; best for small families or couples.
- Parking: No on-site parking; nearby garage parking for €15/day.
- Highlights: Close to Piazza Unità d’Italia and the Adriatic, with elegant rooms and a home-like feel.
Top 5 Luxury Hotels in Trieste
- Savoia Excelsior Palace – Starhotels Collezione
On Trieste’s seafront, elegant 5-star hotel with a Mitteleuropean vibe. Spacious rooms with marble bathrooms and Illy espresso machines.- Family-Friendly: complimentary kids’ meals, spacious rooms
- Parking: Valet parking available at an extra cost.
- Highlights: Stunning Adriatic views, Michelin-worthy restaurant, and proximity to Piazza Unità d’Italia.
- Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta
Historic gem in the heart of Trieste’s city center, near Piazza Unità d’Italia, Elegant rooms with classic decor and modern amenities.- Pool/Spa: Indoor pool available
- Family-Friendly: Family rooms .
- Parking: Private parking available at an additional charge.
- Highlights: Central location, excellent service, and a 2-Michelin-star restaurant nearby.
- Hotel Riviera & Maximilian’s
Situated just outside Trieste near Miramare Castle, this 4-star luxury hotel offers breathtaking Adriatic views and direct beach access.- Pool/Spa: Wellness center with sauna, Turkish bath, and massage services; no pool.
- Family-Friendly: Ideal for families with private beach and spacious suites.
- Parking: Free on-site parking.
- Highlights: Private beach, Mediterranean dining at Le Terrazze, and serene coastal setting.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Trieste
Housed in a restored 20th-century palazzo, 4-star hotel with historic charm and modern luxury. Unique architectural details.- Pool/Spa: Fitness center and wellness area; no pool or full spa.
- Family-Friendly: Yes, spacious rooms.
- Parking: Private parking available at an extra cost.
- Highlights: Central location.
- YouMe Design Place Hotel
A stylish 4-star boutique hotel in Trieste’s old town, inspired by luxury cruise ships, with modern rooms and artistic decor.- Pool/Spa: Small wellness area with massage room and Starpool; no pool.
- Family-Friendly: Yes, offers family suites with separate living areas.
- Parking: Limited parking nearby, often at an extra cost.
- Highlights: Close to Piazza Unità d’Italia, 24-hour bar, and hand-crafted Italian mattresses.
Quick Tips for Booking Your Stay
- Book Early: Trieste gets busy in summer and during festivals. Lock in your spot for better rates.
- Read Reviews: Check Booking.com for the latest guest feedback.
- Transport Tip: Most areas are walkable or connected by buses.
FAQs – Where to Stay in Trieste
What is the nicest part of Trieste?
The entire old city center is wonderful, including the Canal Grande area and the pier on the Adriatic Sea. There are lots of things to see and do around the city centre.
Is it worth staying in Trieste?
Absolutely. Trieste is a special destination in Italy with a mix of cultures, excellent restaurants, laid back atmosphere and the unique plaza on the sea.
Is Trieste a walkable city?
The old city centre is flat and very walkable to attractions and many of the best restaurants. The San Guisto Castle and Cathedral are walkable but up a steep hill that would be difficult for some people.
How many days should I stay in Trieste?
One day for most people and two to three days if you would like to take a day trip from the city to Lake Bled or other areas near Trieste.
Final thoughts on staying in Trieste
Trieste is an easy city to enjoy for an afternoon or a few days. The historic center is easily discovered and walkable from many of the lodging options here.
You can stay in the center or on the San Guisto Hill or choose a bit farther out in Barcola or near Castle Miramare which are easily accessible with a car.
Trieste is mostly undiscovered gem in northern Italy. I am truly glad I stopped there on my way to Slovenia and Croatia. I think you will be, too.
More posts about Trieste that might interest you:
30 Great Things To Do In Trieste (By An Expert!)
