Just a two-hour train ride from Venice, the city of Trieste is a must-visit destination. The port and its architecture, reminiscent of central European cities, blend to create an elegant, captivating backdrop. When visiting Trieste you can remain in the city centre and stroll through its picturesque alleys, or head to Miramare, the beautiful castle built in the late 1850s by Archiduke Maximilian, brother of Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph. Sitting on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea, both the castle – whose interior décor has remained intact – and the park are well worth a visit.

A ride on the Opicina tram which connects the centre of Trieste with the village of Villa Opicina in the hills above is definitely unmissable. Inaugurated in 1902, the “tram de Opicina” (as it’s known in the local dialect) climbs up five kilometres, including 800 meters on a 26% incline, across splendid landscapes with wonderful views of the gulf. This is a unique opportunity to take wonderful photos.

Trieste is the Mediterranean’s main coffee port, and it’s also a hub for the coffee industry. In fact, the city is home to Illy, one of the world’s best-known coffee brands. Countless venues bear witness to the city’s history and, if you head to Piazza Unità d’Italia you can choose your favourite.

The best place for an aperitivo is Urbanis, in Piazza della Borsa 15. In addition to other symbols, the venue’s mosaic flooring features the Bora, the wind that blows over Trieste.