Brimming with history and beauty it is no wonder that Rome is one of the most popular tourist destinations but if you are looking to escape the crowds then there is one gorgeous untouched Italian city that is just as good.

Named one of the “most underrated” cities in Europe, Trieste is jam-packed and full of history and culture, as well as delicious Italian food.

Located east of Venice, tucked away by the border with Slovenia, Trieste is off the tourist trail and doesn’t attract the crowds that flock to its big-name neighbours like Venice and Verona. But that doesn’t mean the city isn’t just as lovely.

Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is just 62 miles away with Trieste only becoming part of Italy in the 20th century.

Visitors can wander the ancient Roman Amphitheater that still stands before making the walk to the Castle of Saint Giusto, perched upon the Capitoline Hill, offering fantastic views of the city.

The Piazza Unita d’Italia in the city is the largest seaside piazza in Europe and Trieste’s main square. It features many stunning buildings of historical importance and is the perfect place to people-watch while sampling Italian cuisine. The city’s municipal building, the Prefecture of Trieste, and the former head office of Italia Marittima are located here.

Home to the Mediterranean’s largest coffee port Trieste is a city built on caffeine and has been nicknamed the “coffee capital” meaning you could just decide to relax at a cafe and sample some of Italy’s finest food and drink.

Trieste’s coffee craze started in 1719 when its port was declared tax-free under Austro-Hungarian rule. Trade began with coffee arriving from the Ottoman Empire, and Trieste was soon supplying beans to cafes throughout the Austro-Hungarian Empire – including Vienna’s famous coffee houses.

Coffee consumption is twice as high as the average number in Italy, some cafe have their own coffee brands and blends with many historical cafes also having a beautiful vintage interior.

Dating back to the 18th century one of the most picturesque places to visit in Trieste is Canal Grande, located halfway between the train station and Piazza Unità d’Italia.

Canal Grande was built to help the boats delivering goods arrive closer to the center to unload. 

Trieste makes the perfect weekend away with many of the attractions centrally located on foot. The city also has its own international airport with flights from both Italian and European airports.