I took a walking tour with a local guide who spoke excellent English and she took us on a very good route. I would recommend this as the locals know their way around and also tell you things that aren't online or in guide books. This is a very picturesque place and the weather was beautiful.
For me the Old Quarter is a quiet and relaxing area. Mainly because these are pedestrian streets. From Piazza Unita to Piazza Attilio Hortis (or even to Piazza Venezia), Via Cavana and some crossing and parallel streets are the place you miss from the other parts of Trieste. These really old houses and narrow streets brings you the Italian atmosphere.
Well , as far as "old" quarters go in a place like Italy, I would put this one down to being "old" but not that impressive as far as buildings go. Put it in Australia and it would be REALLY old but here it does not impress as much as Genoa, etc etc. BUT, we have been here a week living in the centre of this old area and it has been fantastic; not because of the buildings, but because of the people who live in it. The employees down at the local Fish shop; the ones who run the cut-price market down the road; the lovely lady at the corner bar; the helpful neighbours ; these people are what make Cittavecchia what it is; a friendly un-touristy area. If you are here for awhile you should experience it.
The old town and the original part of Trieste is experiencing a resurgence. Building are being rehabbed and it's become quite popular with young people. There are more and more new restaurants, shops and cafes there so you can get lots of history and a great cappucino or glass of Prosecco.
Spend a few hours wandering about this old area: yes the streets are narrow, there are cobbles and steps in some alleys, it can be steep and some shutters of houses are rotten through - but that is part of the charm. Lots of atmospheric photo opps. You may well discover tiny little cafes and restaurants with locals in, so have a look at the menu and then join them. You can also come acress unexpected bits of the Roman walls and buildings, and some tiny old churches.
It was great to wander through the old quarter looking at secondhand shops and old buildings. We had a pizza at a cafe and sat outside and watched the world go by. I am returning at the end of 2014 to explore it further.
I was taken through this rebuilt area and I am in love with Trieste. It is not visited by many and I am scratching my head wondering why? It is history all over, of course what city in Europe is not, but this is truly special as it is well preserved and the restoring going on is a wonder in such hard times.
Very quaint and idyllic place with a lovely feel about it. Lots of nice restaurants as was passing through it would recommend it
This is perfect place just to walk by, sit and enjoy. Best way to enjoy this quarter is to have a coffee, ice cream, cake or pizza in some of the little caffés or restaurants. It doesn t shock for your budget, and you will live one days as genuine italians...
Having been to all the usual tourist destinations in Italy and loving it we decided to see what Trieste was like. It's a lovely little town and very non toursity! The little streets are cute and the place has a nice relaxing feel to it. Lovely to wander around and see what you find. Definitelt well worth a visit.