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Shopping streets

Shop until you drop!
When on holiday, we are all more relaxed and inclined to reward ourselves with small, or not so small, treats to remind ourselves of the lovely time we had once we get back home. If you are looking for tips on where to do your shopping while staying in Trieste, this little guide is exactly what you need!
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Trieste has three large pedestrian areas completely dedicated to shopping: the Via San Nicolò/Borgo Teresiano area, the Ghetto/Cavana area in Cittavecchia and Viale XX Settembre.

On hot summer days, we suggest you do your shopping in the shade of the trees in Viale XX Settembre. You can take your time strolling up and down the street browsing through little clothes, accessory and jewellery shops, and maybe stop for an ice cream in one of the many ice cream shops along the way.
Borgo Teresiano and Via San Nicolò
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From Via delle Torri, to Ponterosso canal and Via San Nicolò: head to this part of town for bookshops, famous brands and franchise chain stores. In particular, in Via San Nicolò you will find the historic Saba bookshop, owned by Trieste's famous poet and writer.

If shopping gets too tiring, you can have a rest at the historic coffee shop, Stella Polare or discover the vast choice of coffee blends offered by Illy in Via delle Torri; enjoy an aperitif or grab a bite to eat in one of the many bars and restaurants you will find along the Canal and Via San Nicolò.

In this same area, during the Christmas period, side streets are lined with the characteristic little wood houses of the Christmas Market!

Nearby, Via Mazzini is a road open exclusively to buses and taxis. However, every now and then it is closed to traffic and pedestrians can enjoy wandering from one shop to the next, around the historical buildings, such as the RAS building in Piazza della Repubblica.

Close to Piazza Unità, in Corso Italia, you will find designer brands, such as Max Mara, Caractère, Max & Co., Paul & Shark and other big names, shops and the department stores Upim and Coin.
Ghetto and Cavana
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Walking from Corso Italia to Piazza Unità , you will cross Piazza della Borsa. From there, Via della Portizza leads to the old Jewish Ghetto where you will find second-hand dealers and antiques shops; this is also where the antiques and flea market is held every 3rd Sunday of the month.

Wondering around you'll reach Via Cavana, the old part of town, Cittavecchia, which has recently been renovated. Once populated by prostitutes and dodgy dealers, it is now a buzzing area with plenty of shops, restaurants and stores. If you are looking for something unique to take back home with you, this is where you will find it.

Interestingly, this is also where you will find a very peculiar bookshop: Bottega del Nonno, owned by Pierluigi Kruml, which sells antique books and is divided into two stores. The first is in Via Felice Venezian 20, a fascinating maze of bookshelves full of antique editions. The second is self-managed by customers: there are no shop assistants, you go in, choose a book (they all cost 1 euro), then you cross the road (Via del Bastione) and pay.