23 Original Souvenirs in Trieste by a Local

My hometown, Trieste, is an enchanting city at the crossroads of empires that promises charm, rich history, and enough caffeinated energy to fuel a fleet of ferries (though perhaps leave the ferry piloting to the professionals). But what about bringing a little piece of Trieste magic back home? Fear not, my super-organized traveler; I’ve become your temporary souvenirs in Trieste guide!

This meticulously curated guide will delve into the delightful world of the “best souvenirs to buy in Trieste.” We’ll explore everything from the city’s legendary coffee culture to handcrafted treasures by local artisans. Forget scouring website after website, desperately trying to separate the tourist traps from the genuine gems.

Consider this your one-stop shop for the most tempting “gifts from Trieste” to impress your loved ones (or indulge in a little retail therapy for yourself because self-care is essential, darling).

So, remember to leave enough space in your luggage and get ready to discover the most exquisite souvenirs from Trieste. We’ll uncover delectable treats, unique keepsakes, and treasures representing this captivating city’s soul.

By the end of this guide, you’ll already know what to buy during your stay, ready to return home with a suitcase overflowing with memories (and possibly a few extra pounds from all that delicious local cuisine).

Where can I buy good clothes and shoes in Trieste?

In case you fancy some clothes shopping and are wondering where to buy shoes in Trieste or Italian clothes,  you will find many high-street brands in the city center in via Carducci, via Battisti, via Roma, via San Nicolo’, via Dante Alighieri, via Mazzini, and via San Lazzaro (remember that “via” in Italian means “street”). 

You will find everything you want to buy in Trieste and even more in the city center, so you can return home in your new Italian outfit. 

Psst! Are you visiting Trieste before embarking on a cruise ship? Then I’ve got a surprise for you. I have a complete Trieste Port Guide for you to find the best ways to reach your boat, and if you need to find a hotel near the port, check out the best hotels close to Trieste Ship Port.

If you wish to see the most of Trieste in one day, read my Trieste 1 Day Itinerary.

What to Buy in Trieste as a Gift?

If you wish to bring home some presents for your family and friends and wondering which are the best gifts to buy in my hometown, this is the article you were looking for. As a local (born and raised in Trieste), I know a lot about what to do in Trieste, where to go shopping and the best Trieste souvenir ideas for your family and friends.

Food is one of my favorite gifts to buy, which I usually buy for my friends living in London (where I have lived since 2013). I mean, who doesn’t love to receive local food from Italy? Pamela, for example (my best friend), is in love with the Struki. She can eat a whole pack in one go (I’m not joking).

My colleagues love the Gubana, and my husband Lajos always appreciates some Grappa (he is Hungarian, after all).

So read this article till the end, and find out which souvenirs to buy for your friends and family (and for you, obviously)! Remember to leave some room in your luggage when you pack before your trip; you will surely buy more than you planned when in Italy!

Where to Buy Souvenirs?

You will surely visit the area around Piazza Unita’ D’Italia and the old part of the town called Cavana. These areas have many souvenir shops and food shops where locals shop.

The best souvenir shops in Trieste are:

• Tipicamente Triestino
• Porta Cavana Specialita’ Alimentari 
• Salumai dal 1960 
• Palato Salsamenteria
• Torrefazione La Triestina
• Eataly 

23 Best Souvenirs in Trieste

1. La Gubana:

La Gubana is my mom’s favorite breakfast cake. The Gubana is a typical cake prepared during periods of grand celebration (Christmas, Easter) or on special occasions (such as weddings and village festivals). 

La Gubana is one of the best souvenirs to buy for a food lover in Trieste, for anyone who loves a good cake for breakfast (and any other time of the day; I mean, sweets are always a good idea) .

Gubana is based on leavened sweet pasta filling with walnuts, raisins, pine nuts, sugar, Grappa, and grated lemon rind. It is spiral-shaped, about 20 cm in diameter, and cooked in the oven. You can buy it at Eataly or in any supermarket in Trieste.

2. Trieste Espresso Cups:

If you are a coffee lover, a good souvenir or a gift from Trieste for a loved one could be an espresso cup. As you can see from the picture above, you can also find liquor glasses with the Trieste seal Alabarda. Trieste is known as the city of coffee, so an espresso cap could be one of the best gifts for a coffee lover!

To find these cups and glasses, stop at the shop Tipicamente Triestino via Einaudi 1, behind Piazza della Borsa and Piazza Unita’ d’Italia. It is the best souvenir shop in the city.

3. The Pinza: 

Pinza is a typical dessert of Friuli Venezia Giulia, particularly of the city of Trieste, a famous classic of the typical cuisine to be prepared for Easter day. The Pinza looks like a classic brioche; its flavor is not very sweet, but it has a delicate and citrus taste thanks to the addition of lemon and orange zest in the dough. 

Its shape resembles a loaf of bread on which a Y is engraved to symbolize Christ’s martyrdom. You can eat it like it is, adding some jam or, even better, some Nutella. It also goes very well with a slice of prosciutto cotto. You can buy it at Eataly, in local bakeries, or in supermarkets.

Trieste Shopping Tip: If you are walking in the city center, you can buy all three cakes at the Eppinger Shop in Via Dante Alighieri 2.

Want to visit Trieste?

Read my “Most Complete Guide of Trieste” for all the information you need to make your next trip successful. 

4. The Presnitz:

The name comes from Preis Prinzessin, “princess prize,” given to this delicacy after it won a competition between the pastry chefs of Trieste, right at the arrival of the Empress Elizabeth of Habsburg at Miramare Castle. In the years that followed, the people of Trieste reinvented the name until it reached today’s Presnitz. 

It contains pine nuts, sultanas, pistachios, dark chocolate, rum, honey, dry figs, and cinnamon. I advise buying it at the bakery “Pasticceria Bomboniera,” where they have made it with the original recipe since 1836.

I always buy Presnitz as a gift for my friends when I return to London.

Pasticceria Bomboniera: Via Trenta Ottobre 3, Trieste.

Want to make pasta?

Want to learn all the secrets to preparing the perfect pasta dish for you and your family? See Pasta Classes in Trieste.

5. A Trieste mug:

This is a souvenir I love. Mugs get ruined after a while, or they break. If you are visiting Trieste, one of the best souvenirs could be a mug. Buying a Trieste mug could be an excellent way to remember everything about your fantastic Italian holiday (and to drink your morning coffee in it).

To find these mugs, stop at the shop Tipicamente Triestino in via Einaudi 1, behind Piazza della Borsa and Piazza Unita’ d’Italia.

Fancy Italian wine? Check out the Prosecco Tasting Tour in Trieste. It lasts 2.5 hours and takes you to where one of the most famous wines in Trieste is produced!

6. I Struki:

The Struki are typical sweets with bundles shaped like the filling of the Gubana. They are my best friend’s favorites, and I always return some to London for her. 

They are like popcorn. You will eat the whole pack in one go, so be careful if you are on a diet because it can create addiction. You can find them in any supermarket next to the other local sweets. These are some of the best souvenirs for someone who loves nut-based sweets.

Welcome to my travel guide, my lovely anxious traveler! Want to know who is behind Valentina’s Travel Guide? Let me tell you more about myself.

Exploring Trieste?  

Read the “Most Complete Guide of Trieste” and get all the info to make your next travel successful. 

7. Le Fave:

Fave are small almond biscuits you can find in most bakeries and supermarkets in Trieste. 

There are three kinds of them:

• White ones: flavored with vanilla that symbolizes birth
• Pink one: made with rosewater that represents life
• Brown ones: made with chocolate that symbolizes death.

They are usually eaten in Trieste during the feasts for the dead in October and November, but you can buy them every month of the year. These are some of the gifts I always bring back to London for my husband Lajos; they never last too long with him.

8. A souvenir to remember the wind Bora:

Hopefully, you won’t experience the Bora wind at its strongest. It can ruin a wonderful day of exploring the city if you are not used to walking with a mighty wind. These are handmade by a local lady who loves to recreate the typical scene when Bora blows and are one of the best things to buy in my hometown, in my opinion.

To find these fantastic souvenirs, stop at the shop Tipicamente Triestino in via Einaudi 1, behind Piazza della Borsa and Piazza Unita’ d’Italia.

Visiting Trieste?

How to Plan a Vacation to Trieste
The Complete Trieste Travel Guide
22 Top Hotels with Sea Views in Trieste

9. Pasta:

Pasta is one of the most famous foods when thinking about Italy. Buying some special pasta could be a great idea if you wish to bring some original and delicious Italian food back home.

Pasta is always one of the best souvenirs from Italy and any other part of Italy you will visit. You can find all this pasta at Porta Cavana Specialita’ Alimentari.   

Fancy an unmissable experience in Trieste? Enjoy the ultimate dining experience in Trieste with a private 4-course meal in the comfort of a local’s home. Immerse yourself in the region’s culinary traditions as you witness an exclusive cooking demonstration and indulge in authentic recipes. Afterward, sit down and savor the delicious meal you helped create.

10. Illy Coffee: 

Who doesn’t love coffee? Even if you are not a big fan of it, I am sure you will love this famous brand after you have tasted it. Illy coffee is one of the best gifts for any of your friends who love a good cup of coffee in the morning (or any other time of the day). 

I grew up with the smell of roasted coffee beans in the air. Illy Coffee’s headquarters are between my hometown, Muggia, and Trieste, and every time I pass by around 2 p.m., I can smell the toasted beans. 

When I am abroad, I always look for the Illy brand. It will always be my first choice everywhere in the world. If you are close to Piazza Unità d’Italia, you cannot miss their official shop at EATALY, where you can buy as many packs of coffee as you want. 

They sell everything there, from every selection of their famous coffee to coffee machines and coffee cup collections. Last time, I left with a bag full of coffee to take to London, as I always buy some for my husband. If you cannot wait to try Illy coffee, you can see the Illy coffee bundle here.

11. The famous Illy coffee espresso cups:

Trieste is Illy coffee headquarters, so if you love coffee and art, these are fantastic espresso cups to take home. They are not just espresso cups; they are works of art and fabulous gifts. You can purchase them at Eataly, near Piazza Unita’ d’Italia. See Illy coffee cups.

Heads up! Plan your visit to Trieste in the best way! Check out my “How to Plan a Trip to Trieste” and all my articles to get the info to plan a successful adventure!

12. The Italian Moka:

The Italian Moka is the most used coffee maker in Italy. If you plan to buy some Italian coffee, don’t forget to buy a great Moka to prepare your coffee and think about your Italian holiday first thing in the morning. Bialetti Moka is Italy’s best and most loved brand for Moka coffee makers! I cannot imagine making my morning coffee without it.

So, remember to purchase a great Moka coffee maker in Trieste; it is one of the best souvenirs to purchase as a gift for a coffee lover.

Heads up! Short on time in Trieste? Conquer the Miramare Castle, admire the Roman Theater, and explore the heart of Trieste in just a day with the HopTour Bus. Ancient history, delicious eats, and iconic sights are all served expresso-fast!

13. Trieste local Wines:

If you like wine, you will try many different ones while visiting Trieste. If you don’t know much about wine and don’t know what to buy or order, ask your waiter or a wine shop owner to help you choose the perfect one.

There are plenty of places where you can purchase wine in the Trieste city center. Remember that in Itay, you can also find great wines at the supermarket.

Where to buy wines in the Trieste city center:

• Enoteca Hortis 
• Enoteca Bischoff

If you fancy some excellent local prosecco, check out the Prosecco Tasting Tour in Trieste. It lasts 2.5 hours and takes you to where one of the most famous wines in Trieste is produced!

14. Piolo & Max Liquors:

This is one of the most famous brands of liquors in Trieste. At Piolo & Max shop, you can find liquors for every taste, from herbal Grappa to Nutella liquor, fruit ones (the last time I tried the mango one, it was delicious), and some more particulars like the camomile grappa. 

Many bars and restaurants sell this brand of liquor. If you are thinking of taking home something handmade, delicious, and typical from this fantastic city, you can find so many options in their shop that you will need an additional suitcase to return home.

​Shop: La piccola Bottega Spiritosa di Piolo & Max, Via Felice Venezian 11.

Aperitivo in Trieste?

You should check out this incredible Italian Aperitivo with a Local in Trieste to experience the best way to end a fabulous day of exploration. See Aperitivo in Trieste.

15. Liquore al Terrano:

Terrano liquor is probably my favorite liquor to drink in Trieste and the best one to buy there. It is made with Teran wine, which is produced from Teran grapes. Teran wine is considered one of the highest-quality red wines thanks to its rich and robust character. The taste is quite sweet, and if you like it, be careful because it goes down like juice.

To find this liquor, check out a local food shop, the Piolo&Max shop (they make their version), or stop at the shop Tipicamente Triestino in via Einaudi 1, behind Piazza della Borsa and Piazza Unita’ d’Italia.

16. Aperol Spritz kit:

In Italy, but mostly the northeast side of Italy is where the famous Aperol spritz comes from. You cannot miss drinking it while visiting Italy. Aperol spritz is the best drink you can order for your aperitivo (or at least it is my favorite).

If you want to take a bottle of Aperol home with you, buy one bottle of Aperol and one of a good Prosecco. If you are traveling with only a carry-on bag, don’t worry; you can find them at every airport in Italy.  

If you fancy some excellent local prosecco, check out the Prosecco Tasting Tour in Trieste. It lasts 2.5 hours and takes you to where one of the most famous wines in Trieste is produced!

17. Crema di Limoncello or Limoncello:

Limoncello, or Limoncello cream, is a delicious lemon liquor. One is essentially made with lemon peels, sugar, water, and alcohol, while the Limoncello cream is made with the addition of cream. 

The taste is fantastic, but the cream is less intense than the original Limoncello. Be careful because you might drink too much of it (but you are on holiday after all, so unless you have to drive, enjoy it responsibly).

18. Bottarga:

Bottarga might be a completely new ingredient for you! This unique delicacy isn’t your typical caviar. Instead of using individual eggs, bottarga is made from the entire roe sac of grey mullet, cured with salt, and dried. The result? A concentrated punch of flavor – salty, briny, and umami – that evokes the sea without being fishy.

But a little goes a long way with this powerful ingredient. Think of bottarga as a condiment, adding depth and complexity to dishes. This ancient delicacy has been enjoyed for centuries, and in Trieste, you can find the famous Sardinian bottarga gracing the shelves of many food shops in the city center.

Italy Travel Tip: Most phone providers charge extra fees to use your data plan abroad. If you don’t want to pay a fortune to use the internet in Italy, buying an eSIM for Italy on Airalo is my favorite solution. It’s the fastest and easiest way to have all the data you need while traveling.

19. Cured Meat:

In Italy, you will find many cured meat to taste, while in Trieste, these are the local ones that everyone loves and eats in Trieste:

• Cotto Trieste: in bread crust, top-notch production, only with Italian thighs 
• Porcina: boiled Italian pork neck, the symbol of the gastronomic culture of Trieste
• Panciotta: Italian leg bacon, flavored, spiced, and roasted in the oven 
• Nero Trieste: German thigh wrapped in salted caramel
• Culatello Cotto: the noblest part of the leg 
• Collo affumicato: European pork neck seasoned and smoked according to a historical recipe 
• Speck Cotto: leg of European pork, boned in bread crust and lightly smoked 
• Tipico: authentic Praga of German thigh, smoked both in bread crust
• Porchetta: bacon and European pork loins in bread crust, lightly smoked 
• Speciale: European leg on the bone, unsmoked, in bread crust or plain

You can purchase all these delicious cured meat in many supermarkets and “salumerie”(cured meat shop) in Trieste. Cold cuts are excellent souvenirs if you travel in Europe; just ensure you can import them into your country.

20. Local Cheeses:

If you love cheese, you will love Trieste local cheeses. Unmissable is the Liptauer, a frame made with goat ricotta and paprika. Perfect on a slice of toasted bread. The Jamar, cured in Triste caves. The Tabor is made with milk from the Trieste Carsk, and the Monte Re is made between the Carsk and the Slovenian border.

You can find all these cheeses in the biggest supermarkets in Trieste and Salumerie (cured meat shops).

Pssst! Fancy local cured meat and cheeses? There is an incredible tour in Trieste for you to book. Explore the Trieste Karst with local product tasting with a local.

21. Aria di Trieste:

The famous Trieste Air is a delicious perfume you can purchase in any “Il Tulipano” shop. They sell different kinds, so try them all and choose your favorite one. Aria di Trieste is one of the perfect souvenirs, and they also make perfumes for your home in case you fancy the whole set.

Visiting Trieste?

One Day Itinerary in Trieste
42 Top Things to Do in Trieste
28 Unmissable Day Trips from Trieste

22. Grappa:

Experience the authentic taste of Trieste’s Grappa. From traditional distilleries to modern craft producers, there are many grappa flavors. You can find Grappa in supermarkets and local food shops in the city center. You will also find it in any bars and restaurants.

Locals love to drink a shot of Grappa after their meals because it is believed it helps digestion. My mom loves to make Grappa. She buys the plain one and adds berries she finds in the woods around Trieste and Slovenia.

23. Midolini Barsamic Vinegar:

Midolini’s balsamic vinegar is made in Friuli Venezia Giulia, the Trieste region. Crafted from local grapes and aged in unique woods like mulberry and juniper, it reflects generations of tradition. Recognized as the world’s largest producer, the owners’ focus remains on quality, making each bottle a delicious tribute to their heritage.

You can purchase Midolini Balsamic Vinegar at Set Sapori Eccellenti del Territorio shop, where you can find many other local products.

24. Polenta:

Polenta is a versatile dish made from stone-ground cornmeal, the Italian answer to grits. Its hearty, grainy texture and mild corn flavor make it a perfect base for creativity. Dress it with herbs, veggies, or cheese, or enjoy it with fish or meat.

The magic of polenta? It transforms from comforting cream to sliceable “logs” when chilled, offering delicious options for every course. Whether you prefer to cook it from scratch with flour or grab pre-cooked tubes, polenta is a staple on many Trieste menus, especially alongside fish stews and grilled options.

You can buy Polenta at most local shops and supermarkets as a vegetarian souvenir.

25. Kren:

Trieste favors fresh horseradish, or cren, as a topping for classic antipasti. Its sharp bite complements boiled meats and Prague ham, similar to mustard. Cren comes from the Armoracia rusticana plant, which is related to cabbage and turnips, explaining its kick like a supercharged radish.

While in Trieste, we enjoy it fresh on top of a good “bollito di caldaia” (a plate of boiled pork meat); neighboring regions use cren sauce, perfect for meats and sausages. Fresh or creamy, cren adds a unique zing to regional cuisine.

You can purchase kren sauce in most food shops and supermarkets.

26. Syrups:

One of my favorite syrups to add to sparkling water in the summer or to cocktails is elderflower syrup, which is locally produced and available in other delicious flavors.

If you visit the old town of Trieste, Cavana, remember to pop into Set—Sapori Eccellenti del Territorio, where you will find some of the best locally produced syrup.

27. Local jams:

Who doesn’t like a good slice of toasted bread with butter and jam for breakfast? I love it, and my favorite is the raspberry jam; I could eat it even in the afternoon as a snack.

If you wish to buy some local jam whilevisiting Trieste, look at some of the food shops in the old town called Cavana. There, you will find many locally produced products that make the perfect gifts.

28. Local honey:

Honey? More like liquid sunshine! Especially in those dreadful winter months. Is the sore throat acting up? Honey to the rescue. Want to give my immune system a little oomph? Honey’s got my back (and taste buds!).

And let me tell you, Trieste is buzzing with unique local honey producers (some from Italy and others from the neighboring beekeepers in Slovenia). But my all-time favorite? Elderflower honey, hands down. I could seriously eat everything made with it.

Visiting Trieste?

23 Best Gifts from Trieste
27 Best Local Restaurants in Trieste
61 Delicious Food & Drinks in Trieste

29. Local beer:

If you love to try local beers in Trieste, these are the best places. Where they produce local beer:

• Birrificio Cavana (via della Pescheria, 18 – Trieste)
• Birra Campagnolo (strada delle Saline, 30 – Muggia)
• Big Ben Pub (viale Miramare, 285 – Trieste)
• Birrificio Cittavecchia (z.a Stazione di Prosecco, 29/e – Sgonico)
• Mastro Birraio (via Felice Venezian, 24 – Trieste)

Before you go…

There you have it, darling explorers! Your suitcases may overflow with delicious treats, handcrafted treasures, and reminders of Trieste’s unique charm. Don’t forget to indulge in a sweet Gubana cake with your morning Illy coffee back home, and raise a toast with a fiery Grappa to a successful souvenir hunt (I’ll be joying you with the Terrano liquor, my favorite one)!

But wait, is the souvenir hunt just the tip of the iceberg for your next adventure? Feeling a smidge overwhelmed by planning the rest of your dream trip? Fear not! I’ve poured my travel-loving heart into a free guide to super-organized travel. Download my “Conquering Chaos: The Super-Organized Traveler’s Handbook” and transform trip planning into a stress-free breeze.

Now, conquer the world, one perfectly planned adventure at a time!

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