The picturesque metropolis of Brindisi is stuffed with necessary historic monuments, cultural sights, tasty meals, and enjoyable actions to take pleasure in. From its historical church buildings to its vigorous nightlife and vibrant harborfront, listed here are 15 issues to do in Brindisi that can assist you plan your good journey.
Final yr I spent just a few weeks exploring the southeastern Italian province of Puglia and actually fell in love with the area. It manages to be each extremely laidback while concurrently filled with attention-grabbing issues to see and do, and Brindisi is not any exception.
Whether or not you’re in search of a soothing metropolis break or an action-packed journey, there’s one thing for everybody on this bustling Mediterranean metropolis.
Greatest Issues To Do in Brindisi
Subsequent time you end up on this fantastic nook of Europe, you’ll want to take a look at a few of these prime issues to do and locations to go to in Brindisi:
1. Go to the Metropolis’s Castles

Brindisi is residence to a number of castles that date again to the Center Ages. The Thirteenth-century Swabian Fortress is likely one of the most spectacular sights within the metropolis and is likely one of the prime locations to see in Brindisi.
Castello Alfonsino di Brindisi (often known as the Aragonese Fortress, or Forte a Mare) lies on a small island referred to as Sant’Andrea and guards the doorway of town’s historical harbor.
Nearly all of the unique fort was constructed within the 1500s and it was later bolstered by the Spanish to defend town in opposition to assault by the Venetians and the Turks.
Try this guided fort tour, which takes you to the Castello Alfonsino in addition to the close by Monument to the Italian Sailor. (Be aware: the value of this tour doesn’t embody the €5 entrance price for the fort, which it’s essential pay on arrival.)
2. Discover the Previous City (One of many Greatest Free Issues To Do in Brindisi)

The historic heart of Brindisi is ideal for exploring on foot. Right here you’ll discover a number of the metropolis’s most necessary sights, such because the Swabian Fortress (see above), the Monument to Virgil, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the Church of Saint Mary of the Announcement, and the Piazza della Vittoria.
It’s simple to discover the center of previous Brindisi by your self. Nevertheless, the most effective methods to study extra in regards to the wealthy historical past and tradition of this historical port metropolis is to hitch a strolling tour.
There are just a few completely different excursions to select from, however I like to recommend reserving this personal tour of the historic Brindisi, which is led by an especially educated native information, is very reviewed, and consists of all entrance tickets (aside from for the Church of San Giovanni).
For these which are much less cellular, this historic tour in an electrical golf cart is a perfect different.
3. Take a Tour of the Historical Roman Harbor

Brindisi’s historical harbor was constructed over 2,000 years in the past. Over the centuries it served as an necessary buying and selling put up for the Roman Empire and different powers seeking to management entry to southern Italy and past.
The harbor is probably finest recognized for its two towering Roman columns, though just one stays standing as we speak. These are positioned on both facet of a grand staircase main right down to the waterfront.
It’s not recognized precisely what these columns had been used for, though many historians consider that they marked the tip of the Through Appia – an enormous highway that when linked Brindisi to Rome. At the moment, you possibly can take a guided tour of the harbor space and find out about its fascinating previous.
This two-hour tour takes you first to the port’s well-known Roman columns, then throughout to the Piazza Duomo, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the Provincial Archaeological Museum F. Ribezzo, and finishes on the grand Granafei Nervegna Palace.
4. Chill out within the Piazza del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo is a small, enticing sq. within the coronary heart of Brindisi. It’s not likely a vacationer web site in any respect, however has a beautiful calm vibe and is a good place to relaxation for some time after a busy few hours exploring the vacationer sights in Brindisi, Italy.
Within the heart of the sq. is a life-size statue of Caesar Augustus, and there are benches beneath the shade of the timber the place you possibly can sit and respect some people-watching.
You’ll discover just a few good outlets on the tree-lined streets simply off this sq. too. These promote a variety of real, (non-touristy), locally-produced items that might make glorious souvenirs or presents.
5. Take a Stroll Down Corso Roma

Corso Roma is considered one of Brindisi’s fundamental industrial streets and is lined with a variety of outlets, cafes, boutiques, and eating places. It’s busy with locals at most instances of the day and is a good place for a day stroll.
Maintain an eye fixed out for the attention-grabbing mixture of structure on show right here. Elegant, historic Baroque townhouses sit proper alongside a variety of contemporary buildings (some fairly, others not a lot), offering a superb instance of town’s mix of previous and new.
6. Go to the Provincial Archaeological Museum

The Museo Archeologico Provinciale di Brindisi is residence to some unbelievable artifacts, together with sculptures and different artworks from Greece and Rome that date again so far as 300 BC.
The museum’s fundamental focus is the archaeological artifacts from the realm round Brindisi, significantly these from Roman instances. There are additionally some attention-grabbing items from different historical civilizations such because the Etruscans and Magna Graecia right here too.
This museum is a good place to return in the event you’re serious about historical historical past and wish to study extra in regards to the previous of this specific a part of Italy. It’s nicely curated and appeals to a variety of ages, making this the most effective issues to do in Brindisi for households.
7. Admire the Church of Santa Maria del Casale

The Chiesa Santa Maria al Casale is likely one of the metropolis’s most well-known, and weird, church buildings. It’s nearly 800 years previous and has a particular patterned exterior which has been just lately restored.
Inside, the church comprises a number of lovely and colourful 14th-century frescoes.
It’s positioned proper subsequent to Brindisi airport, simply north of town heart. To get there, you possibly can take a bus from the historic heart to the airport after which stroll for round 5-10 minutes the remainder of the way in which.
8. Take a Day Journey to Ostuni or Lecce

Puglia is stuffed with charming, historic cities and cities, and Ostuni and Lecce are two of my favorites. Each are nice locations to go to close to Brindisi, positioned pretty near town, and visiting both makes for a superb day journey.
Ostuni is named “The White Metropolis” as a consequence of its lovely white-washed buildings. The historic heart is stuffed with slender streets lined with quaint family-owned eating places, cafes, and outlets.
Right here, you’ll find all types of issues, from handmade jewellery to native meals specialties equivalent to olives and cheese. Try this half-day tour to Ostuni from Brindisi.
Lecce can also be nicely value visiting and is residence to a surprising assortment of historical Roman ruins and Baroque buildings, together with two of Italy’s most spectacular Baroque church buildings.
9. Style Native Delicacies

Probably the greatest methods to expertise the most effective of Brindisi’s scrumptious delicacies is to be a part of a meals tour. You’ll have an opportunity to attempt conventional dishes equivalent to focaccia and taralli (an Italian snack that’s just like a pretzel), pattern native wines, go to markets and artisanal outlets and study all in regards to the area’s distinctive culinary historical past.
There are just a few completely different meals excursions to select from. It is a nice native choice that offers you the possibility to style a variety of conventional baked items, candy treats, cheeses, contemporary seasonal vegetables and fruit, in addition to a glass of native wine.
10. Take a Personal Cooking Class

This distinctive cooking class and immersive expertise offers you the chance to discover the secrets and techniques of genuine southern Italian delicacies in a standard Puglian residence. You’ll discover ways to make just a few traditional dishes equivalent to orecchiette pasta, ravioli, and risotto.
Afterward, you’ll get to benefit from the fruits of your labor in a comfortable environment with a glass or two of native wine. This is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Brindisi for {couples} and is a wonderful alternative for foodies in search of an genuine expertise.
11. Sip a Espresso at Caffè Olympia

Brindisi has no scarcity of nice cafes, however considered one of my favorites is a spot referred to as Caffè Olympia. It’s positioned within the coronary heart of the previous metropolis and serves scrumptious espresso.
They’ve tables and chairs spilling out into the streets and it’s a terrific place to sit down and relaxation for a bit throughout a protracted day of sightseeing in Brindisi. In addition they promote ice cream and a variety of candy and savory snacks, which look implausible, although I’ve solely tried their espresso.
12. Get pleasure from a Day on the Seaside

Should you’re in search of issues to do close to Brindisi, town is near some implausible seashores. These are good for spending a day enjoyable or swimming within the heat, calm waters of the Adriatic Sea.
One in all my favorites is Spiaggia di Torre Pozzelle, which is kind of wild and doesn’t have many services. When you’ve got your individual automobile, this seashore is simply about 25 minutes away from Brindisi.
Should you’d want one thing somewhat nearer to town, Lido Cala Materdomini is positioned close to the airport and is accessible by bus (or taxi) from the middle of Brindisi.
13. Have Drinks at Spirito

For actually glorious cocktails and a buzzing environment, I like to recommend trying out Spirito. It’s the most effective bars I visited in Puglia (and simply pretty much as good as a number of the prime bars in Rome), and the bartenders are very educated and tremendous pleasant.
I used to be actually blown away by how good the drinks are right here. In addition to the classics, they provide a variety of ingenious cocktails impressed by the flavors and aromas of Puglia (assume fennel, artichoke, and chili).
It’s open till late day by day besides Monday, and coming right here is unquestionably the most effective issues to do in Brindisi at night time. I strongly advise including a cease right here to your Italian itinerary.
14. Pattern High High quality Olive Oil

Puglia is legendary for producing a number of the best high quality olive oil in Italy. It’s scrumptious and is used liberally in most native dishes.
There are a lot of locations the place you possibly can style and purchase top-quality Puglian olive oil in and round Brindisi. Within the metropolis, head to Azienda Agricola Liberace which is positioned simply west of the historic heart.
Should you’re completely satisfied to journey somewhat additional, Cantasole is a family-owned masseria (olive farm) just a few kilometers out of city, simply reachable by taxi. Their oil is unbelievable (purchase a bottle to take residence!) they usually’re completely satisfied to arrange excursions and tastings of their beautiful olive grove.
15. Purchase Recent Native Seafood

Should you’re staying in a self-catering house or villa (or not less than someplace with a BBQ), it’s nicely value making a visit to Mare Blu Pescheria the place you should buy a number of the freshest, highest-quality fish and seafood within the metropolis. Come at 8 am when it opens for the most effective choice.
In addition they promote a variety of cooked seafood platters so that you can take away. I extremely advocate making an attempt their scrumptious fritto misto (blended fried seafood) too, which makes a superb lunch on the go. It’s so tasty!
Fast Journey Itineraries For Brindisi
Listed here are just a few advised itineraries that can assist you resolve what to see and do in Brindisi:
1 Day in Brindisi Itinerary
You may see many of the fundamental locations to go to in Brindisi in a day, however you’ll need to be pretty organized.
Start your day exploring town’s historic heart and waterfront. Don’t miss a go to to the majestic Castello Alfonsino di Brindisi and the Swabian fort. Subsequent, take a stroll down Corso Roma earlier than resting for some time within the Piazza del Popolo.
Within the afternoon, go to the archaeological museum, then take a personal cooking class. End the day with drinks at Spirito.
2-3 Days in Brindisi Itinerary
Spend the primary day as above.
On day two, head over to the Church of Santa Maria del Casale to admire its patterned structure and superb frescoes. Then, make your strategy to a masseria (olive farm) the place you possibly can take a tour, pattern, and purchase some top-quality olive oil. Head again to the waterfront to benefit from the sundown.
When you’ve got a 3rd day to fill, make a journey to Ostuni or Lecce, that are each lovely and nicely value visiting.
1 Week in Brindisi Itinerary
When you’ve got per week in Brindisi, you possibly can simply do the entire actions on this put up and nonetheless have time to spare. I’m an enormous fan of sluggish journey, and I actually love not having to hurry once I’m exploring a brand new place.
I like to recommend taking your time with every sight and exercise to get probably the most out of your time in Brindisi. Spend a full day exploring the historic sights, one other full day on the seashore, and take day journeys to each Lecce and Ostuni.

With the remaining three days, you possibly can go to the church buildings, spend an excellent period of time on the archaeological museum, take a cooking class, and feast on avenue meals. You’re certain to have an incredible week!
The place to Keep in Brindisi
Listed here are the 2 fundamental neighborhoods that I’d advocate staying in Brindisi:
Centro Storico – Greatest for First-time Guests
Most guests select to remain within the historic heart of town, and for good motive. You’ll be inside simple strolling distance of just about the entire fundamental sights and locations to go to in Brindisi. Try this superb house within the coronary heart of the traditional metropolis.
Materdomini – Greatest for Harbor Views (and Entry to the Seaside)
The opposite space you would possibly wish to contemplate staying in is Materdomini; close to the doorway of the traditional harbor and simply throughout the water from the Castello Alfonsino. From right here, it’s additionally solely a brief distance to the seashores simply north of town. This is a wonderful B&B in Materdomini.
Greatest Eating places in Brindisi
There are a lot of nice eating places in Brindisi catering to each price range. Listed here are just a few of my suggestions:
Ristorante Secca 48
Ristorante Secca 48 is a traditional Puglian restaurant that serves a variety of tasty native specialties. They’ve a big outside terrace with a implausible ambiance, the service is pleasant and attentive, and the wine may be very fairly priced.
Arabella Fish Restaurant
Should you’re in search of contemporary fish and seafood, head to Arabella. All the pieces right here is great; the costs are honest, and the meals is great. Strive the seafood linguini – it’s scrumptious.
Hanami
There are just a few first rate sushi eating places in Brindisi, however Hanami is my favourite. The decor is straightforward and exquisite, the sushi is superb, they usually additionally supply a variety of tasty pan-Asian and Asian fusion dishes.
Getting To Brindisi
Brindisi has a world airport with flights from quite a lot of cities all through Europe. Guests from additional afield could need to journey by way of both Rome or Milan. From the airport, you possibly can both take a taxi (they’ve Uber) or an area bus into city, which takes 15-20 minutes.
Should you’re touring from one other metropolis in Italy, you possibly can take the prepare to Brindisi. Should you’re coming from outdoors of Puglia, you could want to alter trains in Bari, which is about an hour away from Brindisi.
It’s also possible to attain Brindisi by boat, with common sailings from each Greece and Albania. The ferry takes about 10 hours and is a very thrilling strategy to arrive.
When you get to Brindisi, most locations within the metropolis are inside strolling distance. For longer journeys, you possibly can both take an area bus, an Uber, or hail a daily cab (although I are inclined to go together with Uber because it’s normally cheaper).
High Issues To Do in Brindisi: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Brindisi:
Brindisi is very recognized for its waterfront and historical harbor, dotted with Roman ruins and medieval castles. Being a port metropolis, Brindisi can also be recognized for its lovely, contemporary seafood.
The very best time to go to Brindisi is throughout the summer season months, from Could to September. The height season runs from June to August and sees town come alive with festivals and outside actions, though that is additionally when town is busiest.
My favourite time to go to is both in Could or September when it’s heat and sunny however not too crowded.
Brindisi is unquestionably value visiting, particularly in the event you’re in search of a barely extra off-the-beaten-path vacation spot in Puglia. There are many issues to see in Brindisi, Italy, and town is residence to a terrific mixture of historic websites, cultural sights, and outside actions.
You may see many of the fundamental Brindisi sights in someday. Nevertheless, I’d advocate spending not less than 2-3 days right here to will let you get a greater sense of town and to make your journey extra relaxed and pleasing. There’s sufficient to do in Brindisi to maintain you busy for not less than just a few days.
General, Brindisi is a pretty protected place to go to. Nevertheless, as with many cities, it does expertise a specific amount of petty crime.
It’s a good suggestion to keep away from strolling round by your self at night time, particularly in locations which are poorly lit. However, as long as you are taking the standard smart precautions, you shouldn’t have any points throughout your time there.
Exploring town’s lovely historical harbor is likely one of the hottest issues to do in Brindisi, Italy.
Lido Cala Materdomini is positioned close to the airport and is well accessible by bus or taxi from the middle of Brindisi. Nevertheless, you probably have your individual automobile and don’t thoughts touring somewhat additional, there are a number of seashores close by which are even nicer. Spiaggia di Torre Pozzelle is considered one of my favorites.
Seafood is the most well-liked delicacies in Brindisi, and the contemporary native fish, mussels, clams, and oysters are all scrumptious. I additionally advocate making an attempt orecchiette con cime di rapa (orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe), which is likely one of the most well-known Puglian dishes.
In Closing
Nearly all of guests to Puglia are inclined to overlook Brindisi as a vacation spot which I believe is a large disgrace. As you possibly can see, there’s a implausible vary of attention-grabbing and enjoyable issues to do in Brindisi, Puglia.
Provided that it’s considerably off the overwhelmed path (in contrast with a few of Puglia’s extra in style locations, not less than), implies that you normally don’t need to deal with crowds of vacationers whereas seeing the sights which is a bonus in my eyes!
Should you’re seeking to spend time in an genuine, vigorous, fun-loving southern Italian metropolis, Brindisi is a good choice.