The picturesque metropolis of Brindisi is stuffed with essential historic monuments, cultural sights, tasty meals, and enjoyable actions to take pleasure in. From its historical church buildings to its full of life nightlife and vibrant harborfront, listed below are 15 issues to do in Brindisi that can assist you plan your excellent journey.
Final 12 months 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 fascinating issues to see and do, and Brindisi is not any exception.
Whether or not you’re searching for a calming metropolis break or an action-packed journey, there’s one thing for everybody in this bustling Mediterranean metropolis.
Best Things To Do in Brindisi
Subsequent time you end up in this glorious nook of Europe, make sure 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 13th-century Swabian Citadel is without doubt one of the most spectacular sights in town and is without doubt one of the prime locations to see in Brindisi.
Castello Alfonsino di Brindisi (often known as the Aragonese Citadel, 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 in the 1500s and it was later strengthened 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. (Observe: the worth of this tour doesn’t embrace the €5 entrance payment for the fort, which you might want to pay on arrival.)
2. Discover the Previous City (One of many Best Free Things To Do in Brindisi)
The historic middle of Brindisi is ideal for exploring on foot. Right here you’ll discover among the metropolis’s most essential sights, such because the Swabian Citadel (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 straightforward to discover the guts of previous Brindisi by your self. Nonetheless, among the best methods to study extra concerning the wealthy historical past and tradition of this historical port metropolis is to hitch a strolling tour.
There are just a few totally different excursions to select from, however I like to recommend reserving this personal tour of the historic Brindisi, which is led by a particularly educated native information, is very reviewed, and contains all entrance tickets (apart from for the Church of San Giovanni).
For these which might be much less cellular, this historic tour in an electrical golf cart is a perfect different.
3. Take a Tour of the Historic Roman Harbor
Brindisi’s historical harbor was constructed over 2,000 years in the past. Over the centuries it served as an essential buying and selling put up for the Roman Empire and different powers trying to management entry to southern Italy and past.
The harbor is probably greatest recognized for its two towering Roman columns, though just one stays standing right now. These are situated on both aspect of a grand staircase main all the way 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 street that after linked Brindisi to Rome. At the moment, you may take a guided tour of the harbor space and study 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. Loosen up in the Piazza del Popolo
Piazza del Popolo is a small, enticing sq. in the guts of Brindisi. It’s probably not a vacationer website 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 middle of the sq. is a life-size statue of Caesar Augustus, and there are benches underneath the shade of the timber the place you may sit and admire 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 would make glorious souvenirs or presents.
5. Take a Stroll Down Corso Roma
Corso Roma is one in every of Brindisi’s most important 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.
Hold a watch out for the fascinating 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 wonderful 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 unimaginable artifacts, together with sculptures and different artworks from Greece and Rome that date again so far as 300 BC.
The museum’s most important focus is the archaeological artifacts from the realm round Brindisi, significantly these from Roman instances. There are additionally some fascinating items from different historical civilizations such because the Etruscans and Magna Graecia right here too.
This museum is a good place to come back in case you’re in historical historical past and need to study extra concerning the previous of this explicit a part of Italy. It’s nicely curated and appeals to a variety of ages, making this among the best issues to do in Brindisi for households.
7. Admire the Church of Santa Maria del Casale
The Chiesa Santa Maria al Casale is without doubt one of the metropolis’s most well-known, and strange, church buildings. It’s virtually 800 years previous and has a particular patterned exterior which has been just lately restored.
Inside, the church comprises a number of stunning and colourful 14th-century frescoes.
It’s situated proper subsequent to Brindisi airport, simply north of town middle. To get there, you may take a bus from the historic middle to the airport after which stroll for round 5-10 minutes the remainder of the best way.
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, situated pretty near town, and visiting both makes for a wonderful day journey.
Ostuni is named “The White Metropolis” as a result of its stunning white-washed buildings. The historic middle is stuffed with slim streets lined with quaint family-owned eating places, cafes, and outlets.
Right here, you could 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 price 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
The most effective methods to expertise the very best of Brindisi’s scrumptious delicacies is to hitch a meals tour. You’ll have an opportunity to attempt conventional dishes equivalent to focaccia and taralli (an Italian snack that’s much like a pretzel), pattern native wines, go to markets and artisanal outlets and study all concerning the area’s distinctive culinary historical past.
There are just a few totally 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, recent 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 conventional Puglian residence. You’ll learn 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 comfy environment with a glass or two of native wine. This is without doubt one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Brindisi for {couples} and is a superb alternative for foodies searching for an genuine expertise.
11. Sip a Espresso at Caffè Olympia
Brindisi has no scarcity of nice cafes, however one in every of my favorites is a spot referred to as Caffè Olympia. It’s situated in the guts of the previous metropolis and serves scrumptious espresso.
They’ve tables and chairs spilling out into the streets and it’s an amazing 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 incredible, although I’ve solely tried their espresso.
12. Take pleasure in a Day on the Seaside
In case you’re searching for issues to do close to Brindisi, town is near some incredible seashores. These are excellent for spending a day stress-free or swimming in the nice and cozy, calm waters of the Adriatic Sea.
One among my favorites is Spiaggia di Torre Pozzelle, which is sort 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.
In case you’d desire one thing a bit nearer to town, Lido Cala Materdomini is situated 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 testing Spirito. It’s among the best bars I visited in Puglia (and simply nearly as good as among 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 creative cocktails impressed by the flavors and aromas of Puglia (assume fennel, artichoke, and chili).
It’s open till late every single day besides Monday, and coming right here is certainly among the best 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 among 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 may style and purchase top-quality Puglian olive oil in and round Brindisi. Within the metropolis, head to Azienda Agricola Liberace which is situated simply west of the historic middle.
In case you’re completely happy to journey a bit additional, Cantasole is a family-owned masseria (olive farm) just a few kilometers out of city, simply reachable by taxi. Their oil is unimaginable (purchase a bottle to take residence!) and so they’re completely happy to arrange excursions and tastings in their attractive olive grove.
15. Purchase Recent Native Seafood
In case you’re staying in a self-catering residence or villa (or not less than someplace with a BBQ), it’s nicely price making a visit to Mare Blu Pescheria the place you should buy among the freshest, highest-quality fish and seafood in town. Come at Eight am when it opens for the very best 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 wonderful lunch on the go. It’s so tasty!
Fast Journey Itineraries For Brindisi
Listed below are just a few instructed itineraries that can assist you determine what to see and do in Brindisi:
1 Day in Brindisi Itinerary
You’ll be able to see a lot of the most important locations to go to in Brindisi in a day, however you’ll must be pretty organized.
Start your day exploring town’s historic middle 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 in 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-Three 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 wonderful frescoes. Then, make your approach to a masseria (olive farm) the place you may 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 stunning and nicely price visiting.
1 Week in Brindisi Itinerary
When you’ve got per week in Brindisi, you may simply do the entire actions in this put up and nonetheless have time to spare. I’m an enormous fan of gradual 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 essentially 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 may go to the church buildings, spend a great period of time on the archaeological museum, take a cooking class, and feast on avenue meals. You’re positive to have a tremendous week!
The place to Keep in Brindisi
Listed below are the 2 most important neighborhoods that I’d advocate staying in Brindisi:
Centro Storico – Best for First-time Guests
Most guests select to remain in the historic middle of town, and for good cause. You’ll be inside straightforward strolling distance of nearly the entire most important sights and locations to go to in Brindisi. Try this wonderful residence in the guts of the traditional metropolis.
Materdomini – Best for Harbor Views (and Entry to the Seaside)
The opposite space you would possibly need 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 superb B&B in Materdomini.
Best Eating places in Brindisi
There are a lot of nice eating places in Brindisi catering to each funds. Listed below 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 out of doors terrace with a incredible ambiance, the service is pleasant and attentive, and the wine may be very moderately priced.
Arabella Fish Restaurant
In case you’re searching for recent fish and seafood, head to Arabella. Every little thing 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 wonderful, and so they additionally provide a variety of tasty pan-Asian and Asian fusion dishes.
Getting To Brindisi
Brindisi has a global airport with flights from a lot of cities all through Europe. Guests from additional afield could must journey through both Rome or Milan. From the airport, you may both take a taxi (they’ve Uber) or a neighborhood bus into city, which takes 15-20 minutes.
In case you’re touring from one other metropolis in Italy, you may take the prepare to Brindisi. In case you’re coming from exterior of Puglia, you could want to alter trains in Bari, which is about an hour away from Brindisi.
You can too attain Brindisi by boat, with common sailings from each Greece and Albania. The ferry takes about 10 hours and is a extremely thrilling approach to arrive.
When you get to Brindisi, most locations in town are inside strolling distance. For longer journeys, you may both take a neighborhood bus, an Uber, or hail a daily cab (although I are inclined to go together with Uber because it’s normally cheaper).
High Things To Do in Brindisi: FAQs
Listed below 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 stunning, recent seafood.
The perfect time to go to Brindisi is through the summer season months, from Might to September. The height season runs from June to August and sees town come alive with festivals and out of doors actions, though that is additionally when town is busiest.
My favourite time to go to is both in Might or September when it’s heat and sunny however not too crowded.
Brindisi is certainly price visiting, particularly in case you’re searching for 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 an amazing mixture of historic websites, cultural sights, and out of doors actions.
You’ll be able to see a lot of the most important Brindisi sights in in the future. Nonetheless, I’d advocate spending not less than 2-Three days right here to 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 reasonably protected place to go to. Nonetheless, as with many cities, it does expertise a certain quantity of petty crime.
It’s a good suggestion to keep away from strolling round by your self at night time, particularly in locations which might be poorly lit. However, as long as you’re taking the same old smart precautions, you shouldn’t have any points throughout your time there.
Exploring town’s stunning historical harbor is without doubt one of the hottest issues to do in Brindisi, Italy.
Lido Cala Materdomini is situated close to the airport and is definitely accessible by bus or taxi from the middle of Brindisi. Nonetheless, you probably have your individual automobile and don’t thoughts touring a bit additional, there are a number of seashores close by which might be even nicer. Spiaggia di Torre Pozzelle is one in every of my favorites.
Seafood is the most well-liked delicacies in Brindisi, and the recent 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 without doubt 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 may see, there’s a incredible vary of fascinating and enjoyable issues to do in Brindisi, Puglia.
On condition that it’s considerably off the crushed path (in contrast with a few of Puglia’s extra standard locations, not less than), signifies that you normally don’t must take care of crowds of vacationers whereas seeing the sights which is a bonus in my eyes!
In case you’re trying to spend time in an genuine, full of life, fun-loving southern Italian metropolis, Brindisi is a good choice.