The picturesque metropolis of Brindisi is filled with essential historic monuments, cultural sights, tasty meals, and enjoyable actions to take pleasure in. From its historic church buildings to its energetic 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 a number of 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 stuffed with fascinating issues to see and do, and Brindisi isn’t 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 great nook of Europe, make sure you take a look at a few of these high issues to do and locations to go to in Brindisi:
1. Go to the Metropolis’s Castles
Brindisi is dwelling to a number of castles that date again to the Center Ages. The Thirteenth-century Swabian Fort is among the most spectacular sights within the metropolis and is among the high locations to see in Brindisi.
Castello Alfonsino di Brindisi (also referred to as the Aragonese Fort, or Forte a Mare) lies on a small island referred to as Sant’Andrea and guards the doorway of the town’s historic harbor.
The vast majority of the unique fortress was constructed within the 1500s and it was later bolstered by the Spanish to defend the town towards assault by the Venetians and the Turks.
Try this guided fortress tour, which takes you to the Castello Alfonsino in addition to the close by Monument to the Italian Sailor. (Notice: the worth of this tour doesn’t embody the €5 entrance payment for the fortress, which that you must pay on arrival.)
2. Discover the Previous City (One of many Greatest Free Issues To Do in Brindisi)
The historic middle of Brindisi is ideal for exploring on foot. Right here you’ll discover a number of the metropolis’s most essential sights, such because the Swabian Fort (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 center of previous Brindisi by your self. Nonetheless, the most effective methods to be taught extra concerning the wealthy historical past and tradition of this historic port metropolis is to hitch a strolling tour.
There are a number of totally 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 extremely reviewed, and contains all entrance tickets (apart 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 various.
3. Take a Tour of the Historical Roman Harbor
Brindisi’s historic harbor was constructed over 2,000 years in the past. Over the centuries it served as an essential buying and selling submit for the Roman Empire and different powers trying to management entry to southern Italy and past.
The harbor is maybe finest identified for its two towering Roman columns, though just one stays standing at this time. These are situated on both facet of a grand staircase main right down to the waterfront.
It’s not identified precisely what these columns had been used for, though many historians consider that they marked the tip of the By way of Appia – an enormous street that when related Brindisi to Rome. At present, you’ll be able to 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. Loosen up within the Piazza del Popolo
Piazza del Popolo is a small, engaging sq. within the coronary heart of Brindisi. It’s not likely 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 below the shade of the timber the place you’ll be able to sit and respect some people-watching.
You’ll discover a number of good retailers 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 one in every of Brindisi’s major business streets and is lined with a variety of retailers, 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 superb instance of the town’s mix of previous and new.
6. Go to the Provincial Archaeological Museum
The Museo Archeologico Provinciale di Brindisi is dwelling 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 major focus is the archaeological artifacts from the world round Brindisi, significantly these from Roman instances. There are additionally some fascinating items from different historic civilizations such because the Etruscans and Magna Graecia right here too.
This museum is a good place to return in the event you’re fascinated about historic historical past and wish to be taught extra concerning the previous of this specific a part of Italy. It’s effectively 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 among 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 lately restored.
Inside, the church accommodates a number of stunning and colourful 14th-century frescoes.
It’s situated proper subsequent to Brindisi airport, simply north of the town middle. To get there, you’ll be able to take a bus from the historic middle 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 filled 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 the town, and visiting both makes for a superb day journey.
Ostuni is called “The White Metropolis” as a consequence of its stunning white-washed buildings. The historic middle is filled with slim streets lined with quaint family-owned eating places, cafes, and retailers.
Right here, yow will discover all kinds of issues, from handmade jewellery to native meals specialties corresponding to olives and cheese. Try this half-day tour to Ostuni from Brindisi.
Lecce can be effectively value visiting and is dwelling to a shocking assortment of historic Roman ruins and Baroque buildings, together with two of Italy’s most spectacular Baroque church buildings.
9. Style Native Delicacies
Among the finest methods to expertise the perfect of Brindisi’s scrumptious delicacies is to be a part of a meals tour. You’ll have an opportunity to strive conventional dishes corresponding to focaccia and taralli (an Italian snack that’s just like a pretzel), pattern native wines, go to markets and artisanal retailers and be taught all concerning the area’s distinctive culinary historical past.
There are a number of totally different meals excursions to select from. This can be a nice native choice that provides 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 Non-public 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 dwelling. You’ll learn to make a number of traditional dishes corresponding 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 among the most enjoyable issues to do in Brindisi for {couples} and is a wonderful selection for foodies in search of 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 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 an awesome 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. Take pleasure in a Day on the Seashore
If you happen to’re in search of issues to do close to Brindisi, the town is near some implausible seashores. These are good for spending a day stress-free or swimming within the heat, calm waters of the Adriatic Sea.
One in every of my favorites is Spiaggia di Torre Pozzelle, which is kind of wild and doesn’t have many amenities. In case you have your personal automotive, this seaside is barely about 25 minutes away from Brindisi.
If you happen to’d desire one thing a bit nearer to the 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 trying out Spirito. It’s the most effective bars I visited in Puglia (and simply pretty much as good as a number of the high 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 (suppose fennel, artichoke, and chili).
It’s open till late on daily basis besides Monday, and coming right here is unquestionably the most effective issues to do in Brindisi at evening. I strongly advise including a cease right here to your Italian itinerary.
14. Pattern Prime High quality Olive Oil
Puglia is known for producing a number of the most interesting 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’ll be able to 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.
If you happen to’re comfortable to journey a bit additional, Cantasole is a family-owned masseria (olive farm) a number of kilometers out of city, simply reachable by taxi. Their oil is unbelievable (purchase a bottle to take dwelling!) and so they’re comfortable to arrange excursions and tastings of their beautiful olive grove.
15. Purchase Recent Native Seafood
If you happen to’re staying in a self-catering residence or villa (or at the least someplace with a BBQ), it’s effectively 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 perfect 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 (combined fried seafood) too, which makes a superb lunch on the go. It’s so tasty!
Fast Journey Itineraries For Brindisi
Listed below are a number of recommended itineraries that can assist you determine what to see and do in Brindisi:
1 Day in Brindisi Itinerary
You may see a lot of the major locations to go to in Brindisi in a day, however you’ll must be pretty organized.
Start your day exploring the town’s historic middle and waterfront. Don’t miss a go to to the majestic Castello Alfonsino di Brindisi and the Swabian fortress. 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 wonderful frescoes. Then, make your strategy to a masseria (olive farm) the place you’ll be able to take a tour, pattern, and purchase some top-quality olive oil. Head again to the waterfront to benefit from the sundown.
In case you have a 3rd day to fill, make a journey to Ostuni or Lecce, that are each stunning and effectively value visiting.
1 Week in Brindisi Itinerary
In case you have per week in Brindisi, you’ll be able to simply do the entire actions on this submit and nonetheless have time to spare. I’m a giant 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 probably the most out of your time in Brindisi. Spend a full day exploring the historic sights, one other full day on the seaside, and take day journeys to each Lecce and Ostuni.
With the remaining three days, you’ll be able to go to the church buildings, spend a superb period of time on the archaeological museum, take a cooking class, and feast on road meals. You’re certain to have an incredible week!
The place to Keep in Brindisi
Listed below are the 2 major neighborhoods that I’d advocate staying in Brindisi:
Centro Storico – Greatest for First-time Guests
Most guests select to remain within the historic middle of the town, and for good motive. You’ll be inside straightforward strolling distance of nearly the entire major sights and locations to go to in Brindisi. Try this wonderful residence within the coronary heart of the traditional metropolis.
Materdomini – Greatest for Harbor Views (and Entry to the Seashore)
The opposite space you may wish to take into account 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 the 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 below are a number of 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 implausible ambiance, the service is pleasant and attentive, and the wine may be very moderately priced.
Arabella Fish Restaurant
If you happen to’re in search of contemporary fish and seafood, head to Arabella. The whole lot right here is great; the costs are honest, and the meals is great. Attempt the seafood linguini – it’s scrumptious.
Hanami
There are a number of first rate sushi eating places in Brindisi, however Hanami is my favourite. The decor is easy and delightful, the sushi is wonderful, and so they additionally supply a variety of tasty pan-Asian and Asian fusion dishes.
Getting To Brindisi
Brindisi has a global airport with flights from quite a few cities all through Europe. Guests from additional afield could must journey through both Rome or Milan. From the airport, you’ll be able to both take a taxi (they’ve Uber) or a neighborhood bus into city, which takes 15-20 minutes.
If you happen to’re touring from one other metropolis in Italy, you’ll be able to take the practice to Brindisi. If you happen to’re coming from exterior of Puglia, chances are you’ll want to vary 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 extremely thrilling strategy to arrive.
When you get to Brindisi, most locations within the metropolis are inside strolling distance. For longer journeys, you’ll be able to both take a neighborhood bus, an Uber, or hail an everyday cab (although I are inclined to go along with Uber because it’s often cheaper).
Prime Issues To Do in Brindisi: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Brindisi:
Brindisi is particularly identified for its waterfront and historic harbor, dotted with Roman ruins and medieval castles. Being a port metropolis, Brindisi can be identified for its stunning, contemporary seafood.
The most effective 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 the town come alive with festivals and out of doors actions, though that is additionally when the 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 the town is dwelling to an awesome mixture of historic websites, cultural sights, and out of doors actions.
You may see a lot of the major Brindisi sights in in the future. Nonetheless, I’d advocate spending at the least 2-3 days right here to will let you get a greater sense of the town and to make your journey extra relaxed and satisfying. There’s sufficient to do in Brindisi to maintain you busy for at the least a number of days.
Total, Brindisi is a pretty secure place to go to. Nonetheless, 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 evening, 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 the town’s stunning historic harbor is among 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, when you have your personal automotive and don’t thoughts touring a bit additional, there are a number of seashores close by which are even nicer. Spiaggia di Torre Pozzelle is one in every 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 among the most well-known Puglian dishes.
In Closing
The vast majority of guests to Puglia are inclined to overlook Brindisi as a vacation spot which I feel is a enormous disgrace. As you’ll be able to see, there’s a implausible vary of fascinating and enjoyable issues to do in Brindisi, Puglia.
Provided that it’s considerably off the crushed path (in contrast with a few of Puglia’s extra well-liked locations, at the least), signifies that you often don’t must cope with crowds of vacationers whereas seeing the sights which is a bonus in my eyes!
If you happen to’re trying to spend time in an genuine, energetic, fun-loving southern Italian metropolis, Brindisi is a good choice.
