The picturesque metropolis of Brindisi is stuffed with vital historic monuments, cultural points of interest, tasty meals, and enjoyable actions to take pleasure in. From its historical church buildings to its energetic nightlife and vibrant harborfront, listed here are 15 issues to do in Brindisi that will help you plan your excellent journey.
Final 12 months 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 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 great nook of Europe, be 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 without doubt one of the most spectacular sights within the metropolis and is without doubt one of the high locations to see in Brindisi.
Castello Alfonsino di Brindisi (also called 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 historical 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 in opposition to 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. (Observe: the value of this tour doesn’t embody the €5 entrance payment for the fortress, which you’ll want to pay on arrival.)
2. Discover the Outdated City (One of many Greatest Free Issues To Do in Brindisi)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 vital 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It’s simple to discover the guts of outdated Brindisi by your self. Nevertheless, probably the greatest 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 a number of completely 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 consists of all entrance tickets (aside from for the Church of San Giovanni).
For these which can be much less cell, this historic tour in an electrical golf cart is a perfect various.
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 vital buying and selling put up for the Roman Empire and different powers seeking to management entry to southern Italy and past.
The harbor is maybe greatest recognized for its two towering Roman columns, though just one stays standing at the moment. These are positioned 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 imagine that they marked the tip of the Through Appia – an enormous highway that when linked Brindisi to Rome. Right this moment, you may 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. Calm down 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 points of interest 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 may sit and recognize some people-watching.
You’ll discover a number of 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 considered one of Brindisi’s major business streets and is lined with a variety of outlets, cafes, boutiques, and eating places. It’s busy with locals at most occasions of the day and is a good place for a day stroll.
Hold a watch 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 the town’s mix of outdated 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 realm round Brindisi, significantly these from Roman occasions. 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 come back for those who’re curious about historical historical past and wish to study extra in regards to the previous of this explicit a part of Italy. It’s properly curated and appeals to a variety of ages, making this probably the greatest 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 weird, church buildings. It’s virtually 800 years outdated and has a particular patterned exterior which has been just lately restored.
Inside, the church incorporates a number of lovely and colourful 14th-century frescoes.
It’s positioned proper subsequent to Brindisi airport, simply north of the town heart. To get there, you may 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 the town, and visiting both makes for a superb day journey.
Ostuni is called “The White Metropolis” as a result of its lovely white-washed buildings. The historic heart is stuffed with slim streets lined with quaint family-owned eating places, cafes, and outlets.
Right here, you will discover all types of issues, from handmade jewellery to native meals specialties reminiscent of olives and cheese. Try this half-day tour to Ostuni from Brindisi.
Lecce can be properly price visiting and is dwelling to a shocking assortment of historical Roman ruins and Baroque buildings, together with two of Italy’s most spectacular Baroque church buildings.
9. Style Native Delicacies
Among the best methods to expertise the most effective of Brindisi’s scrumptious delicacies is to be part of a meals tour. You’ll have an opportunity to attempt conventional dishes reminiscent of focaccia and taralli (an Italian snack that’s much 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 a number of completely different meals excursions to select from. It is a nice native possibility that provides 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 dwelling. You’ll discover ways to make a number of traditional dishes reminiscent of 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 selection 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 outdated metropolis and serves scrumptious espresso.
They’ve tables and chairs spilling out into the streets and it’s an important place to sit down and relaxation for a bit throughout a protracted day of sightseeing in Brindisi. Additionally 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 Seashore
In the event you’re in search of issues to do close to Brindisi, the town is near some incredible seashores. These are excellent for spending a day stress-free or swimming within the heat, calm waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Certainly one of my favorites is Spiaggia di Torre Pozzelle, which is sort of wild and doesn’t have many amenities. In case you have your personal automobile, this seashore is barely about 25 minutes away from Brindisi.
In the event you’d choose one thing a bit of nearer to the 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 probably the greatest bars I visited in Puglia (and simply nearly 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 ingenious 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 unquestionably probably the greatest 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 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 numerous 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 positioned simply west of the historic heart.
In the event you’re blissful to journey a bit of 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!) they usually’re blissful to arrange excursions and tastings of their attractive olive grove.
15. Purchase Recent Native Seafood
In the event you’re staying in a self-catering condo or villa (or at the very least someplace with a BBQ), it’s properly price making a visit to Mare Blu Pescheria the place you should purchase 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.
Additionally they promote a variety of cooked seafood platters so that you can take away. I extremely suggest attempting 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 here are a number of instructed itineraries that will help you determine what to see and do in Brindisi:
1 Day in Brindisi Itinerary
You’ll be able to see a lot of the major locations to go to in Brindisi in a day, however you’ll need to be pretty organized.
Start your day exploring the town’s historic heart 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 superb frescoes. Then, make your option 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.
In case you have a 3rd day to fill, make a journey to Ostuni or Lecce, that are each lovely and properly price visiting.
1 Week in Brindisi Itinerary
In case you have per week in Brindisi, you may simply do all the 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 after 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 superb period of time on the archaeological museum, take a cooking class, and feast on avenue meals. You’re positive to have an incredible week!
The place to Keep in Brindisi
Listed here are the 2 major neighborhoods that I’d suggest staying in Brindisi:
Centro Storico – Greatest for First-time Guests
Most guests select to remain within the historic heart of the town, and for good cause. You’ll be inside simple strolling distance of nearly all the major sights and locations to go to in Brindisi. Try this superb condo 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 superb B&B in Materdomini.
Greatest Eating places in Brindisi
There are numerous nice eating places in Brindisi catering to each funds. Listed here 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 incredible ambiance, the service is pleasant and attentive, and the wine may be very moderately priced.
Arabella Fish Restaurant
In the event you’re in search of 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 a number of respectable sushi eating places in Brindisi, however Hanami is my favourite. The decor is straightforward and delightful, 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 may both take a taxi (they’ve Uber) or an area bus into city, which takes 15-20 minutes.
In the event you’re touring from one other metropolis in Italy, you may take the practice to Brindisi. In the event you’re coming from exterior of Puglia, you could want to vary trains in Bari, which is about an hour away from Brindisi.
You may also attain Brindisi by boat, with common sailings from each Greece and Albania. The ferry takes about 10 hours and is a very thrilling option to arrive.
When you get to Brindisi, most locations within the metropolis are inside strolling distance. For longer journeys, you may 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 particularly recognized for its waterfront and historical harbor, dotted with Roman ruins and medieval castles. Being a port metropolis, Brindisi can be recognized for its lovely, recent seafood.
The most effective time to go to Brindisi is through the summer time 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 price visiting, particularly for those who’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 important mixture of historic websites, cultural points of interest, and out of doors actions.
You’ll be able to see a lot of the major Brindisi points of interest in in the future. Nevertheless, I’d suggest spending at the very least 2-3 days right here to can help you get a greater sense of the town and to make your journey extra relaxed and pleasant. There’s sufficient to do in Brindisi to maintain you busy for at the very least a number of days.
General, Brindisi is a pretty secure 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 can be poorly lit. However, as long as you are taking the same old smart precautions, you shouldn’t have any points throughout your time there.
Exploring the town’s lovely historical harbor is without doubt one of the hottest issues to do in Brindisi, Italy.
Lido Cala Materdomini is positioned close to the airport and is definitely accessible by bus or taxi from the middle of Brindisi. Nevertheless, if in case you have your personal automobile and don’t thoughts touring a bit of additional, there are a number of seashores close by which can be even nicer. Spiaggia di Torre Pozzelle is considered one of my favorites.
Seafood is the preferred delicacies in Brindisi, and the recent native fish, mussels, clams, and oysters are all scrumptious. I additionally suggest attempting orecchiette con cime di rapa (orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe), which is without doubt one of 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 big disgrace. As you may see, there’s a incredible vary of attention-grabbing 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 in style locations, at the very least), implies that you normally don’t need to take care of crowds of vacationers whereas seeing the sights which is a bonus in my eyes!
In the event you’re seeking to spend time in an genuine, energetic, fun-loving southern Italian metropolis, Brindisi is a good possibility.
