The picturesque metropolis of Brindisi is filled 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 below are 15 issues to do in Brindisi that can assist you plan your excellent journey.
Final yr I spent a couple 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 filled with fascinating issues to see and do, and Brindisi is not any exception.
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a soothing metropolis break or an action-packed journey, there’s one thing for everybody on this bustling Mediterranean metropolis.
Finest Issues To Do in Brindisi
Subsequent time you end up on this great nook of Europe, be sure you try a few of these prime issues to do and locations to go to in Brindisi:
1. Go to the Metropolis’s Castles
Brindisi is house to a number of castles that date again to the Center Ages. The Thirteenth-century Swabian Fortress is without doubt one of the most spectacular sights within the metropolis and is without doubt one of the prime locations to see in Brindisi.
Castello Alfonsino di Brindisi (also referred to 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.
The vast majority of the unique fortress was constructed within the 1500s and it was later bolstered by the Spanish to defend town towards assault by the Venetians and the Turks.
Take a look at this guided fortress tour, which takes you to the Castello Alfonsino in addition to the close by Monument to the Italian Sailor. (Be aware: the worth of this tour doesn’t embrace the €5 entrance charge for the fortress, which that you must pay on arrival.)
2. Discover the Outdated City (One of many Finest Free Issues To Do in Brindisi)
The historic middle of Brindisi is ideal for exploring on foot. Right here you’ll discover a few of the metropolis’s most vital 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. Nonetheless, the most effective methods to be taught extra in regards to the wealthy historical past and tradition of this historical port metropolis is to hitch a strolling tour.
There are a couple 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 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 Historical 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 trying to management entry to southern Italy and past.
The harbor is probably greatest identified for its two towering Roman columns, though just one stays standing at present. These are positioned on both aspect of a grand staircase main all the way down to the waterfront.
It’s not identified precisely what these columns had been used for, though many historians imagine that they marked the tip of the By way of Appia – an enormous street that when related 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. 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 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 may sit and respect some people-watching.
You’ll discover a couple 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 all Brindisi’s fundamental business streets and is lined with a variety of retailers, 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 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 house 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 world round Brindisi, notably these from Roman occasions. 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 return should you’re involved in historical historical past and need to be taught extra in regards to 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 without doubt 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 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 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 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, positioned pretty near town, and visiting both makes for a wonderful day journey.
Ostuni is called “The White Metropolis” because of its lovely white-washed buildings. The historic middle is filled with slim streets lined with quaint family-owned eating places, cafes, and retailers.
Right here, you could find all kinds of issues, from handmade jewellery to native meals specialties similar to olives and cheese. Take a look at this half-day tour to Ostuni from Brindisi.
Lecce can also be effectively price visiting and is house 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
Top-of-the-line 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 strive conventional dishes similar to focaccia and taralli (an Italian snack that’s much like a pretzel), pattern native wines, go to markets and artisanal retailers and be taught all in regards to the area’s distinctive culinary historical past.
There are a couple of totally different meals excursions to select from. This can be a nice native possibility that provides you the prospect to style a variety of conventional baked items, candy treats, cheeses, contemporary seasonal vegatables and fruits, 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 house. You’ll learn to make a couple of basic dishes similar to orecchiette pasta, ravioli, and risotto.
Afterward, you’ll get to benefit from the fruits of your labor in a comfortable ambiance 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 on the lookout for an genuine expertise.
11. Sip a Espresso at Caffè Olympia
Brindisi has no scarcity of nice cafes, however one in all 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 an amazing place to take a seat 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. Get pleasure from a Day on the Seaside
In the event you’re on the lookout for issues to do close to Brindisi, town is near some incredible seashores. These are excellent for spending a day enjoyable or swimming within the heat, calm waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Considered one of my favorites is Spiaggia di Torre Pozzelle, which is kind of wild and doesn’t have many services. You probably have your personal automotive, this seaside is just about 25 minutes away from Brindisi.
In the event you’d choose one thing just a little 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 ambiance, 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 few 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 on daily basis 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 few of the best 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 middle.
In the event you’re comfortable to journey just a little additional, Cantasole is a family-owned masseria (olive farm) a couple of kilometers out of city, simply reachable by taxi. Their oil is unbelievable (purchase a bottle to take house!) they usually’re comfortable to arrange excursions and tastings of their beautiful olive grove.
15. Purchase Contemporary Native Seafood
In the event you’re staying in a self-catering condo or villa (or a minimum of someplace with a BBQ), it’s effectively price making a visit to Mare Blu Pescheria the place you should buy a few 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 advocate attempting 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 a couple of urged itineraries that can assist you determine what to see and do in Brindisi:
1 Day in Brindisi Itinerary
You possibly can see many of the fundamental 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 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 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.
You probably have a 3rd day to fill, make a journey to Ostuni or Lecce, that are each lovely and effectively price visiting.
1 Week in Brindisi Itinerary
You probably have per week in Brindisi, you may 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 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 seaside, 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 road meals. You’re positive to have an incredible week!
The place to Keep in Brindisi
Listed below are the 2 fundamental neighborhoods that I’d advocate staying in Brindisi:
Centro Storico – Finest for First-time Guests
Most guests select to remain within the historic middle of town, and for good purpose. You’ll be inside simple strolling distance of just about the entire fundamental sights and locations to go to in Brindisi. Take a look at this wonderful condo within the coronary heart of the traditional metropolis.
Materdomini – Finest for Harbor Views (and Entry to the Seaside)
The opposite space you may need 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 town. This is a superb B&B in Materdomini.
Finest Eating places in Brindisi
There are numerous nice eating places in Brindisi catering to each funds. Listed below are a couple of of my suggestions:
Ristorante Secca 48
Ristorante Secca 48 is a basic 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 fairly priced.
Arabella Fish Restaurant
In the event you’re on the lookout for contemporary fish and seafood, head to Arabella. Every part right here is excellent; the costs are truthful, and the meals is great. Attempt the seafood linguini – it’s scrumptious.
Hanami
There are a couple of first rate sushi eating places in Brindisi, however Hanami is my favourite. The decor is straightforward and exquisite, the sushi is wonderful, 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 a lot of cities all through Europe. Guests from additional afield could must 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 prepare to Brindisi. In the event you’re coming from outdoors of Puglia, chances are you’ll want to vary trains in Bari, which is about an hour away from Brindisi.
You can even 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 an everyday cab (although I are likely to go along with Uber because it’s often cheaper).
High 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 historical harbor, dotted with Roman ruins and medieval castles. Being a port metropolis, Brindisi can also be identified for its lovely, contemporary seafood.
One of the 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 out of doors 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 price visiting, particularly should you’re on the lookout for a barely extra off-the-beaten-path vacation spot in Puglia. There are many issues to see in Brindisi, Italy, and town is house to an amazing mixture of historic websites, cultural points of interest, and out of doors actions.
You possibly can see many of the fundamental Brindisi points of interest in sooner or later. Nonetheless, I’d advocate spending a minimum of 2-3 days right here to can help you get a greater sense of town and to make your journey extra relaxed and pleasurable. There’s sufficient to do in Brindisi to maintain you busy for a minimum of a couple of days.
Total, Brindisi is a pretty secure 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 can be poorly lit. However, as long as you’re taking the same old wise precautions, you shouldn’t have any points throughout your time there.
Exploring 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. Nonetheless, if in case you have your personal automotive and don’t thoughts touring just a little additional, there are a number of seashores close by which can be even nicer. Spiaggia di Torre Pozzelle is one in all my favorites.
Seafood is the preferred delicacies in Brindisi, and the contemporary native fish, mussels, clams, and oysters are all scrumptious. I additionally advocate 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 likely to overlook Brindisi as a vacation spot which I feel is a enormous 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, a minimum of), implies that you often don’t must take care of crowds of vacationers whereas seeing the sights which is a bonus in my eyes!
In the event you’re trying to spend time in an genuine, energetic, fun-loving southern Italian metropolis, Brindisi is a good possibility.