Best Things to Do in Brindisi, Italy (2024 Travel Guide)

Check out the best spots and must-see attractions in Brindisi, Italy, in our 2024 Travel Guide. Find the coolest things to do in this charming city and start planning your epic Italian adventure now!

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Brindisi Beckons

If you are looking for a destination off the beaten track but not especially remote, I would strongly encourage visiting Brindisi in the Italian region of Puglia (known to English speakers as Apulia). Brindisi is an ancient port with a lot to recommend it as a town for walking and exploring. The Roman columns marking the termination of the Appian Way are still to be seen. The city is blessed with cathedrals and Baroque churches and the city's archaeological museum is packed with the remains of ancient relics.

The seafront has an inviting promenade with restaurants, bars, and cafés. There are generally better deals than you'll find in similar harbor promenades, the atmosphere is lively and the views of the Adriatic Sea are spectacular. Brindisi is also an excellent base from which to visit other towns such as Ostuni and to go to places like Torre Guaceto.

Where is Brindisi?

Brindisi, a city on the Adriatic Sea in southern Italy, is at 40.633°N and 17.933°E. It has always been a major port: a gateway to trade in the Balkans, Greece, and the Middle East. The name comes from the shape of the harbor, which resembles the head of a deer. It is still really big for trade and is associated with farming, chemicals, and energy production.

Map of Brindisi, Italy

Is Brindisi Expensive?

Brindisi's pretty affordable for tourists. Hotels here are cheaper than in most U.S. cities. You can snag a 3-star hotel for around $121 a night. Eating out won't break the bank either, with local food and drinks costing less than back home. Plenty of activities too, like guided tours, ranging from $61 to $243. Brindisi mixes affordability with great experiences, making it a solid budget-friendly spot.

Best Things to Do in Brindisi, Italy

Brindisi's got history, culture, and nature all rolled into one. Walk the Lungomare Regina Margherita for killer views of the Adriatic Sea and Brindisi’s harbor. History buffs should hit up Colonne Terminali della Via Appia, where the ancient Roman road ends.

Must-See Places

• Cathedral of Brindisi (Duomo di Brindisi): This Romanesque cathedral has cool artworks and a bell tower with epic views.
• Lido Azzurro: Perfect beach for sunbathing and water sports with clear waters and lively beach clubs.
• Natural Reserve of Torre Guaceto: Protected spot with beaches, hiking, and snorkeling.
• Swabian Castle (Castello Svevo): Medieval fortress with cultural events and city and sea views.

Insider Tips

• Check out Brindisi’s local market for fresh fruits, veggies, cheese, and seafood.
• Explore the city’s history with walking tours, private historical tours, or even golf cart tours for easy access.

Things to Do in Brindisi at Night

Brindisi’s nightlife is buzzing, especially along Via Appia with bars, clubs, and restaurants.

Hot Spots

• La Locanda del Porto: Top-notch Italian dishes and seafood for a perfect dinner spot.
• Café Olympia: Great coffee and gelato, perfect for winding down after a day out.

Evening Fun

• Piazza Cairoli: Lively square with restaurants, bars, and events year-round.
• Boat tours of Brindisi’s harbor for a chill way to learn about the city’s maritime history and enjoy the Adriatic coast.

Things to Do in Brindisi with Kids

Brindisi’s perfect for families with lots of kid-friendly activities.

Spots for Kids

• Parco Urbano del Cillarese: Public park with playgrounds, ponds, and trails.
• Archaeological Museum Provinciale Francesco Ribezzo: Lots of artifacts that make history fun for kids.

Traveling with Kids

• Brindisi’s beaches, like Lido Azzurro, are great for families with sun loungers and beach bars.
• Try guided tours or snorkeling at the Natural Reserve of Torre Guaceto to keep the kids entertained.

The Best Tours in Brindisi, Italy (and Puglia)

Check out these top tours:

Brindisi: Mozzarella Live Show & Tasting in a Cheese Factory

Dive into cheese making at a local factory. Learn the craft and taste mozzarella, stracciatella, burrata, ricotta, and primo sale.

Brindisi: Alberobello, Locorotondo and Ostuni with Aperitif

Hit the towns of Alberobello, Locorotondo, and Ostuni. Enjoy an aperitif and soak up local vibes.

Brindisi: Kayaking Around Sant'Andrea Island & Giant Turtles

Paddle around Sant'Andrea Island. Spot giant turtles and enjoy the scenery. Great for nature lovers.

Brindisi Guided Tour, Roman Appia Way and Ancient Churches

Walk through Brindisi's history. Visit the Roman Appia Way and ancient churches. Perfect for history buffs.

Brindisi: Super Apulian Dinner at the Greengrocer's

Enjoy a traditional Apulian dinner at a local greengrocer's. Feast on locally sourced veggies.

The Best Hotels in Brindisi, Italy

These top hotels in Brindisi provide a range of options, from budget to luxury.

Budget Hotels

Hotel Residence Nemo
Hotel Residence Nemo works well for budget travelers. It's near the industrial zone and offers basic, comfy rooms with free Wi-Fi and parking. They even have a shuttle to the airport.

Hotel L'Approdo
Hotel L'Approdo is right on the seafront. It’s perfect for those who want a budget option near city attractions. Free Wi-Fi and breakfast included.

Casa Vacanza Sofy
Casa Vacanza Sofy feels like home. Close to Torre Guaceto Reserve and Piazza Sant'Oronzo, it’s clean and the service is top-notch.

Family Hotels

Executive Inn Boutique Hotel
Executive Inn Boutique Hotel is great for families. Modern, spacious rooms in the city center. The staff is super helpful and breakfast has lots of options.

Hotel Orientale
Hotel Orientale is centrally located and very family-friendly. Comfortable rooms and a welcoming vibe. Close to the airport and city attractions.

Palazzo Virgilio
Palazzo Virgilio offers comfort for families. Modern rooms, great breakfast, and a central location make exploring easy. Friendly staff too.

Mid-Range Hotels

Grande Albergo Internazionale
Grande Albergo Internazionale blends old charm with modern amenities. Near the waterfront, it has spacious rooms and a tasty breakfast.

Hotel Minerva
Hotel Minerva is just outside the city. It has a pool, tennis courts, and a big garden. Perfect for those who want to relax.

Hotel Torino
Hotel Torino is right in the heart of Brindisi. Comfortable rooms and friendly service. Great for city explorers on a budget.

Luxury Hotels

Suite Cavour Exclusive House Private Luxury SPA
Suite Cavour Exclusive House offers luxury with a private spa and pool. Recently renovated and centrally located, it’s perfect for a high-end stay.

Zenthe Small Luxury B&B
Zenthe Small Luxury B&B offers an intimate luxury experience. Only two suites with sea views and top-notch service. Great for exploring the city.

Archome Luxury Apartment
Archome Luxury Apartment is recently renovated and offers stylish, spacious accommodations. Near Torre Guaceto Reserve and Sant' Oronzo Square, it’s a luxurious base for exploring.

The Best Restaurants in Brindisi, Italy

Casual Dining

Pizza & Sfizi
Grab a tasty Italian pizza in a chill, laid-back spot. Perfect for a quick bite.

Rendez-Vous Cafè & Bistrot
This joint mixes Italian, seafood, and international dishes. Ideal for a relaxed meal.

Family-Friendly

Brunda Pizzeria
A family-friendly pizzeria with Italian and Mediterranean flavors.

Mid-Range

Trattoria La Brasciola
Known for its Italian seafood and Mediterranean dishes. A solid mid-range choice.

AcquaPazza
Serves Italian and seafood in a cozy, mid-range setting.

Fine Dining

Palazzo Virgilio
Offers high-end Italian and seafood dishes in a classy atmosphere.

72100 Wine Experience
Perfect for a refined dining experience with Italian and Apulian cuisine, plus great wines.

Which is Nicer, Bari or Brindisi?

Bari or Brindisi? I’d go for Bari. It’s got life about it, it’s got history, it’s got wonderful transport. As the capital of Puglia, Bari has a lively port with an old town, a cathedral, and an area known as Swabian Castle as its two landmarks. It scores high for connectivity, making it easy to get to other places of interest, such as Monopoli and Alberobello.

Brindisi is more mellow. It has an ancient port, as well as some stunning beaches – Pescoluse, known as the ‘Maldives of Italy’. Plus, it’s not far from the baroque splendor of Lecce, or the pretty medieval town of Ostuni.

It is all, in the end, a question of what you are after: Bari for the city buzz complete with a history, Brindisi for a more laid-back sojourn with the sea and stunning mountain vistas at hand as well as medieval hill towns nearby.