Uncover the Best Things To Do in Brindisi Italy

Sun-soaked and sitting proudly on Italy’s Adriatic coast, Brindisi is one of those places you can’t believe more people don’t talk about. Overshadowed by Bari or the trulli of Alberobello, this port city quietly packs in everything you’d want from a southern Italy getaway: layers of Roman history, breezy seaside vibes, and food you’ll still be dreaming about on the flight home. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Brindisi, this guide has you covered. Between palm-lined promenades, ancient ruins, and evenings spent sipping by the water, Brindisi is the kind of city that rewards curious travelers. It’s also right in the heart of wine country, think rustic vineyards and world-class Puglia wineries, which means your glass will never be empty.

Best Things To Do in Brindisi

Visit the Monument to the Italian Sailor

Shaped like a giant ship’s rudder and standing 53 meters tall, the Monument to the Italian Sailor is one of Brindisi’s most eye-catching landmarks. Built to honor the Italian Navy’s fallen sailors, it watches over the Adriatic with sweeping views across the port that will stop you in your tracks. You’ll find it in the quiet Casale district, just across the water from the city center. The best part? You can hop on a short boat ride from Brindisi’s promenade to get there, and entry is completely free, making it one of those spots you just can’t skip.

Walk to the end of the Via Appia

The legendary Appian Way, once the lifeline of Ancient Rome, comes to an end right here in Brindisi. Along the city’s waterfront promenade, you can spot one of the original Roman columns that marked the final stretch of the Via Appia. Standing tall against the sea, this column isn’t just stone and history, it’s a reminder that Brindisi was once the gateway from Rome to the East.

Explore Tempio di San Giovanni al Sepolcro

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, known locally as Tempio di San Giovanni al Sepolcro, is one of Brindisi’s most intriguing landmarks. Built in the 12th century and modeled after the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, this Romanesque temple once served as a spiritual stop for crusaders heading to the Holy Land. Step inside and you’ll find traces of faded frescoes and layers of mystery that make the site feel almost otherworldly.

Stroll down the palm-lined seafront promenade

Want to slow things down? Head to Brindisi’s palm-lined seafront promenade and soak up the city at its most relaxed. Grab a table at a café, linger over fresh seafood, and take in views that sweep right across the Adriatic. As you wander, you’ll stumble on lively piazzas, especially around Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, where street performers and locals bring the evenings to life.

Marvel at Brindisi Cathedral in Piazza Duomo

Right in the heart of the city stands Brindisi Cathedral (Duomo), a 12th-century Romanesque gem that has watched over the piazza for centuries. Step inside and you’ll find a space filled with art, history, and a sense of calm that contrasts beautifully with the buzz of the city outside. The cathedral sits on Piazza Duomo, a square that mixes medieval charm with classic Italian elegance, perfect for lingering a while and soaking up the atmosphere.

Discover the Remains of a Roman House

Hidden beneath Brindisi’s main theater is a glimpse straight into the past: the remains of a Roman house. At the San Pietro degli Schiavoni archaeological site, you can walk over a glass floor and look down at mosaics, ancient heating systems, and everyday details that survived from Roman times. If you love, it’s one of the most fascinating things to do in Brindisi, offering a chance to step back nearly two thousand years, without ever leaving the city center.

Visit Castello Alfonsino and the sea fortress

Guarding the waterfront at the port’s entrance, Castello Alfonsino is an ancient marine fortress built by Emperor Frederick II. Surrounded by sea on three sides, it’s a unique example of military architecture and one of the most atmospheric things to do in Brindisi.

Discover a family legacy in the city

Tenute Rubino is all about bringing Salento’s winemaking traditions to life in a fresh and welcoming way. Just outside Brindisi, this family-run estate invites you to taste expressive local wines while soaking up the beauty of the vineyards. From guided tastings with regional bites to unique experiences in their historic Jaddico estate, every visit blends great flavors with a touch of history.

What are the best things to do around Brindisi?

Discover time-honored vines

Step into the heart of Salento, where centuries-old vineyards meet the charm of a 15th-century tower. This estate blends history, tradition, and modern winemaking to create an experience that feels both authentic and unforgettable. Wander through the vines, taste elegant local wines, and soak up the warm southern Italian atmosphere.

Explore wine & history

Masseria Altemura is set in a restored 17th-century farmhouse surrounded by endless vineyards and olive trees. Here, tradition meets modern winemaking in the most welcoming way. You can taste bold Primitivo di Manduria wines, enjoy local bites, and walk through a cellar designed with sustainability in mind. It’s a relaxed stop that lets you experience the best of Salento’s flavors and history in one beautiful setting.

Drive to Lecce

Known as the “Florence of the South,” Lecce is just a quick 30-minute hop from Brindisi by car or train, making it an easy day trip you won’t regret. This golden-stone city is famous for its over-the-top Baroque architecture, think the stunning Piazza Duomo, the ornate cathedral, and facades covered in cherubs, beasts, and swirls of detail you’ll want to photograph from every angle. Wander through Piazza Sant’Oronzo to see the remains of a Roman amphitheater, then drift along elegant streets lined with boutiques and lively cafés. And if you’re up for a treat, add a wine tasting in Lecce to your plans for the perfect pairing of culture and flavor.

When it comes to things to do in Lecce Italy, this city is simply overflowing with charm!

Relax at Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve

If you’re craving a break from the city, head about 35 minutes north of Brindisi to the Torre Guaceto Marine Protected Area. This unspoiled stretch of coastline is all about wide sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and peaceful trails that wind through olive groves and wetlands. Named after its 16th-century watchtower, the reserve is perfect for snorkeling, biking, or just spreading out a picnic with the sea as your backdrop. Far from the crowds, it’s one of those places that makes any trip to Brindisi feel extra special.

Wander through the trulli of Alberobello

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Alberobello is a one-of-a-kind village about an hour’s drive from Brindisi and an absolute must when visiting Puglia. Famous for its circular whitewashed houses with conical roofs called trulli, it’s one of the top things to do in Alberobello and a perfect place to dive into the region’s history and charm. These stone dwellings, dating back to the 14th century, showcase a fascinating slice of rural Apulian architecture. Stroll through narrow alleyways, browse artisanal shops, and sit down to enjoy orecchiette alle cime di rapa in a cozy family-run restaurant.

Good to Know before visiting Brindisi