Things To Do
in Brindisi

Ear-shaped pasta with bitter turnip greens, garlic, anchovy and chili — a regional classic available at most trattorie and family restaurants.

Must-Try!

Assorted fried small fish and calamari, best at seaside restaurants and fish shacks near the port.

A filled shortcrust pastry commonly stuffed with custard — perfect for breakfast at local pasticcerie.

Fresh cheeses from nearby farms — find excellent versions at markets and specialty shops.

Greet shopkeepers and locals with a polite ‘Buongiorno’ (morning/afternoon) or ‘Buonasera’ (evening). A light handshake is common; among friends a kiss on both cheeks can be used.

Dress smart-casual for dinner; avoid beachwear in town centers or restaurants. Be respectful when visiting churches — cover shoulders and knees.

Meals are social and often slow-paced; don’t expect quick turnover at restaurants. It’s polite to wait until everyone is served before starting to eat.

Southern Italians can be expressive, but keep a respectful volume in residential areas at night and follow local quiet hours where posted.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Italy. In cafés leave small change for baristas; at restaurants, a 5–10% tip for good service is welcome but not expected if service charge (servizio) is included. Round up taxi fares and leave a few euros for hotel porters or housekeeping.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops, but small vendors and markets may prefer cash. ATMs (bancomat) are common; notify your bank about travel to avoid card blocks. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly supported.

Mild temperatures (15–22°C / 59–72°F), blooming landscapes and fewer crowds make spring ideal for sightseeing and coastal walks; pack a light jacket for cool evenings.

Hot and sunny (25–35°C / 77–95°F) with peak tourist season in July–August — beaches and seaside restaurants are lively; book accommodations in advance and bring sun protection and swimwear.

Warm early autumn with cooling temperatures in October/November, fewer tourists, good times for food festivals and wine tastings as the harvest season begins.

Mild winters (8–15°C / 46–59°F) with occasional rain — quieter tourism, many attractions open but reduced beach activity; good for budget travel and exploring towns without crowds.

The local airport (BDS) is a short drive from the city center and offers domestic and seasonal international flights; taxis, shuttle buses and car rentals connect the airport to Brindisi.

About 1 hour by car or regular train connections from Brindisi, Bari airport has more international routes and is a common alternative for arrivals and departures; trains from Bari connect to Brindisi via regional services.

Long-time residents with family ties to the area; often involved in maritime trades, agriculture (olive growing) and local commerce.

Some students and young people live in town for local universities and job opportunities, contributing to cultural life and nightlife.

Visitors and seasonal residents increase in summer; a small expat community exists, attracted to the relaxed coastal lifestyle.

Like many Italian port cities, Brindisi has immigrant communities contributing to the local workforce in services and agriculture.

Vegetarian options are widely available thanks to vegetable-rich Puglian cooking: order orecchiette with tomato or simple pasta with olive oil, grilled vegetables, salads, and cheeses. Ask for dishes without anchovy or meat broth; many restaurants will adapt recipes.

Vegan choices exist but can be limited in traditional eateries; focus on vegetable dishes, bread, legumes, grilled vegetables, and ask restaurants to omit cheese or butter. Larger towns and cafes are more likely to accommodate vegan requests.

Gluten-free options are becoming more common in Italy; check menus for ‘senza glutine’ and ask the staff. Many seafood and vegetable-based dishes are naturally gluten-free.

Carry a translated allergy card in Italian for nuts, shellfish, etc., and communicate clearly to staff — smaller kitchens may be less able to guarantee separation.