- 31 December 2022
Ostuni, the final destination of our 10-day Puglia road trip, known as the white city (La Citta Bianca), captured my curiosity. Visiting in October during covid times, the city was surprisingly quiet. This Ostuni Travel Guide showcases the best things to do, along with the top bars, restaurants, and hotels in Ostuni. Summarizing: a full list of Ostuni tips in a comprehensive travel blog.
Easily accessible from Bari and Brindisi by plane, Ostuni is an ideal stop on a road trip. Our Airbnb host provided valuable advice on free parking near the accommodation, while the train station is a bit further from the old city, but reachable by bus.
I recommend spending 2 days in Ostuni to explore the various food and drink spots fully and get the most out of your Ostuni travel plan.. However, the whole city can be seen in a day, making it perfect to combine with Alberobello and the Valle d’Itria.
Firstly, like in all Puglian towns, take your time to explore the old town and wander the streets. Each corner is beautiful, especially for photography enthusiasts. Pay attention to the vibrant doors in various colors, charming flowers, Vespas parked in front of houses, and the authentic Italian daily life.
Don’t forget to admire the stunning view of Ostuni after exploring the town. From the main square, take a 15-minute walk up to the Corso Vittorio Emmanuel II Viewpoint, the best Ostuni viewpoint. The reward is an amazing view of the white city, making it a highlight of this Ostuni Travel Guide.
Undoubtedly, this is the most famous picture of Ostuni. The adorable door is a perfect spot for pictures, conveniently located next to Borgo Antico Bistro, which is in my opinion the best bar in Ostuni. Easily combine the two for a delightful experience.
Piazza della Liberta serves as Ostuni’s main square. Though I’m not usually keen on settling down on the main square, we enjoyed a morning coffee there. Casbah is a famous terrace on the square, offering a great location, but the service left me unimpressed.
Lastly, there’s an opportunity we missed – walking the city walls to admire Ostuni from the outside. The city walls of Ostuni, dating back to ancient times, encircle the old town, offering a unique perspective of the city’s architecture and landscapes. The walk along the walls promises stunning panoramic views of the white city and the surrounding countryside. For those wanting to explore more of Ostuni, this is a great option to immerse in the rich history and beauty of this charming town.
Lecce is the main city in the south of Puglia, and might have been my favourite city during our Puglian roadtrip (and not only for the food). Only a 2-hour ride away from Ostuni, and definitely worth a visit.
Firstly, we’ll start with this incredibly cute place. We enjoyed some lunch on the terrace and were treated to Italian pasta, bruschetta, and more.
Parisi Cafe was our go-to spot for drinks. Its perfect sunny location, along with the recommended Chardonnay, made it the ideal place to sit and relax all day.
This pizzeria came highly recommended by our Airbnb host, so we decided to have dinner there on our first night. We noticed many groups of locals dining there too, and it truly lived up to its reputation as one of the best pizza in Ostuni.
Although we didn’t get a chance to visit this pizzeria ourselves, online reviews and blogs highly recommend it as one of the best in town. Definitely worth a try!
Indeed, the picture speaks for itself! This place is a must-visit, among the most popular bistros/bars in town, making it an essential part of this Ostuni Travel Guide. However, be prepared for strong winds as it can get quite windy.
If you’re seeking nightlife, head to Riccardo Caffe, where tourists and locals alike gather to enjoy cocktails. Whether you choose to sit on a cushion outside or in the cave bar inside, it’s a vibrant and lively spot.
We visited this place for breakfast and savored a delicious croissant and cappuccino. While the prices are slightly higher than in other parts of the city, the view makes it all worthwhile!
During our stay, we booked an amazing Airbnb just a 10-minute walk from the city center. The place was fantastic, with a kind and helpful host. We even had our own rooftop! The host was available all day, went above and beyond to ensure a perfect stay, and provided excellent recommendations for exploring Ostuni. If you’re interested, you can find the Airbnb here. The cost was approximately €120 per night for 3 people.
If you are seeking a more high-end place to stay, for example Casa d’Autore is a good option (€290 per night for 2 persons). Incredibly stylish and there is a pool to relax after your busy day of exploring Ostuni.
My top pick: If you are looking for more of a budget option, definitely have a look at Dama Bianca Ostuni. The rooms might be basic, but the terrace has a jacuzzi and you only pay around €85 a night!
