10 Best Things to Do in Ostuni, Italy (2024 Guide + Map!)
Ostuni is one of the most picturesque places in Puglia, Italy! This is a guide to the best things to do in Ostuni, including where to eat, what to see, and even where to stay.
If youʻre booking your trip to Ostuni last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more!
🇮🇹 Top Experiences and Tours in Ostuni:
- Olive oil tasting in Ostuni (top-rated experience!)
- Ostuni walking tour (most popular walking tour)
- E-bike tour with a glass of wine and bruschetta
🛌 Top Hotels in Ostuni:
- La Sommità Relais & Chateaux (luxury + private pool)
- Hotel La Terra (excellent location & breakfast)
- White Stone Flats & Studios (fabulous budget option)
🚗 Looking for the best way to get around Puglia? Click here to check rental car rates for Italy!
If you’re looking for what to do in Ostuni, one of Italy’s best-hidden gems, this is the travel guide for you!
Puglia is a region of Italy that is full of insanely beautiful towns and cities. As you travel down the coast, each town seems to be more charming than the last.
One of the most amazing places to visit in Puglia is the hilltop city of Ostuni, often referred to as the White City.
Ostuni has long been popular with tourists who are drawn to the city’s aesthetically pleasing whitewashed buildings that rise high above olive groves.
I went there when I was in Puglia, and I was amazed by how such a place exists and that it is still relatively undiscovered compared to other places in Italy.
There are many things to do in Ostuni, and I believe that the city warrants more tourism than it currently receives.
In this post...
Best Things to Do in Ostuni, Italy
1. Walk the City Walls of Ostuni
The city of Ostuni is split into two parts: the more modern, lower part of the city, and the old town that is perched on top of the hill.
Surrounding the old part of Ostuni are amazing city walls that were built and rebuilt throughout the city’s history as wars and natural disasters caused damage to the walls.
Originally, there were four gates to enter the city; however, these days, only two still exist: Porta Nova and Porta San Demetrio.
The best way to find these gates is to walk along the walls and admire the views of the ancient olive groves.
2. Drink Local White Wine in Town
The region around Ostuni is famed for producing incredible white and rose/red wines.
The wines from this region are so special to that area that in the 1970s, the wines gained protected status, meaning that only those produced in a small region can be referred to as Ostuni wines.
The protected status applies to two different wines produced in the area. Try the Ostuni Blanco (a white wine) and Ostuni Ottavianello (a rose-style wine).
They both have to be produced under strict rules, using certain amounts of different grape varieties from the area. In the old town, you will find the delightful wine bar Vinicolo, where you can try these spectacular Ostuni wines.
3. Try the Famous Ostuni Olive Oil
As you look out over the countryside from the old town, you will see miles upon miles of ancient olive groves.
Puglia is responsible for 40% of Italy’s total olive oil production (as if I didn’t need another reason to move there), producing some of the finest extra virgin olive oil that money can buy.
A lot of that production is done in the area around Ostuni, where the hills and flatlands have different soil types, allowing for variations in the olive oil.
As you wander through Ostuni’s maze of little streets, you will find plenty of places selling olive oil or local craftsmen using wood to create amazing tools such as cooking utensils.
When I was in Ostuni, I walked from the town on the hill to the train station, and this took me through olive groves and past many olive oil factories.
Strangely, that walk remains one of my most vivid memories from my time in Puglia, and it reminded me of why I love Italy so much.
If you want to learn more about olive oil production in Ostuni, try taking this tour which gives insight into its history, production, and special Apulian taste.
4. Visit the Ostuni Cathedral (Duomo di Ostuni)
In the center of Ostuni, you will find the gorgeous Ostuni Cathedral (or the Duomo di Ostuni). The current cathedral was built in the 15th century after a large earthquake in the region damaged the previous cathedral.
The cathedral is relatively unique for the region as it is built in a more Gothic style, whereas most others in the region are more Romanesque.
The outside of the church is adorned with a large stone rose window at the front, and it is incredibly intrinsically detailed.
The interior of the cathedral is even more impressive, with frescos and large artworks covering the walls and ceilings. The archives of the cathedral hold impressive collections of parchment, some of which are from the 12th century.
Address: Largo Arcid Teodoro Trinchera, 29, 72017 Ostuni BR
5. Watch the Sunset from Beyond the Center
To appreciate the beauty of the White City, I wholeheartedly recommend heading a little out of the city and watching the sunset over this beautiful place.
The best spot to see the jaw-dropping city doused in the golden light of sunset is from Corso Vittorio Emanuelle II. Head up the street away from the old town until you can find a decent viewpoint.
From there, wait for the sun to set on the hill as the whitewashed houses turn pink and golden when they become doused with light.
I also recommend checking the views from there during the day, as the city is pretty good at being beautiful no matter what time it is.
6. See the Many Palaces of Ostuni
Throughout the old town of Ostuni, you will find several grand palaces, each with its own unique style and history. In the same piazza as the Ostuni Cathedral, you will find the Palazzo Vescovile and the Palazzo del Seminario.
The two palaces are connected by an ornate, arched loggia that has been beautifully decorated. Inside the Palazzo Vescovile, you will find the remains of a 12th-century Norman Castle that was destroyed in 1559.
The other main palace in the city is the Palazzo Municipale, located in the Piazza della Libertà.
Originally starting life as a 12-century convent, the building underwent several extensions and redesigns over the years, including having an entirely new facade built.
The palace now acts as Ostuni’s town hall but is still a beautifully imposing building that retains a historical significance that should be admired.
7. Go to Piazza della Libertà (One of Ostuni’s Most Famous)
There is nothing more quintessentially Italian than enjoying a delightful piazza. The Piazza della Liberta is one of the most beautiful piazzas in the country.
The center of the piazza is dominated by a 65-foot-high (20-meter-high) 18th-century column with a statue of Saint Oronzo sitting on top of it.
In the middle, you will also find ancient ruins fenced off, reminding you just how old this city is.
On one side of the square is the Palace Municipale, with the rest of the square filled with beautiful cafes and bars where you can enjoy a drink and breathe in the history of this stunning town.
In the evenings, the square comes alive with locals coming out to enjoy the warm Italian evening with a glass of wine and any entertainment that might be happening that day.
8. Stroll around the Ostuni Old Town
Sitting on top of a hill, Ostuni’s old town is a labyrinth of winding streets going between the whitewashed buildings. It’s super easy to get lost as you meander around the old town, but that’s part of the magic.
Narrow streets that you would struggle to drive a moped through open up into beautiful piazzas with ornate monuments and ancient buildings.
In the small alleyways, you will find awesome little vendors selling all kinds of homemade wares and little trinkets that make the perfect souvenirs.
In the cute little squares, you can find coffee shops and gelato places where you can grab a drink and a bite to eat and watch the world go by peacefully.
As evening set in over the old town, head for a glass of Ostuni’s famous wine and enjoy the charming nightlife of the city.
If you want to learn more about the city, you can take a brilliant walking tour of the city where an expert guide will take you through the city and to an amazing gelato. I recommend taking this tour.
9. Stop at the Ostuni Market on Saturday
Every Saturday, Ostuni hosts a market selling the freshest produce in town. The market only takes place until 1 PM on Saturdays and is located in the new part of the city.
It is a great place to get a feel for the real way of life in this city and get away from the more touristy part of town.
Part of the market is dedicated to selling knock-off clothing, but the best part is the food area, where you can purchase affordable and fresh produce, tasty cheeses, and meat.
If you are renting an apartment in Ostuni, I recommend heading to the market on Saturday to stock up on the ingredients to make an enjoyable meal.
Address: Via Nino Sansone, 72017 Ostuni BR
10. Learn to Cook the Apulian Way
In my opinion, one of the best things to do when you visit a new place is to take a cooking class.
Italian food has its roots so deeply in home-style cooking that there is nothing better than having a true Italian chef teach you local recipes.
During a four-and-a-half-hour cooking course, you will learn to make several traditional Apulian dishes that will wow your friends when you get back from your trip.
You will need to pick between two menus to learn to cook, and all ingredients are available at the school.
The excursion includes hotel pick-up and lunch at the cooking school. At the end of the course, you will be provided a certificate so you can prove to any doubters that you are an awesome Apulian chef.
>> Click here for cooking class rates and availability
Where to Eat in Ostuni
- Restaurant 700: Enjoy an authentic gastronomic experience at Restaurant 700, located at Largo Michele Ayroldi Carissimo, 14, 72017. The menu features dishes including fresh seafood and pasta. You can try out their delicious meals every day from 12:30 PM to 10:00 PM.
- Ristorante La Vecchia Terrazza Ostuni: Here, you will have the chance to try a variety of seafood dishes for reasonable prices, with everything from octopus to salmon, shrimp, and tuna! Check it out at Vico Benedetto Brin, 7/9, 72017 Ostuni BR.
- Osteria Ricanatti: This restaurant is rated highly for its warm atmosphere, incredible service, and amazing variety of dishes. Additionally, you can choose from a vegetarian menu if that’s what you’re looking for. Find Osteria at Corso Camillo Benso Cavour, 37, 72017 Ostuni BR.
- Ramunno Bistrot: Known for its fresh seafood and La Scrocchiarella pizza, be sure to try out authentic Italian cuisine right in the heart of historic Ostuni. It is open every day except Tuesday from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM for lunch and from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM for dinner. You can find the restaurant at Via Giovanni Lanza, 9, 72017 Ostuni BR.
Ostuni FAQ (and Practical Information)
What is Ostuni known for?
Modern-day Ostuni attracts tourists as people flock to the city to see the stunning, whitewashed buildings and get lost in its old town.
The town is popular throughout the year thanks to the temperate climate; however, during the summer months, the population swells to over 100,000 due to the sheer volume of expats who own property in the vicinity.
Ostuni is renowned for its olive oil and unique scenery, as it does not sit on the coast but still offers some beautiful views of the sea!
How to Get to Ostuni, Italy
Ostuni is 52 miles (84 kilometers) southeast of Bari and is incredibly easy to reach. There are two main methods for reaching Ostuni:
Drive to Ostuni by Car
If you have rented a car for your Puglia trip, then reaching Ostuni from Bari couldn’t be easier.
The one-hour and 10-minute drive from Bari will start as you make your way onto the SS16 and follow it in the direction of Brindisi/Lecce.
Take the exit towards Pilone, and then follow the SP19 to Ostuni. I advise using a GPS or Google Maps to navigate your way there, as these directions are very rough.
>> Click here to rent a car in Italy
Take the Train to Ostuni
The other way to reach Ostuni from Bari is by train.
There are regular trains that depart from Bari to Ostuni that take between 40 and 55 minutes and cost as little as €6.40 (if you take the Intercity train, it costs 9.90 euros and takes about 55 minutes).
Between around 10 am-12:30 pm, there are no trains between Bari and Ostuni. I am not sure why, but I noticed this during my trip.
For more information about this journey, check out my guide on how to get to Ostuni from Bari.
Things to Do in Ostuni (On a Map!)
Where to Stay in Ostuni
There are quite a few places to stay in Ostuni. These are our recommendations for all budgets that are hitting up the gorgeous Italian city:
La Sommità Relais & Chateaux (Luxury)
If you’re into luxury accommodation and Michelin-star food, look no further than one of Ostuni’s top places to stay, La Sommità Relais & Chateaux.
Located in the old town of Ostuni, this five-star accommodation is unbeatable, and many rooms even offer views over the gorgeous Italian countryside.
>> Click here to check rates and availability
Hotel La Terra (Mid-range)
Located in a building dating back to the 13th century, Hotel La Terra offers a great stay for a fraction of the price of other places.
Included in your stay are a continental breakfast and a friendly atmosphere with comfortable rooms.
>> Click here to check rates and availability
White Stone Flats & Studios (Budget)
Located in Ostuni’s old town are the White Stone Flats & Studios, apartment-like accommodations in the White City.
Each flat has a sofa and TV and all come at an affordable price for travelers going to Ostuni. This is a great value!
>> Click here to check rates and availability
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Ostuni, this guide should be a great starting point! Let us know if there are any cool Ostuni attractions missed in this guide. Thanks!
