Ostuni Old Town - Image 1
1 / 10

Ostuni Old Town

4.6
·491k reviews·Ostuni, Italy

Ostuni Old Town, the 'White City' of Puglia, captivates with its dazzling whitewashed buildings, winding alleys, and stunning hilltop views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Ostuni Old Town - Image 1

Ostuni Old Town

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ostuni Old Town, the 'White City' of Puglia, captivates with its dazzling whitewashed buildings, winding alleys, and stunning hilltop views.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Lost in a dream in la città bianca, a must-visit in Puglia!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes!

Cobblestone streets and stairs are everywhere. You'll be doing a lot of walking!

🚗 Parking Challenges

Parking in the Old Town is very limited. Use designated parking areas outside the historic center.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Labyrinthine Old Town

The Labyrinthine Old Town

Centro Storico

Wander through a maze of whitewashed alleys, arches, and staircases revealing hidden gems at every turn.

Instagram
Ostuni Cathedral

Ostuni Cathedral

Piazza Beato Angelo d'Acri

Admire the stunning Romanesque-Puglian architecture of this iconic landmark.

Instagram
Panoramic Viewpoints

Panoramic Viewpoints

Corso Vittorio Emmanuel II

Soak in breathtaking views of the Valle d'Itria and the Adriatic Sea from designated spots.

Instagram
Porta del Paradiso

Porta del Paradiso

Near Ostuni Cathedral

Discover the famous intricately carved ancient door, a unique historical artifact.

Instagram
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Labyrinth

Ostuni's Old Town is a maze of whitewashed alleys. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to get delightfully lost exploring its charming nooks and crannies. It's best explored on foot, so leave the car behind. Instagram

Getting to the White City

Ostuni has a train station, but it's about 2.5km from the historic center. Frequent shuttle buses connect the station to the Old Town, making it accessible without a car. TikTokInstagram+1

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Magical atmosphere, cooler temps
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Save these recommendations for your next trip to Puglia 🇮🇹🫒 📍Places: Ostuni Monopoli Alberobello Polignano A Mare Lecce Gallipoli Bari Matera (not officially in Puglia, but still worth a visit) 🏖️ Beaches: Bagno Marino Archi Lido Bambu Polignano A Mare Baia delle Zagare Spiaggia di Pescoluse Grotta della Poesia Cala Paradiso Torre Santa Andrea #puglia #pugliagram #puglialovers #pugliafood #apu...
@travelexplorher
28.9K likes • 772.8K views

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes!

Cobblestone streets and stairs are everywhere. You'll be doing a lot of walking! TikTokInstagram

🚗 Parking Challenges

Parking in the Old Town is very limited. Use designated parking areas outside the historic center. TikTok

Un incontro che aspettavo da tempo! Conoscevo già grazie ai social Giuseppe Balestrieri, l’anima e la star della Pescheria Nautilus di Ostuni. Ma oggi ho avuto il piacere di incontrarlo di persona e di condividere con lui un pranzo all’insegna della qualità e della passione per il mare. Le immagini parlano da sole: freschezza, competenza e professionalità che fanno la differenza. Complimenti,...
@antonlucaiasi
22.4K likes • 321.1K views
🌿A day in Ostuni, Puglia - Italy 🇮🇹 . 🚶‍♀️ Stroll around Old Town 🌱 Visit the Ostuni Cathedral 🍨 Have an ice-cream at Cremeria La Scala 👀 Ostuni Viewpoint - Corso Vittorio Emmanuel ll 🍷 Book a wine tour with traditional lunch 🎨 See famous door painting Porta del Paradiso ☕️ Coffee in Piazza Della Liberta 📸 Photo spot - Via Cattedrale 🧡 See Arco Scoppa 🍽️ Borgo Antico Bistrot for dinner & sunse...
llavieboheme
2.2K likes • 49.2K views

📸 Capture the White Walls

The stark white buildings are incredibly photogenic, especially with colorful flowers. TikTokInstagram

☕ Enjoy a Coffee Break

Relax in a charming piazza with a coffee and soak in the local atmosphere. Instagram

Lost in a dream in la città bianca 💭 Welcome to Ostuni, one of the most beautiful towns in the Puglia region of Italy and a must visit if you’re travelling in the area It has it’s own train station that’s about 2.5km away from the centro storico (the old town you see here), with frequent shuttle buses that run from the station - so you absolutely dont need a car to visit! 🇮🇹 P.s. the place we...
thechaosdiaries
41.7K likes • 297.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes!

Cobblestone streets and stairs are everywhere. You'll be doing a lot of walking! TikTokInstagram

🚗 Parking Challenges

Parking in the Old Town is very limited. Use designated parking areas outside the historic center. TikTok

📸 Capture the White Walls

The stark white buildings are incredibly photogenic, especially with colorful flowers. TikTokInstagram

☕ Enjoy a Coffee Break

Relax in a charming piazza with a coffee and soak in the local atmosphere. Instagram

🗺️ Get Lost (Intentionally!)

The best way to explore is to wander without a strict plan. You'll find hidden gems. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Ostuni Old Town for its breathtaking beauty, unique whitewashed architecture, and charming labyrinthine streets. The panoramic views and delicious local cuisine are also major highlights. Some find parking challenging and the summer heat intense, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.

What People Like

Stunning whitewashed architecture
Charming maze-like streets
Beautiful panoramic views

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Summer heat

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ostuni has a train station, but it's about 2.5km from the historic center. Frequent shuttle buses connect the station to the Old Town, making it accessible without a car. TikTokInstagram+1 If driving, be aware that parking in the Old Town is very limited and challenging. It's recommended to use designated parking areas outside the historic center. TikTok

Yes, Ostuni Old Town is entirely walkable. In fact, it's the best way to explore its narrow, winding streets and staircases. Comfortable footwear is essential due to the cobblestones and inclines. TikTokInstagram

Absolutely! You can reach Ostuni by train from major cities like Bari. From the Ostuni train station, shuttle buses run regularly to the Old Town. TikTokInstagram+1

Parking in Ostuni Old Town is extremely limited. Look for designated parking lots outside the historic center, such as the large parking area near the Porta Nova or the one by the stadium. From there, you can walk or take a shuttle. TikTok

The primary mode of transport within Ostuni Old Town is walking. For getting to and from the train station, shuttle buses are available. Taxis can also be hired for longer distances or transfers. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no entrance tickets required to explore Ostuni Old Town. You can wander freely through its streets and piazzas. Instagram+1

Ostuni Old Town is always accessible, as it's a living town. However, individual shops, restaurants, and attractions within the Old Town will have their own operating hours. Instagram

While the exterior of Ostuni Cathedral is free to admire, there might be a small fee or donation requested for entry into the interior or specific areas. It's best to check on-site for current details. Instagram

Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended to understand the history and hidden stories of Ostuni Old Town. Many local guides offer walking tours that cover the main sights and provide local insights. Instagram

It's advisable to book popular tours, especially during peak season, in advance to secure your spot. You can often find options online or through local tourist information centers. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Key photo spots include the winding alleys with whitewashed walls and colorful flowers, the Ostuni Cathedral, panoramic viewpoints like Corso Vittorio Emmanuel II, and the iconic Porta del Paradiso. TikTokInstagram+1

The golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer beautiful soft light that enhances the whitewashed buildings. Midday sun can be harsh, but it also creates strong contrasts. TikTok

Look for the 'famous door painting' (Porta del Paradiso) and the charming staircases adorned with flowers. The contrast between the white walls and vibrant blooms is a recurring theme. TikTokInstagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the narrow alleys and expansive views. A standard zoom lens is versatile for general sightseeing. Don't forget a good phone camera for quick snaps! Instagram

Drone usage may be restricted in historic town centers due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to check local drone laws and regulations before flying. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Look for fresh pasta dishes, local seafood, and traditional Puglian specialties. Many restaurants offer homemade pasta. TikTokInstagram+1

Explore the narrow streets for trattorias and pizzerias. Some highly recommended spots include La Pastasciutta for fresh pasta and Bellavista Ostuni for pizza with a view. TikTokInstagram+1

Yes, Ostuni Old Town has charming cafes and bakeries. Burro is a popular spot for coffee and pastries, offering a delightful buttery goodness. TikTok

Dining in Ostuni often involves intimate settings, sometimes with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Many restaurants focus on fresh, local ingredients and traditional recipes. TikTokInstagram

While traditional Puglian cuisine is hearty, many restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian options. It's always a good idea to ask about vegan possibilities, as fresh vegetable dishes are common. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ostuni Old Town offers a unique adventure for families. The maze-like streets can feel like a treasure hunt for children, encouraging them to explore and discover hidden corners. Instagram While the cobblestones and stairs require supervision, the overall experience is engaging. Pack comfortable shoes for everyone and consider bringing snacks and water, as exploring can build up an appetite. TikTok Look for pizzerias and gelato shops for kid-friendly treats. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers

Ostuni Old Town is a fantastic destination for solo travelers. Its compact and walkable nature makes it easy to navigate independently. Instagram The friendly atmosphere and abundance of charming cafes and restaurants provide ample opportunities to relax and people-watch. Instagram Consider joining a walking tour to gain historical insights and potentially meet other travelers. Instagram

📸 Photographers

For photographers, Ostuni Old Town is a dream. The stark white buildings, vibrant flowers, and intricate architectural details offer endless visual opportunities. TikTokInstagram Focus on capturing the play of light and shadow in the narrow alleys, the panoramic views from the viewpoints, and the charming details like ancient doorways and colorful balconies. Instagram The golden hours are particularly magical for photography here. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Charm of the 'White City'

Ostuni, known as 'la città bianca' (the White City), owes its distinctive appearance to its whitewashed buildings. This tradition dates back centuries, with theories suggesting it was to reflect sunlight, keeping homes cooler in the summer heat, or to ward off the plague by making the town appear more sanitary. Instagram+1 The Old Town is a captivating labyrinth of narrow, winding streets, archways, and staircases that create a unique, almost dreamlike atmosphere. Instagram Wandering through these alleys is an experience in itself, with hidden courtyards, vibrant flower pots, and unexpected vistas around every corner. Instagram

This historic center is built on three hills, offering strategic viewpoints over the surrounding Valle d'Itria and the Adriatic Sea. Instagram The architecture is a blend of Romanesque-Puglian styles, with the prominent Ostuni Cathedral standing as a testament to its rich history. Instagram The entire Old Town feels like a living museum, where every stone tells a story of its past inhabitants and their way of life. Instagram

Culinary Delights of Ostuni

Ostuni and the wider Puglia region are renowned for their exceptional cuisine, often referred to as 'cucina povera' (peasant cooking), which emphasizes fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients. TikTokInstagram Pasta is a staple, with handmade orecchiette (little ears) being a regional specialty, often served with turnip greens or a rich tomato sauce. Instagram Seafood is also a highlight, given Puglia's extensive coastline, with restaurants like Pescheria Nautilus offering incredibly fresh catches. TikTok

Beyond pasta and seafood, expect delicious pizzas, often cooked in wood-fired ovens, and a variety of antipasti featuring local olives, cheeses, and cured meats. Instagram For those with a sweet tooth, bakeries like Burro offer delightful pastries and breads, perfect for a morning treat or an afternoon snack. TikTok Dining in Ostuni often comes with a view, with many restaurants offering terraces overlooking the picturesque landscape, making for a truly memorable culinary experience. TikTokInstagram

Exploring Ostuni Without a Car

Visiting Ostuni Old Town without a car is not only possible but often recommended due to the limited parking and narrow streets within the historic center. Instagram+1 The Ostuni train station is located a few kilometers outside the town, but it is well-connected by frequent shuttle buses that transport visitors directly to the Old Town. TikTok This makes it an accessible destination for day-trippers or those traveling between other Puglian cities like Bari, Polignano a Mare, or Lecce. TikTok+1

Once you arrive in the Old Town, the best way to explore is on foot. The compact nature of the historic center, with its maze-like alleys, encourages leisurely strolls and spontaneous discoveries. Instagram For those looking to explore the wider Ostuni area or nearby towns without a car, local buses and taxis are available. TikTok This car-free approach allows for a more immersive experience, letting you truly appreciate the unique charm and atmosphere of the 'White City'. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2