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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Ostuni Old Town
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ostuni Old Town, the 'White City' of Puglia, captivates with its dazzling whitewashed buildings, winding alleys, and stunning hilltop views.
"Lost in a dream in la città bianca, a must-visit in Puglia!"
👟 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Labyrinthine Old Town
Centro Storico
Wander through a maze of whitewashed alleys, arches, and staircases revealing hidden gems at every turn.

Ostuni Cathedral
Piazza Beato Angelo d'Acri
Admire the stunning Romanesque-Puglian architecture of this iconic landmark.

Panoramic Viewpoints
Corso Vittorio Emmanuel II
Soak in breathtaking views of the Valle d'Itria and the Adriatic Sea from designated spots.

Porta del Paradiso
Near Ostuni Cathedral
Discover the famous intricately carved ancient door, a unique historical artifact.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Labyrinth
Getting to the White City
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 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.
📸 Capture the White Walls
The stark white buildings are incredibly photogenic, especially with colorful flowers.
☕ Enjoy a Coffee Break
Relax in a charming piazza with a coffee and soak in the local atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 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.
📸 Capture the White Walls
The stark white buildings are incredibly photogenic, especially with colorful flowers.
☕ Enjoy a Coffee Break
Relax in a charming piazza with a coffee and soak in the local atmosphere.
🗺️ Get Lost (Intentionally!)
The best way to explore is to wander without a strict plan. You'll find hidden gems.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance tickets required to explore Ostuni Old Town. You can wander freely through its streets and piazzas.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Look for fresh pasta dishes, local seafood, and traditional Puglian specialties. Many restaurants offer homemade pasta.
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.
Yes, Ostuni Old Town has charming cafes and bakeries. Burro is a popular spot for coffee and pastries, offering a delightful buttery goodness.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of the 'White City'
This historic center is built on three hills, offering strategic viewpoints over the surrounding Valle d'Itria and the Adriatic Sea. The architecture is a blend of Romanesque-Puglian styles, with the prominent Ostuni Cathedral standing as a testament to its rich history. The entire Old Town feels like a living museum, where every stone tells a story of its past inhabitants and their way of life.
Culinary Delights of Ostuni
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. For those with a sweet tooth, bakeries like Burro offer delightful pastries and breads, perfect for a morning treat or an afternoon snack. Dining in Ostuni often comes with a view, with many restaurants offering terraces overlooking the picturesque landscape, making for a truly memorable culinary experience.
Exploring Ostuni Without a Car
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. For those looking to explore the wider Ostuni area or nearby towns without a car, local buses and taxis are available. This car-free approach allows for a more immersive experience, letting you truly appreciate the unique charm and atmosphere of the 'White City'.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit