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We visited Ostuni with our daughter during a month-long trip through Puglia, and it quickly became one of our favorite stops. This hilltop town in Southern Italy—appropriately nicknamed La Città Bianca—feels like a fairytale with its whitewashed homes, cobblestone streets, and endless views of olive trees and, on a clear day, even the far-off Adriatic Sea. It’s one of the most popular and picturesque towns in the Valle d’Itria. Ostuni is unforgettable for a scenic day trip, evening stroll, or home base for exploring the region (especially with older kids or teens).
While Ostuni isn’t packed with playgrounds or traditional kid-centric attractions, it’s still a wonderful place to explore with your kiddos. There is plenty of gelato, piazzas, and charming corners to explore (just be prepared for cobblestones and a few uphill treks!). Locals are warm and welcoming, and the whole place felt surprisingly family-friendly for a town built on a hill!
Whether you’re enjoying gelato in Piazza della Libertà, exploring the old city walls, or taking a guided tour through the narrow streets, there are plenty of things to do in Ostuni, Italy, with kids. Read on for our top picks—including where to eat and stay in Ostuni with kids!
Where is Ostuni?
Ostuni is located in southern Italy, in the heart of Puglia. The city is nestled in the province of Brindisi. It’s about a 30-minute drive from the city of Brindisi (home to the nearest airport). Bari and Lecce are both about an hour’s drive away, and the famous trulli town of Alberobello is just 40 minutes by car.
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How to Get to Ostuni with Kids
When traveling to Ostuni with kids, there are two main options: by car and by train. Here’s a brief explanation of both options to help you decide which one is best for your day trip to Ostuni with kids.
Flying into Bridisi? You can also book a Private Transfer from Brindisi (BDS) Airport to Ostuni.
By Car—the best option
Undoubtedly, the best way to enjoy a day trip to Ostuni with kids is by car. A car will give you the flexibility to explore the city, as well as nearby beaches and other charming hill towns at your own pace. The drive itself is also part of the fun—scenic and mostly well-maintained roads make getting there a breeze. Plus, you’ll get to watch the White City rise out of the verdant olive groves surrounding the city. It’s a beautiful sight to behold!
When visiting with little ones, you’ll want to park as close as possible to the centro storico. While you can’t drive into it, the parking lot along Via Specchia is a great option. If it’s full, try Parcheggio “Al Giardino” on the opposite side of town. Finally, if you’re lucky, you may also find street parking. Just make sure you read the signs carefully to know the cost and time limits/parking restrictions. Finally, keep in mind that Ostuni’s old town is perched on a steep hill and pedestrian-only, so a short uphill walk is needed to reach the centro storico.
By Train or Bus—the adventurous option
Visiting Ostuni by public transportation is doable, but it requires a bit of patience, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Try to avoid Sundays, as train routes are reduced on Sundays.
Ostuni is on the Trenitalia line, directly connecting to Bari, Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Cisternino, Brindisi, and Lecce. Moving between these cities by train is pretty straightforward and can easily be booked using the Trenitalia app. The main challenge for families is that the train station in Ostuni is below the perched centro storico—about a 40-minute walk uphill. Local buses should be available to take you to the top. Alternatively, if you are staying at a hotel in Ostuni, transportation may also be pre-arranged with them to take you from the train station to the hotel.
You can also take a bus to Ostuni from many nearby cities. If you are comfortable with Italian public transportation or have a sense of adventure, this is another great (and inexpensive) way to reach Ostuni with kids. Many local buses between cities can also be booked using the Trenitalia app.
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Tips for Visiting Ostuni with Kids
Exploring Ostuni with kids can be as simple or packed as you want it to be. The city offers a family-friendly vibe and streets. Here are a few tips to make the most of your visit to Ostuni with kids:
- Take it slow! Like much of Puglia, Ostuni is often best enjoyed slowly and without much of a plan.
- The centro storico is compact and easy to stroll through.
- The streets in Ostuni aren’t as stroller-friendly as other cities in Puglia, so you may want to leave it in the car.
- Ostuni can easily be paired with visiting a masseria or another nearby city (like Locorotondo, Alberobello, or Lecce) if you want to pack it all in and move quickly.
- Cities in Puglia observe a riposo (“siesta” period, also called pausa), and many things are closed from 1ish to 4ish. This is a great time to check into hotels, relax at a nearby park, or move between cities.
Fun Things to Do in Ostuni with Kids
Planning a day trip to Ostuni with kids? It’s a beautiful Italian city filled with picturesque views, great food, and enchanting streets. There are many things to see while you wander about, but the city may feel like it lacks big kid-centered attractions for some families (though I’ve listed a few big attractions for kids near Ostuni in one of the sections below!). It’s another city in Puglia that is best explored slowly and without much of a plan. That said, if you’re trying to decide how to spend the day in Ostuni with kids, here are a few ideas of some of the best things to do in the city to get you started.
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Wander the White (Yet, Still Very Colorful!) Streets
The best way to enjoy Ostuni is to simply walk. The whitewashed streets of the historic city center are full of charm—and more color than you would expect from La Città Bianca!
Twisting alleys, sun-drenched piazzas, and pops of bright flowers make every turn photo-worthy. (If you have teens who use social media or enjoy photography, this is bound to be their favorite stop!) Landmarks like the Cattedrale Santa Maria Assunta and the elegant Arco di Scoppa are must-sees. Meanwhile, Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi adds a lovely historic touch to your stroll.
While a slow wander might not sound thrilling to all kids, you can always turn it into a search-and-find game to find the most colorful doors! In fact, Ostuni has a unique tradition where doors are painted in symbolic colors—green for farmers, brown for artisans, and blue for sailors. You’ll spot even more colors than that now, as the locals have gotten a bit creative in modern times!
Families will also enjoy the cute local shops. There are tons of fun souvenirs around every corner. In some spots, embroidery artisans will even stitch your child’s name onto a souvenir right before their eyes. Watching them work is fascinating, no matter your age. We also loved browsing the vibrant pottery displays hanging from many of the shop exteriors!
While you can undoubtedly meander on your own, a guided walking tour is one of the best things to do in Ostuni, Italy, if you want to learn more about its history. Book this 2-Hour Private Tour of Ostuni.
Stroll Along Mura di Ostuni (the Historic City Walls) + Enjoy the Views
The Mura di Ostuni—Ostuni’s ancient city walls—are a great place for both a scenic stroll and a little playtime. Our daughter loved twirling along the route, as well as smelling some of the flowers, too! Don’t miss the military tower near Porta Nova.
As you walk, you’ll also be treated to sweeping views of the olive grove-dotted valley below. Come around sunset for golden light and a colorful show. No matter when you stroll this part of the centro storico, it’s the perfect place to pause, rest, and take in the beauty of Ostuni with kids.
Take A Kid-Friendly Cooking Class with Cesarine
Puglia is beloved for some of the best food in Italy (it’s undoubtedly some of my favorite flavors!), so what better place to learn to cook like a local? In Ostuni, you can join a kid-friendly cooking class through Cesarine (a network of home cooks who welcome guests into their kitchens for hands-on lessons).
We took a Cesarine class in Alberobello and absolutely loved it, so we were excited to see there are two options near Ostuni as well. It’s a great way to slow down, learn something new, and create delicious memories as a family. Here are the two classes offered near Ostuni:
The classes differ from one another, but generally, you’ll learn how to make things like fresh pasta, dessert, and more—all using fresh, local ingredients. In our class in Alberobello, we even used ingredients fresh from her garden, which were picked that day! If you’re hoping to learn to make some of Puglia’s best dishes, I highly recommend classes offered by Cesarine. I think it’s one of the best things to do in Ostuni with kids!
Learn About Ostuni on an Ape Tour (Similar to a tuk tuk)
Not up for endless walking? Or do you need to give your feet and your little ones a break?
One of the most fun—and easiest—ways to explore Ostuni with kids is by hopping on an ape tour (similar to a tuk tuk experience). These little three-wheeled vehicles will delight kids of all ages! The tours provide a fantastic chance to sit back and soak in the scenery while a local guide shares bits of history and culture. The tours tend to be short and engaging, packed with fun facts about Ostuni and Puglia.
Tours can be booked on-site (if available), but reservations are recommended during the high tourism season. Book here:
- Private Tour of the Medieval Village of Ostuni by Tuk Tuk
- Private tour by Tuk Tuk of the Ostuni medieval quarter
Grab a Yummy Gelato (or Two!)
Ostuni has no shortage of excellent gelato stops. In fact, gelato is one of the best things to do in Ostuni with kids! At least, it never hurts to enjoy one or two throughout the day. Grabbing a quick gelato is perfect for cooling off, rewarding that initial hilltop climb, or simply enjoying a sweet treat with kids.
Our favorite was the fig flavor at Caffé Ayroldi. We never saw fig anywhere else on our trip, and we loved trying it! La Dolce Vita Gelateria Artigianale and Cremeria La Scala are two more great spots for a sweet treat in Ostuni with kids.
Take a Break & Enjoy the Passing of Daily Life in Piazza della Libertà
Ostuni’s heart beats in Piazza della Libertà. This lively main square is the perfect starting or ending point for your family adventure. Dominated by the towering Colonna di Sant’Oronzo, this open space is a hub of city life, filled with locals, street musicians, and families.
Need a break? Grab a gelato from Cremeria La Scala, one of Puglia’s best, just off the staircase beside the piazza. Or sip a cold drink at one of the many cafés lining the square. They are a tad pricier than those off the square, but the people-watching is top-notch. Whether you’re chasing shade, a snack, or the perfect family photo, Piazza della Libertà is a must-stop in Ostuni with kids.
Visit a Local Masseria
One of the most memorable and authentic things you can do in Puglia with kids is visit a masseria. Many of these traditional fortified farmhouses date back to the 16th century. These working farms are the heart of rural Puglia and offer a hands-on way to experience local life.
We visited Masseria Lamapecora, tucked between Ostuni and Monopoli in a landscape of ancient olive groves and dry-stone walls. It’s about 30 minutes from Ostuni by car.
The “Vita in Masseria” tour was an absolute highlight of our first trip to Puglia! Our family met donkeys, cows, sheep, and chickens, watched mozzarella and burrata being made from scratch, and tasted a stunning array of freshly made cheeses—at least a dozen kinds! It was delicious, educational, and truly unforgettable. Not to mention, one of my top recommendations for things to do near Ostuni with kids!
You can call ahead to make a reservation.
A Few More Things to Do in/near Ostuni with Kids
If you have more time to explore the city, here are a few more ideas for fun things to do in Ostuni with kids:
- Take a walking tour to learn more about the city and its history.
- If you have young kids, take them to Luan Park, an indoor play center outside the centro storico.
- There is a playground in Parco Rimembranze (just outside the centro storico).
- Take an e-bike tour in the plain of the secular olive trees of Ostuni.
- Those with older kids will enjoy the tree-top adventures near the city at Adventure Park Ciuchino Birichino. They offer zip-lining, archery, falconry, and more!
- FasanoLandia Safari is only about 30 minutes by car from Ostuni. You’ll find a drive-through safari, amusement park rides, and more here.
- If you are making Ostuni your home base for a few nights, add day trips to Alberobello, Martina Franca, Locorotondo, or Monopoli to your itinerary!
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Where to Eat in Ostuni with Kids
There are many fantastic options if you’re wondering where to eat in Ostuni with kids. Like many towns in Puglia, the food in Ostuni is delicious, and the ingredients are seasonal and regional. Here are a few options to consider when dining out in Ostuni with kids:
- Caffé Ayroldi (get the fig!) for gelato.
- La Dolce Vita Gelateria Artigianale for gelato.
- Caffè Garibaldi is lovely, but a little touristy.
- Osteria Ricanatti, Trattoria Sapere E Sapori, Osteria CasaCiaccia, and Osteria Piazzetta Cattedrale. Additionally, Cielo Restaurant is one of the best Michelin-starred restaurants in Puglia. These were all recommended to us, and we saved them for next time!
Where to Stay in Ostuni with Kids
We didn’t stay overnight when we visited Ostuni (we just did a day trip from Monopoli). If you plan to stay overnight in Ostuni, here are some great options for places to stay with kids!
- Masseria Le Carrube
- Masseria Salinola (outside the city center)
- Dimora del Parco (outside the city center)
- Search for Kid-Friendly Ostuni Vacation Rentals on Vrbo
Enjoy Exploring Ostuni with Kids!
A day trip to Ostuni with kids offers charming adventures and views for days. You deserve a beautiful day filled with slow strolls through the whitewashed old town, gelato in hand, and plenty of sunny corners to pause and soak in some of the best views in Puglia! We loved watching our little one wander the bright streets and chase pigeons in the piazza—it felt like stepping right into an Italian postcard. I hope you have a similar experience with your own family. Enjoy exploring Ostuni with your kids!
Unless otherwise noted, all images within this article were taken by and belong to the blog’s author, Antonia Grant. A reminder that this post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.