Things To Do
in Foggia

Foggia sits in the fertile Tavoliere plain of Apulia, where centuries of history meet modern university energy. The city acts as a gateway to the Gargano region and the Adriatic coast, offering a mix of grand churches, ancient streets, and rustic trattorie. Its compact center is easy to explore on foot, with atmospheric arcades and piazzas around every corner.

Expect warm hospitality, hearty regional flavors, and a laid-back Southern Italy rhythm tuned to seasonal harvests.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day by wandering through the narrow streets of Foggia's historic center, where ancient architecture meets vibrant local life. Visit the stunning Foggia Cathedral, a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture, and take in the intricate details of its façade. Enjoy a traditional Italian breakfast at a local café, savoring a cornetto and espresso while people-watching.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, make your way to the bustling Piazza Cavour, where you can explore various shops and markets selling local crafts and products. Stop for lunch at a trattoria serving regional specialties, such as orecchiette with turnip tops or a hearty panzerotto. Afterward, visit the Museo Civico, which showcases the rich history and culture of the region through fascinating exhibits.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a local wine bar for a tasting of Puglia's renowned wines, accompanied by an assortment of local cheeses and cured meats. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Foggia's streets as they come alive with locals and tourists alike. Conclude your evening with a leisurely stroll along the illuminated streets, perhaps stopping for gelato to cap off a perfect day.

day 2
Adventure at Gargano National Park
morning
:

Set out early to Gargano National Park, a stunning area known for its dramatic cliffs and lush forests. Begin your adventure with a guided hike through the park's trails, taking in breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife and unique plant species as you immerse yourself in the natural beauty around you.

afternoon
:

After a morning of exploration, enjoy a picnic lunch in a picturesque clearing surrounded by nature. Post-lunch, consider taking a boat tour to see the famous sea caves along the coast, including the mesmerizing Grotta Azzurra. Snorkeling in the clear waters is an option if you’re feeling adventurous and want to explore the underwater world.

evening
:

Return to Foggia in the evening and relax at a cozy restaurant featuring local seafood dishes. Savor a meal of freshly caught fish while listening to traditional Puglian music in the background. Wrap up your day with a glass of limoncello, reflecting on the day's adventures in the stunning natural landscape.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$60-100
Coffee$2-4
🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant$40-60
🚌Public transport day pass$3-5

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Central location with easy access to Gargano and the Adriatic coast
  • Great value for money and delicious regional cuisine
  • Compact, walkable city center with a welcoming vibe
  • Gateway access to nature, beaches, and hiking trails
  • Smaller nightlife scene compared to bigger Italian cities
  • Limited direct international flights; needs a connection
  • Summer heat can be intense inland; plan shade and hydration
  • "Buongiorno" - Good morning
  • "Per favore" - Please
  • "Grazie" - Thank you
  • "Dov'è il bagno?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Mi scusi" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
  • "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Foggia

Visit one of these nice places.

Duomo di Foggia (Cathedral)

Imposing Romanesque-Gothic façade with a quiet square; best in morning light for architectural details and reflections.

Piazza Cavour and historic center

Bustling square framed by historic buildings and arcades; ideal for street photography and candid moments.

Villa Comunale (City Garden)

Green, peaceful grounds with fountains and viewpoints; nice for sunset shots and portraits.

Historic arcaded streets (center corridors)

Covered walkways and narrow lanes that create dramatic lines and human-scale photography opportunities.

Culinary Guide

Food in Foggia

In Foggia and the wider Apulia region, meals emphasize olive oil, fresh vegetables, legumes, seafood along the coast, and simple pasta dishes. Expect rustic, flavorful fare built on seasonal produce and family-style cooking.

Foggia Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Orecchiette con cime di rapa

A quintessential Puglian pasta dish with turnip tops, olive oil, garlic, and chili; widely available in trattorie.

Must-Try!

Panzerotti

Fried dough pockets stuffed with mozzarella and tomato; a classic street-food favorite.

Bombette

Small rolled pork skewers stuffed with herbs, slow-roasted for a smoky, comforting bite.

Fave e cicoria

Creamy fava bean purée served with chicory greens and rustic bread—simple, hearty regional fare.

Pane di Altamura

Crusty, airy bread from nearby Altamura, excellent for accompanying meals or for dipping in olive oil.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercato di Piazza Cavour

Daily open-air market with seasonal produce, bread, olives, cheeses, and local snacks; great for sampling Friselle and taralli.

Climate Guide

Weather

Foggia has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, making them ideal for outdoor activities. Being inland, summer temperatures can be intense, but proximity to the Adriatic and Gargano area adds cooling breezes during coastal visits.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greet warmly and with respect

A polite 'Buongiorno' or 'Buonasera' goes a long way; handshakes are common in business; men and women may greet with a light kiss on the cheek in some social settings.

Dressing in sacred spaces

Modest attire is appreciated when visiting churches; quiet, respectful behavior is expected in religious sites.

Safety Guide

Safety

Foggia is generally safe for visitors, but as with any city, watch for petty theft in crowded areas and on public transport. Keep valuables secure, especially in markets and busy squares. Stay aware of weather-related conditions in summer heat and plan water breaks and sun protection accordingly.

Tipping in Foggia

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Italy, service is often included; if not, a small tip (5–10%) in restaurants is appreciated. In cafes, round up the bill or leave a euro or two for good service.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards are widely accepted; smaller shops may prefer cash. Some places charge a small extra for card payments, so carry a bit of cash for markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures (around 15–22°C), blooming landscapes, and pleasant street café moments. A perfect time for walking tours and outdoor markets.

Summer

Hot and dry, often 28–34°C; coastal breezes help, but stay hydrated and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

Autumn

Comfortable temperatures with remnants of summer heat fading; harvest season brings fresh produce and seasonal festivals.

Winter

Cool and wetter, with temperatures around 5–12°C; indoor attractions and trattorie are welcoming; occasional rain showers.

Nightlife Guide

Foggia at Night

Foggia’s nightlife centers on the energy of Piazza Cavour and the surrounding streets, featuring relaxed wine bars, cafés, and casual tavernas. The scene tends toward intimate venues rather than large clubs, with locals enjoying evening strolls, light bites, and conversation well into the night. For a livelier night, head to coastal towns along the Gargano area where bars and live music spots come alive in the summer months.

Hiking in Foggia

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Foresta Umbra (Gargano National Park)

A shaded beech forest with marked trails, wildlife viewing, and scenic overlooks—perfect for day hikes near Foggia.

Monte Gargano trails

Rugged ridge walks and coastal viewpoints that allow for dramatic landscape photography and panoramic vistas.

Airports

How to reach Foggia by plane.

Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI)

Major international gateway about 120–150 km north; frequent connections to Europe and domestic flights. From the airport, train or bus services connect to Foggia.

Naples International Airport (Capodichino, NAP)

Another major hub about 200+ km away; rail options (Trenitalia) link to Foggia with a transfer in between.

Gino Lisa Airport (FOG) – Foggia

Small regional airport offering domestic routes and general aviation; useful for quick hops when available.

Getting Around

Walkability

The city center is compact and easy to navigate on foot, with most attractions within a short radius. Some older neighborhoods involve gentle hills and stairs, so wear comfortable shoes. Public transit covers the outskirts and nearby towns well, but a car or bus is handy for day trips.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Students

A significant student presence due to local universities, bringing younger energy to cafes and cultural events.

Families

A mix of local families and long-term residents; markets and parks are popular family spots.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Widely followed across the region, with local clubs and enthusiastic community matches.

Basketball

Supported locally with amateur and youth programs; courts and clubs are common in neighborhoods.

Transportation

Traffic

City traffic is typically manageable in the center; expect occasional congestion during peak hours. Major highways connect Foggia to Bari (A14) and Naples (A16). Public transport includes buses and regional trains; check schedules for holiday periods and summer timetables.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Foggia.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian travelers can enjoy bean dishes, fresh vegetables, cheeses, and rustic bread; ask for vegetarian options in trattorie and look for egg-based pastas.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is available at the Ospedale Riuniti di Foggia (a major regional hospital) with emergency services, plus private clinics and pharmacies throughout the city. EU residents should carry their European Health Insurance Card; for non-EU travelers, consider travel insurance for medical needs.

Discover Italy

Read more in our Italy 2025 Travel Guide.

Italy Travel Guide