Your stay — Plaza
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The Property — Plaza
The Plaza is a functional three-star hotel on Taranto's bustling Corso Umberto, a five-minute walk from the swinging bridge into the old town. It doesn't pretend to be anything other than a clean, central base — the lobby has a tired but tidy 1990s corporate look, with leather sofas and a reception desk that does the job. The USP is location: you're right by the waterfront and the main shopping strip, with a decent included breakfast of pastries and coffee. It suits travellers who want to be dropped into the middle of the action without fuss, not those seeking charm or a quiet retreat.
Chronicles of Taranto
Taranto was founded as the Greek colony of Taras in the 8th century BC, growing into a powerful city-state that rivalled Sparta. Under Roman rule it became a key naval base, a role it has never entirely lost, with a modern military port still dominating the Mar Grande. The historic core, Città Vecchia, sits on an island between two seas, densely packed with Baroque palaces and narrow alleys from the Spanish and Bourbon eras. In the 20th century, a giant steelworks (Ilva) reshaped the economy and the landscape, creating a stark industrial waterfront south of the city. Today Taranto is a place of deep contrasts: magnificent Greek and Roman ruins alongside heavy industry, a proud maritime heritage, and a slower, Southern Italian pace of life.
Best Time to Visit
Full Taranto guide →Best months
May and September offer warm sunshine (24-28°C) without the July-August crush, and the Baroque churches and Aragonese castle are far more pleasant without the heat haze. June is also fine, though it edges into the peak season from the third week onward.
Peak / festival surge
July and August are peak, with Punta Prosciutto beaches and the Sant'Andrea festival (late August) pulling crowds. Hotel prices at the Plaza can jump 40-60%, and many rooms book out by mid-June. The summer heat (often 30-33°C) can make sightseeing in the old town uncomfortable after midday.
Budget shoulder season
Late April-early June and September-early October are the sweet spots. You'll find 20-30% lower rates at the Plaza, thinner crowds at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale (home to the 'Ori di Taranto' gold finds), and a breeze off both seas that keeps the city walkable.
Weather & packing
Taranto often gets a sudden, humid sea breeze that kicks up in the afternoon, making waterfront walks feel cooler than the actual temperature. Pack a lightweight windbreaker or a linen scarf — it's a godsend when you step from the sun-blasted corso onto a balcony table at sunset.
Live City Briefing — Taranto
- The municipal market on Via Duca d'Aosta has been relocated temporarily to a covered structure near Piazza della Vittoria while the old building undergoes seismic renovation — check before you go for the usual morning fish stalls and produce.
- A new pedestrian zone on Ponte Girevole (the swinging bridge) is in place from 7pm to midnight from June to September, making the crossing between the new and old towns much more pleasant for strolling.
- The steelworks area (ex-Ilva) continues to have occasional protest rallies about pollution and jobs — avoid the industrial south side if you see a demonstration gathering, as local traffic can be snarled for an hour or two.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Plaza, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (3-5) to minimize the chance of street noise from Viale Duca degli Abruzzi, which can be busy due to its location in the city center.
Rooms to avoid
Ground-floor rooms may be noisy due to the main entrance's step-free access via ramp, which could attract foot traffic.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address and orientation do not offer any notable view options, as it's situated on a busy street.
Quietest floors
Floors 3-5
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise from Viale Duca degli Abruzzi, which may be exacerbated by the hotel's city center location.
Insider tips
Book a room with free Wi-Fi for up to 3 devices, and connect to 'Plaza_WiFi' without needing a login. If you're driving, consider using the public garage 'Garage Europa' at Via Cavour 12, just €12 per night, as on-site parking is not available.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Plaza
Free Wi-Fi for up to 3 devices per room; average speed 20 Mbps; no login required, connect to 'Plaza_WiFi'
Single lift serves all 5 floors; no stairs-only sections
Complimentary digital PressReader access via QR code in lobby; no physical newspapers
Check-in from 14:00; early bag drop allowed from 10:00; late check-out until 13:00 costs €25, after 13:00 charged half-night rate
Free storage for same-day arrivals and check-outs at reception
Step-free access at main entrance via ramp; one ground-floor accessible room with wider doorways and grab bars; lift to all floors
No on-site parking; nearest public garage 'Garage Europa' at Via Cavour 12, €12 per night; no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €3.50 per person per night, collected at check-in; children under 14 exempt
Deposit & card hold: Full pre-payment required at booking for non-refundable rates; refundable rates require a €100 card hold for incidentals at arrival
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Parrocchia Santissimo Crocifisso (116 m · ~1 min walk)
- Church: Chiesa Maria di Santissima del Monte (148 m · ~2 min walk)
- Church: Chiesa di San Pasquale Bailon (462 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: Cappella di San Leonardo (746 m · ~9 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Giardini Garibaldi — 385 m · ~5 min walk
MAR.TA Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Taranto — 453 m · ~6 min walk
Teatro Fusco — 95 m · ~1 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Credem — 121 m · ~2 min walk
Lucrezio — 166 m · ~2 min walk
AmAt Biglietteria Ticket Office — 443 m · ~6 min walk
Taranto — 2.6 km · ~32 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Use ATMs in town for the best rates; avoid exchange desks at the airport or tourist offices as they take high fees.
Contactless cards and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and supermarkets; keep some cash for small market stalls and public bus tickets.
Not expected; round up to the nearest euro in restaurants for good service, leave small change for taxis and hotel staff only if helpful.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Espresso at a bar costs about €1–1.20; standing at the counter is cheaper than sitting.
Pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) for around €3–5; also panzerotto from a bakery for about €2–3.
A main course at a trattoria or pizzeria (e.g. pizza margherita or pasta dish) for about €8–12.
Old Town's narrow alleys have takeaway pizza and frittura (fried seafood/snacks); look for pop-up stalls near the port during festivals.
Supermarkets like Conad, Carrefour and Lidl are common; pick up fresh bread, cheese and fruit for cheap meals.
Via d'Aquino has mid-range chain stores (e.g. OVS, Bata) and a small market on Piazza Garibaldi on Saturday mornings; for cheaper stuff try the 'Sotto le mura' area discount shops.
A single bus ticket costs about €1.10 from tabacchi; the cheapest way from Bari Airport is the direct shuttle bus (approx €6–8 one way) to Taranto city centre.
Eat at the bar (banco) rather than a table to avoid service charges; buy a day pass for multiple bus rides instead of single tickets; fill up a reusable bottle at public fountains (fontanelle) found in parks and piazzas.
Good to know — Taranto
Type C/F/L · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.88 · EUR
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Taranto, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Plaza
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Credem — 121 m · ~2 min walk — pharmacy · Lucrezio — 166 m · ~2 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Taranto train station → Villa Stella
💡 Better to walk or take the AMAT bus line 1 from the station—it stops 200 metres from the hotel. Taxis are scarce after 21:00.
Bari Centrale station → Taranto station
💡 From Bari airport, take the free shuttle bus to Bari Centrale (5 mins), then catch the FSE train. Direct trains avoid the slower regional via Martina Franca.
Bari Airport bus stop → Taranto bus station (Piazza Castello)
💡 Buses drop you right in central Taranto. From Piazza Castello, Villa Stella is a 10-min walk east along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II.
Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) → Villa Stella, Taranto
💡 Pre-book with a fixed-rate firm like Cotopaxi or Radio Taxi Taranto. Metered fares from the rank often bump up to €100+ with luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Plaza?
Request a room on a higher floor (3-5) to minimize the chance of street noise from Viale Duca degli Abruzzi, which can be busy due to its location in the city center.
Which rooms should I avoid at Plaza?
Ground-floor rooms may be noisy due to the main entrance's step-free access via ramp, which could attract foot traffic.
Is Plaza noisy?
Street noise from Viale Duca degli Abruzzi, which may be exacerbated by the hotel's city center location.
Which rooms have the best views at Plaza?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address and orientation do not offer any notable view options, as it's situated on a busy street.
What are insider tips for staying at Plaza?
Book a room with free Wi-Fi for up to 3 devices, and connect to 'Plaza_WiFi' without needing a login. If you're driving, consider using the public garage 'Garage Europa' at Via Cavour 12, just €12 per night, as on-site parking is not available.
What time is check-in at Plaza?
Check-in at Plaza is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Plaza have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi for up to 3 devices per room; average speed 20 Mbps; no login required, connect to 'Plaza_WiFi'
Is there a city or tourist tax at Plaza?
€3.50 per person per night, collected at check-in; children under 14 exempt
Where can I eat cheaply near Plaza?
Pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) for around €3–5; also panzerotto from a bakery for about €2–3.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Plaza?
A single bus ticket costs about €1.10 from tabacchi; the cheapest way from Bari Airport is the direct shuttle bus (approx €6–8 one way) to Taranto city centre.
When is the best time to visit Taranto?
May and September offer warm sunshine (24-28°C) without the July-August crush, and the Baroque churches and Aragonese castle are far more pleasant without the heat haze. June is also fine, though it edges into the peak season from the third week onward.
Top Attractions in Taranto
💡 Don’t miss the marble floor mosaics near the altar — they’re original and patterned like a medieval carpet. The crypt is often quiet, and you can see the saint’s tomb. Dress modestly.
💡 Head straight to the second floor for the 'Ori di Taranto' gold collection — it’s the highlight. Allow 1–2 hours. Entry is €8 normally, but free on first Sundays.
💡 Start at Piazza Fontana and aim for the waterfront along Via Duomo. The best views are from the quayside near the Ponte Girevole. Go early morning to see fishermen mending nets.
💡 The best section is the Gravina di Riggio — a short walk from the car park. Bring sturdy shoes and water; there’s no shade. Wildflowers are spectacular in spring.
💡 Entry is cheap (€2–€5 depending on exhibitions), and the sunset view from the ramparts over the Mar Grande is worth every cent. Go on a weekday morning to avoid queues.