Eating in Monopoli on a Budget: Just Step Outside the Centre
In the Murattiano district, just steps from the old town, a historic gelateria offers quality and affordable prices away from the tourist streets
In Monopoli, eating in the historic center usually costs more than in the Murattiano district and the outskirts. But you don't have to go far. The Murattiano district is right next to the historic center. It's worth walking a bit more if you're looking for cheaper prices.
The Murattiano area marks the transition between the medieval city and the newer parts developed outside the old walls in the 18th and 19th centuries. You can see the difference while walking. The maze of old town alleys changes to straight and regular streets, with a more logical layout. Here, you'll also find several historic buildings and Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, one of Monopoli's main squares.
As you leave the old town towards the Murattiano district, I recommend stopping at Antica Gelateria Gasperini, a place in Monopoli since 1930.
The price is good considering the location: a medium cone with three flavors and cream costs €3.50. But keep in mind, the gelateria has almost no seating inside, so it's mainly for grabbing ice cream and walking.
The ice cream is excellent and, for reference, I find it comparable in quality to the famous Gelateria Gentile in Bari.
Eating for less outside the historic center
Gasperini is an example of a useful rule when visiting Monopoli: before choosing a place in the historic center, check the nearby streets too.
I'd make an exception in the evening: for dinner or a romantic walk, I'd still pick the historic center because the atmosphere matters as much as the price.
