The capital of the southeastern Puglia area of Italy, Bari, is a vibrant port metropolis on the Adriatic Sea. Identified for its atmospheric Outdated City, medieval church buildings, beautiful seashores, and scrumptious meals and wine, there are such a lot of unimaginable issues to do in Bari.
I frolicked in Bari final month and actually beloved the town. It receives far fewer vacationers than different Italian cities like Rome, Florence, and Naples, it’s less expensive and has a very genuine and laidback vibe.
On this submit, I’ll describe a few of the high issues to see and locations to go to in Bari. A few of these are free, others you need to pay for, however all are nice and undoubtedly worthwhile.
Greatest Issues to Do in Bari
Nevertheless lengthy you need to spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend trying out at the very least a few of the following.
1. Discover the Citta Vecchia
Most of the high locations to go to in Bari are positioned in its Outdated City – a maze of slender, winding streets and again alleys that lies simply south of the trendy port space. It’s a captivating place, with greater than 2,000 years of historical past.
Nearly all of the historic buildings in Citta Vecchia are intact, and the entire district has a splendidly distinctive really feel. It’s straightforward to get misplaced wandering by the backstreets, however that is a part of the enjoyable.
Each nook you flip you’ll see one thing new. Ladies sit at wood tables on the street making handmade orecchiette pasta, picturesque little squares are adorned with flowers, and locals sit collectively chatting over a espresso or glasses of wine.
The entire place appears like a time warp, and also you get the sense that life hasn’t modified a lot right here in tons of of years. It’s an incredible place to whereas away just a few hours and exploring it is likely one of the greatest actions in Bari. Click on right here for a highly-rated guided tour of the outdated city.
2. Go to the Basilica Di San Nicola
Courting again to the twelfth century, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas was constructed on the positioning of a church that was destroyed by an earthquake in 1089.
The outside of the basilica is extremely ornate, with two giant towers and a surprising façade. The inside is simply as spectacular, with stunning mosaics and work adorning the partitions and ceilings.
It’s devoted to Saint Nicholas (AKA Saint Nick, or Santa Claus, of Christmas Eve fame), who was born in Patara, in modern-day Turkey, and later turned the Bishop of Myra.
The stays of Saint Nicholas are literally buried within the crypt of the basilica, and it’s a spot of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians from everywhere in the world. This rickshaw tour of the outdated city truly takes within the Basilica of Saint Nicholas.
Handle: Largo Abate Elia, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
3. Test Out Bari Cathedral
One other church in Bari that’s price visiting is the Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale San Sabino (or Bari Cathedralfor quick), which dates again to the eleventh century.
The cathedral is positioned within the coronary heart of Citta Vecchia and is an exquisite instance of Romanesque structure. Inside, the cathedral’s treasury (Tesoro) incorporates a sequence of treasured relics and different historic artifacts, in addition to a museum.
Beneath the cathedral lies a sequence of archaeological excavations, exhibiting the stays of an historic Roman street from the 2nd century and a Byzantine church from the ninth century. There are additionally the stays of a superbly ornate mosaic.
Handle: Piazza dell’Odegitria, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
4. Take a Historic Strolling Tour of Bari
The most effective methods to study concerning the wealthy and engaging historical past of this wonderful metropolis is to participate in a historic strolling tour of Bari.
There are a number of completely different excursions to select from, however I like to recommend this one. Your passionate native information will present you across the metropolis’s most essential and iconic sights, and train you concerning the historical past, tradition, and way of life of the individuals of Bari.
I believed I knew quite a bit about what to do in Bari, however after taking this strolling tour, I spotted there’s a lot extra to the town. If it’s actually scorching exterior, or when you’ve got mobility points…or, if you happen to’re simply feeling lazy…this rickshaw tour is an effective way to get across the outdated city!
5. Chill Out on the Seashore
Puglia is house to a few of the greatest seashores in Italy. Many of those are positioned a brief distance from Bari and make an ideal day journey (or half-day journey) away from the town.
Maybe probably the most well-known seaside close to Bari is Lama Monachile (often known as Cala Porto), within the fairly little city of Polignano a Mare. This small white pebble seaside is on the finish of a steep-sided rocky canyon framed by vertical cliffs and has attractive turquoise water.
Different nice seashores close to Bari embrace Cala Paura (additionally in Polignano a Mare) and Cala Porta Vecchia (in romantic Monopoli). These are all straightforward to achieve with public transport (practice or bus) from Bari.
Nevertheless, if you happen to don’t have time to depart the town, you possibly can nonetheless get pleasure from some seaside time. Take a look at Pane e Pomodoro Seashore, a sandy seaside 3 kilometers southeast of the town heart. The identify interprets as “Bread and Tomato” (don’t ask me why).
6. Go on a Road Meals Tour
Bari is legendary for its scrumptious road meals, so remember to strive as a lot of it as attainable when you’re on the town. The most effective methods to pattern a few of Bari’s greatest road meals is to go on a road meals tour.
This is a superb possibility and can introduce you to a few of the metropolis’s most well-known dishes. You’ll go to fashionable native locations, and immerse your self in Bari’s wealthy culinary tradition.
A few of my favourite native Puglia specialties embrace:
Orecchiette pasta with sautéed broccoli rabe (often known as rapini).
Tiella – a hearty conventional dish made with rice, potatoes, and mussels (consider it as a Puglian paella).
Focaccia Barese – in all probability the most effective focaccia you’ll ever eat, topped with ripe tomatoes, olives, olive oil, and oregano.
Polpette – tacky fried dumplings made utilizing stale bread (and typically fish, meat, or greens), both served crispy by themselves, or in a wealthy sauce.
7. Discover Castello Svevo (One among My Favourite Locations to Go to in Bari)
Castello Svevo di Bari is a Norman fort that was constructed, destroyed, after which rebuilt within the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. It’s an imposing construction proper subsequent to the ocean, and with its thick partitions and moat, it’s straightforward to think about how this fort served as one of many outdated metropolis’s details of protection all through the centuries.
The fort has been by quite a bit traditionally and has been broken by earthquakes on a number of events. Regardless of this, the entire construction is amazingly properly intact.
At this time, the fort is used as an exhibition heart and a museum devoted to the historical past of the fort, in addition to the town of Bari extra extensively. Exploring the enormous rooms and in depth grounds is extraordinarily evocative and is unquestionably probably the greatest locations to see in Bari.
8. Stroll Alongside the Seafront Promenade
Bari has an exquisite lengthy promenade (referred to as Lungomare Nazario Sauro) that runs alongside the seafront. It’s an ideal place to take a stroll, chill out, and take within the views. There are additionally a number of cafes and eating places alongside the promenade, so you possibly can cease for a espresso or a chew to eat if you happen to like.
You may also lengthen the stroll all the way in which to the Molo Sant’Antonio lighthouse, which is positioned on the finish of the ocean wall marking the doorway to the crusing and pleasure boat harbor. This was the town’s predominant harbor, till the development of the bigger industrial Port of Bari in 1850.
Right here you’re more likely to see individuals fishing and hanging out with associates, portray boats, or taking crusing classes within the sheltered marina. I really like to sit down and watch all this go on whereas having fun with the recent sea air.
Within the night, the promenade comes alive with locals and vacationers alike, and other people come to look at the spectacular sundown. That is certainly one of my favourite issues to do in Bari at evening – there’s only a actually pretty environment right here.
9. Take a Conventional Puglian Cooking Class
Puglian meals tends to be pretty easy and showcases the freshness and top quality of native and seasonal substances, together with tomatoes, beans, artichokes, peppers, and seafood.
For an unforgettable expertise the place you possibly can discover ways to make some basic and scrumptious, native dishes, take a conventional Puglian cooking class. There are a number of completely different lessons to select from, however I like to recommend this one, which takes place on the host’s house.
In the course of the class, you’ll discover ways to make 2 recent pastas, together with orecchiette (Puglia’s well-known pasta that appears like little ears), tiramisu, and naturally, prosecco, snacks and wine are included. This is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Bari – I extremely advocate it! Click on right here to study extra and e-book your spot.
10. Folks-Watch within the Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is likely one of the predominant squares on the sting of the Outdated City of Bari. It’s an ideal place to sit down with a spritz or gelato and people-watch.
This historic medieval sq. has been a gathering place for hundreds of years. Folks have come right here to commerce their items ever because the 14th century, and even at present it’s a preferred spot for locals to fulfill and hang around collectively.
The buildings across the sq. are extremely picturesque, together with the Palazzo della Dogana, the Sixteenth-century clock tower, and the baroque Fontana della Pigna fountain. Taking a seat and having fun with this gorgeous little nook of the town is likely one of the greatest free issues to do in Bari, Puglia.
11. See Bari on a Segway Tour
Segways will be very divisive: some individuals love them, and a few individuals actually don’t. If you happen to’re within the first camp, think about becoming a member of this tour.
After a fast briefing, you’ll set off exploring a few of the metropolis’s better-known sights, in addition to some hidden gems and secret spots. You’ll go to locations in each the Outdated City and the trendy metropolis, together with the Petruzzelli Theater and Bari’s predominant fish market.
And on the finish, you possibly can get pleasure from some scrumptious conventional selfmade ice cream. I had a good time on the segway, however possibly the ice cream was my favourite half.
12. Chill Out in Parco 2 Giugno
Parco 2 Giugno is a public park simply south of the middle of Bari. It’s a preferred spot with locals and is the proper place to chill out and take a break throughout a busy day of sightseeing.
The park has a wide range of completely different vegetation and timber, in addition to a lake that’s house to turtles, geese, and different birds. If you happen to’re in search of issues to do in Bari for households, I like to recommend checking this place out.
There’s additionally a playground for kids, and slightly cafe kiosk promoting espresso, water, beer, and different refreshments.
13. Go on a Crusing Journey
Bari is positioned on the Adriatic Sea, and crusing is a well-liked pastime right here. There are a number of operators that provide crusing journeys from Bari, and also you’ll get to chill out on deck and benefit from the beautiful shoreline as you sail previous.
Being on the water offers you a singular perspective of Bari itself, and lots of crusing journeys enable you the possibility to swim within the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean. It’s pretty widespread to see dolphins and a variety of different aquatic life when you’re on the boat too.
This is a superb sundown journey that has incredible evaluations and is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Bari for {couples}, or teams of associates. What might be extra romantic than sitting on the deck of a classic gozzo boat, watching the sundown over the ocean, with an aperitivo in hand? Click on right here for particulars.
(To be trustworthy, even if you happen to’re touring by your self, that is nonetheless a fairly superior expertise!)
14. Snag a Cut price at Poggiofranco Market
Mercato di Poggiofranco is likely one of the largest open-air markets in Bari and is the proper place to choose up some souvenirs. The primary market takes place on Saturday mornings, from 8 am till round 1.30 pm.
To seek out the market, head to Viale Madre Teresa di Calcutta, which is positioned 2.5 kilometers south of the Central Station, within the Poggiofranco district. You possibly can both stroll or take a bus, or a taxi.
Right here you’ll discover an enormous vary of things from garments, sneakers, and equipment to foods and drinks, homeware, and kitchen utensils. You identify it, you’ll in all probability get it right here.
You’ll additionally discover stalls promoting domestically made merchandise, which make nice presents to take house. If you happen to’re on the town on a Saturday and are in search of a cut price, and an perception into the lives of the individuals who stay in Bari, I like to recommend swinging by Mercato di Poggiofranco.
15. Take a Journey to Monopoli
Monopoli is an exquisite coastal metropolis and probably the greatest locations to go to close to Bari. It takes about 40 minutes to drive there, or you possibly can catch the regional practice from Bari Central Station, which takes about 35 minutes.
On the coronary heart of Monopoli is the centro storico, or historic heart – a labyrinth of gorgeous outdated whitewashed buildings, with inexperienced window shutters, colourful flowerboxes, and cobbled streets polished easy by tons of of years of passing toes.
There’s additionally an historic fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used at present, the place you possibly can see native fishermen bringing of their catch, able to be taken straight to the town’s eating places.
If you happen to’re trying to spend a while on the seaside, try Cala Porta Vecchia, which is positioned simply south of the principle Outdated City.
I additionally advocate taking a stroll alongside the paved pedestrianized walkway that runs alongside the sting of the Outdated City, subsequent to the seafront. It’s stunning right here at any time of day however it’s particularly magical and atmospheric at sundown.
See full submit: 15 Greatest Issues to Do in Monopoli.
16. Study Concerning the Metropolis’s Historical past at Museo Civico
The Museo Civico is a small museum devoted to the historical past of Bari. It’s positioned in an outdated palazzo within the Outdated City and is unquestionably price a go to if you happen to’re excited about studying concerning the metropolis’s previous.
The museum homes a group of historic artifacts, in addition to a library and an archive. There’s additionally a piece devoted to the town’s conventional tradition, which is de facto attention-grabbing.
The museum hosts a variety of occasions and exhibitions all year long. See right here for extra data on what’s on throughout your go to.
Handle: Str. Sagges, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
17. Make A Day Journey To Alberobello
Alberobello is a small Puglian city well-known for its distinctive “trulli” homes – conventional conical-roofed dwellings which might be made totally from stone.
You probably have the time, there are a lot of different issues to do close to Bari, and Alberobello is likely one of the most attention-grabbing.
It’s about an hour away from Bari by automotive, and there’s additionally a bus that runs between the 2 locations (though this does take virtually twice as lengthy). A better possibility if you happen to don’t have your personal automotive is to take a guided journey from Bari (see beneath). Study extra about Alberobello on this submit.
18. Test Out the Teatro Petruzzelli
The Teatro Petruzzelli is likely one of the most essential cultural establishments in Bari. It’s a big theater and opera home that repeatedly hosts a variety of theater, ballet, opera, and live performance performances.
The constructing itself dates from 1904 and is extremely ornate and delightful inside. Even if you happen to’re not planning to catch a efficiency there, it’s nonetheless properly price looking inside.
Handle: Corso Cavour, 12, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
19. Be part of a Bike Tour
One other enjoyable strategy to see the principle vacationer points of interest in Bari, Italy is to take a motorcycle tour. You’ll cowl way more floor than you would on foot, so it’s an effective way to see extra of the town, particularly if you happen to solely have a restricted period of time.
This tour has wonderful evaluations and can take you thru the Outdated City of Bari, in addition to just a few of the town’s different, less-visited neighborhoods. Your information will even take you to certainly one of their favourite ice cream outlets so that you can cool off and luxuriate in a well-earned deal with.
Alternatively, you would at all times rent a motorcycle and discover by your self. However for the tour, click on right here for extra data.
20. Go on a Day Journey to Matera
Matera is a metropolis within the neighboring area of Basilicata. Historians consider Matera to be the third-oldest frequently inhabited metropolis on this planet, and that individuals have lived right here for at the very least 9,000 years.
Constructed on high of a rocky hill, it’s actually spectacular and undoubtedly price a go to. Town is greatest recognized for its Sassi District, which is house to a fancy of prehistoric cave dwellings and a medieval rock church carved into the mountain.
Tip: When deciding what issues to do round Bari, if you happen to needed to choose solely certainly one of Alberobello or Matera to go to, personally I might go together with Matera. I discovered it extra atmospheric and fewer touristy. Nevertheless, if you happen to’d like to go to each cities in at some point, think about becoming a member of this guided journey.
21. Bonus!
When touring to Italy, it’s unattainable to have “too much food”! Take a look at this enjoyable journey which mixes consuming, ingesting wine, and strolling — which is nice as you’ll wish to stroll off some energy. You’ll go to fashionable landmarks, pattern conventional meals, and drink native wine as properly. Click on right here for particulars.
Fast Journey Itineraries for Bari
Listed below are just a few advised itineraries that will help you determine what to see and do in Bari.
1 Day in Bari Itinerary
You possibly can see many of the predominant Bari points of interest in at some point. Becoming a member of a strolling tour permits you to see the principle sights, and study concerning the metropolis and its historical past.
Begin your day by exploring the Outdated City. Go to the Basilica di San Nicola, the Castello Normanno-Svevo, and the Cattedrale di San Sabino. Then head to the Murat district for some procuring.
Afterward, head to the seaside for a swim, and finish your day with a meal at certainly one of Bari’s wonderful eating places.
2-3 Days in Bari Itinerary
You probably have two or three days, you possibly can discover Bari’s environment in addition to the town itself.
Spend the primary day exploring the town, as per the above itinerary. On day two, take a day journey to both Matera or Alberobello (or, if you happen to’d wish to see each locations in at some point, think about becoming a member of this tour).
You probably have a 3rd day, take the practice to the close by city of Polignano a Mare, which is completely picturesque and residential to a few of southern Italy’s greatest seashores, together with Lama Monachile and Cala Paura. You will get there by boat, together with an aperitif and exploration of caves and coves with this journey. Finish your final day with this wonderful sundown crusing journey.
1 Week in Bari Itinerary
With every week, you possibly can comfortably do all the actions in Bari I’ve described on this submit, and nonetheless have some spare time to spend nonetheless you want.
I like to recommend spending at the very least two days within the metropolis itself, primarily following the above itinerary, however giving your self extra time to get pleasure from every exercise and spend longer in every place. On certainly one of your Bari days, hiring a motorcycle will allow you to see much more of the town.
With the extra days, I’d advocate taking day journeys to Monopoli and Matera/Alberobello. Another choice is that this day journey which truly takes in Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, and Alberobello! And if you wish to spend a complete day on the seaside, go proper forward.
The place to Keep in Bari
These are just a few of the most effective neighborhoods in Bari for vacationers.
Bari Vecchia – Greatest for First-time Guests and Sightseeing
Bari Vecchia (Outdated Bari) is the historic heart of Bari and is the place you’ll discover many of the metropolis’s most well-known sights and points of interest.
It’s tremendous atmospheric, with a maze of cobbled backstreets, and lots of quaint eating places and cafes spilling out into the engaging little plazas. Take a look at this nice lodging in Bari Vecchia.
Murat – Greatest for Procuring and Nightlife
Situated simply south of Bari Vecchia, Murat is the trendy coronary heart of Bari. Right here you’ll discover lots of the metropolis’s greatest outlets, eating places, and bars. It is a good spot to remain in Murat.
Madonnella – Greatest for Seashore Lovers
If you wish to be near the seaside, I like to recommend staying in Madonella. Right here you’ll be close to Pane e Pomodoro seaside (the most effective seaside within the metropolis), in addition to the Lungomare Nazario Sauro seafront promenade the place there are additionally a great deal of cafes and bars which might be notably fashionable with locals. Take a look at this wonderful residence within the space.
Greatest Eating places in Bari
There’s wonderful meals all through Bari. If you happen to’re in search of some particular suggestions, try these locations.
Al Pescatore
Situated proper subsequent to the Castello Svevo, Al Pescatore serves a few of the greatest recent fish and seafood within the metropolis. The standard is great and the costs are cheap. Strive the standard native uncooked fish and the fritto misto (blended fried seafood).
Assaporando le Delizie Pugliesi
This conventional little restaurant is in a small sq. subsequent to the Metropolitan Cathedral, within the coronary heart of Bari’s Outdated City. They serve scrumptious pasta and a variety of different native specialties, all of that are low cost and incredible.
Their menu adjustments regularly, however I had the orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe and it was unimaginable. That is additionally a beautiful place to sit down with a spritz and watch the world go by.
Per Bacco
Within the new a part of city, near the Lungomare seafront promenade, Per Bacco is a midrange, intimate restaurant with a really cozy environment and great house owners.
The menu is small and options conventional Puglian specialties – strive the ravioli full of turnip tops and anchovies. Costs are midrange and particularly reasonable.
Magda
Magda is a bakery and a restaurant positioned on the bustling By way of Prospero Petroni. It’s a strong favourite with the locals and serves a variety of focaccias, flatbreads, candy and savory pastries, and different conventional snacks.
That is the proper place to come back if you happen to’re in search of an inexpensive and scrumptious place to eat within the heart of Bari. I had the most effective focaccia of my life right here, and their arancini balls are additionally insanely good.
Attending to Bari
Bari has a global airport with flights from throughout Europe, together with price range carriers Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air. If you happen to’re flying from exterior of Europe, you’ll in all probability have to attach through Rome, Milan, or one other main European metropolis.
You may also attain Bari by practice. Town is a serious cease on the Frecciargento high-speed railway community, which connects it to varied different main Italian locations resembling Rome, Venice, and Naples.
Alternatively, you possibly can attain Bari by ferry from Albania, Greece, Montenegro, and Croatia. These ferries additionally transport vehicles.
When you get to Bari, the town heart is walkable, and you may get to most different main locations through public transport. Nevertheless, if you happen to’d wish to discover extra of the encompassing area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, you can even rent a automotive (typically the most cost effective from the airport).
Issues to Do in Bari: FAQs
Nonetheless questioning what to do in Bari? Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Bari and what stuff to do in Bari.
What’s Bari recognized for?
Bari is understood for its stunning structure, atmospheric Outdated City, nice meals, and wonderful seashores. It’s additionally certainly one of southern Italy’s main ports and is a serious transport hub for the area.
When is the most effective time to go to Bari?
The very best time to go to Bari is within the spring (April-Might) or autumn (September-October), when the climate is heat however not too scorching and there are fewer vacationers. Nevertheless, Bari is a good vacation spot year-round, so go to every time you possibly can.
Is Bari price visiting?
Completely! Bari is an enthralling metropolis with loads to see and do. Whether or not you’re excited about historical past, artwork, meals, or simply enjoyable on the seaside, Bari has one thing for you.
What number of days ought to I spend in Bari?
You possibly can see most of Bari’s predominant sights in at some point. Nevertheless, I like to recommend spending two or three days right here if you happen to can, to essentially get a really feel for the environment of the town and surrounding area.
Is Bari protected?
Sure, Bari is as protected as another main Italian metropolis. After all, petty crime can occur wherever, however so long as you are taking the standard wise precautions, you shouldn’t have any points throughout your time there.
What’s the hottest factor to do in Bari?
The most well-liked factor to do in Bari is to walk across the atmospheric Outdated City, which is stuffed with stunning medieval buildings and winding alleyways. Right here you possibly can watch ladies making pasta by hand on the road – some of the iconic issues to see in Bari, Italy.
What’s the greatest seaside in Bari?
The very best seaside in Bari itself is Pane e Pomodoro seaside. Nevertheless, probably the most well-known seaside within the space is Lama Monachile, within the close by city of Polignano a Mare.
What meals ought to I strive in Bari?
Orechiette pasta might be Bari’s most iconic dish and is usually served with broccoli rabe (or rapini). Different must-try dishes embrace tiella (a rice dish with potatoes and mussels), focaccia barese, and polpette (tacky fried dumplings).
Now You Know What to Do in Bari
These are just some of the highest issues to do in Bari, Italy. It’s an ideal metropolis and one which I might like to return to.
The vibe is pleasant and chill, it’s sunny for many of the 12 months, and also you’ll be surrounded by far fewer vacationers than in lots of different fashionable Italian cities. If you happen to get the possibility to go to Bari, I extremely advocate it.
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