The capital of the southeastern Puglia area of Italy, Bari, is a vibrant port metropolis on the Adriatic Sea. Recognized for its atmospheric Outdated City, medieval church buildings, beautiful seashores, and scrumptious meals and wine, there are such a lot of unimaginable issues to do in Bari.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 hung out 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 extremely genuine and laidback vibe.
On this put up, I’ll describe a few of the prime issues to see and locations to go to in Bari. A few of these are free, others it’s a must to pay for, however all are nice and undoubtedly worthwhile.
Greatest Issues to Do in Bari
Nevertheless lengthy it’s a must to spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend testing no less than a few of the following.
1. Discover the Citta Vecchia
Lots of the prime locations to go to in Bari are situated in its Outdated City – a maze of slender, winding streets and again alleys that lies simply south of the trendy port space.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.
The vast majority of the historic buildings in Citta Vecchia are intact, and the entire district has a splendidly distinctive really feel. It’s simple to get misplaced wandering by means of the backstreets, however that is a part of the enjoyable.
Each nook you flip you’ll see one thing new. Ladies sit at picket tables on the street making handmade orecchiette pasta, picturesque little squares are embellished 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 a whole bunch of years. It’s an incredible place to whereas away just a few hours and exploring it is among the greatest actions in Bari. Click on right here for a highly-rated guided tour of the previous city.
2. Go to the Basilica Di San Nicola
Relationship 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 massive 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 previous city really 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 value visiting is the Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale San Sabino (or Bari Cathedralfor brief), which dates again to the eleventh century.
The cathedral is situated within the coronary heart of Citta Vecchia and is a good looking 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, displaying the stays of an historic Roman highway from the 2nd century and a Byzantine church from the ninth century. There are additionally the stays of a fantastically ornate mosaic.
Handle: Piazza dell’Odegitria, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
4. Take a Historic Strolling Tour of Bari
Probably the greatest methods to study concerning the wealthy and interesting historical past of this superb metropolis is to participate in a historic strolling tour of Bari.
There are a number of totally 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 rather a lot about what to do in Bari, however after taking this strolling tour, I noticed there’s a lot extra to the town. If it’s actually sizzling outdoors, or when you’ve got mobility points…or, when you’re simply feeling lazy…this rickshaw tour is an effective way to get across the previous city!
5. Chill Out on the Seashore
Puglia is dwelling to a few of the greatest seashores in Italy. Many of those are situated a brief distance from Bari and make an ideal day journey (or half-day journey) away from the town.
Maybe essentially 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 beautiful turquoise water.
Different nice seashores close to Bari embody Cala Paura (additionally in Polignano a Mare) and Cala Porta Vecchia (in romantic Monopoli). These are all simple to succeed in with public transport (prepare or bus) from Bari.
Nevertheless, when you don’t have time to depart the town, you possibly can nonetheless take pleasure in some seaside time. Take a look at Pane e Pomodoro Seashore, a sandy seaside 3 kilometers southeast of the town middle. The title interprets as “Bread and Tomato” (don’t ask me why).
6. Go on a Avenue Meals Tour
Bari is legendary for its scrumptious road meals, so make sure you attempt as a lot of it as doable whilst you’re on the town. Probably the greatest 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 widespread native locations, and immerse your self in Bari’s wealthy culinary tradition.
A few of my favourite native Puglia specialties embody:
- 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 – most likely one of the best focaccia you’ll ever eat, topped with ripe tomatoes, olives, olive oil, and oregano.
- Polpette – tacky fried dumplings made utilizing stale bread (and generally fish, meat, or greens), both served crispy by themselves, or in a wealthy sauce.
7. Discover Castello Svevo (One in all My Favourite Locations to Go to in Bari)
Castello Svevo di Bari is a Norman fortress 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 simple to think about how this fortress served as one of many previous metropolis’s details of protection all through the centuries.
The fortress has been by means of rather a lot traditionally and has been broken by earthquakes on a number of events. Regardless of this, the entire construction is amazingly nicely intact.
Immediately, the fortress is used as an exhibition middle and a museum devoted to the historical past of the fortress, in addition to the town of Bari extra broadly. Exploring the enormous rooms and intensive grounds is extraordinarily evocative and is unquestionably among the best locations to see in Bari.
8. Stroll Alongside the Seafront Promenade
Bari has a good looking lengthy promenade (known as Lungomare Nazario Sauro) that runs alongside the seafront. It’s an important 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 when you like.
It’s also possible to prolong the stroll all the way in which to the Molo Sant’Antonio lighthouse, which is situated on the finish of the ocean wall marking the doorway to the crusing and pleasure boat harbor. This was once the town’s important harbor, till the development of the bigger business Port of Bari in 1850.
Right here you’re prone to see individuals fishing and hanging out with mates, portray boats, or taking crusing classes within the sheltered marina. I 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 night time – 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 prime quality of native and seasonal components, 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 standard Puglian cooking class. There are a number of totally different courses to select from, however I suggest this one, which takes place on the host’s dwelling.
Throughout 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 among the most enjoyable issues to do in Bari – I extremely suggest it! Click on right here to study extra and guide your spot.
10. Individuals-Watch within the Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is among the important squares on the sting of the Outdated City of Bari. It’s an important 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. Individuals have come right here to commerce their items ever because the 14th century, and even right this moment it’s a well-liked 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 among the greatest free issues to do in Bari, Puglia.
11. See Bari on a Segway Tour
Segways could be very divisive: some individuals love them, and a few individuals actually don’t. In the event you’re within the first camp, contemplate 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 important fish market.
And on the finish, you possibly can take pleasure in some scrumptious conventional home made 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 well-liked 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 totally different crops and bushes, in addition to a lake that’s dwelling to turtles, geese, and different birds. In the event you’re searching for issues to do in Bari for households, I like to recommend checking this place out.
There’s additionally a playground for kids, and a little bit cafe kiosk promoting espresso, water, beer, and different refreshments.
13. Go on a Crusing Journey
Bari is situated 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 provides you a singular perspective of Bari itself, and plenty 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 whilst you’re on the boat too.
This is a superb sundown journey that has unbelievable critiques and is among the greatest issues to do in Bari for {couples}, or teams of mates. What could possibly 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 sincere, even when you’re touring by your self, that is nonetheless a reasonably superior expertise!)
14. Snag a Discount at Poggiofranco Market
Mercato di Poggiofranco is among the largest open-air markets in Bari and is the proper place to choose up some souvenirs. The principle 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 situated 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 title it, you’ll most likely get it right here.
You’ll additionally discover stalls promoting domestically made merchandise, which make nice presents to take dwelling. In the event you’re on the town on a Saturday and are searching for a cut price, and an perception into the lives of the individuals who dwell in Bari, I like to recommend swinging by Mercato di Poggiofranco.
15. Take a Journey to Monopoli
Monopoli is a good looking coastal metropolis and among the best locations to go to close to Bari. It takes about 40 minutes to drive there, or you possibly can catch the regional prepare from Bari Central Station, which takes about 35 minutes.
On the coronary heart of Monopoli is the centro storico, or historic middle – a labyrinth of gorgeous previous whitewashed buildings, with inexperienced window shutters, colourful flowerboxes, and cobbled streets polished clean by a whole bunch of years of passing ft.
There’s additionally an historic fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used right this moment, the place you possibly can see native fishermen bringing of their catch, able to be taken straight to the town’s eating places.
In the event you’re seeking to spend a while on the seaside, take a look at Cala Porta Vecchia, which is situated simply south of the primary Outdated City.
I additionally suggest 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 nevertheless it’s particularly magical and atmospheric at sundown.
See full put up: 15 Greatest Issues to Do in Monopoli.
16. Be taught 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 situated in an previous palazzo within the Outdated City and is unquestionably value a go to when you’re occupied with studying concerning the metropolis’s previous.
The museum homes a set 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 absolutely attention-grabbing.
The museum hosts a variety of occasions and exhibitions all year long. See right here for extra info 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 solely from stone.
When you’ve got the time, there are a lot of different issues to do close to Bari, and Alberobello is among 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 nearly twice as lengthy). A better possibility when you don’t have your personal automotive is to take a guided journey from Bari (see under). Be taught extra about Alberobello in this put up.
18. Test Out the Teatro Petruzzelli
The Teatro Petruzzelli is among the most essential cultural establishments in Bari. It’s a big theater and opera home that commonly 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 when you’re not planning to catch a efficiency there, it’s nonetheless nicely value having a look inside.
Handle: Corso Cavour, 12, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
19. Be part of a Bike Tour
One other enjoyable approach to see the primary vacationer points of interest in Bari, Italy is to take a motorbike tour. You’ll cowl much more floor than you possibly can on foot, so it’s an effective way to see extra of the town, particularly when you solely have a restricted period of time.
This tour has wonderful critiques 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 may also take you to certainly one of their favourite ice cream retailers so that you can cool off and revel in a well-earned deal with.
Alternatively, you possibly can all the time rent a motorbike and discover by your self. However for the tour, click on right here for extra info.
20. Go on a Day Journey to Matera
Matera is a metropolis within the neighboring area of Basilicata. Historians imagine Matera to be the third-oldest frequently inhabited metropolis on this planet, and that folks have lived right here for no less than 9,000 years.
Constructed on prime of a rocky hill, it’s actually spectacular and undoubtedly value a go to. Town is greatest recognized for its Sassi District, which is dwelling 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, when you 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, when you’d like to go to each cities in in the future, contemplate becoming a member of this guided journey.
21. Bonus!
When touring to Italy, it’s not possible to have “an excessive amount of meals”! Take a look at this enjoyable journey which mixes consuming, consuming wine, and strolling — which is nice as you’ll wish to stroll off some energy. You’ll go to widespread landmarks, pattern conventional meals, and drink native wine as nicely. Click on right here for particulars.
Fast Journey Itineraries for Bari
Listed here are just a few advised itineraries that can assist you determine what to see and do in Bari.
1 Day in Bari Itinerary
You possibly can see a lot of the important Bari points of interest in in the future. Becoming a member of a strolling tour means that you can see the primary 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 buying.
In a while, 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
When you’ve got 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, when you’d prefer to see each locations in in the future, contemplate becoming a member of this tour).
When you’ve got a 3rd day, take the prepare 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 superb sundown crusing journey.
1 Week in Bari Itinerary
With per week, you possibly can comfortably do all the actions in Bari I’ve described on this put up, and nonetheless have some spare time to spend nonetheless you would like.
I like to recommend spending no less than two days within the metropolis itself, primarily following the above itinerary, however giving your self extra time to take pleasure in every exercise and spend longer in every place. On certainly one of your Bari days, hiring a motorbike will allow you to see much more of the town.
With the extra days, I’d suggest taking day journeys to Monopoli and Matera/Alberobello. Another choice is this present day journey which really takes in Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, and Alberobello! And if you wish to spend an entire day on the seaside, go proper forward.
The place to Keep in Bari
These are just a few of one of the best neighborhoods in Bari for vacationers.
Bari Vecchia – Greatest for First-time Guests and Sightseeing
Bari Vecchia (Outdated Bari) is the historic middle of Bari and is the place you’ll discover a lot of the metropolis’s most well-known sights and points of interest.
It’s tremendous atmospheric, with a maze of cobbled backstreets, and plenty 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 Buying 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 retailers, eating places, and bars. This is a good place 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 (one of the best 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 widespread with locals. Take a look at this wonderful condominium within the space.
Greatest Eating places in Bari
There’s superb meals all through Bari. In the event you’re searching for some particular suggestions, take a look at 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 superb and the costs are cheap. Strive the normal native uncooked fish and the fritto misto (combined 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 unbelievable.
Their menu adjustments ceaselessly, however I had the orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe and it was unimaginable. That is additionally a stunning 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 fantastic house owners.
The menu is small and options conventional Puglian specialties – attempt the ravioli full of turnip tops and anchovies. Costs are midrange and very reasonable.
Magda
Magda is a bakery and a restaurant situated on the bustling By way of Prospero Petroni. It’s a stable 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 when you’re searching for an affordable and scrumptious place to eat within the middle of Bari. I had one of the best focaccia of my life right here, and their arancini balls are additionally insanely good.
Attending to Bari
Bari has a world airport with flights from throughout Europe, together with funds carriers Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air. In the event you’re flying from outdoors of Europe, you’ll most likely have to attach by way of Rome, Milan, or one other main European metropolis.
It’s also possible to attain Bari by prepare. 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 middle is walkable, and you will get to most different main locations by way of public transport. Nevertheless, when you’d prefer to discover extra of the encircling area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, you too can rent a automotive (usually the most cost effective from the airport).
Issues to Do in Bari: FAQs
Nonetheless questioning what to do in Bari? Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Bari and what stuff to do in Bari.
Bari is understood for its stunning structure, atmospheric Outdated City, nice meals, and beautiful seashores. It’s additionally certainly one of southern Italy’s main ports and is a serious transport hub for the area.
The very best time to go to Bari is within the spring (April-Could) or autumn (September-October), when the climate is heat however not too sizzling and there are fewer vacationers. Nevertheless, Bari is a good vacation spot year-round, so go to at any time when you possibly can.
Completely! Bari is an enthralling metropolis with lots to see and do. Whether or not you’re occupied with historical past, artwork, meals, or simply enjoyable on the seaside, Bari has one thing for you.
You possibly can see most of Bari’s important sights in in the future. Nevertheless, I like to recommend spending two or three days right here when you can, to essentially get a really feel for the environment of the town and surrounding area.
Sure, Bari is as secure as some other main Italian metropolis. In fact, petty crime can occur wherever, however so long as you’re taking the standard wise precautions, you shouldn’t have any points throughout your time there.
The most well-liked factor to do in Bari is to walk across the atmospheric Outdated City, which is filled with stunning medieval buildings and winding alleyways. Right here you possibly can watch girls making pasta by hand on the road – one of the crucial iconic issues to see in Bari, Italy.
The very best seaside in Bari itself is Pane e Pomodoro seaside. Nevertheless, essentially the most well-known seaside within the space is Lama Monachile, within the close by city of Polignano a Mare.
Orechiette pasta might be Bari’s most iconic dish and is often served with broccoli rabe (or rapini). Different must-try dishes embody 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 only a few of the highest issues to do in Bari, Italy. It’s an important metropolis and one which I might like to return to.
The vibe is pleasant and chill, it’s sunny for a lot of the 12 months, and also you’ll be surrounded by far fewer vacationers than in lots of different widespread Italian cities. In the event you get the possibility to go to Bari, I extremely suggest it.
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