The capital of the southeastern Puglia area of Italy, Bari, is a vibrant port metropolis on the Adriatic Sea. Known for its atmospheric Old Town, medieval church buildings, gorgeous seashores, and scrumptious meals and wine, there are such a lot of unbelievable issues to do in Bari.
I hung out in Bari final month and actually liked 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.
In this put up, I’ll describe a number of the high issues to see and locations to go to in Bari. Some of those are free, others you must pay for, however all are nice and undoubtedly worthwhile.
Best Things to Do in Bari
However lengthy you must spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend trying out at the very least a number of the following.
1. Explore the Citta Vecchia
Many of the highest locations to go to in Bari are positioned in its Old Town – a maze of slender, winding streets and again alleys that lies simply south of the trendy port space. It’s an enchanting place, with greater than 2,000 years of historical past.
The majority 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 means of the backstreets, however that is a part of the enjoyable.
Every nook you flip you’ll see one thing new. Women sit at picket 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 complete place looks like a time warp, and also you get the sense that life hasn’t modified a lot right here in lots of of years. It’s a tremendous place to whereas away a couple of hours and exploring it is without doubt one of the finest actions in Bari. Click right here for a highly-rated guided tour of the outdated city.
2. Visit the Basilica Di San Nicola
Dating again to the twelfth century, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas was constructed on the location of a church that was destroyed by an earthquake in 1089.
The exterior of the basilica is extremely ornate, with two massive towers and a surprising façade. The inside is simply as spectacular, with lovely 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.
Address: Largo Abate Elia, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
3. Check Out Bari Cathedral
Another 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) comprises a collection of treasured relics and different historic artifacts, in addition to a museum.
Underneath the cathedral lies a collection of archaeological excavations, exhibiting the stays of an historical Roman street from the 2nd century and a Byzantine church from the ninth century. There are additionally the stays of a superbly ornate mosaic.
Address: Piazza dell’Odegitria, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
4. Take a Historical Walking Tour of Bari
One of the perfect methods to be taught concerning the wealthy and engaging historical past of this superb 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 vital and iconic sights, and educate you concerning the historical past, tradition, and life-style 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 spotted there’s a lot extra to the town. If it’s actually scorching outdoors, or if in case you have mobility points…or, when you’re simply feeling lazy…this rickshaw tour is a good way to get across the outdated city!
5. Chill Out on the Beach
Puglia is residence to a number of the finest 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.
Perhaps 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 beautiful turquoise water.
Other 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.
However, when you don’t have time to depart the town, you may nonetheless take pleasure in some seaside time. Check out Pane e Pomodoro Beach, a sandy seaside 3 kilometers southeast of the town heart. The title interprets as “Bread and Tomato” (don’t ask me why).
6. Go on a Street Food Tour
Bari is legendary for its scrumptious avenue meals, so you should definitely strive as a lot of it as attainable when you’re on the town. One of the perfect methods to pattern a few of Bari’s finest avenue meals is to go on a avenue meals tour.
This is a superb choice and can introduce you to a number of the metropolis’s most well-known dishes. You’ll go to standard native locations, and immerse your self in Bari’s wealthy culinary tradition.
Some 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 – most likely the perfect 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. Explore Castello Svevo (One of My Favorite Places to Visit 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 straightforward to think about how this fortress served as one of many outdated 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. Despite this, the entire construction is amazingly properly intact.
Today, the fortress is used as an exhibition heart 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 in depth grounds is extraordinarily evocative and is unquestionably top-of-the-line locations to see in Bari.
8. Stroll Along the Seafront Promenade
Bari has an exquisite lengthy promenade (referred to as Lungomare Nazario Sauro) that runs alongside the seafront. It’s a fantastic place to take a stroll, loosen up, and take within the views. There are additionally a number of cafes and eating places alongside the promenade, so you may cease for a espresso or a chunk to eat when you like.
You also can lengthen the stroll all the best way 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 fundamental harbor, till the development of the bigger business Port of Bari in 1850.
Here you’re more likely to see individuals fishing and hanging out with pals, portray boats, or taking crusing classes within the sheltered marina. I like to take a seat and watch all this go on whereas having fun with the contemporary sea air.
In the night, the promenade comes alive with locals and vacationers alike, and folks come to observe the spectacular sundown. This is considered one of my favourite issues to do in Bari at night time – there’s only a actually pretty ambiance right here.
9. Take a Traditional Puglian Cooking Class
Puglian meals tends to be pretty easy and showcases the freshness and top quality of native and seasonal elements, together with tomatoes, beans, artichokes, peppers, and seafood.
For an unforgettable expertise the place you may 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 residence.
During the category, you’ll discover ways to make 2 contemporary 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 without doubt one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Bari – I extremely advocate it! Click right here to be taught extra and guide your spot.
10. People-Watch within the Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is without doubt one of the fundamental squares on the sting of the Old Town of Bari. It’s a fantastic place to take a seat with a spritz or gelato and people-watch.
This historic medieval sq. has been a gathering place for hundreds of years. People have come right here to commerce their items ever for the reason that 14th century, and even right this moment 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 without doubt one of the finest free issues to do in Bari, Puglia.
11. See Bari on a Segway Tour
Segways may be very divisive: some individuals love them, and a few individuals actually don’t. If you’re within the first camp, think about becoming a member of this tour.
After a fast briefing, you’ll set off exploring a number of the metropolis’s better-known sights, in addition to some hidden gems and secret spots. You’ll go to locations in each the Old Town and the trendy metropolis, together with the Petruzzelli Theater and Bari’s fundamental fish market.
And on the finish, you may 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 preferred spot with locals and is the right place to loosen up and take a break throughout a busy day of sightseeing.
The park has quite a lot of completely different crops and bushes, in addition to a lake that’s residence to turtles, geese, and different birds. If you’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 just a little cafe kiosk promoting espresso, water, beer, and different refreshments.
13. Go on a Sailing Trip
Bari is positioned on the Adriatic Sea, and crusing is a well-liked pastime right here. There are a number of operators that supply crusing journeys from Bari, and also you’ll get to loosen up on deck and benefit from the gorgeous shoreline as you sail previous.
Being on the water provides you a singular perspective of Bari itself, and lots of crusing journeys enable you the prospect 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 unbelievable opinions and is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Bari for {couples}, or teams of pals. 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 right here for particulars.
(To be sincere, even when you’re touring by your self, that is nonetheless a fairly superior expertise!)
14. Snag a Bargain at Poggiofranco Market
Mercato di Poggiofranco is without doubt one of the largest open-air markets in Bari and is the right place to choose up some souvenirs. The fundamental market takes place on Saturday mornings, from 8 am till round 1.30 pm.
To discover 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 can both stroll or take a bus, or a taxi.
Here you’ll discover an enormous vary of things from garments, footwear, 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 regionally made merchandise, which make nice presents to take residence. If you’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 Trip to Monopoli
Monopoli is an exquisite coastal metropolis and top-of-the-line locations to go to close to Bari. It takes about 40 minutes to drive there, or you may catch the regional practice from Bari Central Station, which takes about 35 minutes.
At the center 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 lots of of years of passing ft.
There’s additionally an historical fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used right this moment, the place you may see native fishermen bringing of their catch, able to be taken straight to the town’s eating places.
If you’re seeking to spend a while on the seaside, take a look at Cala Porta Vecchia, which is positioned simply south of the principle Old Town.
I additionally advocate taking a stroll alongside the paved pedestrianized walkway that runs alongside the sting of the Old Town, subsequent to the seafront. It’s lovely right here at any time of day nevertheless it’s particularly magical and atmospheric at sundown.
See full put up: 15 Best Things to Do in Monopoli.
16. Learn About the City’s History 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 Old Town and is unquestionably price a go to when you’re concerned with 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 bit devoted to the town’s conventional tradition, which is absolutely fascinating.
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.
Address: Str. Sagges, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
17. Make A Day Trip To Alberobello
Alberobello is a small Puglian city well-known for its distinctive “trulli” homes – conventional conical-roofed dwellings which are made completely from stone.
If you may have the time, there are numerous different issues to do close to Bari, and Alberobello is without doubt one of the most fascinating.
It’s about an hour away from Bari by automobile, and there’s additionally a bus that runs between the 2 locations (though this does take nearly twice as lengthy). An simpler choice when you don’t have your personal automobile is to take a guided journey from Bari (see under). Learn extra about Alberobello on this put up.
18. Check Out the Teatro Petruzzelli
The Teatro Petruzzelli is without doubt one of the most vital 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 exquisite inside. Even when you’re not planning to catch a efficiency there, it’s nonetheless properly price looking inside.
Address: Corso Cavour, 12, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
19. Join a Bike Tour
Another enjoyable technique 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 may on foot, so it’s a good way to see extra of the town, particularly when you solely have a restricted period of time.
This tour has glorious opinions and can take you thru the Old Town of Bari, in addition to a couple of of the town’s different, less-visited neighborhoods. Your information can even take you to considered one of their favourite ice cream retailers so that you can cool off and luxuriate in a well-earned deal with.
Alternatively, you may all the time rent a motorcycle and discover by your self. But for the tour, click on right here for extra info.
20. Go on a Day Trip to Matera
Matera is a metropolis within the neighboring area of Basilicata. Historians imagine Matera to be the third-oldest regularly inhabited metropolis on the earth, and that folks have lived right here for at the very least 9,000 years.
Built on high of a rocky hill, it’s actually spectacular and undoubtedly price a go to. The metropolis is finest recognized for its Sassi District, which is residence to a posh 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 considered one of Alberobello or Matera to go to, personally I might go along with Matera. I discovered it extra atmospheric and fewer touristy. However, when you’d like to go to each cities in in the future, think about becoming a member of this guided journey.
21. Bonus!
When touring to Italy, it’s not possible to have “too much food”! Check out this enjoyable journey which mixes consuming, consuming wine, and strolling — which is nice as you’ll need to stroll off some energy. You’ll go to standard landmarks, pattern conventional meals, and drink native wine as properly. Click right here for particulars.
Quick Travel Itineraries for Bari
Here are a couple of advised itineraries that can assist you determine what to see and do in Bari.
1 Day in Bari Itinerary
You can see many of the fundamental Bari points of interest in in the future. Joining a strolling tour lets you see the principle sights, and be taught concerning the metropolis and its historical past.
Start your day by exploring the Old Town. Visit the Basilica di San Nicola, the Castello Normanno-Svevo, and the Cattedrale di San Sabino. Then head to the Murat district for some buying.
Later on, head to the seaside for a swim, and finish your day with a meal at considered one of Bari’s glorious eating places.
2-3 Days in Bari Itinerary
If you may have two or three days, you may 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 wish to see each locations in in the future, think about becoming a member of this tour).
If you may 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 finest seashores, together with Lama Monachile and Cala Paura. You can get there by boat, together with an aperitif and exploration of caves and coves with this journey. End your final day with this superb sundown crusing journey.
1 Week in Bari Itinerary
With every week, you may comfortably do all the actions in Bari I’ve described on this put up, and nonetheless have some spare time to spend nevertheless you would like.
I like to recommend spending at the very least two days within the metropolis itself, basically following the above itinerary, however giving your self extra time to take pleasure in every exercise and spend longer in every place. On considered 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 an entire day on the seaside, go proper forward.
Where to Stay in Bari
These are a couple of of the perfect neighborhoods in Bari for vacationers.
Bari Vecchia – Best for First-time Visitors and Sightseeing
Bari Vecchia (Old 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 enticing little plazas. Check out this nice lodging in Bari Vecchia.
Murat – Best for Shopping and Nightlife
Located simply south of Bari Vecchia, Murat is the trendy coronary heart of Bari. Here you’ll discover lots of the metropolis’s finest retailers, eating places, and bars. This is a good place to remain in Murat.
Madonnella – Best for Beach Lovers
If you need to be near the seaside, I like to recommend staying in Madonella. Here you’ll be close to Pane e Pomodoro seaside (the perfect 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 are notably standard with locals. Have a take a look at this glorious condo within the space.
Best Restaurants in Bari
There’s superb meals all through Bari. If you’re in search of some particular suggestions, take a look at these locations.
Al Pescatore
Located proper subsequent to the Castello Svevo, Al Pescatore serves a number of the finest contemporary fish and seafood within the metropolis. The high quality is superb and the costs are affordable. Try the normal 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 Old Town. They serve scrumptious pasta and a variety of different native specialties, all of that are low cost and unbelievable.
Their menu modifications often, however I had the orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe and it was unbelievable. This can be a beautiful place to take a seat with a spritz and watch the world go by.
Per Bacco
In the brand new a part of city, near the Lungomare seafront promenade, Per Bacco is a midrange, intimate restaurant with a really cozy ambiance and great homeowners.
The menu is small and options conventional Puglian specialties – strive the ravioli full of turnip tops and anchovies. Prices are midrange and particularly reasonable.
Magda
Magda is a bakery and a restaurant positioned on the bustling Via 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.
This is the right place to return when you’re in search of an affordable and scrumptious place to eat within the heart of Bari. I had the perfect focaccia of my life right here, and their arancini balls are additionally insanely good.
Getting to Bari
Bari has a global airport with flights from throughout Europe, together with price range carriers Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air. If 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.
You also can attain Bari by practice. The metropolis is a serious cease on the Frecciargento high-speed railway community, which connects it to varied different main Italian locations akin to Rome, Venice, and Naples.
Alternatively, you may attain Bari by ferry from Albania, Greece, Montenegro, and Croatia. These ferries additionally transport automobiles.
Once you get to Bari, the town heart is walkable, and you may get to most different main locations by way of public transport. However, when you’d wish to discover extra of the encompassing area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, you can even rent a automobile (usually the most affordable from the airport).
Things to Do in Bari: FAQs
Still questioning what to do in Bari? Here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Bari and what stuff to do in Bari.
What is Bari recognized for?
Bari is understood for its lovely structure, atmospheric Old Town, nice meals, and beautiful seashores. It’s additionally considered one of southern Italy’s main ports and is a serious transport hub for the area.
When is the perfect time to go to Bari?
The finest time to go to Bari is within the spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October), when the climate is heat however not too scorching and there are fewer vacationers. However, Bari is a good vacation spot year-round, so go to each time you may.
Is Bari price visiting?
Absolutely! Bari is a captivating metropolis with lots to see and do. Whether you’re concerned with historical past, artwork, meals, or simply enjoyable on the seaside, Bari has one thing for you.
How many days ought to I spend in Bari?
You can see most of Bari’s fundamental sights in in the future. However, I like to recommend spending two or three days right here when you can, to essentially get a really feel for the ambiance of the town and surrounding area.
Is Bari secure?
Yes, Bari is as secure as every other main Italian metropolis. Of course, petty crime can occur anyplace, however so long as you’re taking the standard wise precautions, you shouldn’t have any points throughout your time there.
What is the most well-liked factor to do in Bari?
The hottest factor to do in Bari is to walk across the atmospheric Old Town, which is stuffed with lovely medieval buildings and winding alleyways. Here you may watch girls making pasta by hand on the road – one of the crucial iconic issues to see in Bari, Italy.
What is the perfect seaside in Bari?
The finest seaside in Bari itself is Pane e Pomodoro seaside. However, 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 often served with broccoli rabe (or rapini). Other 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 only a few of the highest issues to do in Bari, Italy. It’s a fantastic 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 standard Italian cities. If you get the prospect to go to Bari, I extremely advocate it.
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