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 Recognized for its atmospheric Outdated City, medieval church buildings, gorgeous seashores, and scrumptious meals and wine, there are such a lot of unimaginable issues to do in Bari.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 cherished 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 publish, I’ll describe among the prime issues to see and locations to go to in Bari. A few of these are free, others you must pay for, however all are nice and positively worthwhile.
Greatest Issues to Do in Bari
Nevertheless lengthy you must spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend testing at the least among the following.
1. Discover the Citta Vecchia
Most of the prime locations to go to in Bari are positioned in its Outdated City – a maze of slender, winding streets and again alleys that lies simply south of the fashionable port space.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 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. Girls 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 seems like a time warp, and also you get the sense that life hasn’t modified a lot right here in a whole lot of years. It’s a tremendous place to whereas away a number of hours and exploring it is likely one of the finest 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 Click on right here for a highly-rated guided tour of the outdated city.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 massive towers and a shocking 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 really takes within the Basilica of Saint Nicholas.
Deal with: Largo Abate Elia, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
3. Verify 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 valuable 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 street from the 2nd century and a Byzantine church from the ninth century. There are additionally the stays of a fantastically ornate mosaic.
Deal with: Piazza dell’Odegitria, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
4. Take a Historic Strolling Tour of Bari
Among the best methods to study in regards to 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 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 necessary and iconic sights, and educate you in regards to the historical past, tradition, and life-style of the folks of Bari.
I believed I knew loads about what to do in Bari, however after taking this strolling tour, I noticed there’s a lot extra to town. If it’s actually sizzling exterior, or in case you have mobility points…or, in case you’re simply feeling lazy…this rickshaw tour is an effective way to get across the outdated city!
5. Chill Out on the Seaside
Puglia is residence to among 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 town.
Maybe probably the most well-known seashore close to Bari is Lama Monachile (often known as Cala Porto), within the fairly little city of Polignano a Mare. This small white pebble seashore 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 (practice or bus) from Bari.
Nevertheless, in case you don’t have time to go away town, you’ll be able to nonetheless take pleasure in some seashore time. Try Pane e Pomodoro Seaside, a sandy seashore 3 kilometers southeast of town heart. The title interprets as “Bread and Tomato” (don’t ask me why).
6. Go on a Avenue Meals Tour
Bari is known for its scrumptious road meals, so remember to attempt as a lot of it as attainable when you’re on the town. Among the best methods to pattern a few of Bari’s finest road meals is to go on a road meals tour.
This is a superb choice and can introduce you to among the metropolis’s most well-known dishes. You’ll go to common 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 – in all probability 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 (Considered one of 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 outdated metropolis’s details of protection all through the centuries.
The fortress has been by means of loads traditionally and has been broken by earthquakes on a number of events. Regardless of this, the entire construction is amazingly effectively intact.
At present, the fortress is used as an exhibition heart and a museum devoted to the historical past of the fortress, in addition to town of Bari extra extensively. Exploring the enormous rooms and intensive grounds is extraordinarily evocative and is unquestionably among the finest locations to see in Bari.
8. Stroll Alongside the Seafront Promenade
Bari has an exquisite lengthy promenade (known as Lungomare Nazario Sauro) that runs alongside the seafront. It’s an incredible 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’ll be able to cease for a espresso or a chunk to eat in case you like.
You may as well prolong 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 once town’s essential harbor, till the development of the bigger industrial Port of Bari in 1850.
Right here you’re more likely to see folks 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 observe the spectacular sundown. That is considered one of my favourite issues to do in Bari at evening – there’s only a actually beautiful ambiance 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 elements, together with tomatoes, beans, artichokes, peppers, and seafood.
For an unforgettable expertise the place you’ll be able to learn to make some basic and scrumptious, native dishes, take a conventional Puglian cooking class. There are a number of totally different lessons to select from, however I suggest this one, which takes place on the host’s residence.
Through the class, you’ll learn 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 suggest it! Click on right here to study extra and guide your spot.
10. Folks-Watch within the Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is likely one of the essential squares on the sting of the Outdated City of Bari. It’s an incredible 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 for the reason that 14th century, and even at the moment it’s a well-liked spot for locals to satisfy 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 beautiful little nook of town is likely one of the finest free issues to do in Bari, Puglia.
11. See Bari on a Segway Tour
Segways will be very divisive: some folks love them, and a few folks actually don’t. For those who’re within the first camp, take into account becoming a member of this tour.
After a fast briefing, you’ll set off exploring among 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 fashionable metropolis, together with the Petruzzelli Theater and Bari’s essential fish market.
And on the finish, you’ll be able to 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 right place to chill out and take a break throughout a busy day of sightseeing.
The park has a wide range of totally different vegetation and bushes, in addition to a lake that’s residence to turtles, geese, and different birds. For those who’re searching for issues to do in Bari for households, I like to recommend checking this place out.
There’s additionally a playground for youngsters, and somewhat 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 supply crusing journeys from Bari, and also you’ll get to chill out on deck and benefit from the gorgeous shoreline as you sail previous.
Being on the water offers you a novel perspective of Bari itself, and lots of crusing journeys permit you the possibility to swim within the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean. It’s pretty frequent 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 implausible critiques and is likely one of the finest issues to do in Bari for {couples}, or teams of mates. 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 in case you’re touring by your self, that is nonetheless a fairly superior expertise!)
14. Snag a Discount at Poggiofranco Market
Mercato di Poggiofranco is likely one of the largest open-air markets in Bari and is the right place to choose up some souvenirs. The principle market takes place on Saturday mornings, from 8 am till round 1.30 pm.
To search 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’ll be able to both stroll or take a bus, or a taxi.
Right 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 in all probability get it right here.
You’ll additionally discover stalls promoting regionally made merchandise, which make nice presents to take residence. For those who’re on the town on a Saturday and are searching for a discount, 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 an exquisite coastal metropolis and among the finest locations to go to close to Bari. It takes about 40 minutes to drive there, or you’ll be able to 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 a whole lot of years of passing toes.
There’s additionally an historic fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used at the moment, the place you’ll be able to see native fishermen bringing of their catch, able to be taken straight to town’s eating places.
For those who’re trying to spend a while on the seashore, take a look at Cala Porta Vecchia, which is positioned simply south of the principle 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 lovely right here at any time of day nevertheless it’s particularly magical and atmospheric at sundown.
See full publish: 15 Greatest Issues to Do in Monopoli.
16. Be taught In regards to 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 in case you’re inquisitive about studying in regards to 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 town’s conventional tradition, which is de facto fascinating.
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.
Deal with: 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 are made solely from stone.
When you’ve got the time, there are lots of different issues to do close to Bari, and Alberobello is likely one of the most fascinating.
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 neater choice in case you don’t have your individual automotive is to take a guided journey from Bari (see under). Be taught extra about Alberobello in this publish.
18. Verify Out the Teatro Petruzzelli
The Teatro Petruzzelli is likely one of the most necessary 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 in case you’re not planning to catch a efficiency there, it’s nonetheless effectively price having a look inside.
Deal with: Corso Cavour, 12, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
19. Be a part of a Bike Tour
One other enjoyable approach to see the principle vacationer points of interest in Bari, Italy is to take a motorbike tour. You’ll cowl much more floor than you could possibly on foot, so it’s an effective way to see extra of town, particularly in case 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 a number of of town’s different, less-visited neighborhoods. Your information will 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 could possibly at all times rent a motorbike 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 regularly inhabited metropolis on the planet, and that folks have lived right here for at the least 9,000 years.
Constructed on prime of a rocky hill, it’s actually spectacular and positively price a go to. The town is finest identified for its Sassi District, which is residence 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, in case 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. Nevertheless, in case you’d like to go to each cities in sooner or later, take into account becoming a member of this guided journey.
21. Bonus!
When touring to Italy, it’s not possible to have “an excessive amount of meals”! Try 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 common landmarks, pattern conventional meals, and drink native wine as effectively. Click on right here for particulars.
Fast Journey Itineraries for Bari
Listed here are a number of instructed itineraries that will help you resolve what to see and do in Bari.
1 Day in Bari Itinerary
You’ll be able to see many of the essential Bari points of interest in sooner or later. Becoming a member of a strolling tour means that you can see the principle sights, and study in regards to 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.
In a while, head to the seashore for a swim, and finish your day with a meal at considered one of Bari’s wonderful eating places.
2-3 Days in Bari Itinerary
When you’ve got two or three days, you’ll be able to discover Bari’s environment in addition to town itself.
Spend the primary day exploring town, as per the above itinerary. On day two, take a day journey to both Matera or Alberobello (or, in case you’d wish to see each locations in sooner or later, take into account becoming a member of this tour).
When you’ve got 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 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’ll be able to comfortably do the entire actions in Bari I’ve described on this publish, and nonetheless have some spare time to spend nevertheless you want.
I like to recommend spending at the 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 motorbike will allow you to see much more of town.
With the extra days, I’d suggest taking day journeys to Monopoli and Matera/Alberobello. Another choice is today journey which really takes in Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, and Alberobello! And if you wish to spend an entire day on the seashore, go proper forward.
The place to Keep in Bari
These are a number of 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 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. Try this nice lodging in Bari Vecchia.
Murat – Greatest for Buying and Nightlife
Situated simply south of Bari Vecchia, Murat is the fashionable coronary heart of Bari. Right here you’ll discover lots of the metropolis’s finest retailers, eating places, and bars. This is a superb place to remain in Murat.
Madonnella – Greatest for Seaside Lovers
If you wish to be near the seashore, I like to recommend staying in Madonella. Right here you’ll be close to Pane e Pomodoro seashore (one of the best seashore 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 significantly common with locals. Take a look at this wonderful house within the space.
Greatest Eating places in Bari
There’s superb meals all through Bari. For those who’re searching for some particular suggestions, take a look at these locations.
Al Pescatore
Situated proper subsequent to the Castello Svevo, Al Pescatore serves among the finest recent fish and seafood within the metropolis. The standard is great and the costs are affordable. Attempt 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 implausible.
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 ambiance and great homeowners.
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 positioned on the bustling Through 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 right place to return in case you’re searching for an affordable and scrumptious place to eat within the heart 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. For those who’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 as well attain Bari by practice. The town is a significant cease on the Frecciargento high-speed railway community, which connects it to numerous different main Italian locations akin to Rome, Venice, and Naples.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to attain Bari by ferry from Albania, Greece, Montenegro, and Croatia. These ferries additionally transport vehicles.
When you get to Bari, town heart is walkable, and you may get to most different main locations through public transport. Nevertheless, in case you’d wish to discover extra of the encompassing area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, you can even 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 lovely structure, atmospheric Outdated City, nice meals, and wonderful seashores. It’s additionally considered one of southern Italy’s main ports and is a significant transport hub for the area.
The most effective time to go to Bari is within the spring (April-Might) or autumn (September-October), when the climate is heat however not too sizzling and there are fewer vacationers. Nevertheless, Bari is a superb vacation spot year-round, so go to each time you’ll be able to.
Completely! Bari is an enthralling metropolis with loads to see and do. Whether or not you’re inquisitive about historical past, artwork, meals, or simply stress-free on the seashore, Bari has one thing for you.
You’ll be able to see most of Bari’s essential sights in sooner or later. Nevertheless, I like to recommend spending two or three days right here in case you can, to essentially get a really feel for the ambiance of town and surrounding area.
Sure, Bari is as protected as another main Italian metropolis. In fact, petty crime can occur wherever, however so long as you’re taking the same old smart precautions, you shouldn’t have any points throughout your time there.
The preferred factor to do in Bari is to walk across the atmospheric Outdated City, which is stuffed with lovely medieval buildings and winding alleyways. Right here you’ll be able to watch ladies making pasta by hand on the road – one of the crucial iconic issues to see in Bari, Italy.
The most effective seashore in Bari itself is Pane e Pomodoro seashore. Nevertheless, probably the most well-known seashore 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 usually 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 just some of the highest issues to do in Bari, Italy. It’s an incredible 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 common Italian cities. For those who get the possibility to go to Bari, I extremely suggest it.
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