The capital of the southeastern Puglia area of Italy, Bari, is a vibrant port metropolis on the Adriatic Sea. Recognized for its atmospheric Previous 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 cherished 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 publish, 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 it’s important to pay for, however all are nice and positively worthwhile.
Greatest Issues to Do in Bari
Nonetheless lengthy it’s important 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 high locations to go to in Bari are situated in its Previous City – a maze of slim, winding streets and again alleys that lies simply south of the fashionable port space. It’s an interesting 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 way 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 adorned 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 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 Click on right here for a highly-rated guided tour of the outdated city.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 grew to become 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.
Handle: Largo Abate Elia, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
3. Examine 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 stupendous instance of Romanesque structure. Inside, the cathedral’s treasury (Tesoro) accommodates 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 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.
Handle: Piazza dell’Odegitria, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
4. Take a Historic Strolling Tour of Bari
Top-of-the-line methods to be taught in regards to 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 in regards to the historical past, tradition, and life-style of the individuals of Bari.
I believed I knew so much 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 sizzling exterior, or when 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 house to a few of the finest 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 (also called 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 embrace Cala Paura (additionally in Polignano a Mare) and Cala Porta Vecchia (in romantic Monopoli). These are all straightforward to achieve with public transport (prepare or bus) from Bari.
Nonetheless, in case you don’t have time to go away the town, you’ll be able to nonetheless take pleasure in some seaside time. Try Pane e Pomodoro Seaside, 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 avenue meals, so make sure to strive as a lot of it as potential when you’re on the town. Top-of-the-line 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 few of 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 embrace:
- Orecchiette pasta with sautéed broccoli rabe (also called 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 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 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 way of so much traditionally and has been broken by earthquakes on a number of events. Regardless of this, the entire construction is amazingly properly intact.
Right now, the fort is used as an exhibition middle and a museum devoted to the historical past of the fort, in addition to the town of Bari extra broadly. Exploring the enormous rooms and intensive grounds is extraordinarily evocative and is unquestionably probably the greatest locations to see in Bari.
8. Stroll Alongside the Seafront Promenade
Bari has a stupendous lengthy promenade (known as Lungomare Nazario Sauro) that runs alongside the seafront. It’s a fantastic place to take a stroll, calm down, 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.
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 the town’s primary harbor, till the development of the bigger business 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 like to take a seat 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 beautiful 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 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 standard Puglian cooking class. There are a number of totally different courses to select from, however I advocate this one, which takes place on the host’s house.
In the course of 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 without doubt one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Bari – I extremely advocate it! Click on right here to be taught extra and e book your spot.
10. Individuals-Watch within the Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is without doubt one of the primary squares on the sting of the Previous City 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. Individuals have come right here to commerce their items ever for the reason that 14th century, and even in the present day it’s a preferred 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 the town is without doubt one of the finest 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. If you happen to’re within the first camp, take into account 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 Previous City and the fashionable metropolis, together with the Petruzzelli Theater and Bari’s primary fish market.
And on the finish, you’ll be able to take pleasure in 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 calm down 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 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 youngsters, and slightly 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 supply crusing journeys from Bari, and also you’ll get to calm down 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 lots of crusing journeys permit you the prospect to swim within the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean. It’s pretty widespread to see dolphins and a spread 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 associates. What may very well 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 without doubt one of 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 search 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’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 house. If you happen to’re on the town on a Saturday and are in search of a discount, and an perception into the lives of the individuals who reside in Bari, I like to recommend swinging by Mercato di Poggiofranco.
15. Take a Journey to Monopoli
Monopoli is a stupendous coastal metropolis and probably the greatest locations to go to close to Bari. It takes about 40 minutes to drive there, or you’ll be able to 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 outdated whitewashed buildings, with inexperienced window shutters, colourful flowerboxes, and cobbled streets polished clean by lots of of years of passing toes.
There’s additionally an historical fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used in the present day, the place you’ll be able to see native fishermen bringing of their catch, able to be taken straight to the town’s eating places.
If you happen to’re seeking to spend a while on the seaside, take a look at Cala Porta Vecchia, which is situated simply south of the principle Previous City.
I additionally advocate taking a stroll alongside the paved pedestrianized walkway that runs alongside the sting of the Previous 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 situated in an outdated palazzo within the Previous City and is unquestionably value a go to in case you’re desirous 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 the town’s conventional tradition, which is de facto fascinating.
The museum hosts a spread 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 fully from stone.
When you’ve got 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). A better choice in case you don’t have your personal automobile is to take a guided journey from Bari (see under). Be taught extra about Alberobello in this publish.
18. Examine Out the Teatro Petruzzelli
The Teatro Petruzzelli is without doubt one of the most essential cultural establishments in Bari. It’s a big theater and opera home that recurrently hosts a spread 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 properly value looking inside.
Handle: Corso Cavour, 12, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
19. Be a part of a Bike Tour
One other enjoyable method to see the principle vacationer points of interest in Bari, Italy is to take a motorbike tour. You’ll cowl way more floor than you may on foot, so it’s an effective way to see extra of the town, particularly in case you solely have a restricted period of time.
This tour has glorious opinions and can take you thru the Previous City of Bari, in addition to a couple of of the town’s different, less-visited neighborhoods. Your information will even take you to certainly one of their favourite ice cream retailers so that you can cool off and luxuriate in a well-earned deal with.
Alternatively, you may at all times 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 consider Matera to be the third-oldest frequently inhabited metropolis on the earth, and that folks have lived right here for no less than 9,000 years.
Constructed on high of a rocky hill, it’s actually spectacular and positively value a go to. The town is finest identified for its Sassi District, which is house 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, in case you needed to decide solely certainly one of Alberobello or Matera to go to, personally I might go along with Matera. I discovered it extra atmospheric and fewer touristy. Nonetheless, in case you’d like to go to each cities in in the future, take into account becoming a member of this guided journey.
21. Bonus!
When touring to Italy, it’s unattainable to have “an excessive amount of meals”! Try 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 common landmarks, pattern conventional meals, and drink native wine as properly. Click on right here for particulars.
Fast Journey Itineraries for Bari
Listed here are a couple of instructed itineraries that can assist you resolve what to see and do in Bari.
1 Day in Bari Itinerary
You’ll be able to see many of the primary Bari points of interest in in the future. Becoming a member of a strolling tour means that you can see the principle sights, and be taught in regards to the metropolis and its historical past.
Begin your day by exploring the Previous 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 purchasing.
Afterward, head to the seaside for a swim, and finish your day with a meal at certainly one of Bari’s glorious 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 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, in case you’d prefer to see each locations in in the future, take into account 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 finest seashores, together with Lama Monachile and Cala Paura. You may 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 nonetheless you want.
I like to recommend spending no less than 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 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 advocate taking day journeys to Monopoli and Matera/Alberobello. An alternative choice is at the present time 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 a couple of of the most effective neighborhoods in Bari for vacationers.
Bari Vecchia – Greatest for First-time Guests and Sightseeing
Bari Vecchia (Previous Bari) is the historic middle 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. 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 most of the metropolis’s finest retailers, eating places, and bars. This is a good place to remain in Murat.
Madonnella – Greatest for Seaside 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 significantly common with locals. Take a look at this glorious condo within the space.
Greatest Eating places in Bari
There’s superb meals all through Bari. If you happen to’re in search of 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 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 Previous City. They serve scrumptious pasta and a spread of different native specialties, all of that are low-cost and unbelievable.
Their menu modifications incessantly, however I had the orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe and it was unimaginable. That is additionally a stunning place to take a seat 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 homeowners.
The menu is small and options conventional Puglian specialties – strive the ravioli filled with turnip tops and anchovies. Costs are midrange and very reasonable.
Magda
Magda is a bakery and a restaurant situated on the bustling Through Prospero Petroni. It’s a stable favourite with the locals and serves a spread of focaccias, flatbreads, candy and savory pastries, and different conventional snacks.
That is the proper place to return in case you’re in search of an affordable and scrumptious place to eat within the middle 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 world airport with flights from throughout Europe, together with finances carriers Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air. If you happen to’re flying from exterior of Europe, you’ll in all probability have to attach by way of Rome, Milan, or one other main European metropolis.
It’s also possible to attain Bari by prepare. The town is a significant cease on the Frecciargento high-speed railway community, which connects it to varied different main Italian locations reminiscent of Rome, Venice, and Naples.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to attain Bari by ferry from Albania, Greece, Montenegro, and Croatia. These ferries additionally transport automobiles.
When you get to Bari, the town middle is walkable, and you may get to most different main locations by way of public transport. Nonetheless, in case you’d prefer to discover extra of the encompassing area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, you may as well rent a automobile (typically 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 thought for its lovely structure, atmospheric Previous City, nice meals, and wonderful seashores. It’s additionally certainly one of southern Italy’s main ports and is a significant transport hub for the area.
The perfect 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. Nonetheless, Bari is a good vacation spot year-round, so go to at any time when you’ll be able to.
Completely! Bari is an enthralling metropolis with loads to see and do. Whether or not you’re desirous about historical past, artwork, meals, or simply stress-free on the seaside, Bari has one thing for you.
You’ll be able to see most of Bari’s primary sights in in the future. Nonetheless, I like to recommend spending two or three days right here in case you can, to actually get a really feel for the environment of the town and surrounding area.
Sure, Bari is as protected as every other main Italian metropolis. In fact, petty crime can occur anyplace, however so long as you’re taking the standard smart 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 Previous City, which is stuffed with lovely medieval buildings and winding alleyways. Right here you’ll be able to watch girls making pasta by hand on the road – some of the iconic issues to see in Bari, Italy.
The perfect seaside in Bari itself is Pane e Pomodoro seaside. Nonetheless, 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 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 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 common Italian cities. If you happen to get the prospect to go to Bari, I extremely advocate it.
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