By Lambe Lamis 
Table of Contents
The capital of the southeastern Puglia area of Italy, Bari, is a colourful port town at the Adriatic Sea. Recognized for its atmospheric Outdated The city, medieval church buildings, surprising seashores, and scrumptious meals and wine, there are such a large amount of improbable issues to do in Bari.
I frolicked in Bari final month and truly liked the town. It receives a long way fewer vacationers than different Italian towns like Rome, Florence, and Naples, it’s a lot less expensive and has a truly original and laidback vibe.
On this publish, I’ll describe probably the most best issues to look and puts to discuss with in Bari. A few of these are loose, others you must pay for, however all are nice and indubitably profitable.
Very best Issues To Do in Bari
Alternatively lengthy you must spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend trying out no less than probably the most following.
1. Discover The Citta Vecchia
Most of the best puts to discuss with in Bari are situated in its Outdated The city – a maze of slim, winding streets and again alleys that lies simply south of the fashionable port space. It’s an interesting position, with greater than 2,000 years of historical past.
Nearly all of the historical structures in Citta Vecchia are intact, and the entire district has a perfectly distinctive really feel. It’s simple to get misplaced wandering in the course of the backstreets, however this is a part of the joys.
Each and every nook you flip you’ll see one thing new. Ladies sit down at wood tables on the street making home made orecchiette pasta, picturesque little squares are embellished with flora, and locals sit down in combination chatting over a espresso or glasses of wine.
The entire position seems like a time warp, and also you get the sense that existence hasn’t modified a lot right here in loads of years. It’s a fantastic position to whilst away a couple of hours.
2. Consult with The Basilica Di San Nicola
Relationship again to the twelfth century, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas used to be constructed at the website online of a church that used to be destroyed through an earthquake in 1089.
The outside of the basilica is extremely ornate, with two massive towers and a shocking façade. The inner is solely as spectacular, with stunning mosaics and art work decorating the partitions and ceilings.
It’s devoted to Saint Nicholas (AKA Saint Nick, or Santa Claus, of Christmas Eve status), who used to be born in Patara, in modern day Turkey, and later become the Bishop of Myra.
The stays of Saint Nicholas are in fact buried within the crypt of the basilica, and it’s a spot of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians from far and wide the arena.
3. Test Out Bari Cathedral
Any other church in Bari that’s price 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 center of Citta Vecchia and is a gorgeous instance of Romanesque structure. Inside of, the cathedral’s treasury (Tesoro) incorporates a sequence of valuable relics and different ancient artifacts, in addition to a museum.
Beneath the cathedral lies a sequence of archaeological excavations, appearing the stays of an historical Roman street from the second century and a Byzantine church from the ninth century. There also are the stays of a superbly ornate mosaic.
4. Take A Ancient Strolling Excursion Of Bari
One of the vital easiest tactics to be informed concerning the wealthy and engaging historical past of this superb town is to participate in a ancient strolling excursion of Bari.
There are a number of other excursions to make a choice from, however I like to recommend this one. Your passionate native information will display you across the town’s maximum vital and iconic attractions, and train you concerning the historical past, tradition, and way of life of the folk of Bari.
5. Kick back Out At The Seashore
Puglia is house to probably the most easiest seashores in Italy. Many of those are situated a brief distance from Bari and make an ideal day shuttle (or half-day shuttle) clear of the town.
Possibly probably the most well-known seaside close to Bari is Lama Monachile (sometimes called Cala Porto), within the beautiful little the town of Polignano a Mare. This small white pebble seaside is on the finish of a steep-sided rocky canyon framed through vertical cliffs and has stunning turquoise water.
Different nice seashores close to Bari come with Cala Paura (additionally in Polignano a Mare) and Cala Porta Vecchia (in romantic Monopoli). Those are all simple to achieve with public shipping (educate or bus) from Bari.
Alternatively, should you don’t have time to depart the town, you’ll nonetheless revel in some seaside time. Take a look at Pane e Pomodoro seaside, a sandy seaside 3 kilometers southeast of the town middle. The identify interprets as “Bread and Tomato” (don’t question me why).
6. Cross On A Boulevard Meals Excursion
Bari is known for its scrumptious boulevard meals, so make sure to take a look at as a lot of it as conceivable whilst you’re on the town. One of the vital easiest tactics to pattern a few of Bari’s easiest boulevard meals is to head on a boulevard meals excursion.
This is a wonderful possibility and can introduce you to probably the most town’s most famed dishes. You’ll discuss with well-liked native puts, and immerse your self in Bari’s wealthy culinary tradition.
A few of my favourite native specialties come with:
- Orecchiette pasta with sautéed broccoli rabe (sometimes called rapini).
- Tiella – a hearty conventional dish made with rice, potatoes, and mussels (call to mind it as a Puglian paella).
- Focaccia Barese – most certainly the most productive focaccia you are going to ever consume, crowned with ripe tomatoes, olives, olive oil, and oregano.
- Polpette – tacky fried dumplings made the use of stale bread (and infrequently fish, meat, or greens), both served crispy through themselves, or in a wealthy sauce.
7. Discover Castello Svevo (One in all My Favourite Puts to Consult with in Bari)
Castello Svevo di Bari is a Norman fortress that used to be constructed, destroyed, after which rebuilt within the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. It’s an impressive construction proper subsequent to the ocean, and with its thick partitions and moat, it’s simple to consider how this fortress served as one of the crucial outdated town’s details of protection during the centuries.
The fortress has been via so much traditionally and has been broken through earthquakes on a number of events. In spite of this, the entire construction is incredibly properly intact.
These days, 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 extensively. Exploring the enormous rooms and in depth grounds is terribly evocative and is indubitably one of the crucial easiest puts to look in Bari.
8. Walk Alongside The Seafront Prom
Bari has an exquisite lengthy prom (referred to as Lungomare Nazario Sauro) that runs alongside the seafront. It’s an excellent spot to take a walk, chill out, and take within the perspectives. There also are a number of cafes and eating places alongside the prom, so you’ll prevent for a espresso or a chunk to consume should you like.
You’ll be able to additionally prolong the stroll all of the solution to the Molo Sant’Antonio lighthouse, which is situated on the finish of the ocean wall marking the doorway to the crusing and enjoyment boat harbor. This was the town’s major harbor, till the development of the bigger industrial Port of Bari in 1850.
Right here you’re more likely to see humans fishing and placing out with pals, portray boats, or taking crusing courses within the sheltered marina. You’ll be able to sit down and watch all this pass on whilst playing the contemporary sea air.
Within the night time, the prom comes alive with locals and vacationers alike, and humans come to observe the impressive sundown. That is one in all my favourite issues to do in Bari at evening – there’s only a truly pretty surroundings right here.
9. Take A Conventional Puglian Cooking Elegance
Puglian meals has a tendency to be reasonably easy and showcases the freshness and top of the range of native and seasonal components, together with tomatoes, beans, artichokes, peppers, and seafood.
For an unforgettable revel in the place you’ll learn to make some vintage and scrumptious, native dishes, take a conventional Puglian cooking elegance. There are a number of other categories to make a choice from, however I like to recommend this one, which takes position on the host’s house, as regards to the Central Station.
Right through the category, you’ll learn to make contemporary orecchiette (Puglia’s well-known pasta that appears like little ears), conventional focaccia Barese (with oregano and contemporary tomatoes), and sauces with recipes and strategies handed down via generations. This is among the most exciting issues to do in Bari – I extremely suggest it!
10. Folks-Watch in The Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is among the major squares at the fringe of the Outdated The city of Bari. It’s an excellent spot to sit down with a spritz or gelato and people-watch.
This ancient medieval sq. has been a gathering position for hundreds of years. Folks have come right here to industry their items ever for the reason that 14th century, or even lately it’s a well-liked spot for locals to fulfill and hang around in combination.
The structures 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 playing this gorgeous little nook of the town is among the easiest loose issues to do in Bari, Puglia.
11. See Bari On A Segway Excursion
Segways will also be very divisive: some humans love them, and a few humans truly don’t. When you’re within the former camp, believe becoming a member of this excursion.
After a handy guide a rough briefing, you’ll prompt exploring probably the most town’s better-known attractions, in addition to some hidden gem stones and secret spots. You’ll discuss with puts in each the Outdated The city and the fashionable town, together with the Petruzzelli Theater and Bari’s major fish marketplace.
And on the finish, you’ll revel in some scrumptious conventional do-it-yourself ice cream.
12. Kick back 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 very best position to chill out and take a spoil throughout a hectic day of sightseeing.
The park has quite a few other crops and bushes, in addition to a lake that’s house to turtles, geese, and different birds. When you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Bari for households, I like to recommend checking this position out.
There’s additionally a playground for youngsters, and slightly cafe kiosk promoting espresso, water, beer, and different refreshments.
13. Cross On A Crusing Shuttle
Bari is situated at the Adriatic Sea, and crusing is a well-liked interest 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 surprising sea coast as you sail previous.
Being at the water provides you with a singular viewpoint of Bari itself, and lots of crusing journeys permit you the risk to swim within the transparent blue waters of the Mediterranean. It’s reasonably not unusual to look dolphins and a spread of alternative aquatic existence whilst you’re at the boat too.
This is a wonderful sundown crusing shuttle that has implausible opinions and is among the easiest issues to do in Bari for {couples}. What may well be extra romantic than sitting at the deck of a sailboat, looking at the sundown over the ocean, with an aperitivo in hand?
(To be fair, even supposing you’re touring on your own, that is nonetheless a horny superior revel in!)
14. Snag A Discount At Poggiofranco Marketplace
Mercato di Poggiofranco is among the greatest open-air markets in Bari and is the very best position to select up some souvenirs. The principle marketplace takes position on Saturday mornings, from 8 am till round 1.30 pm.
To search out the marketplace, 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 in finding an enormous vary of things from garments, sneakers, and equipment to food and drinks, homeware, and kitchen utensils. You identify it, you’ll most certainly get it right here.
You’ll additionally in finding stalls promoting in the community made merchandise, which make nice items to take house. When you’re on the town on a Saturday and are on the lookout for a cut price, and an perception into the lives of the individuals who are living in Bari, I like to recommend swinging through Mercato di Poggiofranco.
15. Take A Shuttle To Monopoli
Monopoli is a gorgeous coastal town and one of the crucial easiest puts to discuss with close to Bari. It takes about 40 mins to force there, or you’ll catch the regional educate from Bari Central Station, which takes about 35 mins.
On the center of Monopoli is the centro storico, or ancient middle – a labyrinth of lovely outdated whitewashed structures, with inexperienced window shutters, colourful flowerboxes, and cobbled streets polished clean through loads of years of passing toes.
There’s additionally an historical fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used lately, the place you’ll see native fishermen bringing of their catch, in a position to be taken directly to the town’s eating places.
When you’re taking a look to spend a while at the seaside, take a look at Cala Porta Vecchia, which is situated simply south of the principle Outdated The city.
I additionally suggest taking a walk alongside the paved pedestrianized walkway that runs alongside the threshold of the Outdated The city, subsequent to the seafront. It’s stunning right here at any time of day however it’s particularly magical and atmospheric at sundown.
16. Be told About The Town’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 Outdated The city and is indubitably price a discuss with should you’re thinking about finding out concerning the town’s previous.
The museum homes a choice of ancient artifacts, in addition to a library and an archive. There’s additionally a bit devoted to the town’s conventional tradition, which is truly fascinating.
The museum hosts a spread of occasions and exhibitions during the yr. See right here for more info on what’s on throughout your discuss with.
17. Make A Day Shuttle To Alberobello
In case you have the time, there are lots of different issues to do close to Bari.
Alberobello is a small Puglian the town well-known for its distinctive “trulli” homes – conventional conical-roofed dwellings which might be made totally from stone.
It’s about an hour clear of Bari through automobile, and there’s additionally a bus that runs between the 2 puts (even supposing this does take nearly two times as lengthy). An more uncomplicated possibility should you don’t have your individual automobile is to take a guided shuttle from Bari (see beneath).
18. Test Out The Teatro Petruzzelli
The Teatro Petruzzelli is among the maximum vital cultural establishments in Bari. It’s a big theater and opera space that frequently hosts a spread of theater, ballet, opera, and live performance performances.
The development itself dates from 1904 and is extremely ornate and wonderful inside of. Despite the fact that you’re now not making plans to catch a efficiency there, it’s nonetheless properly price having a look inside of.
19. Sign up for A Motorcycle Excursion
Any other a laugh solution to see the principle vacationer sights in Bari, Italy is to take a motorbike excursion. You’ll duvet way more flooring than you need to on foot, so it’s an effective way to look extra of the town, particularly should you simplest have a restricted period of time.
This excursion has superb opinions and can take you in the course of the Outdated The city of Bari, in addition to among the town’s different, less-visited neighborhoods. Your information may even take you to one in all their favourite ice cream stores so that you can cool off and revel in a well-earned deal with.
On the other hand, you need to at all times rent a motorbike and discover on your own. Click on right here for more info.
20. Cross On A Day Shuttle To Matera
Matera is a town within the neighboring area of Basilicata. Historians consider Matera to be the third-oldest regularly inhabited town on the planet, and that individuals have lived right here for a minimum of 9,000 years.
Constructed on best of a rocky hill, it’s truly impressive and indubitably price a discuss with. Town is easiest identified for its Sassi district, which is house to a fancy of prehistoric cave dwellings and a medieval rock church carved into the mountain.
Tip: When deciding what issues to do round Bari, should you had to select simplest one in all Alberobello or Matera to discuss with, in my opinion I might pass with Matera. I discovered it extra atmospheric and no more touristy. Alternatively, should you’d love to discuss with each towns in sooner or later, believe becoming a member of this guided shuttle.
Fast Commute Itineraries For Bari
Listed below are a couple of instructed itineraries to assist making a decision what to look and do in Bari.
1 Day in Bari Itinerary
You’ll be able to see many of the major Bari sights in sooner or later.
Get started your day through exploring the Outdated The city. Consult with the Basilica di San Nicola, the Castello Normanno-Svevo, and the Cattedrale di San Sabino. Then head to the Murat district for some buying groceries.
Afterward, head to the seaside for a swim, and finish your day with a meal at one in all Bari’s superb eating places.
2-3 Days in Bari Itinerary
In case you have two or 3 days, you’ll discover Bari’s setting in addition to the town itself.
Spend the primary day exploring the town, as according to the above itinerary. On day two, take an afternoon shuttle to both Matera or Alberobello (or, should you’d like to look each puts in sooner or later, believe becoming a member of this excursion).
In case you have a 3rd day, take the educate to the within reach the town of Polignano a Mare, which is completely picturesque and residential to a few of southern Italy’s easiest seashores, together with Lama Monachile and Cala Paura. Finish your final day with this superb sundown crusing shuttle.
1 Week in Bari Itinerary
With every week in Bari, you’ll with ease do the entire actions I’ve described on this publish, and also have some spare time to spend on the other hand you want.
I like to recommend spending no less than two days within the town itself, necessarily following the above itinerary, however giving your self extra time to revel in every process and spend longer in every position. On one in all your Bari days, hiring a motorbike will assist you see much more of the town.
With the extra days, I’d suggest taking day journeys to Monopoli, and Matera/Alberobello. And if you wish to spend an entire day at the seaside, pass proper forward.
The place To Keep in Bari
Those are among the easiest neighborhoods in Bari for vacationers.
Bari Vecchia – Very best for First-time Guests and Sightseeing
Bari Vecchia (Outdated Bari) is the historical middle of Bari and is the place you’ll in finding many of the town’s most famed attractions and sights.
It’s tremendous atmospheric, with a maze of cobbled backstreets, and lots of old fashioned eating places and cafes spilling out into the horny little plazas. Take a look at this nice Airbnb in Bari Vecchia.
Murat – Very best for Buying groceries and Nightlife
Situated simply south of Bari Vecchia, Murat is the fashionable center of Bari. Right here you’ll in finding lots of the town’s easiest stores, eating places, and bars.
This is a brilliant position to stick in Murat.
Madonnella – Very best for Seashore Fanatics
If you wish to be as regards to the seaside, I like to recommend staying in Madonella. Right here you’ll be close to Pane e Pomodoro seaside (the most productive seaside within the town), in addition to the Lungomare Nazario Sauro seafront prom the place there also are a number of cafes and bars which might be in particular well-liked by locals.
Take a look at this superb Airbnb within the space.
Very best Eating places in Bari
There’s superb meals during Bari. When you’re on the lookout for some explicit suggestions, take a look at those puts.
Al Pescatore
Situated proper subsequent to the Castello Svevo, Al Pescatore serves probably the most easiest contemporary fish and seafood within the town. The standard is superb and the costs are affordable. Check out the normal native uncooked fish and the fritto misto (blended fried seafood).
Assaporando le Delizie Pugliesi
This conventional little eating place is in a small sq. subsequent to the Metropolitan Cathedral, within the center of Bari’s Outdated The city. They serve scrumptious pasta and a spread of alternative native specialties, all of which might be affordable and implausible.
Their menu adjustments incessantly, however I had the orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe and it used to be improbable. This may be a good looking position to sit down with a spritz and watch the arena pass through.
In step with Bacco
Within the new a part of the town, as regards to the Lungomare seafront prom, In step with Bacco is a midrange, intimate eating place with an overly comfy surroundings and beautiful house owners.
The menu is small and contours conventional Puglian specialties – attempt the ravioli filled with turnip tops and anchovies. Costs are midrange and particularly reasonable.
Magda
Magda is a bakery and a restaurant situated at the bustling By the use of Prospero Petroni. It’s a cast favourite with the locals and serves a spread of focaccias, flatbreads, candy and savory pastries, and different conventional snacks.
That is the very best position to return should you’re on the lookout for an affordable and scrumptious position to consume within the middle of Bari. I had the most productive focaccia of my existence right here, and their arancini balls also are insanely excellent.
Getting To Bari
Bari has a global airport with flights from far and wide Europe, together with funds carriers Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air. When you’re flying from outdoor of Europe, you’ll most certainly have to glue by way of Rome, Milan, or some other main Ecu town.
You’ll be able to additionally succeed in Bari through educate. Town is a big prevent at the Frecciargento high-speed railway community, which connects it to quite a lot of different main Italian locations equivalent to Rome, Venice, and Naples.
On the other hand, you’ll succeed in Bari through ferry from Albania, Greece, Montenegro, and Croatia. Those ferries additionally shipping vehicles.
Whenever you get to Bari, the town middle is walkable, and you’ll get to maximum different main locations by way of public shipping. Alternatively, should you’d love to discover extra of the encircling area, together with extra out-of-the-way puts, you’ll additionally rent a automobile (regularly the most affordable from the airport).
Issues To Do in Bari: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to recurrently requested questions on visiting Bari and what stuff to do in Bari.
Bari is understood for its stunning structure, atmospheric Outdated The city, nice meals, and beautiful seashores. It’s additionally one in all southern Italy’s main ports and is a big shipping hub for the area.
The most efficient time to discuss with Bari is within the spring (April-Would possibly) or autumn (September-October), when the elements is heat however now not too scorching, and there are fewer vacationers. Alternatively, Bari is a brilliant vacation spot year-round, so discuss with each time you’ll.
Completely! Bari is an enthralling town with masses to look and do. Whether or not you’re thinking about historical past, artwork, meals, or simply stress-free at the seaside, Bari has one thing for you.
You’ll be able to see maximum of Bari’s major attractions in sooner or later. Alternatively, I like to recommend spending two or 3 days right here if you’ll, to truly get a really feel for the ambience of the town and surrounding area.
Sure, Bari is not any much less protected than another main Italian town. In fact, petty crime can occur anyplace, however so long as you’re taking the standard smart precautions, you shouldn’t have any problems throughout your time there.
The preferred factor to do in Bari is to walk across the atmospheric Outdated The city, which is filled with stunning medieval structures and winding alleyways. Right here you’ll watch girls making pasta through hand in the street – one of the vital iconic issues to look in Bari, Italy.
The most efficient seaside in Bari itself is Pane e Pomodoro seaside. Alternatively, probably the most well-known seaside within the space is Lama Monachile, within the within reach the town of Polignano a Mare.
Orechiette pasta is most certainly Bari’s maximum iconic dish and is most often served with broccoli rabe (or rapini). Different must-try dishes come with tiella (a rice dish with potatoes and mussels), focaccia barese, and polpette (tacky fried dumplings).
In Conclusion
Those are simply among the best issues to do in Bari, Italy. It’s a really perfect town and one who I would like to go back to.
The vibe is pleasant and chilled, it’s sunny for many of the yr, and also you’ll be surrounded through a long way fewer vacationers than in lots of different well-liked Italian towns. When you get the risk to discuss with Bari, I extremely suggest it.
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