The capital of the southeastern Puglia area of Italy, Bari, is a vibrant port metropolis on the Adriatic Sea. Recognized for its atmospheric Outdated City, medieval church buildings, beautiful seashores, and scrumptious meals and wine, there are such a lot of unbelievable issues to do in Bari.
I hung out in Bari final month and actually liked 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 you need to pay for, however all are nice and positively worthwhile.
Finest Issues to Do in Bari
Nonetheless lengthy you need 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Lots of the high locations to go to in Bari are positioned in its Outdated City – a maze of slim, winding streets and again alleys that lies simply south of the fashionable port space.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.
The vast 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.
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 tons of of years. It’s a tremendous place to whereas away a number 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 previous 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 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 all around the world. This rickshaw tour of the previous city really takes within the Basilica of Saint Nicholas.
Deal with: 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 positioned within the coronary heart of Citta Vecchia and is a ravishing instance of Romanesque structure. Inside, the cathedral’s treasury (Tesoro) incorporates a collection of valuable relics and different historic artifacts, in addition to a museum.
Beneath the cathedral lies a collection of archaeological excavations, exhibiting the stays of an historical Roman highway from the 2nd century and a Byzantine church from the ninth century. There are additionally the stays of a superbly ornate mosaic.
Deal with: Piazza dell’Odegitria, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
4. Take a Historic Strolling Tour of Bari
Among the best 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 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 train you concerning the historical past, tradition, and life-style of the individuals 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 scorching outdoors, or in case you have mobility points…or, in the event you’re simply feeling lazy…this rickshaw tour is a good way to get across the previous city!
5. Chill Out on the Seashore
Puglia is house to a few 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 town.
Maybe essentially 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 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.
Nonetheless, in the event you don’t have time to go away town, you possibly can nonetheless get pleasure from some seashore time. Try Pane e Pomodoro Seashore, 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 Road Meals Tour
Bari is known for its scrumptious road meals, so make sure to strive 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 wonderful possibility and can introduce you to a few 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.
A few 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 – in all probability 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 generally fish, meat, or greens), both served crispy by themselves, or in a wealthy sauce.
7. Discover Castello Svevo (One in all My Favourite Locations to Go to in Bari)
Castello Svevo di Bari is a Norman 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 previous metropolis’s details of protection all through the centuries.
The fort 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 nicely intact.
Right now, the fort is used as an exhibition heart and a museum devoted to the historical past of the fort, in addition to town of Bari extra broadly. Exploring the large rooms and in depth grounds is extraordinarily evocative and is certainly among the best locations to see in Bari.
8. Stroll Alongside the Seafront Promenade
Bari has a ravishing lengthy promenade (referred to as Lungomare Nazario Sauro) that runs alongside the seafront. It’s a terrific 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 possibly can cease for a espresso or a chew to eat in the event you like.
You may as well lengthen the stroll all the way in which 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 fundamental 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 pals, portray boats, or taking crusing classes within the sheltered marina. I really 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 folks come to observe the spectacular sundown. That is one among my favourite issues to do in Bari at night time – 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 possibly can learn to make some basic and scrumptious, native dishes, take a conventional 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 guide your spot.
10. Individuals-Watch within the Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is without doubt one of the fundamental squares on the sting of the Outdated City of Bari. It’s a terrific place to sit down with a spritz or gelato and people-watch.
This historic medieval sq. has been a gathering place for hundreds of years. Individuals have come right here to commerce their items ever for the reason that 14th century, and even right this moment 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 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. For those who’re within the first camp, contemplate becoming a member of this tour.
After a fast briefing, you’ll set off exploring a few of the metropolis’s better-known sights, in addition to some hidden gems and secret spots. You’ll go to locations in each the Outdated City and the fashionable metropolis, together with the Petruzzelli Theater and Bari’s fundamental fish market.
And on the finish, you possibly can get pleasure from some scrumptious conventional selfmade ice cream. I had a good time on the segway, however perhaps 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 vegetation and bushes, in addition to a lake that’s house 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 a bit of 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 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 plenty of crusing journeys permit you the possibility to swim within the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean. It’s pretty widespread to see dolphins and a variety of different aquatic life when you’re on the boat too.
This is a wonderful sundown journey that has incredible evaluations and is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Bari for {couples}, or teams of pals. What could possibly be extra romantic than sitting on the deck of a classic gozzo boat, watching the sundown over the ocean, with an aperitivo in hand? Click on right here for particulars.
(To be sincere, even in the event you’re touring by your self, that is nonetheless a reasonably 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 primary 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 may 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. 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 a ravishing coastal metropolis and among the best locations to go to close to Bari. It takes about 40 minutes to drive there, or you possibly can catch the regional 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 lovely previous whitewashed buildings, with inexperienced window shutters, colourful flowerboxes, and cobbled streets polished clean by tons of of years of passing toes.
There’s additionally an historical fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used right this moment, the place you possibly can see native fishermen bringing of their catch, able to be taken straight to town’s eating places.
For those who’re seeking to spend a while on the seashore, take a look at Cala Porta Vecchia, which is positioned simply south of the primary Outdated City.
I additionally advocate 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 Finest Issues to Do in Monopoli.
16. Study Concerning the Metropolis’s Historical past at Museo Civico
The Museo Civico is a small museum devoted to the historical past of Bari. It’s positioned in an previous palazzo within the Outdated City and is certainly value a go to in the event you’re taken 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 piece devoted to town’s conventional tradition, which is absolutely attention-grabbing.
The museum hosts a variety of occasions and exhibitions all year long. See right here for extra info on what’s on throughout your go to.
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 totally from stone.
When you have the time, there are various different issues to do close to Bari, and Alberobello is without doubt one of the most attention-grabbing.
It’s about an hour away from Bari by automotive, and there’s additionally a bus that runs between the 2 locations (though this does take virtually twice as lengthy). A neater possibility in the event you don’t have your personal automotive is to take a guided journey from Bari (see beneath). Study extra about Alberobello on this publish.
18. Examine Out the Teatro Petruzzelli
The Teatro Petruzzelli is without doubt one of the most necessary cultural establishments in Bari. It’s a big theater and opera home that usually 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 the event you’re not planning to catch a efficiency there, it’s nonetheless nicely value having a look inside.
Deal with: Corso Cavour, 12, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
19. Be part of a Bike Tour
One other enjoyable technique to see the primary 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 a good way to see extra of town, particularly in the event you solely have a restricted period of time.
This tour has wonderful evaluations 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 can even take you to one among their favourite ice cream outlets 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 imagine 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. Town is finest recognized 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 the event you needed to decide solely one among Alberobello or Matera to go to, personally I might go along with Matera. I discovered it extra atmospheric and fewer touristy. Nonetheless, in the event you’d like to go to each cities in in the future, contemplate becoming a member of this guided journey.
21. Bonus!
When touring to Italy, it’s unattainable 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 standard landmarks, pattern conventional meals, and drink native wine as nicely. Click on right here for particulars.
Fast Journey Itineraries for Bari
Listed below are a number of advised itineraries that will help you determine what to see and do in Bari.
1 Day in Bari Itinerary
You may see a lot of the fundamental Bari points of interest in in the future. Becoming a member of a strolling tour means that you can see the primary sights, and be taught concerning the metropolis and its historical past.
Begin your day by exploring the Outdated City. Go to the Basilica di San Nicola, the Castello Normanno-Svevo, and the Cattedrale di San Sabino. Then head to the Murat district for some buying.
In a while, head to the seashore for a swim, and finish your day with a meal at one among Bari’s wonderful eating places.
2-3 Days in Bari Itinerary
When you have two or three days, you possibly can 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 the event you’d prefer to see each locations in in the future, contemplate becoming a member of this tour).
When you 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 will get there by boat, together with an aperitif and exploration of caves and coves with this journey. Finish your final day with this superb sundown crusing journey.
1 Week in Bari Itinerary
With per week, you possibly can comfortably do all the actions in Bari I’ve described on this publish, and nonetheless have some spare time to spend nevertheless you would like.
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 get pleasure from every exercise and spend longer in every place. On one among your Bari days, hiring a motorbike will allow you to see much more of town.
With the extra days, I’d advocate taking day journeys to Monopoli and Matera/Alberobello. Another 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 seashore, go proper forward.
The place to Keep in Bari
These are a number of of the perfect neighborhoods in Bari for vacationers.
Bari Vecchia – Finest for First-time Guests and Sightseeing
Bari Vecchia (Outdated Bari) is the historic heart of Bari and is the place you’ll discover a lot of the metropolis’s most well-known sights and points of interest.
It’s tremendous atmospheric, with a maze of cobbled backstreets, and plenty of quaint eating places and cafes spilling out into the enticing little plazas. Try this nice lodging in Bari Vecchia.
Murat – Finest 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 outlets, eating places, and bars. This is a good place to remain in Murat.
Madonnella – Finest for Seashore 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 (the perfect 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 notably standard with locals. Take a look at this wonderful residence within the space.
Finest 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 a few of the finest recent fish and seafood within the metropolis. The standard is superb and the costs are cheap. Strive the normal native uncooked fish and the fritto misto (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 Outdated City. They serve scrumptious pasta and a variety of different native specialties, all of that are low cost and incredible.
Their menu adjustments continuously, however I had the orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe and it was unbelievable. 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 house owners.
The menu is small and options conventional Puglian specialties – strive the ravioli filled with turnip tops and anchovies. Costs are midrange and particularly 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 proper place to return in the event you’re searching for an inexpensive 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.
Attending to Bari
Bari has a global airport with flights from throughout Europe, together with price range carriers Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air. For those who’re flying from outdoors 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. Town is a serious 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 possibly can attain Bari by ferry from Albania, Greece, Montenegro, and Croatia. These ferries additionally transport automobiles.
When you get to Bari, town heart is walkable, and you will get to most different main locations through public transport. Nonetheless, in the event you’d prefer to discover extra of the encompassing area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, you can too rent a automotive (usually the most affordable from the airport).
Issues to Do in Bari: FAQs
Nonetheless questioning what to do in Bari? Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Bari and what stuff to do in Bari.
What’s Bari recognized for?
Bari is thought for its lovely structure, atmospheric Outdated City, nice meals, and beautiful seashores. It’s additionally one among southern Italy’s main ports and is a serious transport hub for the area.
When is the perfect time to go to Bari?
One of the best time to go to Bari is within the spring (April-Might) or autumn (September-October), when the climate is heat however not too scorching and there are fewer vacationers. Nonetheless, Bari is a good vacation spot year-round, so go to each time you possibly can.
Is Bari value visiting?
Completely! Bari is a captivating metropolis with a lot to see and do. Whether or not you’re taken with historical past, artwork, meals, or simply enjoyable on the seashore, Bari has one thing for you.
What number of days ought to I spend in Bari?
You may see most of Bari’s fundamental sights in in the future. Nonetheless, I like to recommend spending two or three days right here in the event you can, to essentially get a really feel for the ambiance of town and surrounding area.
Is Bari protected?
Sure, Bari is as protected as another main Italian metropolis. After all, petty crime can occur anyplace, however so long as you are taking the same old wise precautions, you shouldn’t have any points throughout your time there.
What’s the hottest factor to do in Bari?
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 possibly can watch girls making pasta by hand on the road – some of the iconic issues to see in Bari, Italy.
What’s the finest seashore in Bari?
One of the best seashore in Bari itself is Pane e Pomodoro seashore. Nonetheless, essentially the most well-known seashore 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). 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 terrific metropolis and one which I might like to return to.
The vibe is pleasant and chill, it’s sunny for a lot of the yr, and also you’ll be surrounded by far fewer vacationers than in lots of different standard Italian cities. For those who get the possibility to go to Bari, I extremely advocate it.
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