The capital of the southeastern Puglia area of Italy, Bari, is a vibrant port metropolis on the Adriatic Sea. Identified for its atmospheric Outdated City, medieval church buildings, gorgeous seashores, and scrumptious meals and wine, there are such a lot of unimaginable issues to do in Bari.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 frolicked 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 very genuine and laidback vibe.

On this put up, I’ll describe among the high 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 undoubtedly worthwhile.

Finest Issues to Do in Bari

Nevertheless lengthy you must spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend testing no less than among the following.

1. Discover the Citta Vecchia

Lots of the high locations to go to in Bari are positioned in its Old Town – 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 simple to get misplaced wandering by 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 looks like a time warp, and also you get the sense that life hasn’t modified a lot right here in lots of of years. It’s a tremendous place to whereas away a couple of hours and exploring it is among the finest actions in Bari. Click here for a highly-rated guided tour of the previous city.

2. Go to the Basilica Di San Nicola

Relationship 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 giant 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 previous city really takes within the Basilica of Saint Nicholas.

Handle: 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 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) accommodates a sequence of treasured 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.

Handle: Piazza dell’Odegitria, 70122, Bari BA, Italy

4. Take a Historic Strolling Tour of Bari

Top-of-the-line methods to study concerning the wealthy and engaging historical past of this superb metropolis is to participate in a historic strolling tour of Bari.

There are a number of completely different excursions to select from, however I like to recommend this one. Your passionate native information will present you across the metropolis’s most vital and iconic sights, and educate you concerning the historical past, tradition, and way of life of the folks of Bari.

I assumed I knew rather a lot 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 when you have mobility points…or, should you’re simply feeling lazy…this rickshaw tour is a good way to get across the previous city!

5. Chill Out on the Seaside

Puglia is dwelling 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 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 attractive 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 simple to achieve with public transport (prepare or bus) from Bari.

Nevertheless, should you don’t have time to depart town, you may nonetheless get pleasure from some seaside time. Take a look at Pane e Pomodoro Beach, a sandy seaside 3 kilometers southeast of 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 road meals, so make sure to attempt as a lot of it as doable whilst you’re on the town. Top-of-the-line methods to pattern a few of Bari’s finest road meals is to go on a street food tour.

This is an excellent option and can introduce you to among the metropolis’s most well-known dishes. You’ll go to widespread native locations, and immerse your self in Bari’s wealthy culinary tradition.

A few of my favourite local 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 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 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 previous metropolis’s details of protection all through the centuries.

The fortress has been by rather a lot traditionally and has been broken by earthquakes on a number of events. Regardless of this, the entire construction is amazingly effectively intact.

Right this moment, the fortress is used as an exhibition middle 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 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 an excellent 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 may cease for a espresso or a chew to eat should you like.

You can too lengthen the stroll all the best way to the Molo Sant’Antonio lighthouse, which is positioned on the finish of the ocean wall marking the doorway to the crusing and pleasure boat harbor. This was town’s most important 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 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 contemporary sea air.

Within the night, the promenade comes alive with locals and vacationers alike, and folks come to look at the spectacular sundown. That is one in all my favourite issues to do in Bari at night time – there’s only a actually pretty 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 may discover ways to make some traditional and scrumptious, native dishes, take a conventional Puglian cooking class. There are a number of completely different courses to select from, however I recommend this one, which takes place on the host’s dwelling.

Through the class, you’ll discover ways to make 2 contemporary pastas, together with orecchiette (Puglia’s well-known pasta that appears like little ears), tiramisu, and naturally, prosecco, snacks and wine are included. This is among the most enjoyable issues to do in Bari – I extremely suggest it! Click here to study extra and ebook your spot.

10. Individuals-Watch within the Piazza Mercantile

Piazza Mercantile is among the most important squares on the sting of the Outdated City of Bari. It’s an excellent 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 at the 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 gorgeous little nook of town is among 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. When you’re within the first camp, think about joining 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 most important fish market.

And on the finish, you may get pleasure from some scrumptious conventional do-it-yourself 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 right place to calm down and take a break throughout a busy day of sightseeing.

The park has a wide range of completely different crops and bushes, in addition to a lake that’s dwelling to turtles, geese, and different birds. When you’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 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 provide crusing journeys from Bari, and also you’ll get to calm down on deck and benefit from the gorgeous shoreline as you sail previous.

Being on the water provides 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 spread of different aquatic life whilst you’re on the boat too.

This is an excellent sunset trip that has improbable critiques and is among the finest issues to do in Bari for {couples}, or teams of associates. 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 here for details.

(To be trustworthy, even should you’re touring by your self, that is nonetheless a fairly superior expertise!)

14. Snag a Cut price at Poggiofranco Market

Mercato di Poggiofranco is among 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 seek 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 domestically made merchandise, which make nice items to take dwelling. When you’re on the town on a Saturday and are searching for a cut price, 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 ravishing coastal metropolis and among the best locations to go to close to Bari. It takes about 40 minutes to drive there, or you may 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 lovely previous whitewashed buildings, with inexperienced window shutters, colourful flowerboxes, and cobbled streets polished clean by lots of of years of passing ft.

There’s additionally an historic fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used at the moment, the place you may see native fishermen bringing of their catch, able to be taken straight to town’s eating places.

When you’re seeking to spend a while on the seaside, take a look at Cala Porta Vecchia, which is positioned simply south of the principle 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 however it’s particularly magical and atmospheric at sundown.

See full put up: 15 Best Things 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 previous palazzo within the Outdated City and is certainly price a go to should you’re thinking about studying concerning the metropolis’s previous.

The museum homes a group of historic artifacts, in addition to a library and an archive. There’s additionally a bit devoted to town’s conventional tradition, which is absolutely fascinating.

The museum hosts a spread of occasions and exhibitions all year long. See 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 can be made totally from stone.

When you have the time, there are numerous different issues to do close to Bari, and Alberobello is among 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 nearly twice as lengthy). A better choice should you don’t have your individual automotive is to take a guided trip from Bari (see under). Be taught extra about Alberobello in this post.

18. Verify Out the Teatro Petruzzelli

The Teatro Petruzzelli is among the most vital cultural establishments in Bari. It’s a big theater and opera home that frequently hosts a spread of theater, ballet, opera, and live performance performances.

The constructing itself dates from 1904 and is extremely ornate and delightful inside. Even should you’re not planning to catch a efficiency there, it’s nonetheless effectively price having a look inside.

Handle: Corso Cavour, 12, 70122, Bari BA, Italy

19. Be 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 much more floor than you could possibly on foot, so it’s a good way to see extra of town, particularly should you solely have a restricted period of time.

This tour has glorious critiques and can take you thru the Outdated City of Bari, in addition to a couple of of town’s different, less-visited neighborhoods. Your information can even take you to one in all their favourite ice cream retailers so that you can cool off and revel in a well-earned deal with.

Alternatively, you could possibly all the time rent a motorbike and discover by your self. However for the tour, click 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 regularly 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 undoubtedly price a go to. The town is finest recognized for its Sassi District, which is dwelling 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 needed to decide solely one in all Alberobello or Matera to go to, personally I’d go with Matera. I discovered it extra atmospheric and fewer touristy. Nevertheless, should you’d like to go to each cities in someday, think about becoming a member of this guided trip.

21. Bonus!

When touring to Italy, it’s unattainable to have “an excessive amount of meals”! Take a look at this fun trip which mixes consuming, consuming wine, and strolling — which is nice as you’ll wish to stroll off some energy. You’ll go to widespread landmarks, pattern conventional meals, and drink native wine as effectively. Click here for details.

Fast Journey Itineraries for Bari

Listed below are a couple of steered itineraries that can assist you determine what to see and do in Bari.

1 Day in Bari Itinerary

You’ll be able to see many of the most important Bari points of interest in someday. Joining a walking tour permits you to see the principle sights, and study 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.

Afterward, head to the seaside for a swim, and finish your day with a meal at one in all Bari’s glorious eating places.

2-3 Days in Bari Itinerary

When you have two or three days, you may 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, should you’d prefer to see each locations in someday, think about becoming a member of this tour).

When you have 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 will get there by boat, together with an aperitif and exploration of caves and coves with this trip. Finish your final day with this amazing sunset sailing trip.

1 Week in Bari Itinerary

With per week, you may comfortably do the entire actions in Bari I’ve described on this put up, 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 get pleasure from every exercise and spend longer in every place. On one in all your Bari days, hiring a bike will allow you to see much more of town.

With the extra days, I’d suggest taking day journeys to Monopoli and Matera/Alberobello. An alternative choice is this day trip which really takes in Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, and Alberobello! And if you wish to spend a complete day on the seaside, go proper forward.

The place to Keep in Bari

These are a couple 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 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 engaging little plazas. Take a look at this great accommodation in Bari Vecchia.

Murat – Finest for Purchasing 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 superb place to remain in Murat.

Madonnella – Finest 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 beach (the perfect seaside within the metropolis), in addition to the Lungomare Nazario Sauro seafront promenade the place there are additionally a great deal of cafes and bars which can be significantly widespread with locals. Take a look at this excellent apartment within the space.

Finest Eating places in Bari

There’s superb meals all through Bari. When you’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 contemporary fish and seafood within the metropolis. The standard is great and the costs are affordable. Strive the standard 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 spread of different native specialties, all of that are low-cost and improbable.

Their menu adjustments steadily, 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 ambiance and great house owners.

The menu is small and options conventional Puglian specialties – attempt the ravioli filled with turnip tops and anchovies. Costs are midrange and very reasonable.

Magda

Magda is a bakery and a restaurant positioned on the bustling By way of Prospero Petroni. It’s a strong favourite with the locals and serves a spread of focaccias, flatbreads, candy and savory pastries, and different conventional snacks.

That is the right place to return should you’re searching for an affordable and scrumptious place to eat within the middle 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 world airport with flights from throughout Europe, together with finances carriers Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air. When you’re flying from exterior of Europe, you’ll in all probability have to attach through Rome, Milan, or one other main European metropolis.

You can too attain Bari by prepare. The town is a significant cease on the Frecciargento high-speed railway community, which connects it to numerous different main Italian locations similar to Rome, Venice, and Naples.

Alternatively, you can reach Bari by ferry from Albania, Greece, Montenegro, and Croatia. These ferries additionally transport automobiles.

When you get to Bari, town middle is walkable, and you will get to most different main locations through public transport. Nevertheless, should you’d prefer to discover extra of the encompassing area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, you can also hire a car (typically the most cost effective 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.

Now You Know What to Do in Bari

These are only a few of the highest issues to do in Bari, Italy. It’s an excellent metropolis and one which I’d 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 widespread Italian cities. When you get the possibility to go to Bari, I extremely suggest it.

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