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, gorgeous seashores, and scrumptious meals and wine, there are such a lot of unbelievable issues to do in Bari.
I frolicked in Bari final month and actually liked 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 prime issues to see and locations to go to in Bari. A few of these are free, others you must pay for, however all are nice and undoubtedly worthwhile.
Greatest Issues to Do in Bari
Nevertheless lengthy you must spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend testing at the least a few of the following.
1. Discover the Citta Vecchia
Most of the prime 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 a captivating place, with greater than 2,000 years of historical past.
Nearly all of the historic buildings in Citta Vecchia are intact, and the entire district has a splendidly distinctive really feel. It’s simple to get misplaced wandering via the backstreets, however that is a part of the enjoyable.
Each nook you flip you’ll see one thing new. Girls sit at wood 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 looks like a time warp, and also you get the sense that life hasn’t modified a lot right here in a whole bunch of years. It’s an incredible place to whereas away just a few hours and exploring it is among the greatest actions in Bari.
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 stunning 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.
Deal with: Largo Abate Elia, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
3. Test Out Bari Cathedral
One other church in Bari that’s price visiting is the Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale San Sabino (or Bari Cathedralfor quick), which dates again to the eleventh century.
The cathedral is situated within the coronary heart of Citta Vecchia and is a phenomenal 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 historic Roman street from the 2nd century and a Byzantine church from the ninth century. There are additionally the stays of a fantastically ornate mosaic.
Deal with: Piazza dell’Odegitria, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
4. Take a Historic Strolling Tour of Bari
The most effective 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 vital and iconic sights, and educate you concerning the historical past, tradition, and life-style of the individuals of Bari.
I believed I knew lots about what to do in Bari, however after taking this strolling tour, I noticed there’s a lot extra to the town.
5. Chill Out on the Seaside
Puglia is house to a few of the greatest 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 probably 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 embody Cala Paura (additionally in Polignano a Mare) and Cala Porta Vecchia (in romantic Monopoli). These are all simple to succeed in with public transport (prepare or bus) from Bari.
Nevertheless, in the event you don’t have time to depart the town, you’ll be able to nonetheless take pleasure in some seaside time. Take a look at 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 Road Meals Tour
Bari is legendary for its scrumptious avenue meals, so be sure you attempt as a lot of it as potential when you’re on the town. The most effective methods to pattern a few of Bari’s greatest avenue meals is to go on a avenue meals tour.
This is a wonderful choice 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 embody:
- 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 – most likely one of the best focaccia you’ll ever eat, topped with ripe tomatoes, olives, olive oil, and oregano.
- Polpette – tacky fried dumplings made utilizing stale bread (and generally fish, meat, or greens), both served crispy by themselves, or in a wealthy sauce.
7. Discover Castello Svevo (Certainly one of My Favourite Locations to Go to in Bari)
Castello Svevo di Bari is a Norman fortress that was constructed, destroyed, after which rebuilt within the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. It’s an imposing construction proper subsequent to the ocean, and with its thick partitions and moat, it’s simple to think about how this fortress served as one of many outdated metropolis’s details of protection all through the centuries.
The fortress has been via lots traditionally and has been broken by earthquakes on a number of events. Regardless of this, the entire construction is amazingly properly intact.
At the moment, 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 broadly. Exploring the enormous rooms and in depth grounds is extraordinarily evocative and is certainly among the finest locations to see in Bari.
8. Stroll Alongside the Seafront Promenade
Bari has a phenomenal lengthy promenade (known 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’ll be able to cease for a espresso or a chew to eat in the event you like.
You can even lengthen the stroll all the best way 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 most important 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 mates, 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 every of 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’ll be able to learn to make some traditional and scrumptious, native dishes, take a conventional Puglian cooking class. There are a number of totally different courses to select from, however I suggest this one, which takes place on the host’s house, near the Central Station.
In the course of the class, 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 methods handed down via generations. This is among the most enjoyable issues to do in Bari – I extremely suggest it!
10. Individuals-Watch within the Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is among the most important squares on the sting of the Previous City of Bari. It’s a terrific 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 right now it’s a well-liked spot for locals to fulfill 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 the town is among the greatest 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. If you happen to’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 Previous City and the fashionable metropolis, together with the Petruzzelli Theater and Bari’s most important fish market.
And on the finish, you’ll be able to take pleasure in some scrumptious conventional do-it-yourself ice cream. I had a good time on the segway, however possibly the ice cream was my favourite half.
12. Chill Out in Parco 2 Giugno
Parco 2 Giugno is a public park simply south of the middle of Bari. It’s a well-liked spot with locals and is the proper place to calm down and take a break throughout a busy day of sightseeing.
The park has quite a lot of totally different vegetation and bushes, in addition to a lake that’s house to turtles, geese, and different birds. If you happen to’re on the lookout for issues to do in Bari for households, I like to recommend checking this place out.
There’s additionally a playground for kids, and a little bit 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 gorgeous shoreline as you sail previous.
Being on the water offers 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 spread of different aquatic life when you’re on the boat too.
This is a wonderful sundown crusing journey that has improbable critiques and is among the greatest issues to do in Bari for {couples}. What may very well be extra romantic than sitting on the deck of a sailboat, watching the sundown over the ocean, with an aperitivo in hand?
(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 among 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 seek 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 most likely get it right here.
You’ll additionally discover stalls promoting domestically made merchandise, which make nice presents to take house. If you happen to’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 stay in Bari, I like to recommend swinging by Mercato di Poggiofranco.
15. Take a Journey to Monopoli
Monopoli is a phenomenal coastal metropolis and among the finest locations to go to close to Bari. It takes about 40 minutes to drive there, or you’ll be able to catch the regional 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 a whole bunch of years of passing toes.
There’s additionally an historic fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used right now, 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, try Cala Porta Vecchia, which is situated simply south of the principle Previous City.
I additionally suggest taking a stroll alongside the paved pedestrianized walkway that runs alongside the sting of the Previous City, subsequent to the seafront. It’s stunning 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 certainly price a go to in the event you’re excited about studying concerning the metropolis’s previous.
The museum homes a set of historic artifacts, in addition to a library and an archive. There’s additionally a bit devoted to the town’s conventional tradition, which is admittedly fascinating.
The museum hosts a spread of occasions and exhibitions all year long. See right here for extra data on what’s on throughout your go to.
Deal with: Str. Sagges, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
17. Make A Day Journey To Alberobello
Alberobello is a small Puglian city well-known for its distinctive “trulli” homes – conventional conical-roofed dwellings which can be made totally from stone.
In case you have the time, there are lots of different issues to do close to Bari, and Alberobello is among 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 virtually twice as lengthy). A better choice in the event you don’t have your individual automobile is to take a guided journey from Bari (see under). Be taught extra about Alberobello in this publish.
18. Test 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 commonly 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 the event you’re not planning to catch a efficiency there, it’s nonetheless properly price looking inside.
Deal with: Corso Cavour, 12, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
19. Be a part of a Bike Tour
One other enjoyable strategy to see the principle vacationer sights in Bari, Italy is to take a motorcycle tour. You’ll cowl much more floor than you possibly can on foot, so it’s a good way to see extra of the town, particularly in the event you solely have a restricted period of time.
This tour has glorious critiques and can take you thru the Previous City of Bari, in addition to just a few of the town’s different, less-visited neighborhoods. Your information can even take you to one in every of their favourite ice cream outlets so that you can cool off and luxuriate in a well-earned deal with.
Alternatively, you possibly can all the time rent a motorcycle and discover by your self. However for the tour, click on right here for extra data.
20. Go on a Day Journey to Matera
Matera is a metropolis within the neighboring area of Basilicata. Historians consider Matera to be the third-oldest regularly inhabited metropolis on the earth, and that individuals have lived right here for at the least 9,000 years.
Constructed on prime of a rocky hill, it’s actually spectacular and undoubtedly price a go to. Town is greatest 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 choose solely one in every of Alberobello or Matera to go to, personally I might go along with Matera. I discovered it extra atmospheric and fewer touristy. Nevertheless, in the event you’d like to go to each cities in someday, contemplate becoming a member of this guided journey.
Fast Journey Itineraries for Bari
Listed here are just a few steered itineraries that can assist you resolve what to see and do in Bari.
1 Day in Bari Itinerary
You’ll be able to see a lot of the most important Bari sights in someday.
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 buying.
Afterward, head to the seaside for a swim, and finish your day with a meal at one in every of Bari’s glorious eating places.
2-3 Days in Bari Itinerary
In case you have 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 the event you’d wish to see each locations in someday, contemplate becoming a member of this tour).
In case 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 greatest seashores, together with Lama Monachile and Cala Paura. Finish your final day with this superb sundown crusing journey.
1 Week in Bari Itinerary
With every week, you’ll be able to comfortably do all the actions in Bari I’ve described on this publish, and nonetheless have some spare time to spend nonetheless you would like.
I like to recommend spending at the least two days within the metropolis itself, basically following the above itinerary, however giving your self extra time to take pleasure in every exercise and spend longer in every place. On one in every of your Bari days, hiring a motorcycle will allow you to 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 a complete day on the seaside, go proper forward.
The place to Keep in Bari
These are just a few of one of the best 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 a lot of the metropolis’s most well-known sights and sights.
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. Take a look at this nice lodging in Bari Vecchia.
Murat – Greatest for Buying and Nightlife
Situated simply south of Bari Vecchia, Murat is the fashionable coronary heart of Bari. Right here you’ll discover lots of the metropolis’s greatest outlets, eating places, and bars. This is a superb place to remain in Murat.
Madonnella – Greatest for Seaside Lovers
If you wish to be near the seaside, I like to recommend staying in Madonella. Right here you’ll be close to Pane e Pomodoro seaside (one of the best 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 standard with locals.
Take a look at this glorious house within the space.
Greatest Eating places in Bari
There’s superb meals all through Bari. If you happen to’re on the lookout for some particular suggestions, try these locations.
Al Pescatore
Situated proper subsequent to the Castello Svevo, Al Pescatore serves a few of the greatest contemporary fish and seafood within the metropolis. The standard is great and the costs are cheap. 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 Previous City. They serve scrumptious pasta and a spread of different native specialties, all of that are low cost and improbable.
Their menu adjustments often, however I had the orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe and it was unbelievable. That is additionally a beautiful 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 fantastic house owners.
The menu is small and options conventional Puglian specialties – attempt the ravioli full of turnip tops and anchovies. Costs are midrange and very reasonable.
Magda
Magda is a bakery and a restaurant 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 come back in the event you’re on the lookout for an affordable and scrumptious place to eat within the middle of Bari. I had one of the best focaccia of my life right here, and their arancini balls are additionally insanely good.
Attending to Bari
Bari has a world airport with flights from throughout Europe, together with funds carriers Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air. If you happen to’re flying from outdoors of Europe, you’ll most likely have to attach by way of Rome, Milan, or one other main European metropolis.
You can even attain Bari by prepare. Town is a serious cease on the Frecciargento high-speed railway community, which connects it to varied different main Italian locations akin to Rome, Venice, and Naples.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to attain Bari by ferry from Albania, Greece, Montenegro, and Croatia. These ferries additionally transport automobiles.
When you get to Bari, the town middle is walkable, and you will get to most different main locations by way of public transport. Nevertheless, in the event you’d wish to discover extra of the encircling area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, you may as well rent a automobile (typically the most affordable from the airport).
Issues to Do in Bari: FAQs
Nonetheless questioning what to do in Bari? Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Bari and what stuff to do in Bari.
Bari is understood for its stunning structure, atmospheric Previous City, nice meals, and wonderful seashores. It’s additionally one in every of southern Italy’s main ports and is a serious transport hub for the area.
The very best 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. Nevertheless, Bari is a superb vacation spot year-round, so go to at any time when you’ll be able to.
Completely! Bari is an enthralling metropolis with a lot to see and do. Whether or not you’re excited 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 most important sights in someday. Nevertheless, 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 the town and surrounding area.
Sure, Bari is as secure as some other main Italian metropolis. After all, petty crime can occur wherever, however so long as you’re taking the same old wise 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 filled with stunning medieval buildings and winding alleyways. Right here you’ll be able to watch ladies making pasta by hand on the road – one of the iconic issues to see in Bari, Italy.
The very best seaside in Bari itself is Pane e Pomodoro seaside. Nevertheless, probably 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 embody tiella (a rice dish with potatoes and mussels), focaccia barese, and polpette (tacky fried dumplings).
Now You Know What to Do in Bari
These are just some of the highest issues to do in Bari, Italy. It’s 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 12 months, and also you’ll be surrounded by far fewer vacationers than in lots of different standard Italian cities. If you happen to get the possibility to go to Bari, I extremely suggest it.
Like This Article? Pin It!
