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 Recognized for its atmospheric Outdated City, medieval church buildings, beautiful seashores, and scrumptious meals and wine, there are such a lot of unimaginable issues to do in Bari.
I hung out 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 extremely genuine and laidback vibe.
On this put up, 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 it’s important to pay for, however all are nice and positively worthwhile.
Finest Issues to Do in Bari
Nevertheless lengthy it’s important to spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend testing at the very least a few of the following.
1. Discover the Citta Vecchia
Most of the prime locations to go to in Bari are positioned in its Outdated City – a maze of slim, winding streets and again alleys that lies simply south of the trendy port space. It’s an interesting place, with greater than 2,000 years of historical past.
Nearly all of the historic buildings in Citta Vecchia are intact, and the entire district has a splendidly distinctive really feel. It’s straightforward to get misplaced wandering via the backstreets, however that is a part of the enjoyable.
Each nook you flip you’ll see one thing new. Ladies sit at picket tables on the street making handmade orecchiette pasta, picturesque little squares are adorned with flowers, and locals sit collectively chatting over a espresso or glasses of wine.
The entire place seems like a time warp, and also you get the sense that life hasn’t modified a lot right here in lots of of years. It’s an incredible place to whereas away a number of hours and exploring it is likely one of the finest actions in Bari. Click on right here for a highly-rated guided tour of the outdated city.
2. Go to the Basilica Di San Nicola
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 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 all around the world. This rickshaw tour of the outdated city truly takes within the Basilica of Saint Nicholas.
Handle: 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 brief), which dates again to the eleventh century.
The cathedral is positioned within the coronary heart of Citta Vecchia and is a phenomenal instance of Romanesque structure. Inside, the cathedral’s treasury (Tesoro) comprises a collection of treasured 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.
Handle: Piazza dell’Odegitria, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
4. Take a Historic Strolling Tour of Bari
Top-of-the-line methods to study in regards to the wealthy and interesting historical past of this wonderful 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 necessary and iconic sights, and train you in regards to the historical past, tradition, and life-style of the folks of Bari.
I believed I knew so much about what to do in Bari, however after taking this strolling tour, I spotted there’s a lot extra to town. If it’s actually sizzling outdoors, or when you’ve got mobility points…or, when you’re simply feeling lazy…this rickshaw tour is an effective way to get across the outdated city!
5. Chill Out on the Seashore
Puglia is dwelling 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 seaside close to Bari is Lama Monachile (also referred to as Cala Porto), within the fairly little city of Polignano a Mare. This small white pebble seaside is on the finish of a steep-sided rocky canyon framed by vertical cliffs and has beautiful turquoise water.
Different nice seashores close to Bari embrace Cala Paura (additionally in Polignano a Mare) and Cala Porta Vecchia (in romantic Monopoli). These are all straightforward to achieve with public transport (practice or bus) from Bari.
Nevertheless, when you don’t have time to depart town, you possibly can nonetheless take pleasure in some seaside time. Take a look at Pane e Pomodoro Seashore, a sandy seaside 3 kilometers southeast of town heart. The identify 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 you’ll want to attempt as a lot of it as doable when you’re on the town. Top-of-the-line methods to pattern a few of Bari’s finest avenue meals is to go on a avenue meals tour.
This is a wonderful choice and can introduce you to a few of 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 native Puglia specialties embrace:
- Orecchiette pasta with sautéed broccoli rabe (also referred to as rapini).
- Tiella – a hearty conventional dish made with rice, potatoes, and mussels (consider it as a Puglian paella).
- Focaccia Barese – most likely 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 typically fish, meat, or greens), both served crispy by themselves, or in a wealthy sauce.
7. Discover Castello Svevo (One in every of My Favourite Locations to Go to in Bari)
Castello Svevo di Bari is a Norman citadel 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 citadel served as one of many outdated metropolis’s details of protection all through the centuries.
The citadel has been via so much traditionally and has been broken by earthquakes on a number of events. Regardless of this, the entire construction is amazingly nicely intact.
As we speak, the citadel is used as an exhibition heart and a museum devoted to the historical past of the citadel, in addition to town of Bari extra extensively. Exploring the enormous rooms and intensive grounds is extraordinarily evocative and is certainly probably the greatest locations to see in Bari.
8. Stroll Alongside the Seafront Promenade
Bari has a phenomenal lengthy promenade (referred to as Lungomare Nazario Sauro) that runs alongside the seafront. It’s an excellent place to take a stroll, chill out, 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 chunk to eat when you like.
You can even prolong 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 town’s fundamental harbor, till the development of the bigger business Port of Bari in 1850.
Right here you’re more likely to see folks fishing and hanging out with pals, portray boats, or taking crusing classes within the sheltered marina. I 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 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 environment right here.
9. Take a Conventional Puglian Cooking Class
Puglian meals tends to be pretty easy and showcases the freshness and prime quality of native and seasonal substances, 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 standard Puglian cooking class. There are a number of completely different lessons to select from, however I suggest this one, which takes place on the host’s dwelling.
Through 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 likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Bari – I extremely suggest it! Click on right here to study extra and e-book your spot.
10. Individuals-Watch within the Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is likely one of the fundamental squares on the sting of the Outdated City of Bari. It’s an excellent 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 because the 14th century, and even right this moment 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 beautiful little nook of town is likely one of the finest free issues to do in Bari, Puglia.
11. See Bari on a Segway Tour
Segways could be very divisive: some folks love them, and a few folks actually don’t. Should you’re within the first camp, think about 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 trendy metropolis, together with the Petruzzelli Theater and Bari’s fundamental fish market.
And on the finish, you possibly can take pleasure in some scrumptious conventional home made 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 chill out and take a break throughout a busy day of sightseeing.
The park has quite a lot of completely different crops and timber, in addition to a lake that’s dwelling to turtles, geese, and different birds. Should you’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 youngsters, and just a little 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 chill out on deck and benefit from the beautiful shoreline as you sail previous.
Being on the water offers 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 widespread to see dolphins and a spread of different aquatic life when you’re on the boat too.
This is a wonderful sundown journey that has unbelievable evaluations and is likely 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 when you’re touring by your self, that is nonetheless a reasonably superior expertise!)
14. Snag a Cut price at Poggiofranco Market
Mercato di Poggiofranco is likely 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, sneakers, and equipment to foods and drinks, homeware, and kitchen utensils. You identify it, you’ll most likely get it right here.
You’ll additionally discover stalls promoting domestically made merchandise, which make nice items to take dwelling. Should 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 reside in Bari, I like to recommend swinging by Mercato di Poggiofranco.
15. Take a Journey to Monopoli
Monopoli is a phenomenal coastal metropolis and probably the greatest 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 outdated whitewashed buildings, with inexperienced window shutters, colourful flowerboxes, and cobbled streets polished clean by lots of of years of passing toes.
There’s additionally an historic 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.
Should you’re seeking to spend a while on the seaside, try 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 stunning right here at any time of day but it surely’s particularly magical and atmospheric at sundown.
See full put up: 15 Finest Issues to Do in Monopoli.
16. Study 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 outdated palazzo within the Outdated City and is certainly price a go to when you’re concerned with studying in regards to 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 admittedly attention-grabbing.
The museum hosts a spread of occasions and exhibitions all year long. See right here for extra info on what’s on throughout your go to.
Handle: Str. Sagges, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
17. Make A Day Journey To Alberobello
Alberobello is a small Puglian city well-known for its distinctive “trulli” homes – conventional conical-roofed dwellings which can be made totally from stone.
When you have the time, there are various different issues to do close to Bari, and Alberobello is likely 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 choice when you don’t have your personal automotive is to take a guided journey from Bari (see beneath). Study extra about Alberobello in this put up.
18. Test Out the Teatro Petruzzelli
The Teatro Petruzzelli is likely one of the most necessary cultural establishments in Bari. It’s a big theater and opera home that repeatedly 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 when you’re not planning to catch a efficiency there, it’s nonetheless nicely price looking inside.
Handle: Corso Cavour, 12, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
19. Be part of a Bike Tour
One other enjoyable strategy to see the principle vacationer points of interest in Bari, Italy is to take a motorbike tour. You’ll cowl way more floor than you may on foot, so it’s an effective way to see extra of town, particularly when 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 will even take you to one in every of their favourite ice cream retailers so that you can cool off and luxuriate in a well-earned deal with.
Alternatively, you may at all times rent a motorbike and discover by your self. However for the tour, click on right here for extra info.
20. Go on a Day Journey to Matera
Matera is a metropolis within the neighboring area of Basilicata. Historians imagine Matera to be the third-oldest regularly inhabited metropolis on this planet, and that folks have lived right here for at the very least 9,000 years.
Constructed on prime of a rocky hill, it’s actually spectacular and positively price a go to. Town is finest identified for its Sassi District, which is dwelling 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, when 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, when you’d like to go to each cities in at some point, think about becoming a member of this guided journey.
21. Bonus!
When touring to Italy, it’s not possible to have “an excessive amount of meals”! Take a look at this enjoyable journey which mixes consuming, ingesting wine, and strolling — which is nice as you’ll need to stroll off some energy. You’ll go to widespread 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 recommended itineraries that will help you determine what to see and do in Bari.
1 Day in Bari Itinerary
You may see many of the fundamental Bari points of interest in at some point. Becoming a member of a strolling tour lets you see the principle sights, and study in regards to 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 purchasing.
In a while, head to the seaside for a swim, and finish your day with a meal at one in every of 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, when you’d wish to see each locations in at some point, think about 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 may get there by boat, together with an aperitif and exploration of caves and coves with this journey. Finish your final day with this wonderful sundown crusing journey.
1 Week in Bari Itinerary
With per week, you possibly can comfortably do the entire actions in Bari I’ve described on this put up, and nonetheless have some spare time to spend nonetheless you would like.
I like to recommend spending at the very least two days within the metropolis itself, primarily 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 motorbike 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 today journey which truly 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 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 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 nice lodging in Bari Vecchia.
Murat – Finest for Buying and Nightlife
Situated simply south of Bari Vecchia, Murat is the trendy coronary heart of Bari. Right here you’ll discover most of the metropolis’s finest retailers, eating places, and bars. This is a good place to remain in Murat.
Madonnella – Finest for Seashore Lovers
If you wish to be near the seaside, I like to recommend staying in Madonella. Right here you’ll be close to Pane e Pomodoro seaside (the 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 wonderful condominium within the space.
Finest Eating places in Bari
There’s wonderful meals all through Bari. Should you’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 finest recent fish and seafood within the metropolis. The standard is superb and the costs are affordable. Strive the normal native uncooked fish and the fritto misto (combined fried seafood).
Assaporando le Delizie Pugliesi
This conventional little restaurant is in a small sq. subsequent to the Metropolitan Cathedral, within the coronary heart of Bari’s Outdated City. They serve scrumptious pasta and a spread of different native specialties, all of that are low-cost and unbelievable.
Their menu adjustments regularly, however I had the orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe and it was unimaginable. 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 environment and great homeowners.
The menu is small and options conventional Puglian specialties – attempt the ravioli full of turnip tops and anchovies. Costs are midrange and particularly reasonable.
Magda
Magda is a bakery and a restaurant positioned on the bustling By way of 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 when you’re on the lookout 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. Should you’re flying from outdoors of Europe, you’ll most likely have to attach through Rome, Milan, or one other main European metropolis.
You can even attain Bari by practice. Town is a significant cease on the Frecciargento high-speed railway community, which connects it to numerous different main Italian locations resembling 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. Nevertheless, when you’d wish to discover extra of the encompassing area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, you can too rent a automotive (usually 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.
Bari is understood for its stunning structure, atmospheric Outdated City, nice meals, and wonderful seashores. It’s additionally one in every of southern Italy’s main ports and is a significant transport hub for the area.
The most effective time to go to Bari is within the spring (April-Might) or autumn (September-October), when the climate is heat however not too sizzling and there are fewer vacationers. Nevertheless, Bari is a good vacation spot year-round, so go to each time you possibly can.
Completely! Bari is an enthralling metropolis with loads to see and do. Whether or not you’re concerned with historical past, artwork, meals, or simply enjoyable on the seaside, Bari has one thing for you.
You may see most of Bari’s fundamental sights in at some point. Nevertheless, I like to recommend spending two or three days right here when you can, to essentially get a really feel for the environment of town and surrounding area.
Sure, Bari is as secure as another 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 Outdated City, which is stuffed with stunning medieval buildings and winding alleyways. Right here you possibly can watch ladies making pasta by hand on the road – some of the iconic issues to see in Bari, Italy.
The most effective seaside in Bari itself is Pane e Pomodoro seaside. Nevertheless, essentially the most well-known seaside within the space is Lama Monachile, within the close by city of Polignano a Mare.
Orechiette pasta might be Bari’s most iconic dish and is usually 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 only a few of the highest issues to do in Bari, Italy. It’s an excellent metropolis and one which I might like to return to.
The vibe is pleasant and chill, it’s sunny for many of the yr, and also you’ll be surrounded by far fewer vacationers than in lots of different widespread Italian cities. Should you get the possibility to go to Bari, I extremely suggest it.
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