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 Recognized for its atmospheric Outdated City, medieval church buildings, gorgeous seashores, and scrumptious meals and wine, there are such a lot of unbelievable issues to do in Bari.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 beloved the 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 submit, I’ll describe a number of the prime 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 undoubtedly worthwhile.
Finest Issues to Do in Bari
Nonetheless lengthy you need to spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend trying out a minimum of a number of the following.
1. Discover the Citta Vecchia
Most of the prime locations to go to in Bari are situated in its Outdated City – a maze of slim, winding streets and again alleys that lies simply south of the fashionable port space.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 enchanting 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 by means of 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 appears 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 just a few hours and exploring it is likely one of the greatest 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 Click on right here for a highly-rated guided tour of the outdated city.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 location 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 surprising 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 really takes within the Basilica of Saint Nicholas.
Tackle: Largo Abate Elia, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
3. Test 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 situated within the coronary heart of Citta Vecchia and is a good looking instance of Romanesque structure. Inside, the cathedral’s treasury (Tesoro) incorporates 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 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.
Tackle: 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 engaging historical past of this wonderful 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 educate you in regards to the historical past, tradition, and way of life of the individuals of Bari.
I assumed I knew loads about what to do in Bari, however after taking this strolling tour, I spotted there’s a lot extra to the town. If it’s actually scorching exterior, or you probably have mobility points…or, in the event you’re simply feeling lazy…this rickshaw tour is a good way to get across the outdated city!
5. Chill Out on the Seashore
Puglia is house to a number 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 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 embody 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 the town, you’ll be able to nonetheless take pleasure in some seashore time. Take a look at Pane e Pomodoro Seashore, a sandy seashore 3 kilometers southeast of the town middle. The identify interprets as “Bread and Tomato” (don’t ask me why).
6. Go on a Avenue Meals Tour
Bari is known for its scrumptious avenue meals, so you’ll want to attempt as a lot of it as attainable whilst you’re on the town. Top-of-the-line methods to pattern a few of Bari’s greatest avenue meals is to go on a avenue meals tour.
This is a superb choice and can introduce you to a number 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 (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 most effective 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 (Considered one of 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 outdated 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 properly intact.
Right this moment, the fort is used as an exhibition middle and a museum devoted to the historical past of the fort, in addition to the town of Bari extra broadly. Exploring the enormous rooms and intensive grounds is extraordinarily evocative and is certainly top-of-the-line locations to see in Bari.
8. Stroll Alongside the Seafront Promenade
Bari has a good looking 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’ll be able to cease for a espresso or a chunk to eat in the event you like.
You can too lengthen the stroll all the way in which 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 once the town’s fundamental harbor, till the development of the bigger business Port of Bari in 1850.
Right here you’re prone to see individuals fishing and hanging out with pals, 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 recent sea air.
Within the night, the promenade comes alive with locals and vacationers alike, and other people come to observe the spectacular sundown. That is one in every of my favourite issues to do in Bari at evening – 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 top quality of native and seasonal components, together with tomatoes, beans, artichokes, peppers, and seafood.
For an unforgettable expertise the place you’ll be able to learn to make some basic and scrumptious, native dishes, take a standard 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 likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Bari – I extremely advocate it! Click on right here to study extra and e book your spot.
10. Folks-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 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. Folks have come right here to commerce their items ever because the 14th century, and even at present 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 likely one of the greatest free issues to do in Bari, Puglia.
11. See Bari on a Segway Tour
Segways might be very divisive: some individuals love them, and a few individuals actually don’t. If you happen to’re within the first camp, think about becoming a member of this tour.
After a fast briefing, you’ll set off exploring a number 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’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 timber, in addition to a lake that’s house to turtles, geese, and different birds. If you happen to’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 situated 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 offers you a singular 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 whilst you’re on the boat too.
This is a superb sundown journey that has incredible critiques and is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Bari for {couples}, or teams of pals. What may very well 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 fairly 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 principle 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 situated 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 in all probability get it right here.
You’ll additionally discover stalls promoting regionally made merchandise, which make nice presents to take house. If you happen to’re on the town on a Saturday and are searching for a discount, 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 good looking coastal metropolis and top-of-the-line locations to go to close to Bari. It takes about 40 minutes to drive there, or you’ll be able to 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 middle – a labyrinth of lovely outdated whitewashed buildings, with inexperienced window shutters, colourful flowerboxes, and cobbled streets polished easy by lots of of years of passing ft.
There’s additionally an historical fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used at present, 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 seashore, take a look at Cala Porta Vecchia, which is situated simply south of the principle 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 stunning right here at any time of day however it’s particularly magical and atmospheric at sundown.
See full submit: 15 Finest Issues to Do in Monopoli.
16. Be taught 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 situated in an outdated palazzo within the Outdated City and is certainly value a go to in the event you’re curious about 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 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 info on what’s on throughout your go to.
Tackle: 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 fully from stone.
When you have the time, there are lots of different issues to do close to Bari, and Alberobello is likely one of 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 personal automobile is to take a guided journey from Bari (see under). Be taught extra about Alberobello in this submit.
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 frequently 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 value looking inside.
Tackle: Corso Cavour, 12, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
19. Be a part of a Bike Tour
One other enjoyable solution to see the principle vacationer sights in Bari, Italy is to take a motorbike tour. You’ll cowl much more floor than you 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 Outdated 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 revel in a well-earned deal with.
Alternatively, you can all the time 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 this planet, and that folks have lived right here for a minimum of 9,000 years.
Constructed on prime of a rocky hill, it’s actually spectacular and undoubtedly value a go to. Town is greatest recognized for its Sassi District, which is house to a fancy of prehistoric cave dwellings and a medieval rock church carved into the mountain.
Tip: When deciding what issues to do round Bari, 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. Nonetheless, in the event you’d like to go to each cities in someday, think about becoming a member of this guided journey.
21. Bonus!
When touring to Italy, it’s unattainable 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 standard landmarks, pattern conventional meals, and drink native wine as properly. Click on right here for particulars.
Fast Journey Itineraries for Bari
Listed here are just a few prompt itineraries that can assist you determine what to see and do in Bari.
1 Day in Bari Itinerary
You may see a lot of the fundamental Bari sights in someday. Becoming a member of a strolling tour means that you can 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 buying.
In a while, head to the seashore 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
When 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, 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 greatest 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 wonderful sundown crusing journey.
1 Week in Bari Itinerary
With every week, you’ll be able to comfortably do the entire actions in Bari I’ve described on this submit, and nonetheless have some spare time to spend nonetheless you would like.
I like to recommend spending a minimum of 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 motorbike will allow you to see much more of the town.
With the extra days, I’d advocate taking day journeys to Monopoli and Matera/Alberobello. An alternative choice is today journey which really takes in Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, and Alberobello! And if you wish to spend a complete day on the seashore, go proper forward.
The place to Keep in Bari
These are just a few of the most effective 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 a lot of the metropolis’s most well-known sights and sights.
It’s tremendous atmospheric, with a maze of cobbled backstreets, and lots of quaint eating places and cafes spilling out into the enticing 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 fashionable coronary heart of Bari. Right here you’ll discover lots of the metropolis’s greatest 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 most effective 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 can be significantly standard with locals. Take a look at this glorious condominium within the space.
Finest Eating places in Bari
There’s wonderful meals all through Bari. If you happen to’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 number of the greatest recent fish and seafood within the metropolis. The standard is great and the costs are affordable. Attempt 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 incredible.
Their menu adjustments often, however I had the orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe and it was unbelievable. 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 environment and fantastic homeowners.
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 situated on the bustling Through 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 proper place to return in the event you’re searching for an affordable and scrumptious place to eat within the middle of Bari. I had the most effective 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. If you happen to’re flying from exterior of Europe, you’ll in all probability have to attach by way of Rome, Milan, or one other main European metropolis.
You can too 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’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 may get to most different main locations by way of public transport. Nonetheless, in the event you’d wish to discover extra of the encircling area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, you can even rent a automobile (usually the most cost effective 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 Outdated 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 perfect time to go to Bari is within the spring (April-Could) 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’ll be able to.
Completely! Bari is a captivating metropolis with loads to see and do. Whether or not you’re curious about historical past, artwork, meals, or simply stress-free on the seashore, Bari has one thing for you.
You may see most of Bari’s fundamental sights in someday. Nonetheless, I like to recommend spending two or three days right here in the event you can, to actually get a really feel for the environment of the town and surrounding area.
Sure, Bari is as protected 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 Outdated City, which is filled with stunning medieval buildings and winding alleyways. Right here you’ll be able to watch girls making pasta by hand on the road – some of the iconic issues to see in Bari, Italy.
The perfect seashore in Bari itself is Pane e Pomodoro seashore. Nonetheless, probably the most well-known seashore 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 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 yr, 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 advocate it.
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