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 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 publish, I’ll describe a few of the high issues to see and locations to go to in Bari. A few of these are free, others it’s a must to pay for, however all are nice and positively worthwhile.
Greatest Issues to Do in Bari
Nevertheless lengthy it’s a must to 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 high locations to go to in Bari are positioned in its Previous City – a maze of slender, 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 simple to get misplaced wandering by means of the backstreets, however that is a part of the enjoyable.
Each nook you flip you’ll see one thing new. Girls sit at wood 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 appears 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 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 Click on right here for a highly-rated guided tour of the outdated city.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
Courting 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 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 turned the Bishop of Myra.
The stays of Saint Nicholas are literally buried within the crypt of the basilica, and it’s a spot of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians from all around the world. This rickshaw tour of the outdated city truly takes within the Basilica of Saint Nicholas.
Tackle: Largo Abate Elia, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
3. Examine Out Bari Cathedral
One other church in Bari that’s value visiting is the Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale San Sabino (or Bari Cathedralfor brief), which dates again to the eleventh century.
The cathedral is positioned within the coronary heart of Citta Vecchia and is a fantastic instance of Romanesque structure. Inside, the cathedral’s treasury (Tesoro) accommodates a sequence of valuable relics and different historic artifacts, in addition to a museum.
Beneath the cathedral lies a sequence of archaeological excavations, exhibiting the stays of an historical Roman street 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
Among the finest methods to be taught concerning 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 concerning the historical past, tradition, and life-style of the individuals of Bari.
I believed I knew quite a bit 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 exterior, or in case you have mobility points…or, in case you’re simply feeling lazy…this rickshaw tour is an effective way to get across the outdated city!
5. Chill Out on the Seaside
Puglia is house to a few of the finest seashores in Italy. Many of those are positioned a brief distance from Bari and make an ideal day journey (or half-day journey) away from town.
Maybe 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 case you don’t have time to go away town, you possibly can nonetheless take pleasure in some seaside time. Take a look at Pane e Pomodoro Seaside, a sandy seaside 3 kilometers southeast of town heart. The title interprets as “Bread and Tomato” (don’t ask me why).
6. Go on a Road Meals Tour
Bari is legendary for its scrumptious road meals, so make sure you attempt as a lot of it as attainable whilst you’re on the town. Among the finest methods to pattern a few of Bari’s finest road meals is to go on a road meals tour.
This is a superb choice and can introduce you to a few of the metropolis’s most well-known dishes. You’ll go to fashionable 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 – 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 typically 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 outdated metropolis’s details of protection all through the centuries.
The fortress has been by means of quite a bit traditionally and has been broken by earthquakes on a number of events. Regardless of this, the entire construction is amazingly nicely intact.
Immediately, the fortress is used as an exhibition heart and a museum devoted to the historical past of the fortress, in addition to town of Bari extra extensively. Exploring the enormous rooms and in depth grounds is extraordinarily evocative and is unquestionably among the best locations to see in Bari.
8. Stroll Alongside the Seafront Promenade
Bari has a fantastic lengthy promenade (known as Lungomare Nazario Sauro) that runs alongside the seafront. It’s an excellent place to take a stroll, loosen up, 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 in case 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 once town’s major harbor, till the development of the bigger industrial 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 sit down 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 other people come to observe 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 top quality of native and seasonal components, 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 totally different lessons to select from, however I advocate this one, which takes place on the host’s house.
Through the class, you’ll learn 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 likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Bari – I extremely advocate it! Click on right here to be taught extra and guide your spot.
10. Individuals-Watch within the Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is likely one of the major squares on the sting of the Previous 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 at this time it’s a preferred 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 town is likely one of the finest free issues to do in Bari, Puglia.
11. See Bari on a Segway Tour
Segways will be very divisive: some individuals love them, and a few individuals actually don’t. When you’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 major 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 preferred spot with locals and is the proper place to loosen up 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. 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 kids, and somewhat 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 loosen up on deck and benefit from the gorgeous shoreline as you sail previous.
Being on the water offers you a novel perspective of Bari itself, and plenty of crusing journeys permit you the prospect 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 a superb sundown journey that has improbable 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 trustworthy, even in case you’re touring by your self, that is nonetheless a fairly superior expertise!)
14. Snag a Discount 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 positioned 2.5 kilometers south of the Central Station, within the Poggiofranco district. You possibly can 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 food 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 presents to take house. When you’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 fantastic coastal metropolis and among the best locations to go to close to Bari. It takes about 40 minutes to drive there, or you possibly can catch the regional prepare 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 a whole bunch of years of passing ft.
There’s additionally an historical fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used at this time, the place you possibly can see native fishermen bringing of their catch, able to be taken straight to town’s eating places.
When you’re trying to spend a while on the seaside, take a look at Cala Porta Vecchia, which is positioned simply south of the principle Previous City.
I additionally advocate taking a stroll alongside the paved pedestrianized walkway that runs alongside the sting of the Previous 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 publish: 15 Greatest Issues to Do in Monopoli.
16. Study Concerning the Metropolis’s Historical past at Museo Civico
The Museo Civico is a small museum devoted to the historical past of Bari. It’s positioned in an outdated palazzo within the Previous City and is unquestionably value a go to in case you’re curious 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 piece devoted to town’s conventional tradition, which is actually attention-grabbing.
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.
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’ve got the time, there are lots of 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 in case you don’t have your personal automotive is to take a guided journey from Bari (see beneath). Study extra about Alberobello in this publish.
18. Examine 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 commonly 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 in case you’re not planning to catch a efficiency there, it’s nonetheless nicely value looking inside.
Tackle: 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 motorbike tour. You’ll cowl way more floor than you could possibly on foot, so it’s an effective way to see extra of town, particularly in case you solely have a restricted period of time.
This tour has glorious evaluations and can take you thru the Previous 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 all their favourite ice cream outlets so that you can cool off and luxuriate 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 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 frequently inhabited metropolis on the planet, and that individuals have lived right here for at the least 9,000 years.
Constructed on high of a rocky hill, it’s actually spectacular and positively value a go to. Town is finest recognized for its Sassi District, which is house to a posh of prehistoric cave dwellings and a medieval rock church carved into the mountain.
Tip: When deciding what issues to do round Bari, in case you needed to decide solely one in all Alberobello or Matera to go to, personally I might go together with Matera. I discovered it extra atmospheric and fewer touristy. Nevertheless, in case you’d like to go to each cities in at some point, contemplate becoming a member of this guided journey.
21. Bonus!
When touring to Italy, it’s inconceivable to have “an excessive amount of meals”! Take a look at this enjoyable journey which mixes consuming, consuming wine, and strolling — which is nice as you’ll need to stroll off some energy. You’ll go to fashionable 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 prompt itineraries that will help you determine what to see and do in Bari.
1 Day in Bari Itinerary
You possibly can see many of the major Bari sights in at some point. Becoming a member of a strolling tour permits you to see the principle sights, and be taught concerning the metropolis and its historical past.
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 purchasing.
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’ve got two or three days, you possibly can discover Bari’s environment in addition to town itself.
Spend the primary day exploring town, as per the above itinerary. On day two, take a day journey to both Matera or Alberobello (or, in case you’d wish to see each locations in at some point, contemplate becoming a member of this tour).
When you’ve got 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 journey. Finish your final day with this wonderful sundown crusing journey.
1 Week in Bari Itinerary
With per week, you possibly can comfortably do all the actions in Bari I’ve described on this publish, and nonetheless have some spare time to spend nevertheless you want.
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 all your Bari days, hiring a motorbike will allow you to see much more of town.
With the extra days, I’d advocate taking day journeys to Monopoli and Matera/Alberobello. Another choice is at the present time journey which truly takes in Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, and Alberobello! And if you wish to spend an entire 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 – Greatest for First-time Guests and Sightseeing
Bari Vecchia (Previous Bari) is the historic heart of Bari and is the place you’ll discover many 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 Purchasing and Nightlife
Positioned simply south of Bari Vecchia, Murat is the fashionable coronary heart of Bari. Right here you’ll discover most of the metropolis’s finest outlets, eating places, and bars. This is a 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 (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 notably fashionable with locals. Take a look at this glorious condominium within the space.
Greatest Eating places in Bari
There’s wonderful meals all through Bari. When you’re searching for some particular suggestions, take a look at these locations.
Al Pescatore
Positioned proper subsequent to the Castello Svevo, Al Pescatore serves a few of 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 (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 Previous City. They serve scrumptious pasta and a spread of different native specialties, all of that are low cost and improbable.
Their menu modifications continuously, however I had the orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe and it was unbelievable. That is additionally a stunning place to sit down with a spritz and watch the world go by.
Per Bacco
Within the new a part of city, near the Lungomare seafront promenade, Per Bacco is a midrange, intimate restaurant with a really cozy ambiance and great house owners.
The menu is small and options conventional Puglian specialties – 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 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 return in case you’re searching for an affordable 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 world airport with flights from throughout Europe, together with funds 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 even attain Bari by prepare. 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 possibly can attain Bari by ferry from Albania, Greece, Montenegro, and Croatia. These ferries additionally transport vehicles.
When you get to Bari, town heart is walkable, and you may get to most different main locations through public transport. Nevertheless, in case you’d wish to discover extra of the encircling area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, you can too rent a automotive (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.
Bari is understood for its lovely structure, atmospheric Previous City, nice meals, and beautiful seashores. It’s additionally one in all 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-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 each time you possibly can.
Completely! Bari is an enthralling metropolis with a lot to see and do. Whether or not you’re curious about historical past, artwork, meals, or simply stress-free on the seaside, Bari has one thing for you.
You possibly can see most of Bari’s major sights in at some point. Nevertheless, I like to recommend spending two or three days right here in case you can, to actually get a really feel for the ambiance of town and surrounding area.
Sure, Bari is as protected as some other main Italian metropolis. After all, petty crime can occur anyplace, however so long as you are taking the same old smart precautions, you shouldn’t have any points throughout your time there.
The preferred factor to do in Bari is to walk across the atmospheric Previous City, which is stuffed with lovely medieval buildings and winding alleyways. Right here you possibly can watch ladies making pasta by hand on the road – probably the most iconic issues to see in Bari, Italy.
The most effective 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 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 fashionable Italian cities. When you get the prospect to go to Bari, I extremely advocate it.
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