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, beautiful seashores, and scrumptious meals and wine, there are such a lot of unimaginable issues to do in Bari.
I frolicked in Bari final month and actually cherished town. It receives far fewer vacationers than different Italian cities like Rome, Florence, and Naples, it’s less expensive and has a 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.
Greatest Issues To Do in Bari
Nonetheless lengthy it’s important to spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend testing a minimum of a few of the following.
1. Discover The Citta Vecchia
Lots of the prime locations to go to in Bari are positioned in its Old Town – a maze of slim, winding streets and again alleys that lies simply south of the fashionable port space. It’s an enchanting place, with greater than 2,000 years of historical past.
The vast majority of the historic buildings in Citta Vecchia are intact, and the entire district has a splendidly distinctive really feel. It’s simple to get misplaced wandering 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 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 tons of of years. It’s an incredible place to whereas away a couple of hours.
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 massive 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.
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) incorporates a collection of valuable relics and different historic artifacts, in addition to a museum.
Beneath the cathedral lies a collection of archaeological excavations, displaying the stays of an historic Roman highway from the 2nd century and a Byzantine church from the ninth century. There are additionally the stays of a fantastically ornate mosaic.
4. Take A Historic Strolling Tour Of Bari
Among the best methods to be taught in regards to 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 necessary and iconic sights, and train you in regards to the historical past, tradition, and way of life of the individuals of Bari.
5. Chill Out At The Seashore
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 essentially the most well-known seaside close to Bari is Lama Monachile (also called Cala Porto), within the fairly little city of Polignano a Mare. This small white pebble seaside is on the finish of a steep-sided rocky canyon framed by vertical cliffs and has 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 simple to succeed in with public transport (prepare or bus) from Bari.
Nonetheless, if you happen to don’t have time to go away town, you’ll be able to nonetheless take pleasure in some seaside time. Try Pane e Pomodoro beach, 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 Avenue Meals Tour
Bari is legendary for its scrumptious avenue meals, so be sure you attempt as a lot of it as doable when you’re on the town. Among the best methods to pattern a few of Bari’s finest avenue meals is to go on a avenue meals tour.
This is a wonderful possibility 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 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 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 (Considered one 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 simple to think about how this citadel served as one of many previous metropolis’s details of protection all through the centuries.
The citadel has been via lots traditionally and has been broken by earthquakes on a number of events. Regardless of this, the entire construction is amazingly effectively intact.
At present, 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 broadly. Exploring the enormous rooms and intensive grounds is extraordinarily evocative and is certainly the most effective 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 an incredible 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’ll be able to cease for a espresso or a chew to eat if you happen to like.
You can too prolong the stroll all the best way to the Molo Sant’Antonio lighthouse, which is positioned on the finish of the ocean wall marking the doorway to the crusing and pleasure boat harbor. This was once town’s essential 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 mates, portray boats, or taking crusing classes within the sheltered marina. You’ll be able to sit 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 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 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 substances, 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 like to recommend this one, which takes place on the host’s house, near the Central Station.
Throughout the class, you’ll learn to make recent orecchiette (Puglia’s well-known pasta that appears like little ears), conventional focaccia Barese (with oregano and recent tomatoes), and sauces with recipes and strategies handed down via generations. This is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Bari – I extremely advocate it!
10. Folks-Watch in The Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is likely one of the essential squares on the sting of the Previous City of Bari. It’s an incredible 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 for the reason that 14th century, and even immediately 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 might be very divisive: some individuals love them, and a few individuals actually don’t. For those who’re within the former 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 Previous City and the fashionable metropolis, together with the Petruzzelli Theater and Bari’s essential fish market.
And on the finish, you’ll be able to take pleasure in some scrumptious conventional do-it-yourself ice cream.
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 crops and timber, in addition to a lake that’s house to turtles, geese, and different birds. For those who’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 a bit of 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 beautiful 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 when you’re on the boat too.
This is a wonderful sundown crusing journey that has improbable evaluations and is likely one of the finest issues to do in Bari for {couples}. What could possibly be extra romantic than sitting on the deck of a sailboat, watching the sundown over the ocean, with an aperitivo in hand?
(To be trustworthy, even if you happen to’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’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, sneakers, and equipment to food 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 items to take house. For those who’re on the town on a Saturday and are searching 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 the most effective 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 heart – a labyrinth of lovely previous whitewashed buildings, with inexperienced window shutters, colourful flowerboxes, and cobbled streets polished easy by tons of of years of passing toes.
There’s additionally an historic fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used immediately, the place you’ll be able to see native fishermen bringing of their catch, able to be taken straight to town’s eating places.
For those who’re seeking to spend a while on the seaside, try 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 stunning right here at any time of day however it’s particularly magical and atmospheric at sundown.
16. Be taught About The Metropolis’s Historical past At Museo Civico
The Museo Civico is a small museum devoted to the historical past of Bari. It’s positioned in an previous palazzo within the Previous City and is certainly price a go to if you happen to’re interested by studying in regards to the metropolis’s previous.
The museum homes a set of historic artifacts, in addition to a library and an archive. There’s additionally a piece devoted to town’s conventional tradition, which is absolutely attention-grabbing.
The museum hosts a spread of occasions and exhibitions all year long. See here for extra info on what’s on throughout your go to.
17. Make A Day Journey To Alberobello
In case you have the time, there are a lot of different issues to do close to Bari.
Alberobello is a small Puglian city well-known for its distinctive “trulli” homes – conventional conical-roofed dwellings which can be made completely from stone.
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 possibility if you happen to don’t have your personal automobile is to take a guided journey from Bari (see beneath).
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 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 if you happen to’re not planning to catch a efficiency there, it’s nonetheless effectively price having a look inside.
19. Be a part of A Bike Tour
One other enjoyable solution to see the principle vacationer points of interest in Bari, Italy is to take a motorcycle tour. You’ll cowl much more floor than you can on foot, so it’s a good way to see extra of town, particularly if you happen to 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 couple of of town’s different, less-visited neighborhoods. Your information will 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 at all times rent a motorcycle and discover by your self. Click 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 positively price a go to. Town is finest identified 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, if you happen to needed to decide solely one in every of Alberobello or Matera to go to, personally I’d go together with Matera. I discovered it extra atmospheric and fewer touristy. Nonetheless, if you happen to’d like to go to each cities in someday, think about becoming a member of this guided trip.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Bari
Listed below are a couple of prompt itineraries that will help you resolve what to see and do in Bari.
1 Day in Bari Itinerary
You’ll be able to see many of the essential Bari points of interest 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 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, if you happen to’d prefer to see each locations in someday, think about 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 finest seashores, together with Lama Monachile and Cala Paura. Finish your final day with this amazing sunset sailing trip.
1 Week in Bari Itinerary
With per week in Bari, you’ll be able to comfortably do all the actions I’ve described on this put up, and nonetheless have some spare time to spend nonetheless you want.
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 bike will allow you to see much more of town.
With the extra days, I’d advocate taking day journeys to Monopoli, and Matera/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 couple of 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 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 enticing little plazas. Try this great Airbnb in Bari Vecchia.
Murat – Greatest for Procuring 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 finest outlets, eating places, and bars.
This is a superb place to remain in Murat.
Madonnella – Greatest 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 beach (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 fashionable with locals.
Take a look at this excellent Airbnb within the space.
Greatest Eating places in Bari
There’s superb meals all through Bari. For those who’re searching 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 great and the costs are cheap. Attempt 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 regularly, however I had the orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe and it was unimaginable. That is additionally a stunning place to take a seat with a spritz and watch the world go by.
Per Bacco
Within the new a part of city, near the Lungomare seafront promenade, Per Bacco is a midrange, intimate restaurant with a really cozy ambiance and great house owners.
The menu is small and options conventional Puglian specialties – attempt the ravioli filled with turnip tops and anchovies. Costs are midrange and very reasonable.
Magda
Magda is a bakery and a restaurant positioned on the bustling 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 if you happen to’re searching for an affordable and scrumptious place to eat within the heart of Bari. I had one of the best focaccia of my life right here, and their arancini balls are additionally insanely good.
Getting To Bari
Bari has a world airport with flights from throughout Europe, together with price range carriers Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air. For those who’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 prepare. Town is a significant cease on the Frecciargento high-speed railway community, which connects it to varied different main Italian locations comparable 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 vehicles.
When you get to Bari, town heart is walkable, and you will get to most different main locations by way of public transport. Nonetheless, if you happen to’d prefer to discover extra of the encompassing area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, you may also rent a automobile (typically the most cost effective from the airport).
Issues To Do in Bari: FAQs
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 Previous City, nice meals, and beautiful 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-Could) or autumn (September-October), when the climate is heat however not too sizzling, and there are fewer vacationers. Nonetheless, 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 loads to see and do. Whether or not you’re interested by 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 essential sights in someday. Nonetheless, I like to recommend spending two or three days right here if you happen to can, to actually get a really feel for the ambiance of town and surrounding area.
Sure, Bari isn’t any much less safe than every other main Italian metropolis. After all, petty crime can occur wherever, however so long as you’re 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 filled with stunning medieval buildings and winding alleyways. Right here you’ll be able to 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 beach. Nonetheless, 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 embody tiella (a rice dish with potatoes and mussels), focaccia barese, and polpette (tacky fried dumplings).
In Conclusion
These are just some of the highest issues to do in Bari, Italy. It’s an incredible metropolis and one which I’d like to return to.
The vibe is pleasant and chilled, it’s sunny for many of the 12 months, and also you’ll be surrounded by far fewer vacationers than in lots of different fashionable Italian cities. For those who get the possibility to go to Bari, I extremely advocate it.
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