The capital of the southeastern Puglia area of Italy, Bari, is a vibrant port metropolis on the Adriatic Sea. Identified for its atmospheric Previous City, medieval church buildings, gorgeous 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 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 publish, I’ll describe a number of the high 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 positively worthwhile.
Finest Issues to Do in Bari
Nevertheless lengthy you need to spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend trying out no less than a number of the following.
1. Discover the Citta Vecchia
Most of the high locations to go to in Bari are situated in its Previous City – a maze of slim, winding streets and again alleys that lies simply south of the trendy 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 wood tables on the street making handmade orecchiette pasta, picturesque little squares are adorned with flowers, and locals sit collectively chatting over a espresso or glasses of wine.
The entire place 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 a tremendous place to whereas away a couple of hours and exploring it is without doubt 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 Click on right here for a highly-rated guided tour of the outdated city.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 truly takes within the Basilica of Saint Nicholas.
Deal with: Largo Abate Elia, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
3. Verify 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 ravishing instance of Romanesque structure. Inside, the cathedral’s treasury (Tesoro) accommodates 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 street from the 2nd century and a Byzantine church from the ninth century. There are additionally the stays of a fantastically ornate mosaic.
Deal with: Piazza dell’Odegitria, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
4. Take a Historic Strolling Tour of Bari
Top-of-the-line methods to study concerning the wealthy and engaging historical past of this superb metropolis is to participate in a historic strolling tour of Bari.
There are a number of totally different excursions to select from, however I like to recommend this one. Your passionate native information will present you across the metropolis’s most essential and iconic sights, and educate you concerning the historical past, tradition, and life-style of the folks of Bari.
I believed I knew lots about what to do in Bari, however after taking this strolling tour, I noticed there’s a lot extra to the town. If it’s actually scorching outdoors, or in case you have mobility points…or, for those who’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 dwelling 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 essentially 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 attractive 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 (prepare or bus) from Bari.
Nevertheless, for those who don’t have time to go away the town, you possibly can nonetheless get pleasure from some seashore time. Try Pane e Pomodoro Seaside, a sandy seashore 3 kilometers southeast of the town middle. The title interprets as “Bread and Tomato” (don’t ask me why).
6. Go on a Road Meals Tour
Bari is legendary for its scrumptious avenue meals, so you’ll want to strive 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 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 embrace:
- 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 – most likely one of the best focaccia you’ll ever eat, topped with ripe tomatoes, olives, olive oil, and oregano.
- Polpette – tacky fried dumplings made utilizing stale bread (and generally fish, meat, or greens), both served crispy by themselves, or in a wealthy sauce.
7. Discover Castello Svevo (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 lots traditionally and has been broken by earthquakes on a number of events. Regardless of this, the entire construction is amazingly effectively 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 extensively. Exploring the enormous rooms and in depth grounds is extraordinarily evocative and is unquestionably top-of-the-line locations to see in Bari.
8. Stroll Alongside the Seafront Promenade
Bari has a ravishing lengthy promenade (referred to as Lungomare Nazario Sauro) that runs alongside the seafront. It’s a fantastic 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 chew to eat for those who like.
You too can prolong 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 major 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 contemporary 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 among 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 prime 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 courses to select from, however I advocate this one, which takes place on the host’s dwelling.
Throughout 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 without doubt 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. Individuals-Watch within the Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is without doubt one of the major squares on the sting of the Previous City of Bari. It’s a fantastic 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 immediately it’s a preferred spot for locals to satisfy 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 the town is without doubt one of the greatest 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. In the event you’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 Previous City and the trendy metropolis, together with the Petruzzelli Theater and Bari’s major fish market.
And on the finish, you possibly can get pleasure from 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 right place to chill out and take a break throughout a busy day of sightseeing.
The park has a wide range of totally different vegetation and timber, in addition to a lake that’s dwelling to turtles, geese, and different birds. In the event 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 a bit cafe kiosk promoting espresso, water, beer, and different refreshments.
13. Go on a Crusing Journey
Bari is situated on the Adriatic Sea, and crusing is a well-liked pastime right here. There are a number of operators that supply crusing journeys from Bari, and also you’ll get to chill out on deck and benefit from the gorgeous shoreline as you sail previous.
Being on the water provides you a novel perspective of Bari itself, and lots of crusing journeys enable you the possibility to swim within the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean. It’s pretty frequent to see dolphins and a variety of different aquatic life when you’re on the boat too.
This is a superb sundown journey that has incredible critiques and is without doubt one of the greatest 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 for those who’re touring by your self, that is nonetheless a reasonably superior expertise!)
14. Snag a Discount at Poggiofranco Market
Mercato di Poggiofranco is without doubt one of the largest open-air markets in Bari and is the right place to choose up some souvenirs. The principle market takes place on Saturday mornings, from 8 am till round 1.30 pm.
To seek out the market, head to Viale Madre Teresa di Calcutta, which is situated 2.5 kilometers south of the Central Station, within the Poggiofranco district. You 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 food and drinks, homeware, and kitchen utensils. You title it, you’ll most likely get it right here.
You’ll additionally discover stalls promoting regionally made merchandise, which make nice presents to take dwelling. In the event 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 dwell in Bari, I like to recommend swinging by Mercato di Poggiofranco.
15. Take a Journey to Monopoli
Monopoli is a ravishing coastal metropolis and top-of-the-line 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 middle – a labyrinth of gorgeous outdated whitewashed buildings, with inexperienced window shutters, colourful flowerboxes, and cobbled streets polished clean by tons of of years of passing toes.
There’s additionally an historical fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used immediately, the place you possibly can see native fishermen bringing of their catch, able to be taken straight to the town’s eating places.
In the event you’re trying to spend a while on the seashore, take a look at Cala Porta Vecchia, which is situated simply south of the primary 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 but it surely’s particularly magical and atmospheric at sundown.
See full publish: 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 situated in an outdated palazzo within the Previous City and is unquestionably value a go to for those who’re all for studying concerning the metropolis’s previous.
The museum homes a set of historic artifacts, in addition to a library and an archive. There’s additionally a piece devoted to the town’s conventional tradition, which is de facto fascinating.
The museum hosts a variety of occasions and exhibitions all year long. See right here for extra info on what’s on throughout your go to.
Deal with: Str. Sagges, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
17. Make A Day Journey To Alberobello
Alberobello is a small Puglian city well-known for its distinctive “trulli” homes – conventional conical-roofed dwellings which might be made solely from stone.
You probably have the time, there are lots of different issues to do close to Bari, and Alberobello is without doubt one of the most fascinating.
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 for those who don’t have your individual automotive is to take a guided journey from Bari (see beneath). Study extra about Alberobello in this publish.
18. Verify Out the Teatro Petruzzelli
The Teatro Petruzzelli is without doubt one of the most essential cultural establishments in Bari. It’s a big theater and opera home that repeatedly hosts a variety of theater, ballet, opera, and live performance performances.
The constructing itself dates from 1904 and is extremely ornate and delightful inside. Even for those who’re not planning to catch a efficiency there, it’s nonetheless effectively value having a look inside.
Deal with: Corso Cavour, 12, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
19. Be part of a Bike Tour
One other enjoyable technique to see the primary vacationer sights in Bari, Italy is to take a motorcycle tour. You’ll cowl way more floor than you may on foot, so it’s an effective way to see extra of the town, particularly for those who solely have a restricted period of time.
This tour has wonderful critiques and can take you thru the Previous City of Bari, in addition to a couple of of the town’s different, less-visited neighborhoods. Your information can even take you to one among their favourite ice cream outlets so that you can cool off and revel in a well-earned deal with.
Alternatively, you may at all times rent a motorcycle 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 the earth, and that individuals have lived right here for no less than 9,000 years.
Constructed on high of a rocky hill, it’s actually spectacular and positively value a go to. The town is greatest identified for its Sassi District, which is dwelling 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, for those who needed to decide solely one among Alberobello or Matera to go to, personally I might go together with Matera. I discovered it extra atmospheric and fewer touristy. Nevertheless, for those who’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 unimaginable to have “too much food”! Try this enjoyable journey which mixes consuming, consuming wine, and strolling — which is nice as you’ll wish to stroll off some energy. You’ll go to standard landmarks, pattern conventional meals, and drink native wine as effectively. Click on right here for particulars.
Fast Journey Itineraries for Bari
Listed below are a couple of recommended itineraries that can assist you resolve what to see and do in Bari.
1 Day in Bari Itinerary
You may see a lot of the major Bari sights in at some point. Becoming a member of a strolling tour lets you see the primary sights, and study 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.
In a while, head to the seashore for a swim, and finish your day with a meal at one among Bari’s wonderful eating places.
2-3 Days in Bari Itinerary
You probably have two or three days, you possibly can 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, for those who’d prefer to see each locations in at some point, think about becoming a member of this tour).
You probably have a 3rd day, take the prepare to the close by city of Polignano a Mare, which is completely picturesque and residential to a few of southern Italy’s greatest seashores, together with Lama Monachile and Cala Paura. 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 superb sundown crusing journey.
1 Week in Bari Itinerary
With every week, you possibly can comfortably do the entire actions in Bari I’ve described on this publish, and nonetheless have some spare time to spend nonetheless you want.
I like to recommend spending no less than two days within the metropolis itself, primarily following the above itinerary, however giving your self extra time to get pleasure from every exercise and spend longer in every place. On one among your Bari days, hiring a motorcycle 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 at the present time journey which truly 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 a couple of of one of the best neighborhoods in Bari for vacationers.
Bari Vecchia – Finest for First-time Guests and Sightseeing
Bari Vecchia (Previous Bari) is the historic middle of Bari and is the place you’ll discover a lot of the metropolis’s most well-known sights and sights.
It’s tremendous atmospheric, with a maze of cobbled backstreets, and lots of quaint eating places and cafes spilling out into the enticing little plazas. Try this nice lodging in Bari Vecchia.
Murat – Finest for Purchasing and Nightlife
Positioned simply south of Bari Vecchia, Murat is the trendy 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 Seaside 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 (one of the best 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 might be notably standard with locals. Take a look at this wonderful house within the space.
Finest Eating places in Bari
There’s superb meals all through Bari. In the event you’re on the lookout for some particular suggestions, take a look at these locations.
Al Pescatore
Positioned proper subsequent to the Castello Svevo, Al Pescatore serves a number of the greatest contemporary fish and seafood within the metropolis. The standard is great and the costs are cheap. Attempt the normal native uncooked fish and the fritto misto (blended fried seafood).
Assaporando le Delizie Pugliesi
This conventional little restaurant is in a small sq. subsequent to the Metropolitan Cathedral, within the coronary heart of Bari’s Previous City. They serve scrumptious pasta and a variety of different native specialties, all of that are low-cost and incredible.
Their menu modifications ceaselessly, 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 – strive the ravioli full of turnip tops and anchovies. Costs are midrange and very reasonable.
Magda
Magda is a bakery and a restaurant situated on the bustling By way of Prospero Petroni. It’s a strong favourite with the locals and serves a variety of focaccias, flatbreads, candy and savory pastries, and different conventional snacks.
That is the right place to come back for those who’re on the lookout for an affordable and scrumptious place to eat within the middle of Bari. I had one of the best focaccia of my life right here, and their arancini balls are additionally insanely good.
Attending to Bari
Bari has a global airport with flights from throughout Europe, together with funds carriers Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air. In the event you’re flying from outdoors of Europe, you’ll most likely have to attach by way of Rome, Milan, or one other main European metropolis.
You too can attain Bari by prepare. The 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 possibly can 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. Nevertheless, for those who’d prefer to discover extra of the encircling area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, you can too rent a automotive (usually the most affordable 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 thought for its stunning structure, atmospheric Previous City, nice meals, and wonderful seashores. It’s additionally one among southern Italy’s main ports and is a serious transport hub for the area.
The very best time to go to Bari is within the spring (April-Might) or autumn (September-October), when the climate is heat however not too scorching 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 all for historical past, artwork, meals, or simply enjoyable on the seashore, Bari has one thing for you.
You may see most of Bari’s major sights in at some point. Nevertheless, I like to recommend spending two or three days right here for those who can, to essentially get a really feel for the environment of the town and surrounding area.
Sure, Bari is as protected as some other main Italian metropolis. In fact, petty crime can occur wherever, however so long as you’re taking the standard wise precautions, you shouldn’t have any points throughout your time there.
The most well-liked factor to do in Bari is to walk across the atmospheric Previous City, which is stuffed with stunning medieval buildings and winding alleyways. Right here you possibly can watch girls making pasta by hand on the road – some of the iconic issues to see in Bari, Italy.
The very best seashore in Bari itself is Pane e Pomodoro seashore. Nevertheless, essentially 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 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 a fantastic metropolis and one which I might like to return to.
The vibe is pleasant and chill, it’s sunny for a lot of the 12 months, and also you’ll be surrounded by far fewer vacationers than in lots of different standard Italian cities. In the event you get the possibility to go to Bari, I extremely advocate it.
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