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 beloved town. It receives far fewer vacationers than different Italian cities like Rome, Florence, and Naples, it’s less expensive and has a very genuine and laidback vibe.
On this submit, 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.
Finest Issues to Do in Bari
Nevertheless lengthy it’s a must to spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend testing no less than a few of the following.
1. Discover the Citta Vecchia
Lots 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 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 via 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 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 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 previous 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 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 everywhere in the world. This rickshaw tour of the previous city truly takes within the Basilica of Saint Nicholas.
Handle: 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 quick), which dates again to the eleventh century.
The cathedral is positioned within the coronary heart of Citta Vecchia and is a ravishing instance of Romanesque structure. Inside, the cathedral’s treasury (Tesoro) incorporates a sequence of treasured relics and different historic artifacts, in addition to a museum.
Beneath the cathedral lies a sequence of archaeological excavations, displaying 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 fantastically ornate mosaic.
Handle: Piazza dell’Odegitria, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
4. Take a Historic Strolling Tour of Bari
Among the finest methods to study concerning the wealthy and interesting 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 vital and iconic sights, and educate you concerning the historical past, tradition, and way of life of the folks of Bari.
I assumed I knew so much about what to do in Bari, however after taking this strolling tour, I spotted there’s a lot extra to town. If it’s actually scorching exterior, or when you’ve got mobility points…or, when you’re simply feeling lazy…this rickshaw tour is a good way to get across the previous city!
5. Chill Out on the Seaside
Puglia is dwelling to a few of the greatest 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 seashore close to Bari is Lama Monachile (also referred to as Cala Porto), within the fairly little city of Polignano a Mare. This small white pebble 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 embrace Cala Paura (additionally in Polignano a Mare) and Cala Porta Vecchia (in romantic Monopoli). These are all straightforward to succeed in with public transport (practice or bus) from Bari.
Nevertheless, when you don’t have time to go away town, you’ll be able to nonetheless get pleasure from some seashore time. Try Pane e Pomodoro Seaside, a sandy seashore 3 kilometers southeast of 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 road meals, so be sure you strive as a lot of it as doable whilst you’re on the town. Among the finest methods to pattern a few of Bari’s greatest road meals is to go on a road meals tour.
This is a superb possibility and can introduce you to a few of the metropolis’s most well-known dishes. You’ll go to well-liked native locations, and immerse your self in Bari’s wealthy culinary tradition.
A few of my favourite native Puglia specialties embrace:
- Orecchiette pasta with sautéed broccoli rabe (also referred to as rapini).
- Tiella – a hearty conventional dish made with rice, potatoes, and mussels (consider it as a Puglian paella).
- Focaccia Barese – most likely the very 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 (One in every of 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 straightforward to think about how this fortress served as one of many previous metropolis’s details of protection all through the centuries.
The fortress has been via so much traditionally and has been broken by earthquakes on a number of events. Regardless of this, the entire construction is amazingly nicely intact.
At the moment, the fortress is used as an exhibition middle and a museum devoted to the historical past of the fortress, in addition to town of Bari extra broadly. Exploring the enormous rooms and intensive grounds is extraordinarily evocative and is certainly among the best locations to see in Bari.
8. Stroll Alongside the Seafront Promenade
Bari has a ravishing lengthy promenade (known as Lungomare Nazario Sauro) that runs alongside the seafront. It’s an excellent 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 when you like.
It’s also possible to 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 town’s foremost harbor, till the development of the bigger business Port of Bari in 1850.
Right here you’re prone to see folks 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 contemporary sea air.
Within the night, the promenade comes alive with locals and vacationers alike, and other people come to look at the spectacular sundown. That is one in all my favourite issues to do in Bari at evening – there’s only a actually beautiful 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 components, together with tomatoes, beans, artichokes, peppers, and seafood.
For an unforgettable expertise the place you’ll be able to learn to make some traditional and scrumptious, native dishes, take a conventional 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.
In the course of 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. Folks-Watch within the Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is without doubt one of the foremost squares on the sting of the Previous City of Bari. It’s an excellent 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 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 beautiful little nook of town is without doubt one of the greatest free issues to do in Bari, Puglia.
11. See Bari on a Segway Tour
Segways might be very divisive: some folks love them, and a few folks actually don’t. In case 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 trendy metropolis, together with the Petruzzelli Theater and Bari’s foremost fish market.
And on the finish, you’ll be able to get pleasure from some scrumptious conventional do-it-yourself ice cream. I had a good time on the segway, however perhaps 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 calm down and take a break throughout a busy day of sightseeing.
The park has a wide range of totally different crops and bushes, in addition to a lake that’s dwelling to turtles, geese, and different birds. In case 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 youngsters, and a little bit cafe kiosk promoting espresso, water, beer, and different refreshments.
13. Go on a Crusing Journey
Bari is positioned on the Adriatic Sea, and crusing is a well-liked pastime right here. There are a number of operators that supply crusing journeys from Bari, and also you’ll get to 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 plenty 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 implausible evaluations and is without doubt 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 trustworthy, even when you’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 select 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 may both stroll or take a bus, or a taxi.
Right here you’ll discover an enormous vary of things from garments, sneakers, and equipment to foods and drinks, homeware, and kitchen utensils. You identify it, you’ll most likely get it right here.
You’ll additionally discover stalls promoting regionally made merchandise, which make nice items to take dwelling. In case you’re on the town on a Saturday and are searching for a discount, 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 ravishing coastal metropolis and among the best 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 previous whitewashed buildings, with inexperienced window shutters, colourful flowerboxes, and cobbled streets polished clean by lots of of years of passing toes.
There’s additionally an historical fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used at this time, the place you’ll be able to see native fishermen bringing of their catch, able to be taken straight to town’s eating places.
In case you’re trying to spend a while on the seashore, try Cala Porta Vecchia, which is positioned 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 however it’s particularly magical and atmospheric at sundown.
See full submit: 15 Finest 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 previous palazzo within the Previous City and is certainly value a go to when you’re fascinated by 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 bit 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 info on what’s on throughout your go to.
Handle: Str. Sagges, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
17. Make A Day Journey To Alberobello
Alberobello is a small Puglian city well-known for its distinctive “trulli” homes – conventional conical-roofed dwellings which are made completely from stone.
When you’ve got the time, there are a lot of different issues to do close to Bari, and Alberobello is without doubt 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 possibility when you don’t have your personal automotive is to take a guided journey from Bari (see beneath). Study extra about Alberobello in this submit.
18. Verify Out the Teatro Petruzzelli
The Teatro Petruzzelli is without doubt one of the most vital 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 delightful inside. Even when you’re not planning to catch a efficiency there, it’s nonetheless nicely value having a look inside.
Handle: Corso Cavour, 12, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
19. Be part of a Bike Tour
One other enjoyable method to see the primary vacationer sights in Bari, Italy is to take a motorcycle tour. You’ll cowl much more floor than you possibly can on foot, so it’s a good way to see extra of town, particularly when 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 couple of of town’s different, less-visited neighborhoods. Your information may also take you to one in all their favourite ice cream outlets so that you can cool off and revel in a well-earned deal with.
Alternatively, you possibly can all the time 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 recognized 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, when you needed to decide solely one in all Alberobello or Matera to go to, personally I’d go together with Matera. I discovered it extra atmospheric and fewer touristy. Nevertheless, when you’d like to go to each cities in in the future, contemplate becoming a member of this guided journey.
21. Bonus!
When touring to Italy, it’s unimaginable to have “an excessive amount of meals”! 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 well-liked landmarks, pattern conventional meals, and drink native wine as nicely. Click on right here for particulars.
Fast Journey Itineraries for Bari
Listed here are a couple of recommended itineraries that can assist you determine what to see and do in Bari.
1 Day in Bari Itinerary
You may see many of the foremost Bari sights in in the future. Becoming a member of a strolling tour means that you can 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 buying.
Afterward, head to the seashore 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’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, when you’d prefer to see each locations in in the future, contemplate becoming a member of this tour).
When you’ve got 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 superb sundown crusing journey.
1 Week in Bari Itinerary
With every week, you’ll be able to comfortably do all the actions in Bari I’ve described on this submit, and nonetheless have some spare time to spend nevertheless you would like.
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 in all your Bari days, hiring a motorcycle will allow you to see much more of town.
With the extra days, I’d advocate taking day journeys to Monopoli and Matera/Alberobello. An alternative choice is today journey which truly takes in Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, and Alberobello! And if you wish to spend a complete day on the seashore, go proper forward.
The place to Keep in Bari
These are a couple of of the very 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 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. 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 most 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 (the very 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 are significantly well-liked with locals. Take a look at this glorious residence within the space.
Finest Eating places in Bari
There’s superb meals all through Bari. In case you’re searching for some particular suggestions, try these locations.
Al Pescatore
Positioned proper subsequent to the Castello Svevo, Al Pescatore serves a few of the greatest contemporary fish and seafood within the metropolis. The standard is superb and the costs are affordable. Strive the normal native uncooked fish and the fritto misto (combined fried seafood).
Assaporando le Delizie Pugliesi
This conventional little restaurant is in a small sq. subsequent to the Metropolitan Cathedral, within the coronary heart of Bari’s Previous City. They serve scrumptious pasta and a spread of different native specialties, all of that are low cost and implausible.
Their menu adjustments incessantly, however I had the orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe and it was unbelievable. That is additionally a beautiful 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 fantastic house owners.
The menu is small and options conventional Puglian specialties – strive 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 strong favourite with the locals and serves a spread of focaccias, flatbreads, candy and savory pastries, and different conventional snacks.
That is the right place to return when you’re searching for an affordable and scrumptious place to eat within the middle of Bari. I had the very 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 price range carriers Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air. In case you’re flying from exterior of Europe, you’ll most likely have to attach through Rome, Milan, or one other main European metropolis.
It’s also possible to attain Bari by practice. The town is a significant cease on the Frecciargento high-speed railway community, which connects it to varied different main Italian locations equivalent 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, town middle is walkable, and you may get to most different main locations through public transport. Nevertheless, when you’d prefer to discover extra of the encircling area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, you may as well rent a automotive (usually the most affordable 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 thought for its stunning 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 scorching and there are fewer vacationers. Nevertheless, Bari is a good vacation spot year-round, so go to every time you’ll be able to.
Completely! Bari is an enthralling metropolis with lots to see and do. Whether or not you’re fascinated by historical past, artwork, meals, or simply stress-free on the seashore, Bari has one thing for you.
You may see most of Bari’s foremost sights in in the future. Nevertheless, I like to recommend spending two or three days right here when you can, to essentially get a really feel for the ambiance of town and surrounding area.
Sure, Bari is as secure as some other main Italian metropolis. In fact, petty crime can occur anyplace, 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 Previous 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 – one of the vital iconic issues to see in Bari, Italy.
The most effective 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 an excellent metropolis and one which I’d 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 well-liked Italian cities. In case you get the possibility to go to Bari, I extremely advocate it.
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