The capital of the southeastern Puglia area of Italy, Bari, is a vibrant port metropolis on the Adriatic Sea. Recognized for its atmospheric Outdated City, medieval church buildings, gorgeous seashores, and scrumptious meals and wine, there are such a lot of unimaginable issues to do in Bari.
I hung out in Bari final month and actually liked the 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 publish, I’ll describe a number of the prime issues to see and locations to go to in Bari. A few of these are free, others it’s a must to pay for, however all are nice and undoubtedly worthwhile.
Finest Issues To Do in Bari
Nonetheless lengthy it’s a must to spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend testing no less than a number of the following.
1. Discover The Citta Vecchia
Most of the prime locations to go to in Bari are situated in its Old Town – a maze of slim, winding streets and again alleys that lies simply south of the fashionable port space. It’s a captivating 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. 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 looks 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 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 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.
3. Test Out Bari Cathedral
One other church in Bari that’s price visiting is the Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale San Sabino (or Bari Cathedralfor quick), which dates again to the eleventh century.
The cathedral is situated within the coronary heart of Citta Vecchia and is a wonderful instance of Romanesque structure. Inside, the cathedral’s treasury (Tesoro) comprises a sequence of treasured 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 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
The most effective methods to study 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 vital 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 number of the finest 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 seaside close to Bari is Lama Monachile (often known as 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 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.
Nonetheless, in the event you don’t have time to go away the town, you may nonetheless take pleasure in some seaside time. Try Pane e Pomodoro beach, a sandy seaside 3 kilometers southeast of the town heart. The title interprets as “Bread and Tomato” (don’t ask me why).
6. Go On A Road Meals Tour
Bari is known for its scrumptious road meals, so make sure you strive as a lot of it as attainable when you’re on the town. The most effective methods to pattern a few of Bari’s finest road meals is to go on a road meals tour.
This is a superb possibility and can introduce you to a number of the metropolis’s most well-known dishes. You’ll go to common native locations, and immerse your self in Bari’s wealthy culinary tradition.
A few of my favourite native 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 – in all probability 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 typically 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 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 straightforward 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.
Right now, the citadel is used as an exhibition heart and a museum devoted to the historical past of the citadel, in addition to the town of Bari extra broadly. Exploring the large rooms and in depth grounds is extraordinarily evocative and is unquestionably among the finest locations to see in Bari.
8. Stroll Alongside The Seafront Promenade
Bari has a wonderful lengthy promenade (referred to as Lungomare Nazario Sauro) that runs alongside the seafront. It’s an important 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 may cease for a espresso or a chunk to eat in the event you like.
You too can lengthen the stroll all the way in which to the Molo Sant’Antonio lighthouse, which is situated on the finish of the ocean wall marking the doorway to the crusing and pleasure boat harbor. This was once the town’s 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 buddies, 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 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 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 substances, together with tomatoes, beans, artichokes, peppers, and seafood.
For an unforgettable expertise the place you may learn to make some traditional and scrumptious, native dishes, take a standard Puglian cooking class. There are a number of totally different lessons to select from, however I like to recommend this one, which takes place on the host’s house, near the Central Station.
Through the class, you’ll learn to make contemporary orecchiette (Puglia’s well-known pasta that appears like little ears), conventional focaccia Barese (with oregano and contemporary tomatoes), and sauces with recipes and methods handed down via generations. This is without doubt one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Bari – I extremely suggest it!
10. Folks-Watch in The Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is without doubt one of the major squares on the sting of the Outdated City of Bari. It’s an important 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. Folks have come right here to commerce their items ever because the 14th century, and even right now it’s a well-liked 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 gorgeous little nook of the town is without doubt one of the finest free issues to do in Bari, Puglia.
11. See Bari On A Segway Tour
Segways may be very divisive: some individuals love them, and a few individuals actually don’t. Should you’re within the former camp, contemplate becoming a member of this tour.
After a fast briefing, you’ll set off exploring a number of the metropolis’s better-known sights, in addition to some hidden gems and secret spots. You’ll go to locations in each the Outdated City and the fashionable metropolis, together with the Petruzzelli Theater and Bari’s major fish market.
And on the finish, you may take pleasure in some scrumptious conventional selfmade 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 well-liked 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 bushes, in addition to a lake that’s house to turtles, geese, and different birds. Should 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 kids, and somewhat cafe kiosk promoting espresso, water, beer, and different refreshments.
13. Go On A Crusing Journey
Bari is situated on the Adriatic Sea, and crusing is a well-liked pastime right here. There are a number of operators that provide crusing journeys from Bari, and also you’ll get to loosen up on deck and benefit from the gorgeous shoreline as you sail previous.
Being on the water offers you a singular perspective of Bari itself, and lots of crusing journeys permit you the prospect 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 superb sundown crusing journey that has implausible evaluations and is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Bari for {couples}. What might 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 in the event you’re touring by your self, that is nonetheless a reasonably superior expertise!)
14. Snag A Cut price At Poggiofranco Market
Mercato di Poggiofranco is without doubt one of the largest open-air markets in Bari and is the proper 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 situated 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, footwear, and equipment to foods 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. Should you’re on the town on a Saturday and are on the lookout 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 wonderful coastal metropolis and among the finest locations to go to close to Bari. It takes about 40 minutes to drive there, or you may 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 gorgeous 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 historical fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used right now, the place you may see native fishermen bringing of their catch, able to be taken straight to the town’s eating places.
Should you’re seeking to spend a while on the seaside, try Cala Porta Vecchia, which is situated simply south of the principle Outdated City.
I additionally suggest taking a stroll alongside the paved pedestrianized walkway that runs alongside the sting of the Outdated City, subsequent to the seafront. It’s lovely right here at any time of day but it surely’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 situated in an previous palazzo within the Outdated City and is unquestionably price a go to in the event you’re eager about studying in regards to the metropolis’s previous.
The museum homes a group of historic artifacts, in addition to a library and an archive. There’s additionally a bit devoted to the town’s conventional tradition, which is actually fascinating.
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
You probably have the time, there are various 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 are made totally from stone.
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 better possibility in the event you don’t have your individual automotive is to take a guided journey from Bari (see under).
18. Test 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 repeatedly hosts a spread of theater, ballet, opera, and live performance performances.
The constructing itself dates from 1904 and is extremely ornate and exquisite inside. Even in the event you’re not planning to catch a efficiency there, it’s nonetheless effectively price having a look inside.
19. Be part of A Bike Tour
One other enjoyable approach to see the principle vacationer points of interest in Bari, Italy is to take a motorbike tour. You’ll cowl way more floor than you might on foot, so it’s a good way to see extra of the town, particularly in the event you solely have a restricted period of time.
This tour has glorious evaluations and can take you thru the Outdated City of Bari, in addition to a couple of of the town’s different, less-visited neighborhoods. Your information will even take you to one in all their favourite ice cream retailers so that you can cool off and revel in a well-earned deal with.
Alternatively, you might all the time rent a motorbike 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 consider Matera to be the third-oldest frequently inhabited metropolis on the planet, and that individuals have lived right here for no less than 9,000 years.
Constructed on prime of a rocky hill, it’s actually spectacular and undoubtedly price a go to. Town is finest identified for its Sassi district, which is house to a fancy of prehistoric cave dwellings and a medieval rock church carved into the mountain.
Tip: When deciding what issues to do round Bari, in the event you needed to choose solely one in all Alberobello or Matera to go to, personally I’d go together with Matera. I discovered it extra atmospheric and fewer touristy. Nonetheless, in the event you’d like to go to each cities in someday, contemplate becoming a member of this guided trip.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Bari
Listed below are a couple of prompt itineraries that can assist you resolve what to see and do in Bari.
1 Day in Bari Itinerary
You’ll be able to see many of the major Bari points of interest in someday.
Begin your day by exploring the Outdated City. Go to the Basilica di San Nicola, the Castello Normanno-Svevo, and the Cattedrale di San Sabino. Then head to the Murat district for some procuring.
In a while, 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
You probably have two or three days, you may discover Bari’s environment in addition to the town itself.
Spend the primary day exploring the town, as per the above itinerary. On day two, take a day journey to both Matera or Alberobello (or, in the event you’d prefer to see each locations in someday, contemplate 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 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 every week in Bari, you may comfortably do all the actions I’ve described on this publish, 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 take pleasure in every exercise and spend longer in every place. On one in all your Bari days, hiring a bike will allow you to see much more of the town.
With the extra days, I’d suggest taking day journeys to Monopoli, and Matera/Alberobello. And if you wish to spend a complete day on the seaside, 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 (Outdated 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 – Finest for Procuring 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 retailers, eating places, and bars.
This is a good place to remain in Murat.
Madonnella – Finest for Seashore Lovers
If you wish to be near the seaside, I like to recommend staying in Madonella. Right here you’ll be close to Pane e Pomodoro beach (the very 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 are notably common with locals.
Take a look at this excellent Airbnb within the space.
Finest Eating places in Bari
There’s superb meals all through Bari. Should you’re on the lookout for some particular suggestions, try these locations.
Al Pescatore
Positioned proper subsequent to the Castello Svevo, Al Pescatore serves a number of the finest contemporary fish and seafood within the metropolis. The standard is superb and the costs are affordable. Attempt the standard 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 Outdated City. They serve scrumptious pasta and a spread of different native specialties, all of that are low-cost and implausible.
Their menu adjustments often, 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 ambiance and great house owners.
The menu is small and options conventional Puglian specialties – strive the ravioli full of turnip tops and anchovies. Costs are midrange and particularly reasonable.
Magda
Magda is a bakery and a restaurant situated 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 in the event you’re on the lookout for an inexpensive and scrumptious place to eat within the heart of Bari. I had the very 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 finances carriers Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air. Should 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 too can 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 resembling Rome, Venice, and Naples.
Alternatively, you may attain Bari by ferry from Albania, Greece, Montenegro, and Croatia. These ferries additionally transport automobiles.
When you get to Bari, the town heart is walkable, and you may get to most different main locations through public transport. Nonetheless, in the event you’d prefer to discover extra of the encompassing area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, you too can rent a automotive (usually the most affordable 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 thought for its lovely structure, atmospheric Outdated 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-Might) or autumn (September-October), when the climate is heat however not too sizzling, and there are fewer vacationers. Nonetheless, Bari is a good vacation spot year-round, so go to each time you may.
Completely! Bari is an enthralling metropolis with loads to see and do. Whether or not you’re eager about historical past, artwork, meals, or simply enjoyable on the seaside, Bari has one thing for you.
You’ll be able to see most of Bari’s major sights in someday. Nonetheless, I like to recommend spending two or three days right here in the event you can, to essentially get a really feel for the ambiance of the town and surrounding area.
Sure, Bari isn’t any much less safe than another main Italian metropolis. In fact, petty crime can occur wherever, 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 Outdated City, which is stuffed with lovely medieval buildings and winding alleyways. Right here you may watch girls making pasta by hand on the road – one 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 often 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).
In Conclusion
These are only a few of the highest issues to do in Bari, Italy. It’s an important 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 common Italian cities. Should you get the prospect to go to Bari, I extremely suggest it.
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