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, beautiful seashores, and scrumptious meals and wine, there are such a lot of unbelievable issues to do in Bari.
I frolicked in Bari final month and actually liked 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 submit, 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 must pay for, however all are nice and positively worthwhile.
Finest Issues to Do in Bari
Nonetheless lengthy you must spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend testing at the very least a number of the following.
1. Discover the Citta Vecchia
Lots 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 interesting 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 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. Girls 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 seems 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 and exploring it is among the finest actions in Bari. Click on right here for a highly-rated guided tour of the outdated city.
2. Go to the Basilica Di San Nicola
Courting again to the twelfth century, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas was constructed on the location of a church that was destroyed by an earthquake in 1089.
The outside of the basilica is extremely ornate, with two massive towers and a surprising façade. The inside is simply as spectacular, with lovely mosaics and work adorning the partitions and ceilings.
It’s devoted to Saint Nicholas (AKA Saint Nick, or Santa Claus, of Christmas Eve fame), who was born in Patara, in modern-day Turkey, and later turned the Bishop of Myra.
The stays of Saint Nicholas are literally buried within the crypt of the basilica, and it’s a spot of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians from everywhere in the world. This rickshaw tour of the outdated city truly takes within the Basilica of Saint Nicholas.
Handle: Largo Abate Elia, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
3. Test 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 situated within the coronary heart of Citta Vecchia and is a lovely 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, 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 superbly ornate mosaic.
Handle: Piazza dell’Odegitria, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
4. Take a Historic Strolling Tour of Bari
Top-of-the-line methods to study in regards to the wealthy and interesting historical past of this wonderful metropolis is to participate in a historic strolling tour of Bari.
There are a number of completely 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 in regards to 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 spotted there’s a lot extra to the town. If it’s actually scorching outdoors, or if in case you have mobility points…or, in case you’re simply feeling lazy…this rickshaw tour is an effective way to get across the outdated city!
5. Chill Out on the Seaside
Puglia is residence 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 probably 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 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 achieve with public transport (practice or bus) from Bari.
Nonetheless, in case you don’t have time to depart the town, you’ll be able to nonetheless get pleasure from some seaside time. Try Pane e Pomodoro Seaside, a sandy seaside 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 known for its scrumptious road meals, so you should definitely attempt as a lot of it as attainable whilst you’re on the town. Top-of-the-line methods to pattern a few of Bari’s finest road meals is to go on a road meals tour.
This is a wonderful 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 the most effective 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 among 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 outdated metropolis’s details of protection all through the centuries.
The citadel 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 properly intact.
Right this moment, the citadel is used as an exhibition middle and a museum devoted to the historical past of the citadel, in addition to the town of Bari extra broadly. Exploring the enormous rooms and in depth grounds is extraordinarily evocative and is unquestionably probably the greatest locations to see in Bari.
8. Stroll Alongside the Seafront Promenade
Bari has a lovely 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 chunk to eat in case you like.
You can even prolong the stroll all the best way 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 predominant 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 buddies, portray boats, or taking crusing classes within the sheltered marina. I really 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 observe the spectacular sundown. That is one in every of my favourite issues to do in Bari at night time – 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 substances, 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 completely different courses to select from, however I suggest this one, which takes place on the host’s residence.
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 among the most enjoyable issues to do in Bari – I extremely suggest it! Click on right here to study extra and guide your spot.
10. Folks-Watch within the Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is among the predominant 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 because the 14th century, and even right now 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 among the finest 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 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 predominant 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 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 loosen up and take a break throughout a busy day of sightseeing.
The park has a wide range of completely different crops and timber, in addition to a lake that’s residence 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 kids, and just a little 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 loosen up on deck and benefit from the beautiful shoreline as you sail previous.
Being on the water offers you a novel 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 frequent to see dolphins and a variety of different aquatic life whilst you’re on the boat too.
This is a wonderful sundown journey that has implausible evaluations and is among the finest issues to do in Bari for {couples}, or teams of buddies. What might be extra romantic than sitting on the deck of a classic gozzo boat, watching the sundown over the ocean, with an aperitivo in hand? Click on right here for particulars.
(To be trustworthy, even in case you’re touring by your self, that is nonetheless a reasonably superior expertise!)
14. Snag a Discount at Poggiofranco Market
Mercato di Poggiofranco is among the largest open-air markets in Bari and is the right place to choose up some souvenirs. The primary 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 foods 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 residence. 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 stay in Bari, I like to recommend swinging by Mercato di Poggiofranco.
15. Take a Journey to Monopoli
Monopoli is a lovely coastal metropolis and probably the greatest 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 outdated whitewashed buildings, with inexperienced window shutters, colourful flowerboxes, and cobbled streets polished clean by tons of of years of passing ft.
There’s additionally an historical fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used right now, the place you’ll be able to 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 seaside, take a look at Cala Porta Vecchia, which is situated simply south of the principle Previous City.
I additionally suggest taking a stroll alongside the paved pedestrianized walkway that runs alongside the sting of the Previous City, subsequent to the seafront. It’s lovely right here at any time of day but it surely’s particularly magical and atmospheric at sundown.
See full submit: 15 Finest Issues to Do in Monopoli.
16. Be taught 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 in case you’re occupied with 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 bit devoted to the town’s conventional tradition, which is actually fascinating.
The museum hosts a variety of occasions and exhibitions all year long. See right here for extra data 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 can be made completely from stone.
When you have the time, there are numerous different issues to do close to Bari, and Alberobello is among 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 nearly twice as lengthy). A neater choice in case you don’t have your individual automotive is to take a guided journey from Bari (see beneath). Be taught extra about Alberobello in this submit.
18. Test Out the Teatro Petruzzelli
The Teatro Petruzzelli is among the most vital cultural establishments in Bari. It’s a big theater and opera home that usually hosts a variety of theater, ballet, opera, and live performance performances.
The constructing itself dates from 1904 and is extremely ornate and exquisite inside. Even in case you’re not planning to catch a efficiency there, it’s nonetheless properly 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 principle vacationer sights in Bari, Italy is to take a motorcycle tour. You’ll cowl much more floor than you may on foot, so it’s an effective way to see extra of the town, particularly in case you solely have a restricted period of time.
This tour has glorious evaluations and can take you thru the Previous City of Bari, in addition to a couple of of the town’s different, less-visited neighborhoods. Your information may even take you to one in every of their favourite ice cream outlets so that you can cool off and luxuriate in a well-earned deal with.
Alternatively, you may all the time rent a motorcycle and discover by your self. However for the tour, click on right here for extra data.
20. Go on a Day Journey to Matera
Matera is a metropolis within the neighboring area of Basilicata. Historians imagine Matera to be the third-oldest frequently inhabited metropolis on the earth, and that individuals have lived right here for at the very least 9,000 years.
Constructed on high of a rocky hill, it’s actually spectacular and positively value a go to. Town is finest recognized for its Sassi District, which is residence to a posh of prehistoric cave dwellings and a medieval rock church carved into the mountain.
Tip: When deciding what issues to do round Bari, in case you needed to choose solely one in every of Alberobello or Matera to go to, personally I might go together with Matera. I discovered it extra atmospheric and fewer touristy. Nonetheless, in case you’d like to go to each cities in in the future, think about becoming a member of this guided journey.
21. Bonus!
When touring to Italy, it’s inconceivable to have “an excessive amount of meals”! Try this enjoyable journey which mixes consuming, ingesting wine, and strolling — which is nice as you’ll need to stroll off some energy. You’ll go to standard landmarks, pattern conventional meals, and drink native wine as properly. Click on right here for particulars.
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 may see a lot of the predominant Bari sights in in the future. Becoming a member of a strolling tour lets you see the principle sights, and study in regards to 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 procuring.
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
When you have two or three days, you’ll be able to 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 case you’d wish to see each locations in in the future, think about becoming a member of this tour).
When you have 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 finest seashores, together with Lama Monachile and Cala Paura. You will get there by boat, together with an aperitif and exploration of caves and coves with this journey. Finish your final day with this wonderful sundown crusing journey.
1 Week in Bari Itinerary
With per week, you’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 nonetheless you want.
I like to recommend spending at the very least 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 every of your Bari days, hiring a motorcycle 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. 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 seaside, go proper forward.
The place to Keep in Bari
These are a couple of of the most effective 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 Procuring and Nightlife
Situated simply south of Bari Vecchia, Murat is the trendy coronary heart of Bari. Right here you’ll discover lots of the metropolis’s finest 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 seaside, I like to recommend staying in Madonella. Right here you’ll be close to Pane e Pomodoro seaside (the most effective seaside within the metropolis), in addition to the Lungomare Nazario Sauro seafront promenade the place there are additionally a great deal of cafes and bars which can be notably standard with locals. Take a look at this glorious house within the space.
Finest Eating places in Bari
There’s wonderful meals all through Bari. In the event you’re on the lookout for some particular suggestions, take a look at these locations.
Al Pescatore
Situated 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 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 implausible.
Their menu adjustments often, 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 environment and fantastic house owners.
The menu is small and options conventional Puglian specialties – attempt 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 By way of Prospero Petroni. It’s a stable 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 return in case you’re on the lookout for an inexpensive and scrumptious place to eat within the middle of Bari. I had the most effective focaccia of my life right here, and their arancini balls are additionally insanely good.
Attending to Bari
Bari has a world airport with flights from throughout Europe, together with price range 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 can even attain Bari by practice. Town is a serious cease on the Frecciargento high-speed railway community, which connects it to varied different main Italian locations akin 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, the town middle is walkable, and you may get to most different main locations by way of public transport. Nonetheless, in case you’d wish to discover extra of the encircling area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, it’s also possible to rent a automotive (typically 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 lovely structure, atmospheric Previous City, nice meals, and beautiful seashores. It’s additionally one in every of southern Italy’s main ports and is a serious transport hub for the area.
One of the 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. Nonetheless, Bari is a good vacation spot year-round, so go to every time you’ll be able to.
Completely! Bari is a captivating metropolis with a lot to see and do. Whether or not you’re occupied with historical past, artwork, meals, or simply stress-free on the seaside, Bari has one thing for you.
You may see most of Bari’s predominant sights in in the future. Nonetheless, I like to recommend spending two or three days right here in case you can, to actually get a really feel for the environment of the town and surrounding area.
Sure, Bari is as secure as 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 stuffed with lovely medieval buildings and winding alleyways. Right here you’ll be able to watch girls making pasta by hand on the road – probably the most iconic issues to see in Bari, Italy.
One of the best seaside in Bari itself is Pane e Pomodoro seaside. Nonetheless, probably the most well-known seaside within the space is Lama Monachile, within the close by city of Polignano a Mare.
Orechiette pasta might be Bari’s most iconic dish and is often served with broccoli rabe (or rapini). Different must-try dishes 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 incredible metropolis and one which I might like to return to.
The vibe is pleasant and chill, it’s sunny for a lot of the yr, 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 suggest it.
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