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 unbelievable issues to do in Bari.
I frolicked in Bari final month and actually cherished 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 put up, I’ll describe among the high issues to see and locations to go to in Bari. A few of these are free, others it’s important to pay for, however all are nice and positively worthwhile.
Finest Issues to Do in Bari
Nonetheless lengthy it’s important to spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend testing at the very least among 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 slender, winding streets and again alleys that lies simply south of the fashionable port space. It’s an enchanting place, with greater than 2,000 years of historical past.
The vast majority of the historic buildings in Citta Vecchia are intact, and the entire district has a splendidly distinctive really feel. It’s simple to get misplaced wandering by 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 embellished with flowers, and locals sit collectively chatting over a espresso or glasses of wine.
The entire place appears like a time warp, and also you get the sense that life hasn’t modified a lot right here in tons of of years. It’s an incredible place to whereas away a number of hours and exploring it is likely 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 Click on right here for a highly-rated guided tour of the outdated city.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
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 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 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 all around 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. Examine 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 gorgeous 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, exhibiting the stays of an historic Roman street 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
Probably the greatest 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 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 necessary and iconic sights, and train you concerning the historical past, tradition, and way of life of the folks of Bari.
I believed I knew loads 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 sizzling outdoors, or if in case you have mobility points…or, in the event 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 dwelling to among 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 probably the most well-known seaside 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 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 embody Cala Paura (additionally in Polignano a Mare) and Cala Porta Vecchia (in romantic Monopoli). These are all simple to succeed in with public transport (practice or bus) from Bari.
Nonetheless, in the event you don’t have time to depart the town, you may nonetheless get pleasure from some seaside time. Take a look at 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 Avenue Meals Tour
Bari is legendary for its scrumptious road meals, so you should definitely strive as a lot of it as attainable when you’re on the town. Probably the greatest methods to pattern a few of Bari’s greatest road meals is to go on a road meals tour.
This is a wonderful choice and can introduce you to among the metropolis’s most well-known dishes. You’ll go to fashionable native locations, and immerse your self in Bari’s wealthy culinary tradition.
A few of my favourite native Puglia specialties embody:
- 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 – in all probability 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 in all My Favourite Locations to Go to in Bari)
Castello Svevo di Bari is a Norman citadel that was constructed, destroyed, after which rebuilt within the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. It’s an imposing construction proper subsequent to the ocean, and with its thick partitions and moat, it’s simple to think about how this citadel served as one of many outdated metropolis’s details of protection all through the centuries.
The citadel has been by loads traditionally and has been broken by earthquakes on a number of events. Regardless of this, the entire construction is amazingly nicely 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 extensively. Exploring the enormous rooms and intensive grounds is extraordinarily evocative and is certainly among the finest locations to see in Bari.
8. Stroll Alongside the Seafront Promenade
Bari has a gorgeous lengthy promenade (known as Lungomare Nazario Sauro) that runs alongside the seafront. It’s a terrific 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 may cease for a espresso or a chew to eat in the event you like.
You may as well lengthen 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 most important harbor, till the development of the bigger industrial Port of Bari in 1850.
Right here you’re more likely to see folks fishing and hanging out with associates, 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 recent 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 considered one of my favourite issues to do in Bari at evening – there’s only a actually pretty ambiance right here.
9. Take a Conventional Puglian Cooking Class
Puglian meals tends to be pretty easy and showcases the freshness and top quality of native and seasonal components, together with tomatoes, beans, artichokes, peppers, and seafood.
For an unforgettable expertise the place you may discover ways 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 advocate this one, which takes place on the host’s dwelling.
Through the class, you’ll discover ways to make 2 recent 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 likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Bari – I extremely advocate it! Click on right here to study extra and guide your spot.
10. Individuals-Watch within the Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is likely one of the most important squares on the sting of the Previous City of Bari. It’s a terrific 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 for the reason that 14th century, and even immediately 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 likely 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. For those who’re within the first camp, take into account becoming a member of this tour.
After a fast briefing, you’ll set off exploring among the metropolis’s better-known sights, in addition to some hidden gems and secret spots. You’ll go to locations in each the Previous City and the fashionable metropolis, together with the Petruzzelli Theater and Bari’s most important fish market.
And on the finish, you may 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 well-liked 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 completely different vegetation and bushes, in addition to a lake that’s dwelling to turtles, geese, and different birds. For those who’re searching for issues to do in Bari for households, I like to recommend checking this place out.
There’s additionally a playground for youngsters, and a bit of 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 chill out on deck and benefit from the gorgeous shoreline as you sail previous.
Being on the water provides you a singular perspective of Bari itself, and lots of crusing journeys permit you the possibility to swim within the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean. It’s pretty frequent to see dolphins and a spread of different aquatic life when you’re on the boat too.
This is a wonderful sundown journey that has improbable critiques and is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Bari for {couples}, or teams of associates. 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 in the event you’re touring by your self, that is nonetheless a reasonably superior expertise!)
14. Snag a Discount at Poggiofranco Market
Mercato di Poggiofranco is likely one of the largest open-air markets in Bari and is the right place to choose up some souvenirs. The primary 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 regionally made merchandise, which make nice presents to take dwelling. For those who’re on the town on a Saturday and are searching for a discount, and an perception into the lives of the individuals who reside in Bari, I like to recommend swinging by Mercato di Poggiofranco.
15. Take a Journey to Monopoli
Monopoli is a gorgeous 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 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 historic fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used immediately, the place you may see native fishermen bringing of their catch, able to be taken straight to the town’s eating places.
For those who’re seeking to spend a while on the seaside, try 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 lovely right here at any time of day but it surely’s particularly magical and atmospheric at sundown.
See full put up: 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 situated in an outdated palazzo within the Previous City and is certainly value a go to in the event you’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 attention-grabbing.
The museum hosts a spread 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 might be made totally from stone.
When you’ve got the time, there are a lot of different issues to do close to Bari, and Alberobello is likely one of the most attention-grabbing.
It’s about an hour away from Bari by automobile, and there’s additionally a bus that runs between the 2 locations (though this does take nearly twice as lengthy). A neater choice in the event you don’t have your individual automobile is to take a guided journey from Bari (see under). Study extra about Alberobello in this put up.
18. Examine Out the Teatro Petruzzelli
The Teatro Petruzzelli is likely one of the most necessary cultural establishments in Bari. It’s a big theater and opera home that repeatedly 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 in the event 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 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 in the event you 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 number of of the town’s different, less-visited neighborhoods. Your information can even take you to considered one of their favourite ice cream retailers 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 consider Matera to be the third-oldest frequently inhabited metropolis on this planet, 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 greatest identified for its Sassi District, which is dwelling 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 the event you needed to decide solely considered one of Alberobello or Matera to go to, personally I’d go along with Matera. I discovered it extra atmospheric and fewer touristy. Nonetheless, in the event you’d like to go to each cities in in the future, take into account becoming a member of this guided journey.
21. Bonus!
When touring to Italy, it’s unimaginable to have “an excessive amount of meals”! Take a look at this enjoyable journey which mixes consuming, consuming wine, and strolling — which is nice as you’ll need to stroll off some energy. You’ll go to fashionable 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 number of advised itineraries that will help you determine what to see and do in Bari.
1 Day in Bari Itinerary
You’ll be able to see many of the most important Bari sights in in the future. Becoming a member of a strolling tour permits you to 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 procuring.
In a while, head to the seaside for a swim, and finish your day with a meal at considered one of Bari’s wonderful eating places.
2-3 Days in Bari Itinerary
When you’ve got 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 in the future, take into account 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 may 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 per week, you may comfortably do the entire actions in Bari I’ve described on this put up, and nonetheless have some spare time to spend nonetheless you would like.
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 considered one of 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 today journey which truly takes in Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, and Alberobello! And if you wish to spend an entire day on the seaside, go proper forward.
The place to Keep in Bari
These are a number 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 many 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 engaging little plazas. Take a look at this nice lodging in Bari Vecchia.
Murat – Finest for Purchasing 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 greatest retailers, eating places, and bars. This is a superb 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 might be notably fashionable with locals. Take a look at this wonderful house within the space.
Finest Eating places in Bari
There’s superb meals all through Bari. For those who’re searching for some particular suggestions, try these locations.
Al Pescatore
Positioned proper subsequent to the Castello Svevo, Al Pescatore serves among the greatest recent 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 (combined fried seafood).
Assaporando le Delizie Pugliesi
This conventional little restaurant is in a small sq. subsequent to the Metropolitan Cathedral, within the coronary heart of Bari’s Previous City. They serve scrumptious pasta and a spread of different native specialties, all of that are low-cost and improbable.
Their menu adjustments ceaselessly, however I had the orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe and it was unbelievable. 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 fantastic house owners.
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 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 right place to come back in the event you’re searching for an affordable 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 finances carriers Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air. For those who’re flying from outdoors of Europe, you’ll in all probability have to attach by way of Rome, Milan, or one other main European metropolis.
You may as well 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 equivalent to Rome, Venice, and Naples.
Alternatively, you may attain Bari by ferry from Albania, Greece, Montenegro, and Croatia. These ferries additionally transport vehicles.
When you get to Bari, the town middle is walkable, and you will get to most different main locations by way of public transport. Nonetheless, in the event you’d prefer to discover extra of the encircling area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, you may as well rent a automobile (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 understood for its lovely structure, atmospheric Previous City, nice meals, and wonderful seashores. It’s additionally considered one of southern Italy’s main ports and is a serious transport hub for the area.
The most effective time to go to Bari is within the spring (April-Could) or autumn (September-October), when the climate is heat however not too sizzling and there are fewer vacationers. Nonetheless, Bari is a superb vacation spot year-round, so go to each time you may.
Completely! Bari is a captivating metropolis with lots to see and do. Whether or not you’re all for historical past, artwork, meals, or simply stress-free on the seaside, Bari has one thing for you.
You’ll be able to see most of Bari’s most important sights in in the future. 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 is as secure as every other main Italian metropolis. In fact, petty crime can occur anyplace, however so long as you are taking the standard smart 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 lovely medieval buildings and winding alleyways. Right here you may watch ladies making pasta by hand on the road – one of the vital iconic issues to see in Bari, Italy.
The most effective 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 embody 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 just some of the highest issues to do in Bari, Italy. It’s a terrific metropolis and one which I’d like to return to.
The vibe is pleasant and chill, it’s sunny for many of the 12 months, and also you’ll be surrounded by far fewer vacationers than in lots of different fashionable Italian cities. For those who get the possibility to go to Bari, I extremely advocate it.
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