The capital of the southeastern Puglia area of Italy, Bari, is a vibrant port metropolis on the Adriatic Sea. Identified for its atmospheric Outdated City, medieval church buildings, beautiful seashores, and scrumptious meals and wine, there are such a lot of unbelievable issues to do in Bari.
I hung out in Bari final month and actually beloved the town. It receives far fewer vacationers than different Italian cities like Rome, Florence, and Naples, it’s less expensive and has a extremely genuine and laidback vibe.
On this submit, I’ll describe a few of the prime 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 undoubtedly worthwhile.
Greatest Issues to Do in Bari
Nonetheless lengthy you must spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend trying out at the least a few of the following.
1. Discover the Citta Vecchia
Lots of the prime locations to go to in Bari are positioned in its Outdated City – a maze of slim, winding streets and again alleys that lies simply south of the trendy port space.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 way of the backstreets, however that is a part of the enjoyable.
Each nook you flip you’ll see one thing new. Ladies sit at wood tables on the street making handmade orecchiette pasta, picturesque little squares are 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 a whole lot of years. It’s a tremendous place to whereas away a number of hours and exploring it is among 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
Relationship again to the twelfth century, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas was constructed on the location of a church that was destroyed by an earthquake in 1089.
The outside of the basilica is extremely ornate, with two 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 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 really takes within the Basilica of Saint Nicholas.
Deal with: Largo Abate Elia, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
3. Verify Out Bari Cathedral
One other church in Bari that’s value visiting is the Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale San Sabino (or Bari Cathedralfor quick), which dates again to the eleventh century.
The cathedral is positioned within the coronary heart of Citta Vecchia and is a lovely instance of Romanesque structure. Inside, the cathedral’s treasury (Tesoro) comprises a collection of treasured relics and different historic artifacts, in addition to a museum.
Beneath the cathedral lies a collection of archaeological excavations, exhibiting the stays of an historical Roman street from the 2nd century and a Byzantine church from the ninth century. There are additionally the stays of a superbly ornate mosaic.
Deal with: Piazza dell’Odegitria, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
4. Take a Historic Strolling Tour of Bari
Probably the greatest 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 essential and iconic sights, and train you in regards to the historical past, tradition, and life-style of the folks of Bari.
I assumed I knew rather a lot 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 exterior, or when you have mobility points…or, in case you’re simply feeling lazy…this rickshaw tour is an effective way to get across the previous city!
5. Chill Out on the Seaside
Puglia is house 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 the town.
Maybe essentially the most well-known seashore close to Bari is Lama Monachile (also called 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 achieve with public transport (practice or bus) from Bari.
Nonetheless, in case you don’t have time to go away the town, you’ll be able to nonetheless get pleasure from some seashore time. Take a look at Pane e Pomodoro Seaside, a sandy seashore 3 kilometers southeast of the town heart. The identify interprets as “Bread and Tomato” (don’t ask me why).
6. Go on a Road Meals Tour
Bari is legendary for its scrumptious road meals, so be sure you attempt as a lot of it as doable 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 superb choice and can introduce you to a few of the metropolis’s most well-known dishes. You’ll go to widespread 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 called rapini).
- Tiella – a hearty conventional dish made with rice, potatoes, and mussels (consider it as a Puglian paella).
- Focaccia Barese – in all probability the perfect 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 all 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 by way of rather a lot traditionally and has been broken by earthquakes on a number of events. Regardless of this, the entire construction is amazingly properly intact.
Right now, the fortress is used as an exhibition heart and a museum devoted to the historical past of the fortress, in addition to the town of Bari extra extensively. Exploring the large 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 lovely lengthy promenade (referred to as Lungomare Nazario Sauro) that runs alongside the seafront. It’s an awesome 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.
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 the town’s primary 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 sit down and watch all this go on whereas having fun with the contemporary sea air.
Within the night, the promenade comes alive with locals and vacationers alike, and folks come to look at the spectacular sundown. That is certainly 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 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 basic and scrumptious, native dishes, take a conventional Puglian cooking class. There are a number of totally different courses to select from, however I suggest this one, which takes place on the host’s house.
Through 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 ebook your spot.
10. Individuals-Watch within the Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is among the primary squares on the sting of the Outdated City of Bari. It’s an awesome 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 at this time 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 beautiful little nook of the town is among 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. If you happen to’re within the first camp, think about 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 Outdated City and the trendy metropolis, together with the Petruzzelli Theater and Bari’s primary fish market.
And on the finish, you’ll be able to get pleasure from some scrumptious conventional selfmade 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 loosen up and take a break throughout a busy day of sightseeing.
The park has quite a lot of totally different vegetation and timber, in addition to a lake that’s house to turtles, geese, and different birds. If you happen to’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 positioned 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 beautiful shoreline as you sail previous.
Being on the water provides you a novel perspective of Bari itself, and plenty of crusing journeys permit you the prospect 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 superb sundown journey that has improbable evaluations and is among 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 sincere, 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 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’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 identify 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. If you happen to’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 lovely coastal metropolis and among the finest 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 heart – a labyrinth of gorgeous previous whitewashed buildings, with inexperienced window shutters, colourful flowerboxes, and cobbled streets polished easy by a whole lot 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 the town’s eating places.
If you happen to’re seeking to spend a while on the seashore, try Cala Porta Vecchia, which is positioned simply south of the primary 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 however it’s particularly magical and atmospheric at sundown.
See full submit: 15 Greatest Issues to Do in Monopoli.
16. Be taught 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 Outdated City and is certainly value a go to in case you’re focused on 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 admittedly fascinating.
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.
Deal with: Str. Sagges, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
17. Make A Day Journey To Alberobello
Alberobello is a small Puglian city well-known for its distinctive “trulli” homes – conventional conical-roofed dwellings which can be made completely from stone.
You probably have the time, there are various different issues to do close to Bari, and Alberobello is among the most fascinating.
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 virtually twice as lengthy). A better choice in case you don’t have your individual automobile is to take a guided journey from Bari (see under). Be taught extra about Alberobello in this submit.
18. Verify Out the Teatro Petruzzelli
The Teatro Petruzzelli is among the most essential cultural establishments in Bari. It’s a big theater and opera home that recurrently 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 case you’re not planning to catch a efficiency there, it’s nonetheless properly value looking inside.
Deal with: Corso Cavour, 12, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
19. Be part of a Bike Tour
One other enjoyable approach to see the primary vacationer points of interest 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 case 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 number of of the town’s different, less-visited neighborhoods. Your information may even take you to certainly one of their favourite ice cream retailers so that you can cool off and revel in a well-earned deal with.
Alternatively, you may at all times rent a motorcycle and discover by your self. However for the tour, click on right here for extra 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 regularly inhabited metropolis on the planet, and that individuals have lived right here for at the least 9,000 years.
Constructed on prime of a rocky hill, it’s actually spectacular and undoubtedly value a go to. Town is greatest recognized 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 case you needed to choose solely certainly one 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 sooner or later, think about becoming a member of this guided journey.
21. Bonus!
When touring to Italy, it’s unattainable 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 widespread landmarks, pattern conventional meals, and drink native wine as properly. 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 a lot of the primary Bari points of interest in sooner or later. Becoming a member of a strolling tour lets you see the primary sights, and study in regards to the metropolis and its historical past.
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 purchasing.
Afterward, head to the seashore for a swim, and finish your day with a meal at certainly one of Bari’s glorious eating places.
2-3 Days in Bari Itinerary
You probably 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 sooner or later, think about becoming a member of this tour).
You probably 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 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’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 at the least two days within the metropolis itself, basically following the above itinerary, however giving your self extra time to get pleasure from every exercise and spend longer in every place. On certainly one 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 today journey which really 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 number of of the perfect neighborhoods in Bari for vacationers.
Bari Vecchia – Greatest for First-time Guests and Sightseeing
Bari Vecchia (Outdated Bari) is the historic heart of Bari and is the place you’ll discover a lot of the metropolis’s most well-known sights and points of interest.
It’s tremendous atmospheric, with a maze of cobbled backstreets, and plenty of quaint eating places and cafes spilling out into the engaging little plazas. Take a look at this nice lodging in Bari Vecchia.
Murat – Greatest for Buying 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 retailers, eating places, and bars. This is a good place to remain in Murat.
Madonnella – Greatest 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 perfect 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 can be significantly widespread with locals. Take a look at this glorious residence within the space.
Greatest Eating places in Bari
There’s superb meals all through Bari. If you happen to’re on the lookout 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 cheap. Strive the standard 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 Outdated City. They serve scrumptious pasta and a spread of different native specialties, all of that are low cost and improbable.
Their menu modifications steadily, however I had the orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe and it was unbelievable. That is additionally a stunning 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 homeowners.
The menu is small and options conventional Puglian specialties – attempt the ravioli filled with turnip tops and anchovies. Costs are midrange and particularly reasonable.
Magda
Magda is a bakery and a restaurant positioned on the bustling Through 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 come back in case you’re on the lookout for an inexpensive and scrumptious place to eat within the heart of Bari. I had the perfect 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. If you happen to’re flying from exterior of Europe, you’ll in all probability have to attach by way of Rome, Milan, or one other main European metropolis.
It’s also possible to 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 reminiscent of Rome, Venice, and Naples.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to attain Bari by ferry from Albania, Greece, Montenegro, and Croatia. These ferries additionally transport vehicles.
When you get to Bari, the town heart is walkable, and you will 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, you too can rent a automobile (typically 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 Outdated City, nice meals, and beautiful seashores. It’s additionally certainly one 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 sizzling 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 loads to see and do. Whether or not you’re focused on historical past, artwork, meals, or simply stress-free on the seashore, Bari has one thing for you.
You’ll be able to see most of Bari’s primary sights in sooner or later. Nonetheless, I like to recommend spending two or three days right here in case you can, to actually 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 wherever, however so long as you’re taking the standard wise 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 filled with lovely medieval buildings and winding alleyways. Right here you’ll be able to watch girls making pasta by hand on the road – some of the iconic issues to see in Bari, Italy.
One of the best seashore in Bari itself is Pane e Pomodoro seashore. Nonetheless, 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 just some of the highest issues to do in Bari, Italy. It’s an awesome metropolis and one which I might like to return to.
The vibe is pleasant and chill, it’s sunny for a lot of the 12 months, and also you’ll be surrounded by far fewer vacationers than in lots of different widespread Italian cities. If you happen to get the prospect to go to Bari, I extremely suggest it.
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