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 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 extremely genuine and laidback vibe.
On this publish, 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 it’s important to pay for, however all are nice and undoubtedly worthwhile.
Greatest Issues to Do in Bari
Nevertheless lengthy it’s important to spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend testing a minimum of 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 slender, winding streets and again alleys that lies simply south of the trendy port space. It’s a captivating 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. Girls sit at wood tables on the street making handmade orecchiette pasta, picturesque little squares are adorned with flowers, and locals sit collectively chatting over a espresso or glasses of wine.
The entire place appears like a time warp, and also you get the sense that life hasn’t modified a lot right here in tons of of years. It’s an incredible place to whereas away just a few hours and exploring it is likely one of 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 Click on right here for a highly-rated guided tour of the outdated city.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
Relationship again to the twelfth century, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas was constructed on the positioning 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 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 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 all around the world. This rickshaw tour of the outdated city really takes within the Basilica of Saint Nicholas.
Handle: Largo Abate Elia, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
3. Verify Out Bari Cathedral
One other church in Bari that’s value visiting is the Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale San Sabino (or Bari Cathedralfor quick), which dates again to the eleventh century.
The cathedral is situated within the coronary heart of Citta Vecchia and is a gorgeous instance of Romanesque structure. Inside, the cathedral’s treasury (Tesoro) accommodates 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
The most effective methods to be taught in regards to the wealthy and interesting historical past of this superb metropolis is to participate in a historic strolling tour of Bari.
There are a number of 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 educate you in regards to the historical past, tradition, and life-style of the individuals 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’ve got 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 dwelling 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 seashore close to Bari is Lama Monachile (also referred to as Cala Porto), within the fairly little city of Polignano a Mare. This small white pebble seashore is on the finish of a steep-sided rocky canyon framed by vertical cliffs and has beautiful turquoise water.
Different nice seashores close to Bari embrace Cala Paura (additionally in Polignano a Mare) and Cala Porta Vecchia (in romantic Monopoli). These are all simple to achieve with public transport (practice or bus) from Bari.
Nevertheless, in case you don’t have time to depart the town, you’ll be able to nonetheless take pleasure in some seashore time. Take a look at Pane e Pomodoro Seaside, a sandy seashore 3 kilometers southeast of the town heart. The title interprets as “Bread and Tomato” (don’t ask me why).
6. Go on a Avenue Meals Tour
Bari is known for its scrumptious avenue meals, so make sure to attempt as a lot of it as doable when you’re on the town. The most effective methods to pattern a few of Bari’s finest avenue meals is to go on a avenue 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 (also referred to as rapini).
- Tiella – a hearty conventional dish made with rice, potatoes, and mussels (consider it as a Puglian paella).
- Focaccia Barese – most likely the very best focaccia you’ll ever eat, topped with ripe tomatoes, olives, olive oil, and oregano.
- Polpette – tacky fried dumplings made utilizing stale bread (and generally fish, meat, or greens), both served crispy by themselves, or in a wealthy sauce.
7. Discover Castello Svevo (Considered one 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 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 rather a lot 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 extensively. Exploring the large rooms and in depth grounds is extraordinarily evocative and is unquestionably among the best 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 an excellent 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’ll be able to cease for a espresso or a chew to eat in case you like.
You may as well prolong 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 the town’s principal 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 pals, portray boats, or taking crusing classes within the sheltered marina. I really 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’ll be able to learn to make some basic and scrumptious, native dishes, take a conventional Puglian cooking class. There are a number of completely different lessons to select from, however I suggest this one, which takes place on the host’s dwelling.
In the course of the class, you’ll learn 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 suggest it! Click on right here to be taught extra and ebook your spot.
10. Folks-Watch within the Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is likely one of the principal squares on the sting of the Previous City of Bari. It’s an excellent 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 for the reason that 14th century, and even at the moment 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 gorgeous little nook of the town is likely one of the finest free issues to do in Bari, Puglia.
11. See Bari on a Segway Tour
Segways will be very divisive: some individuals love them, and a few individuals actually don’t. When you’re within the first 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 Previous City and the trendy metropolis, together with the Petruzzelli Theater and Bari’s principal fish market.
And on the finish, you’ll be able to take pleasure in some scrumptious conventional selfmade ice cream. I had a good time on the segway, however perhaps the ice cream was my favourite half.
12. Chill Out in Parco 2 Giugno
Parco 2 Giugno is a public park simply south of the middle of Bari. It’s a preferred spot with locals and is the right place to chill out 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 dwelling to turtles, geese, and different birds. When 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 chill out 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 enable 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 when you’re on the boat too.
This is a wonderful sundown journey that has unbelievable opinions and is likely one of the finest issues to do in Bari for {couples}, or teams of pals. What may very well be extra romantic than sitting on the deck of a classic gozzo boat, watching the sundown over the ocean, with an aperitivo in hand? Click on right here for particulars.
(To be trustworthy, even in case you’re touring by your self, that is nonetheless a fairly 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 food and drinks, homeware, and kitchen utensils. You title it, you’ll most likely get it right here.
You’ll additionally discover stalls promoting domestically made merchandise, which make nice items to take dwelling. When 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 gorgeous coastal metropolis and among the best locations to go to close to Bari. It takes about 40 minutes to drive there, or you’ll be able to catch the regional practice from Bari Central Station, which takes about 35 minutes.
On the coronary heart of Monopoli is the centro storico, or historic heart – a labyrinth of gorgeous outdated whitewashed buildings, with inexperienced window shutters, colourful flowerboxes, and cobbled streets polished clean by tons of of years of passing toes.
There’s additionally an historical fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used at the moment, 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.
When you’re seeking to spend a while on the seashore, take a look at Cala Porta Vecchia, which is situated simply south of the primary 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 however it’s particularly magical and atmospheric at sundown.
See full publish: 15 Greatest 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 thinking 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 admittedly attention-grabbing.
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 might be made totally from stone.
You probably have the time, there are various 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 case you don’t have your personal automobile is to take a guided journey from Bari (see under). Be taught extra about Alberobello in this publish.
18. Verify 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 usually hosts a variety of theater, ballet, opera, and live performance performances.
The constructing itself dates from 1904 and is extremely ornate and delightful inside. Even in case you’re not planning to catch a efficiency there, it’s nonetheless effectively value looking inside.
Handle: Corso Cavour, 12, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
19. Be part of a Bike Tour
One other enjoyable solution to see the primary 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 an effective way to see extra of the town, particularly in case you solely have a restricted period of time.
This tour has glorious opinions and can take you thru the Previous City of Bari, in addition to just a few of the town’s different, less-visited neighborhoods. Your information can even take you to considered one of their favourite ice cream outlets so that you can cool off and luxuriate in a well-earned deal with.
Alternatively, you might at all times rent a motorbike 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 regularly inhabited metropolis on the planet, and that individuals have lived right here for a minimum of 9,000 years.
Constructed on high of a rocky hill, it’s actually spectacular and undoubtedly value a go to. Town is finest recognized for its Sassi District, which is dwelling to a fancy of prehistoric cave dwellings and a medieval rock church carved into the mountain.
Tip: When deciding what issues to do round Bari, in case 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. Nevertheless, in case you’d like to go to each cities in in the future, contemplate becoming a member of this guided journey.
21. Bonus!
When touring to Italy, it’s not possible to have “an excessive amount of meals”! Take a look at 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 effectively. Click on right here for particulars.
Fast Journey Itineraries for Bari
Listed here are just a few urged 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 principal Bari points of interest in in the future. Becoming a member of a strolling tour means that you can see the primary sights, and be taught 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 buying.
In a while, head to the seashore for a swim, and finish your day with a meal at considered 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 in the future, contemplate 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 finest 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 every week, you’ll be able to comfortably do the entire actions in Bari I’ve described on this publish, and nonetheless have some spare time to spend nonetheless you would like.
I like to recommend spending a minimum of two days within the metropolis itself, basically following the above itinerary, however giving your self extra time to take pleasure in every exercise and spend longer in every place. On considered one of your Bari days, hiring a motorbike 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. Another 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 just a few of the very best neighborhoods in Bari for vacationers.
Bari Vecchia – Greatest for First-time Guests and Sightseeing
Bari Vecchia (Previous 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 plenty of quaint eating places and cafes spilling out into the enticing little plazas. Take a look at this nice lodging in Bari Vecchia.
Murat – Greatest 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 – 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 very best seashore within the metropolis), in addition to the Lungomare Nazario Sauro seafront promenade the place there are additionally a great deal of cafes and bars which might be significantly standard with locals. Take a look at this glorious condominium within the space.
Greatest Eating places in Bari
There’s superb meals all through Bari. When 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 recent fish and seafood within the metropolis. The standard is great 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 unbelievable.
Their menu adjustments regularly, 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 – attempt the ravioli filled with 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 come back in case you’re on the lookout for an affordable 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.
Attending to Bari
Bari has a global airport with flights from throughout Europe, together with finances carriers Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air. When you’re flying from exterior of Europe, you’ll most likely have to attach through 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 numerous different main Italian locations similar 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 vehicles.
When you get to Bari, the town heart is walkable, and you may get to most different main locations through public transport. Nevertheless, in case you’d wish to discover extra of the encompassing area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, you may as well rent a automobile (typically the most cost effective 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 beautiful seashores. It’s additionally considered 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-Could) or autumn (September-October), when the climate is heat however not too sizzling and there are fewer vacationers. Nevertheless, Bari is a good vacation spot year-round, so go to at any time when you’ll be able to.
Completely! Bari is an enthralling metropolis with lots to see and do. Whether or not you’re thinking about historical past, artwork, meals, or simply enjoyable on the seashore, Bari has one thing for you.
You’ll be able to see most of Bari’s principal sights in in the future. Nevertheless, 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 protected as some other main Italian metropolis. After all, petty crime can occur wherever, however so long as you are 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 Previous City, which is stuffed with lovely medieval buildings and winding alleyways. Right here you’ll be able to watch ladies 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. Nevertheless, essentially the most well-known seashore within the space is Lama Monachile, within the close by city of Polignano a Mare.
Orechiette pasta might be Bari’s most iconic dish and is usually served with broccoli rabe (or rapini). Different must-try dishes embrace tiella (a rice dish with potatoes and mussels), focaccia barese, and polpette (tacky fried dumplings).
Now You Know What to Do in Bari
These are just some of the highest issues to do in Bari, Italy. It’s an excellent metropolis and one which I’d like to return to.
The vibe is pleasant and chill, it’s sunny for many of the 12 months, and also you’ll be surrounded by far fewer vacationers than in lots of different standard Italian cities. When you get the possibility to go to Bari, I extremely suggest it.
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