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 Identified for its atmospheric Outdated City, medieval church buildings, beautiful seashores, and scrumptious meals and wine, there are such a lot of unbelievable issues to do in Bari.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 cherished 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 submit, I’ll describe a few of the high issues to see and locations to go to in Bari. A few of these are free, others it’s a must to pay for, however all are nice and undoubtedly worthwhile.
Greatest Issues to Do in Bari
Nonetheless lengthy it’s a must to spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend testing at the least a few of the following.
1. Discover the Citta Vecchia
Lots of the high locations to go to in Bari are situated in its Outdated City – a maze of slender, winding streets and again alleys that lies simply south of the trendy port space.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.
Nearly all of the historic buildings in Citta Vecchia are intact, and the entire district has a splendidly distinctive really feel. It’s straightforward to get misplaced wandering by means of the backstreets, however that is a part of the enjoyable.
Each nook you flip you’ll see one thing new. Ladies sit at picket 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 a whole lot of years. It’s an incredible place to whereas away a couple of hours and exploring it is likely one of the greatest actions in Bari.
2. Go to the Basilica Di San Nicola
Courting 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 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.
Handle: Largo Abate Elia, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
3. Test Out Bari Cathedral
One other church in Bari that’s price 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 lovely instance of Romanesque structure. Inside, the cathedral’s treasury (Tesoro) incorporates a sequence of valuable relics and different historic artifacts, in addition to a museum.
Beneath the cathedral lies a sequence of archaeological excavations, displaying 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.
Handle: Piazza dell’Odegitria, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
4. Take a Historic Strolling Tour of Bari
Top-of-the-line methods to be taught in regards to the wealthy and engaging historical past of this wonderful 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 quite a bit about what to do in Bari, however after taking this strolling tour, I spotted there’s a lot extra to town.
5. Chill Out on the Seaside
Puglia is house to a few of 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 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 embody 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, if you happen to don’t have time to go away 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 town heart. The title interprets as “Bread and Tomato” (don’t ask me why).
6. Go on a Road Meals Tour
Bari is legendary for its scrumptious avenue meals, so you’ll want to attempt as a lot of it as doable when you’re on the town. Top-of-the-line methods to pattern a few of Bari’s greatest avenue meals is to go on a avenue meals tour.
This is a wonderful possibility 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 embody:
- 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 in every of My Favourite Locations to Go to in Bari)
Castello Svevo di Bari is a Norman fort 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 fort served as one of many outdated metropolis’s details of protection all through the centuries.
The fort has been by means of quite a bit traditionally and has been broken by earthquakes on a number of events. Regardless of this, the entire construction is amazingly effectively intact.
At this time, the fort is used as an exhibition heart and a museum devoted to the historical past of the fort, in addition to town of Bari extra extensively. Exploring the large rooms and in depth grounds is extraordinarily evocative and is unquestionably among the finest locations to see in Bari.
8. Stroll Alongside the Seafront Promenade
Bari has a 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 if you happen to like.
You may also 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 once town’s foremost harbor, till the development of the bigger industrial Port of Bari in 1850.
Right here you’re prone to see folks fishing and hanging out with mates, 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 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 certainly one 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 basic and scrumptious, native dishes, take a conventional Puglian cooking class. There are a number of totally different lessons to select from, however I like to recommend this one, which takes place on the host’s house, near the Central Station.
In the course of the class, you’ll learn to make recent orecchiette (Puglia’s well-known pasta that appears like little ears), conventional focaccia Barese (with oregano and recent tomatoes), and sauces with recipes and strategies handed down by means of generations. This is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Bari – I extremely suggest it!
10. Folks-Watch within the Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is likely one of the foremost squares on the sting of the Outdated 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 for the reason that 14th century, and even in the present day it’s a well-liked spot for locals to fulfill 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 town is likely one of the greatest free issues to do in Bari, Puglia.
11. See Bari on a Segway Tour
Segways may be very divisive: some folks love them, and a few folks actually don’t. Should you’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 foremost 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 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 well-liked spot with locals and is the proper place to loosen up and take a break throughout a busy day of sightseeing.
The park has quite a lot of totally different crops and timber, in addition to a lake that’s house to turtles, geese, and different birds. Should you’re in search of 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 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 singular 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 widespread to see dolphins and a variety of different aquatic life when you’re on the boat too.
This is a wonderful sundown crusing journey that has improbable critiques and is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Bari for {couples}. What could possibly be extra romantic than sitting on the deck of a sailboat, watching the sundown over the ocean, with an aperitivo in hand?
(To be sincere, even if you happen to’re touring by your self, that is nonetheless a fairly superior expertise!)
14. Snag a Cut price at Poggiofranco Market
Mercato di Poggiofranco is likely one of the largest open-air markets in Bari and is the proper place to select 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 possibly can 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 most likely get it right here.
You’ll additionally discover stalls promoting regionally made merchandise, which make nice presents to take house. Should you’re on the town on a Saturday and are in search of 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 lovely outdated whitewashed buildings, with inexperienced window shutters, colourful flowerboxes, and cobbled streets polished easy by a whole lot of years of passing ft.
There’s additionally an historical fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used in the present day, the place you’ll be able to see native fishermen bringing of their catch, able to be taken straight to town’s eating places.
Should you’re seeking to spend a while on the seaside, try Cala Porta Vecchia, which is situated simply south of the 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 but it surely’s particularly magical and atmospheric at sundown.
See full submit: 15 Greatest 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 Outdated City and is unquestionably price a go to if you happen to’re all for 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 town’s conventional tradition, which is absolutely fascinating.
The museum hosts a variety of occasions and exhibitions all year long. See right here for extra info 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 are made completely from stone.
When you’ve got the time, there are lots of different issues to do close to Bari, and Alberobello is likely one of 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 neater possibility if you happen to don’t have your personal automobile is to take a guided journey from Bari (see beneath). Study extra about Alberobello on this submit.
18. Test Out the Teatro Petruzzelli
The Teatro Petruzzelli is likely one of the most essential cultural establishments in Bari. It’s a big theater and opera home that recurrently 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 if you happen to’re not planning to catch a efficiency there, it’s nonetheless effectively price having a look inside.
Handle: Corso Cavour, 12, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
19. Be a part of a Bike Tour
One other enjoyable approach 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 a good way to see extra of town, particularly if you happen to solely have a restricted period of time.
This tour has glorious critiques and can take you thru the Outdated City of Bari, in addition to a couple of of town’s different, less-visited neighborhoods. Your information may also take you to certainly one of their favourite ice cream retailers so that you can cool off and luxuriate 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 info.
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 folks have lived right here for at the least 9,000 years.
Constructed on high of a rocky hill, it’s actually spectacular and undoubtedly price a go to. The 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, if you happen to needed to choose solely certainly one of Alberobello or Matera to go to, personally I might go along with Matera. I discovered it extra atmospheric and fewer touristy. Nonetheless, if you happen to’d like to go to each cities in in the future, think about becoming a member of this guided journey.
Fast Journey Itineraries for Bari
Listed below are a couple of urged itineraries that can assist you determine what to see and do in Bari.
1 Day in Bari Itinerary
You possibly can see a lot of the foremost Bari sights in in the future.
Begin your day by exploring the Outdated City. Go to the Basilica di San Nicola, the Castello Normanno-Svevo, and the Cattedrale di San Sabino. Then head to the Murat district for some procuring.
Afterward, head to the seaside 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
When you’ve got two or three days, you’ll be able to discover Bari’s environment in addition to town itself.
Spend the primary day exploring town, as per the above itinerary. On day two, take a day journey to both Matera or Alberobello (or, if you happen to’d wish to see each locations in in the future, think about 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. 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 the entire actions in Bari I’ve described on this submit, and nonetheless have some spare time to spend nevertheless you want.
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 town.
With the extra days, I’d suggest taking day journeys to Monopoli and Matera/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 couple of of the most effective 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 sights.
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. Try 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 most of the metropolis’s greatest retailers, eating places, and bars. This can be a good spot to remain in Murat.
Madonnella – Greatest 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 are significantly widespread with locals.
Take a look at this glorious condominium within the space.
Greatest Eating places in Bari
There’s wonderful meals all through Bari. Should you’re in search of some particular suggestions, try these locations.
Al Pescatore
Situated proper subsequent to the Castello Svevo, Al Pescatore serves a few of the greatest recent fish and seafood within the metropolis. The standard is superb and the costs are affordable. Strive the standard native uncooked fish and the fritto misto (blended fried seafood).
Assaporando le Delizie Pugliesi
This conventional little restaurant is in a small sq. subsequent to the Metropolitan Cathedral, within the coronary heart of Bari’s Outdated City. They serve scrumptious pasta and a variety of different native specialties, all of that are low-cost and improbable.
Their menu adjustments continuously, 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 great homeowners.
The menu is small and options conventional Puglian specialties – attempt the ravioli filled with turnip tops and anchovies. Costs are midrange and very 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 proper place to come back if you happen to’re in search of an affordable and scrumptious place to eat within the heart 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. Should you’re flying from exterior of Europe, you’ll most likely have to attach by way of Rome, Milan, or one other main European metropolis.
You may also attain Bari by practice. The town is a significant 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 automobiles.
When you get to Bari, town heart is walkable, and you will get to most different main locations by way of public transport. Nonetheless, if you happen to’d wish to discover extra of the encircling area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, you can even rent a automobile (usually the most cost effective 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 understood for its lovely structure, atmospheric Outdated City, nice meals, and wonderful seashores. It’s additionally certainly one of southern Italy’s main ports and is a significant transport hub for the area.
The very 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 superb vacation spot year-round, so go to at any time when you’ll be able to.
Completely! Bari is a captivating metropolis with loads to see and do. Whether or not you’re all for historical past, artwork, meals, or simply enjoyable on the seaside, Bari has one thing for you.
You possibly can see most of Bari’s foremost sights in in the future. Nonetheless, I like to recommend spending two or three days right here if you happen to can, to essentially get a really feel for the environment of town and surrounding area.
Sure, Bari is as protected as another main Italian metropolis. In fact, 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 Outdated City, which is filled with lovely medieval buildings and winding alleyways. Right here you’ll be able to watch ladies making pasta by hand on the road – one of the crucial iconic issues to see in Bari, Italy.
The very 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 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 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 widespread Italian cities. Should you get the possibility to go to Bari, I extremely suggest it.
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