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 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 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.
Finest Issues to Do in Bari
Nonetheless lengthy it’s a must to spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend trying out no less than a few of the following.
1. Discover the Citta Vecchia
Lots of the high locations to go to in Bari are positioned in its Previous City – a maze of slim, 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.
Nearly all 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 adorned with flowers, and locals sit collectively chatting over a espresso or glasses of wine.
The entire place seems like a time warp, and also you get the sense that life hasn’t modified a lot right here in a whole bunch of years. It’s a tremendous 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 Click on right here for a highly-rated guided tour of the outdated city.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
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 giant 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 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. Test Out Bari Cathedral
One other church in Bari that’s price 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 phenomenal instance of Romanesque structure. Inside, the cathedral’s treasury (Tesoro) accommodates a sequence of valuable relics and different historic artifacts, in addition to a museum.
Beneath the cathedral lies a sequence 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 fantastically ornate mosaic.
Handle: Piazza dell’Odegitria, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
4. Take a Historic Strolling Tour of Bari
The most effective methods to study concerning the wealthy and interesting historical past of this wonderful metropolis is to participate in a historic strolling tour of Bari.
There are a number of 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 necessary and iconic sights, and train you concerning the historical past, tradition, and life-style 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 town. If it’s actually sizzling exterior, or when you have mobility points…or, should you’re simply feeling lazy…this rickshaw tour is an effective way to get across the outdated city!
5. Chill Out on the Seashore
Puglia is dwelling 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 town.
Maybe essentially 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 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 achieve with public transport (prepare or bus) from Bari.
Nonetheless, should you don’t have time to depart town, you may nonetheless get pleasure from some seaside time. Take a look at Pane e Pomodoro Seashore, a sandy seaside 3 kilometers southeast of town heart. The identify 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 make sure you strive as a lot of it as attainable when you’re on the town. The most effective 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 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 one of the 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 (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 simple 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 loads traditionally and has been broken by earthquakes on a number of events. Regardless of this, the entire construction is amazingly nicely 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 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 phenomenal lengthy promenade (known as Lungomare Nazario Sauro) that runs alongside the seafront. It’s an amazing place to take a stroll, calm down, 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 should you like.
It’s also possible to prolong the stroll all the way in which 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 town’s primary 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 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 observe the spectacular sundown. That is considered one of my favourite issues to do in Bari at evening – there’s only a actually beautiful 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 elements, together with tomatoes, beans, artichokes, peppers, and seafood.
For an unforgettable expertise the place you may 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 suggest this one, which takes place on the host’s dwelling.
Through 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 study extra and e-book your spot.
10. Folks-Watch within the Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is likely one of the primary squares on the sting of the Previous City of Bari. It’s an amazing place to take a seat with a spritz or gelato and people-watch.
This historic medieval sq. has been a gathering place for hundreds of years. Folks have come right here to commerce their items ever because the 14th century, and even at present 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 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, contemplate 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 Previous City and the fashionable metropolis, together with the Petruzzelli Theater and Bari’s primary fish market.
And on the finish, you may 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 calm down and take a break throughout a busy day of sightseeing.
The park has a wide range of totally different vegetation and timber, in addition to a lake that’s dwelling 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 slightly 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 supply crusing journeys from Bari, and also you’ll get to calm down on deck and benefit from the beautiful shoreline as you sail previous.
Being on the water offers you a novel perspective of Bari itself, and lots of crusing journeys enable you the prospect 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 superb sundown journey that has unbelievable opinions and is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Bari for {couples}, or teams of associates. 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 should you’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 right place to choose up some souvenirs. The primary market takes place on Saturday mornings, from 8 am till round 1.30 pm.
To seek out the market, head to Viale Madre Teresa di Calcutta, which is 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 food and drinks, homeware, and kitchen utensils. You identify it, you’ll most likely get it right here.
You’ll additionally discover stalls promoting regionally made merchandise, which make nice items to take dwelling. 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 dwell in Bari, I like to recommend swinging by Mercato di Poggiofranco.
15. Take a Journey to Monopoli
Monopoli is a phenomenal 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 prepare 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 easy by a whole bunch of years of passing toes.
There’s additionally an historical fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used at present, the place you may see native fishermen bringing of their catch, able to be taken straight to town’s eating places.
Should you’re trying to spend a while on the seaside, take a look at Cala Porta Vecchia, which is positioned simply south of the principle Previous City.
I additionally suggest taking a stroll alongside the paved pedestrianized walkway that runs alongside the sting of the Previous City, subsequent to the seafront. It’s lovely right here at any time of day but it surely’s particularly magical and atmospheric at sundown.
See full publish: 15 Finest Issues to Do in Monopoli.
16. Study 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 positioned in an outdated palazzo within the Previous City and is certainly price a go to should you’re keen on 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 bit devoted to 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 can be made fully from stone.
You probably have the time, there are lots 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 automotive, and there’s additionally a bus that runs between the 2 locations (though this does take virtually twice as lengthy). A better choice should you don’t have your individual automotive is to take a guided journey from Bari (see under). Study extra about Alberobello in this publish.
18. Test 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 often 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 should you’re not planning to catch a efficiency there, it’s nonetheless nicely 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 principle vacationer points of interest in Bari, Italy is to take a motorbike tour. You’ll cowl much more floor than you would on foot, so it’s an effective way to see extra of town, particularly should 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 a number of of town’s different, less-visited neighborhoods. Your information may also 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 would 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 consider Matera to be the third-oldest regularly inhabited metropolis on this planet, and that folks have lived right here for no less than 9,000 years.
Constructed on high of a rocky hill, it’s actually spectacular and undoubtedly price a go to. Town is greatest 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, should you needed to choose solely considered one of Alberobello or Matera to go to, personally I’d go together with Matera. I discovered it extra atmospheric and fewer touristy. Nonetheless, should you’d like to go to each cities in at some point, contemplate 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 nicely. Click on right here for particulars.
Fast Journey Itineraries for Bari
Listed here are a number of instructed itineraries that will help you resolve what to see and do in Bari.
1 Day in Bari Itinerary
You’ll be able to see many of the primary Bari points of interest in at some point. Becoming a member of a strolling tour permits you to see the principle 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 buying.
In a while, head to the seaside 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 may 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, should you’d prefer to see each locations in at some point, contemplate becoming a member of this tour).
You probably have a 3rd day, take the prepare 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 will get there by boat, together with an aperitif and exploration of caves and coves with this journey. Finish your final day with this wonderful sundown crusing journey.
1 Week in Bari Itinerary
With per week, you may comfortably do all the actions in Bari I’ve described on this publish, and nonetheless have some spare time to spend nevertheless you want.
I like to recommend spending no less than 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 motorbike will allow you to see much more of town.
With the extra days, I’d suggest taking day journeys to Monopoli and Matera/Alberobello. An alternative choice is this present day journey which truly takes in Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, and Alberobello! And if you wish to spend a complete day on the seaside, go proper forward.
The place to Keep in Bari
These are a number of of one of the best neighborhoods in Bari for vacationers.
Bari Vecchia – Finest 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 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 good place to remain in Murat.
Madonnella – Finest for Seashore 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 (one of the best seaside within the metropolis), in addition to the Lungomare Nazario Sauro seafront promenade the place there are additionally a great deal of cafes and bars which can be significantly widespread with locals. Take a look at this glorious house within the space.
Finest Eating places in Bari
There’s wonderful meals all through Bari. Should you’re in search of some particular suggestions, take a look at these locations.
Al Pescatore
Positioned 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 (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 variety of different native specialties, all of that are low-cost and unbelievable.
Their menu modifications incessantly, however I had the orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe and it was unimaginable. That is additionally a stunning 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 ambiance and fantastic house owners.
The menu is small and options conventional Puglian specialties – strive 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 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 should you’re in search of an inexpensive and scrumptious place to eat within the heart of Bari. I had one of the best 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 funds carriers Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air. Should you’re flying from exterior of Europe, you’ll most likely have to attach through Rome, Milan, or one other main European metropolis.
It’s also possible to attain Bari by prepare. Town is a significant cease on the Frecciargento high-speed railway community, which connects it to varied different main Italian locations comparable to Rome, Venice, and Naples.
Alternatively, you may 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 may get to most different main locations through public transport. Nonetheless, should you’d prefer to discover extra of the encompassing area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, you may as well rent a automotive (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 significant transport hub for the area.
The perfect 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 at any time when you may.
Completely! Bari is a captivating metropolis with a lot to see and do. Whether or not you’re keen on historical past, artwork, meals, or simply enjoyable on the seaside, Bari has one thing for you.
You’ll be able to see most of Bari’s primary sights in at some point. Nonetheless, I like to recommend spending two or three days right here should you can, to actually get a really feel for the ambiance of town and surrounding area.
Sure, Bari is as protected as another main Italian metropolis. In fact, petty crime can occur anyplace, however so long as you’re taking the same old smart precautions, you shouldn’t have any points throughout your time there.
The preferred factor to do in Bari is to walk across the atmospheric Previous City, which is stuffed with lovely medieval buildings and winding alleyways. Right here you may watch girls making pasta by hand on the road – one of the vital iconic issues to see in Bari, Italy.
The perfect seaside in Bari itself is Pane e Pomodoro seaside. Nonetheless, essentially 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 amazing 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 widespread Italian cities. Should you get the prospect to go to Bari, I extremely suggest it.
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