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 Identified for its atmospheric Outdated City, medieval church buildings, beautiful seashores, and scrumptious meals and wine, there are such a lot of unimaginable issues to do in Bari.
I frolicked 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 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
Nevertheless lengthy you must spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend trying out not less than a few of the following.
1. Discover the Citta Vecchia
Most of the prime locations to go to in Bari are positioned in its Outdated City – a maze of slender, winding streets and again alleys that lies simply south of the trendy port space.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 way of 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 embellished 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 lots of 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. 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 positioning 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 surprising façade. The inside is simply as spectacular, with stunning mosaics and work adorning the partitions and ceilings.
It’s devoted to Saint Nicholas (AKA Saint Nick, or Santa Claus, of Christmas Eve fame), who was born in Patara, in modern-day Turkey, and later turned the Bishop of Myra.
The stays of Saint Nicholas are literally buried within the crypt of the basilica, and it’s a spot of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians from all around the world. This rickshaw tour of the previous city truly 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 brief), 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) accommodates a sequence of treasured relics and different historic artifacts, in addition to a museum.
Beneath the cathedral lies a sequence of archaeological excavations, exhibiting the stays of an historic Roman street from the 2nd century and a Byzantine church from the ninth century. There are additionally the stays of a fantastically ornate mosaic.
Handle: Piazza dell’Odegitria, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
4. Take a Historic Strolling Tour of Bari
Probably the greatest methods to 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 train you in regards to the historical past, tradition, and way of life of the folks of Bari.
I believed I knew lots 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 outdoors, or when you’ve got mobility points…or, should you’re simply feeling lazy…this rickshaw tour is a good way to get across the previous city!
5. Chill Out on the Seashore
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 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 succeed in with public transport (practice or bus) from Bari.
Nevertheless, should you don’t have time to go away town, you may nonetheless get pleasure from some seashore time. Take a look at Pane e Pomodoro Seashore, a sandy seashore 3 kilometers southeast of town middle. 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 remember to attempt as a lot of it as attainable when you’re on the town. Probably the greatest methods to pattern a few of Bari’s greatest road meals is to go on a road meals tour.
This is a superb possibility and can introduce you to a few of the metropolis’s most well-known dishes. You’ll go to common 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 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 typically fish, meat, or greens), both served crispy by themselves, or in a wealthy sauce.
7. Discover Castello Svevo (One among 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 previous metropolis’s details of protection all through the centuries.
The fort has been by way of lots traditionally and has been broken by earthquakes on a number of events. Regardless of this, the entire construction is amazingly properly intact.
At present, the fort is used as an exhibition middle and a museum devoted to the historical past of the fort, in addition to town of Bari extra extensively. Exploring the enormous rooms and intensive grounds is extraordinarily evocative and is unquestionably top-of-the-line 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 a terrific place to take a stroll, chill out, and take within the views. There are additionally a number of cafes and eating places alongside the promenade, so you may cease for a espresso or a chew to eat should you like.
You may as well lengthen 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 town’s major 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 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 contemporary sea air.
Within the night, the promenade comes alive with locals and vacationers alike, and folks come to observe the spectacular sundown. That is considered 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 components, together with tomatoes, beans, artichokes, peppers, and seafood.
For an unforgettable expertise the place you may discover ways 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 advocate this one, which takes place on the host’s house.
Through the class, you’ll discover ways 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 likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Bari – I extremely advocate it! Click on right here to be taught extra and ebook your spot.
10. Individuals-Watch within the Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is likely one of the major squares on the sting of the Outdated City of Bari. It’s a terrific place to sit down with a spritz or gelato and people-watch.
This historic medieval sq. has been a gathering place for hundreds of years. Individuals have come right here to commerce their items ever for the reason that 14th century, and even at present 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 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. In case you’re within the first camp, take into account 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 major 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 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 proper place to chill out and take a break throughout a busy day of sightseeing.
The park has quite a lot of completely different vegetation and timber, in addition to a lake that’s house to turtles, geese, and different birds. In case 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 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 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 singular perspective of Bari itself, and plenty 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 spread of different aquatic life when you’re on the boat too.
This is a superb sundown journey that has improbable evaluations and is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Bari for {couples}, or teams of pals. What could possibly be extra romantic than sitting on the deck of a classic gozzo boat, watching the sundown over the ocean, with an aperitivo in hand? Click on right here for particulars.
(To be trustworthy, even should you’re touring by your self, that is nonetheless a reasonably superior expertise!)
14. Snag a Discount at Poggiofranco Market
Mercato di Poggiofranco is likely one of the largest open-air markets in Bari and is the proper 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, sneakers, and equipment to foods 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 house. In case 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 top-of-the-line locations to go to close to Bari. It takes about 40 minutes to drive there, or you may catch the regional practice from Bari Central Station, which takes about 35 minutes.
On the coronary heart of Monopoli is the centro storico, or historic middle – a labyrinth of lovely previous whitewashed buildings, with inexperienced window shutters, colourful flowerboxes, and cobbled streets polished easy by lots of of years of passing ft.
There’s additionally an historic 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.
In case you’re trying to spend a while on the seashore, take a look at Cala Porta Vecchia, which is positioned simply south of the principle Outdated City.
I additionally advocate taking a stroll alongside the paved pedestrianized walkway that runs alongside the sting of the Outdated City, subsequent to the seafront. It’s stunning 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 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 previous palazzo within the Outdated City and is unquestionably value a go to should you’re concerned with studying in regards to the metropolis’s previous.
The museum homes a set of historic artifacts, in addition to a library and an archive. There’s additionally a piece devoted to town’s conventional tradition, which is basically attention-grabbing.
The museum hosts a spread of occasions and exhibitions all year long. See right here for extra data on what’s on throughout your go to.
Handle: Str. Sagges, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
17. Make A Day Journey To Alberobello
Alberobello is a small Puglian city well-known for its distinctive “trulli” homes – conventional conical-roofed dwellings which might be made fully 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 automotive, and there’s additionally a bus that runs between the 2 locations (though this does take virtually twice as lengthy). A better possibility should you don’t have your individual automotive is to take a guided journey from Bari (see beneath). Study extra about Alberobello in this submit.
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 commonly 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 should you’re not planning to catch a efficiency there, it’s nonetheless properly value having a look inside.
Handle: Corso Cavour, 12, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
19. Be a part of a Bike Tour
One other enjoyable option 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 a good way to see extra of town, particularly should 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 couple of of 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 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 frequently inhabited metropolis on the earth, and that folks have lived right here for not less than 9,000 years.
Constructed on prime of a rocky hill, it’s actually spectacular and undoubtedly value 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, should you needed to choose solely considered one of Alberobello or Matera to go to, personally I might go along with Matera. I discovered it extra atmospheric and fewer touristy. Nevertheless, should you’d like to go to each cities in sooner or later, take into account becoming a member of this guided journey.
21. Bonus!
When touring to Italy, it’s unimaginable to have “an excessive amount of meals”! Take a look at this enjoyable journey which mixes consuming, consuming wine, and strolling — which is nice as you’ll need to stroll off some energy. You’ll go to common landmarks, pattern conventional meals, and drink native wine as properly. Click on right here for particulars.
Fast Journey Itineraries for Bari
Listed below are a couple of urged itineraries that will help you determine what to see and do in Bari.
1 Day in Bari Itinerary
You’ll be able to see many of the major Bari points of interest in sooner or later. Becoming a member of a strolling tour means that you can see the principle sights, and be taught 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.
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 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 wish to see each locations in sooner or later, take into account 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 will 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 may comfortably do the entire actions in Bari I’ve described on this submit, and nonetheless have some spare time to spend nonetheless you want.
I like to recommend spending not 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 advocate 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 an entire day on the seashore, go proper forward.
The place to Keep in Bari
These are a couple of of one of the best neighborhoods in Bari for vacationers.
Bari Vecchia – Greatest for First-time Guests and Sightseeing
Bari Vecchia (Outdated Bari) is the historic middle 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 Buying 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 outlets, eating places, and bars. This is a good place to remain in Murat.
Madonnella – Greatest for Seashore 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 (one of the 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 notably common with locals. Take a look at this glorious condo within the space.
Greatest Eating places in Bari
There’s superb meals all through Bari. In case you’re in search of some particular suggestions, take a look at these locations.
Al Pescatore
Situated 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 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 environment and fantastic homeowners.
The menu is small and options conventional Puglian specialties – attempt the ravioli full of turnip tops and anchovies. Costs are midrange and very 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 proper place to come back should you’re in search of an affordable and scrumptious place to eat within the middle 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 global airport with flights from throughout Europe, together with price range carriers Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air. In case you’re flying from outdoors of Europe, you’ll most likely have to attach by way of Rome, Milan, or one other main European metropolis.
You may as well attain Bari by practice. The town is a serious cease on the Frecciargento high-speed railway community, which connects it to numerous different main Italian locations akin 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 middle is walkable, and you will get to most different main locations by way of public transport. Nevertheless, should you’d wish to discover extra of the encircling area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, you too can 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 below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Bari and what stuff to do in Bari.
Bari is thought for its stunning structure, atmospheric Outdated 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-Might) 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 may.
Completely! Bari is an enthralling metropolis with loads to see and do. Whether or not you’re concerned with 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 major sights in sooner or later. Nevertheless, I like to recommend spending two or three days right here should you can, to actually get a really feel for the environment of town and surrounding area.
Sure, Bari is as secure 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 Outdated City, which is filled with stunning medieval buildings and winding alleyways. Right here you may watch ladies making pasta by hand on the road – probably the most 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 only a few of the highest issues to do in Bari, Italy. It’s a terrific metropolis and one which I might like to return to.
The vibe is pleasant and chill, it’s sunny for many of the yr, and also you’ll be surrounded by far fewer vacationers than in lots of different common Italian cities. In case you get the prospect to go to Bari, I extremely advocate it.
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