The capital of the southeastern Puglia area of Italy, Bari, is a vibrant port metropolis on the Adriatic Sea. Recognized for its atmospheric Outdated City, medieval church buildings, gorgeous seashores, and scrumptious meals and wine, there are such a lot of unbelievable issues to do in Bari.
I frolicked 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 very 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 you need to pay for, however all are nice and undoubtedly worthwhile.
Finest Issues to Do in Bari
Nevertheless lengthy you need to spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend trying out not less than a number 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Lots of the high locations to go to in Bari are situated in its Outdated City – a maze of slim, winding streets and again alleys that lies simply south of the fashionable port space. It’s an interesting place, with greater than 2,000 years of historical past.
The vast majority of the historic buildings in Citta Vecchia are intact, and the entire district has a splendidly distinctive really feel. It’s straightforward to get misplaced wandering via 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 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 a whole lot of years. It’s a tremendous place to whereas away just a few hours and exploring it is without doubt 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
Courting again to the twelfth century, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas was constructed on the location of a church that was destroyed by an earthquake in 1089.
The outside of the basilica is extremely ornate, with two massive towers and a 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 everywhere in the world. This rickshaw tour of the previous city really takes within the Basilica of Saint Nicholas.
Deal with: Largo Abate Elia, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
3. Verify Out Bari Cathedral
One other church in Bari that’s 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 an attractive instance of Romanesque structure. Inside, the cathedral’s treasury (Tesoro) comprises 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 street from the 2nd century and a Byzantine church from the ninth century. There are additionally the stays of a superbly ornate mosaic.
Deal with: Piazza dell’Odegitria, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
4. Take a Historic Strolling Tour of Bari
Among the finest 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 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 concerning 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 the town. If it’s actually sizzling outdoors, or when you have mobility points…or, when you’re simply feeling lazy…this rickshaw tour is an effective way to get across the previous city!
5. Chill Out on the Seashore
Puglia is house to a number 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 the town.
Maybe essentially the most well-known seaside 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 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.
Nevertheless, when you don’t have time to depart the town, you may nonetheless get pleasure from some seaside time. Try Pane e Pomodoro Seashore, a sandy seaside 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 you strive as a lot of it as doable whilst you’re on the town. Among the finest 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 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 embody:
- 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 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 typically fish, meat, or greens), both served crispy by themselves, or in a wealthy sauce.
7. Discover Castello Svevo (Certainly 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 straightforward to think about how this citadel served as one of many previous metropolis’s details of protection all through the centuries.
The citadel has been via lots traditionally and has been broken by earthquakes on a number of events. Regardless of this, the entire construction is amazingly effectively intact.
In the present day, 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 broadly. Exploring the large rooms and in depth grounds is extraordinarily evocative and is certainly top-of-the-line locations to see in Bari.
8. Stroll Alongside the Seafront Promenade
Bari has an attractive lengthy promenade (referred to as Lungomare Nazario Sauro) that runs alongside the seafront. It’s an important 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 when you like.
You too can 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 the town’s most important 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 pals, 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 observe the spectacular sundown. That is one in all my favourite issues to do in Bari at night time – 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 substances, 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 completely different lessons to select from, however I advocate this one, which takes place on the host’s house.
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 without doubt one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Bari – I extremely advocate it! Click on right here to study extra and guide your spot.
10. Folks-Watch within the Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is without doubt one of the most important squares on the sting of the Outdated City of Bari. It’s an important 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 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 beautiful little nook of the town is without doubt one of the greatest free issues to do in Bari, Puglia.
11. See Bari on a Segway Tour
Segways will be very divisive: some folks love them, and a few folks actually don’t. In case 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 Outdated City and the fashionable metropolis, together with the Petruzzelli Theater and Bari’s most important fish market.
And on the finish, you may get pleasure from some scrumptious conventional home made 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 proper place to chill out and take a break throughout a busy day of sightseeing.
The park has a wide range of completely different vegetation and bushes, in addition to a lake that’s house to turtles, geese, and different birds. In case you’re searching for issues to do in Bari for households, I like to recommend checking this place out.
There’s additionally a playground for youngsters, 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 provide crusing journeys from Bari, and also you’ll get to chill out on deck and benefit from the gorgeous 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 whilst you’re on the boat too.
This is a wonderful sundown journey that has unbelievable opinions and is without doubt 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 sincere, even when you’re touring by your self, that is nonetheless a fairly superior expertise!)
14. Snag a Discount at Poggiofranco Market
Mercato di Poggiofranco is without doubt 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 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 may 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 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 house. In case you’re on the town on a Saturday and are searching for a cut price, 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 an attractive 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 heart – a labyrinth of lovely previous whitewashed buildings, with inexperienced window shutters, colourful flowerboxes, and cobbled streets polished easy by a whole lot of years of passing toes.
There’s additionally an historical fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used at present, the place you may see native fishermen bringing of their catch, able to be taken straight to the town’s eating places.
In case 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 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 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 situated in an previous palazzo within the Outdated City and is certainly price a go to when you’re occupied with studying concerning the metropolis’s previous.
The museum homes a group of historic artifacts, in addition to a library and an archive. There’s additionally a piece devoted to the town’s conventional tradition, which is basically 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.
Deal with: Str. Sagges, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
17. Make A Day Journey To Alberobello
Alberobello is a small Puglian city well-known for its distinctive “trulli” homes – conventional conical-roofed dwellings which might be made totally from stone.
If in case you have the time, there are numerous different issues to do close to Bari, and Alberobello is without doubt one of the most fascinating.
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 nearly twice as lengthy). A neater possibility when you don’t have your personal automotive is to take a guided journey from Bari (see under). Study extra about Alberobello in this publish.
18. Verify Out the Teatro Petruzzelli
The Teatro Petruzzelli is without doubt one of the most necessary 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 when you’re not planning to catch a efficiency there, it’s nonetheless effectively price looking inside.
Deal with: Corso Cavour, 12, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
19. Be a part of a Bike Tour
One other enjoyable method to see the primary vacationer sights 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 the town, particularly when you solely have a restricted period of time.
This tour has wonderful opinions and can take you thru the Outdated City of Bari, in addition to just a few of the town’s different, less-visited neighborhoods. Your information may even take you to one in all their favourite ice cream retailers so that you can cool off and revel in a well-earned deal with.
Alternatively, you would all the time rent a motorbike 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 consider Matera to be the third-oldest frequently inhabited metropolis on the planet, and that individuals have lived right here for not 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 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, when you needed to choose solely one in all Alberobello or Matera to go to, personally I’d go along with Matera. I discovered it extra atmospheric and fewer touristy. Nevertheless, when 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”! Try this enjoyable journey which mixes consuming, consuming wine, and strolling — which is nice as you’ll wish 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 below are just a few prompt itineraries that can assist you resolve what to see and do in Bari.
1 Day in Bari Itinerary
You may see a lot of the most important Bari sights in at some point. Becoming a member of a strolling tour means that you can see the primary sights, and study concerning 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 seaside for a swim, and finish your day with a meal at one in all Bari’s wonderful eating places.
2-3 Days in Bari Itinerary
If in case you have two or three days, you may 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, when you’d wish to see each locations in at some point, contemplate becoming a member of this tour).
If in case you 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 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 not less than 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 one in all your Bari days, hiring a motorbike will allow you to see much more of the 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 really 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 just a few of the most effective neighborhoods in Bari for vacationers.
Bari Vecchia – Finest 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 – Finest for Purchasing and Nightlife
Situated 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 (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 might be notably standard with locals. Take a look at this wonderful condo within the space.
Finest Eating places in Bari
There’s wonderful meals all through Bari. In case you’re searching for some particular suggestions, try these locations.
Al Pescatore
Situated proper subsequent to the Castello Svevo, Al Pescatore serves a number of the greatest recent 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 variety of different native specialties, all of that are low-cost and unbelievable.
Their menu modifications regularly, however I had the orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe and it was unbelievable. 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 homeowners.
The menu is small and options conventional Puglian specialties – strive the ravioli full of turnip tops and anchovies. Costs are midrange and particularly reasonable.
Magda
Magda is a bakery and a restaurant situated 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 proper place to come back when you’re searching for an inexpensive 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 global airport with flights from throughout Europe, together with funds 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 too can attain Bari by practice. 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 may attain Bari by ferry from Albania, Greece, Montenegro, and Croatia. These ferries additionally transport vehicles.
When you get to Bari, the town heart is walkable, and you will get to most different main locations by way of public transport. Nevertheless, when you’d wish to discover extra of the encompassing area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, it’s also possible to rent a automotive (usually the most affordable 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 one in all southern Italy’s main ports and is a significant transport hub for the area.
The most effective 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 every time you may.
Completely! Bari is an enthralling metropolis with lots to see and do. Whether or not you’re occupied with historical past, artwork, meals, or simply enjoyable on the seaside, Bari has one thing for you.
You may see most of Bari’s most important sights in at some point. Nevertheless, I like to recommend spending two or three days right here when you can, to essentially get a really feel for the ambiance of the town and surrounding area.
Sure, Bari is as protected as every other main Italian metropolis. After all, petty crime can occur anyplace, however so long as you’re taking the standard smart precautions, you shouldn’t have any points throughout your time there.
The most well-liked 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 – one of the crucial iconic issues to see in Bari, Italy.
The most effective seaside in Bari itself is Pane e Pomodoro seaside. Nevertheless, 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 usually 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 important metropolis and one which I’d like to return to.
The vibe is pleasant and chill, it’s sunny for a lot of the 12 months, and also you’ll be surrounded by far fewer vacationers than in lots of different standard Italian cities. In case you get the possibility to go to Bari, I extremely advocate it.
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