The capital of the southeastern Puglia area of Italy, Bari, is a vibrant port metropolis on the Adriatic Sea. Recognized 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 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 among the high 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 no less than among the following.
1. Discover the Citta Vecchia
Lots of the high locations to go to in Bari are situated in its Previous City – a maze of slim, winding streets and again alleys that lies simply south of the fashionable port space. It’s a captivating place, with greater than 2,000 years of historical past.
The vast majority of the historic buildings in Citta Vecchia are intact, and the entire district has a splendidly distinctive really feel. It’s 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. Girls sit at wood tables on the street making handmade orecchiette pasta, picturesque little squares are adorned with flowers, and locals sit collectively chatting over a espresso or glasses of wine.
The entire place appears like a time warp, and also you get the sense that life hasn’t modified a lot right here in lots of of years. It’s an incredible place to whereas away a couple of hours and exploring it is without doubt one of the finest actions in Bari. Click on right here for a highly-rated guided tour of the outdated city.
2. Go to the Basilica Di San Nicola
Relationship again to the twelfth century, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas was constructed on the 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 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 everywhere in the world. This rickshaw tour of the outdated city really takes within the Basilica of Saint Nicholas.
Handle: Largo Abate Elia, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
3. Verify Out Bari Cathedral
One other church in Bari that’s value visiting is the Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale San Sabino (or Bari Cathedralfor quick), which dates again to the eleventh century.
The cathedral is situated within the coronary heart of Citta Vecchia and is a phenomenal 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, exhibiting the stays of an historical Roman highway from the 2nd century and a Byzantine church from the ninth century. There are additionally the stays of a superbly ornate mosaic.
Handle: Piazza dell’Odegitria, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
4. Take a Historic Strolling Tour of Bari
The most effective methods to be taught concerning 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 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 vital and iconic sights, and train you concerning the historical past, tradition, and life-style of the folks of Bari.
I assumed 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 scorching exterior, or when you have mobility points…or, in the event you’re simply feeling lazy…this rickshaw tour is a good way to get across the outdated city!
5. Chill Out on the Seaside
Puglia is dwelling to among the finest seashores in Italy. Many of those are situated a brief distance from Bari and make an ideal day journey (or half-day journey) away from town.
Maybe essentially the most well-known seaside close to Bari is Lama Monachile (also called 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 succeed in with public transport (prepare or bus) from Bari.
Nevertheless, in the event you don’t have time to go away town, you may nonetheless take pleasure in 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 Avenue Meals Tour
Bari is known for its scrumptious avenue meals, so be sure you strive as a lot of it as potential when you’re on the town. The most effective methods to pattern a few of Bari’s finest avenue meals is to go on a avenue meals tour.
This is a superb choice and can introduce you to among the metropolis’s most well-known dishes. You’ll go to well-liked 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 called rapini).
- Tiella – a hearty conventional dish made with rice, potatoes, and mussels (consider it as a Puglian paella).
- Focaccia Barese – most likely the very best focaccia you’ll ever eat, topped with ripe tomatoes, olives, olive oil, and oregano.
- Polpette – tacky fried dumplings made utilizing stale bread (and generally fish, meat, or greens), both served crispy by themselves, or in a wealthy sauce.
7. Discover Castello Svevo (One in all My Favourite Locations to Go to in Bari)
Castello Svevo di Bari is a Norman fortress 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 fortress served as one of many outdated metropolis’s details of protection all through the centuries.
The fortress has been via loads traditionally and has been broken by earthquakes on a number of events. Regardless of this, the entire construction is amazingly nicely intact.
At present, the fortress is used as an exhibition heart and a museum devoted to the historical past of the fortress, in addition to town of Bari extra broadly. Exploring the large rooms and in depth grounds is extraordinarily evocative and is unquestionably probably the greatest locations to see in Bari.
8. Stroll Alongside the Seafront Promenade
Bari has a phenomenal lengthy promenade (referred to as Lungomare Nazario Sauro) that runs alongside the seafront. It’s an excellent place to take a stroll, chill out, and take within the views. There are additionally a number of cafes and eating places alongside the promenade, so you may cease for a espresso or a chew to eat in the event you like.
You may also lengthen 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 town’s major harbor, till the development of the bigger business 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 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 other people come to look at the spectacular sundown. That is one in every of my favourite issues to do in Bari at evening – 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 learn to make some traditional and scrumptious, native dishes, take a conventional Puglian cooking class. There are a number of totally different courses to select from, however I suggest this one, which takes place on the host’s dwelling.
Throughout the class, you’ll learn 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 without doubt one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Bari – I extremely suggest it! Click on right here to be taught extra and guide your spot.
10. Individuals-Watch within the Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is without doubt one of the major squares on the sting of the Previous City of Bari. It’s an excellent place to sit down with a spritz or gelato and people-watch.
This historic medieval sq. has been a gathering place for hundreds of years. Individuals have come right here to commerce their items ever because the 14th century, and even immediately 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 without doubt one of the finest 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 the event you’re within the first camp, think about becoming a member of this tour.
After a fast briefing, you’ll set off exploring among 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 major fish market.
And on the finish, you may take pleasure in some scrumptious conventional do-it-yourself 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 chill out and take a break throughout a busy day of sightseeing.
The park has a wide range of totally different crops and timber, in addition to a lake that’s dwelling to turtles, geese, and different birds. In the event 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 a little bit cafe kiosk promoting espresso, water, beer, and different refreshments.
13. Go on a Crusing Journey
Bari is situated on the Adriatic Sea, and crusing is a well-liked pastime right here. There are a number of operators that supply crusing journeys from Bari, and also you’ll get to chill out on deck and benefit from the beautiful shoreline as you sail previous.
Being on the water offers you a singular perspective of Bari itself, and lots of crusing journeys enable you the possibility to swim within the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean. It’s pretty frequent to see dolphins and a variety of different aquatic life when you’re on the boat too.
This is a superb sundown journey that has implausible evaluations and is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Bari for {couples}, or teams of pals. What may very well be extra romantic than sitting on the deck of a classic gozzo boat, watching the sundown over the ocean, with an aperitivo in hand? Click on right here for particulars.
(To be trustworthy, even in the event 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 without doubt 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 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 food and drinks, homeware, and kitchen utensils. You title it, you’ll most likely get it right here.
You’ll additionally discover stalls promoting domestically made merchandise, which make nice items to take dwelling. In the event you’re on the town on a Saturday and are searching for 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 phenomenal coastal metropolis and probably the greatest 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 clean by lots of of years of passing toes.
There’s additionally an historical fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used immediately, the place you may see native fishermen bringing of their catch, able to be taken straight to town’s eating places.
In the event you’re seeking to spend a while on the seaside, try Cala Porta Vecchia, which is situated 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 however it’s particularly magical and atmospheric at sundown.
See full submit: 15 Greatest Issues to Do in Monopoli.
16. Be taught In regards to the Metropolis’s Historical past at Museo Civico
The Museo Civico is a small museum devoted to the historical past of Bari. It’s situated in an outdated palazzo within the Previous City and is unquestionably value a go to in the event you’re curious about 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 piece devoted to town’s conventional tradition, which is de facto attention-grabbing.
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 might be made completely from stone.
When you have the time, there are lots of different issues to do close to Bari, and Alberobello is without doubt one of the most attention-grabbing.
It’s about an hour away from Bari by automobile, and there’s additionally a bus that runs between the 2 locations (though this does take virtually twice as lengthy). A better choice in the event you don’t have your personal automobile is to take a guided journey from Bari (see under). Be taught extra about Alberobello in this submit.
18. Verify Out the Teatro Petruzzelli
The Teatro Petruzzelli is without doubt one of the most vital cultural establishments in Bari. It’s a big theater and opera home that usually hosts a variety of theater, ballet, opera, and live performance performances.
The constructing itself dates from 1904 and is extremely ornate and exquisite inside. Even in the event you’re not planning to catch a efficiency there, it’s nonetheless nicely value having a look inside.
Handle: Corso Cavour, 12, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
19. Be a part of a Bike Tour
One other enjoyable solution to see the principle vacationer sights in Bari, Italy is to take a motorcycle tour. You’ll cowl much more floor than you would on foot, so it’s a good way to see extra of town, particularly in the event you solely have a restricted period of time.
This tour has glorious evaluations and can take you thru the Previous City of Bari, in addition to a couple of of town’s different, less-visited neighborhoods. Your information can even take you to one in every of their favourite ice cream retailers so that you can cool off and luxuriate in a well-earned deal with.
Alternatively, you would all the time 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 frequently inhabited metropolis on the earth, 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 value a go to. The town is finest identified for its Sassi District, which is dwelling to a fancy of prehistoric cave dwellings and a medieval rock church carved into the mountain.
Tip: When deciding what issues to do round Bari, in the event you needed to choose solely one in every of Alberobello or Matera to go to, personally I’d go together with Matera. I discovered it extra atmospheric and fewer touristy. Nevertheless, in the event you’d like to go to each cities in at some point, think about 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, ingesting wine, and strolling — which is nice as you’ll wish to stroll off some energy. You’ll go to well-liked landmarks, pattern conventional meals, and drink native wine as nicely. Click on right here for particulars.
Fast Journey Itineraries for Bari
Listed below are a couple of urged itineraries that will help you resolve what to see and do in Bari.
1 Day in Bari Itinerary
You possibly can see a lot of the major Bari sights in at some point. Becoming a member of a strolling tour means that you can see the principle sights, and be taught 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 procuring.
In a while, head to the seaside for a swim, and finish your day with a meal at one in every of Bari’s glorious eating places.
2-3 Days in Bari Itinerary
When you 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, in the event you’d wish to see each locations in at some point, think about becoming a member of this tour).
When you 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 finest 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 per 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 would like.
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 take pleasure in every exercise and spend longer in every place. On one in every 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. An alternative choice is at the present time 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 a couple of of the very best neighborhoods in Bari for vacationers.
Bari Vecchia – Greatest for First-time Guests and Sightseeing
Bari Vecchia (Previous Bari) is the historic heart of Bari and is the place you’ll discover a lot of the metropolis’s most well-known sights and sights.
It’s tremendous atmospheric, with a maze of cobbled backstreets, and lots 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
Positioned simply south of Bari Vecchia, Murat is the fashionable coronary heart of Bari. Right here you’ll discover lots of the metropolis’s finest retailers, eating places, and bars. This is a good place to remain in Murat.
Madonnella – Greatest for Seaside Lovers
If you wish to be near the seaside, I like to recommend staying in Madonella. Right here you’ll be close to Pane e Pomodoro seaside (the very 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 might be notably well-liked with locals. Take a look at this glorious house within the space.
Greatest Eating places in Bari
There’s superb meals all through Bari. In the event you’re searching for some particular suggestions, try these locations.
Al Pescatore
Positioned proper subsequent to the Castello Svevo, Al Pescatore serves among the finest contemporary 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 Previous City. They serve scrumptious pasta and a variety of different native specialties, all of that are low cost and implausible.
Their menu adjustments steadily, however I had the orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe and it was unimaginable. That is additionally a stunning 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 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 situated on the bustling Through Prospero Petroni. It’s a strong 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 return in the event you’re searching for an inexpensive and scrumptious place to eat within the heart of Bari. I had the very best focaccia of my life right here, and their arancini balls are additionally insanely good.
Attending to Bari
Bari has a world airport with flights from throughout Europe, together with price range carriers Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air. In the event 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 prepare. The town is a serious cease on the Frecciargento high-speed railway community, which connects it to numerous different main Italian locations similar to Rome, Venice, and Naples.
Alternatively, you may attain Bari by ferry from Albania, Greece, Montenegro, and Croatia. These ferries additionally transport vehicles.
When you get to Bari, town heart is walkable, and you will get to most different main locations by way of public transport. Nevertheless, in the event you’d wish to discover extra of the encircling area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, you can too 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 thought for its lovely structure, atmospheric Previous City, nice meals, and beautiful seashores. It’s additionally one in every of southern Italy’s main ports and is a serious transport hub for the area.
The most effective time to go to Bari is within the spring (April-Might) or autumn (September-October), when the climate is heat however not too scorching 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 lots to see and do. Whether or not you’re curious about historical past, artwork, meals, or simply stress-free on the seaside, Bari has one thing for you.
You possibly can see most of Bari’s major sights in at some point. Nevertheless, I like to recommend spending two or three days right here in the event you 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 are taking the same old wise precautions, you shouldn’t have any points throughout your time there.
The preferred factor to do in Bari is to walk across the atmospheric Previous City, which is filled with lovely medieval buildings and winding alleyways. Right here you may watch ladies making pasta by hand on the road – one of the 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 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 excellent metropolis and one which I’d 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 well-liked Italian cities. In the event you get the possibility to go to Bari, I extremely suggest it.
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