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 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 extremely genuine and laidback vibe.

On this put up, I’ll describe among the high issues to see and locations to go to in Bari. A few of these are free, others it’s important to pay for, however all are nice and positively worthwhile.

Greatest Issues to Do in Bari

Nevertheless lengthy it’s important to spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend trying out at the least among 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 straightforward 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 picket tables on the street making handmade orecchiette pasta, picturesque little squares are adorned with flowers, and locals sit collectively chatting over a espresso or glasses of wine.

The entire place 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 an incredible place to whereas away a number of hours and exploring it is without doubt one of the finest actions in Bari.

2. Go to the Basilica Di San Nicola

Courting again to the twelfth century, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas was constructed on the positioning of a church that was destroyed by an earthquake in 1089.

The outside of the basilica is extremely ornate, with two massive towers and a shocking 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.

Tackle: 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 positioned within the coronary heart of Citta Vecchia and is an exquisite 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, displaying the stays of an historic Roman highway from the 2nd century and a Byzantine church from the ninth century. There are additionally the stays of a fantastically ornate mosaic.

Tackle: Piazza dell’Odegitria, 70122, Bari BA, Italy

4. Take a Historic Strolling Tour of Bari

Among the finest methods to study in regards to the wealthy and engaging 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 essential and iconic sights, and train you in regards to the historical past, tradition, and way of life of the folks of Bari.

I assumed I knew so much about what to do in Bari, however after taking this strolling tour, I noticed there’s a lot extra to the town.

5. Chill Out on the Seaside

Puglia is residence to among the finest 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 the town.

Maybe probably 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 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 straightforward to succeed in with public transport (prepare or bus) from Bari.

Nevertheless, for those who don’t have time to go away the town, you’ll be able to nonetheless take pleasure in some seashore time. Take a look at Pane e Pomodoro Seaside, a sandy seashore 3 kilometers southeast of the 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 avenue meals, so you’ll want to strive as a lot of it as potential when you’re on the town. Among the finest methods to pattern a few of Bari’s finest avenue meals is to go on a avenue meals tour.

This is a wonderful possibility and can introduce you to among 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 – in all probability the perfect 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 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 by way of so much 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 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 unquestionably probably the greatest locations to see in Bari.

8. Stroll Alongside the Seafront Promenade

Bari has an exquisite lengthy promenade (referred to as Lungomare Nazario Sauro) that runs alongside the seafront. It’s an excellent place to take a stroll, loosen up, and take within the views. There are additionally a number of cafes and eating places alongside the promenade, so you’ll be able to cease for a espresso or a chew to eat for those who like.

You can even lengthen 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 once the town’s predominant 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 folks come to look at the spectacular sundown. That is one in all my favourite issues to do in Bari at night time – there’s only a actually beautiful 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’ll be able to discover ways to make some traditional and scrumptious, native dishes, take a standard Puglian cooking class. There are a number of totally different courses to select from, however I advocate this one, which takes place on the host’s residence, near the Central Station.

In the course of the class, you’ll discover ways to make recent orecchiette (Puglia’s well-known pasta that appears like little ears), conventional focaccia Barese (with oregano and recent tomatoes), and sauces with recipes and strategies handed down by way of generations. This is without doubt one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Bari – I extremely advocate it!

10. Folks-Watch within the Piazza Mercantile

Piazza Mercantile is without doubt one of the predominant squares on the sting of the Previous City of Bari. It’s an excellent place to take a seat with a spritz or gelato and people-watch.

This historic medieval sq. has been a gathering place for hundreds of years. Folks have come right here to commerce their items ever for the reason that 14th century, and even right now it’s a preferred 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 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, contemplate 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 predominant fish market.

And on the finish, you’ll be able to take pleasure in 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 loosen up 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 residence to turtles, geese, and different birds. In the event 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 provide crusing journeys from Bari, and also you’ll get to loosen up on deck and benefit from the beautiful shoreline as you sail previous.

Being on the water provides you a singular perspective of Bari itself, and plenty of crusing journeys permit you the prospect to swim within the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean. It’s pretty widespread to see dolphins and a spread of different aquatic life when you’re on the boat too.

This is a wonderful sundown crusing journey that has incredible critiques and is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Bari for {couples}. What could possibly be extra romantic than sitting on the deck of a sailboat, watching the sundown over the ocean, with an aperitivo in hand?

(To be sincere, even for those who’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 proper place to select up some souvenirs. The primary market takes place on Saturday mornings, from 8 am till round 1.30 pm.

To seek out the market, head to Viale Madre Teresa di Calcutta, which is 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 in all probability get it right here.

You’ll additionally discover stalls promoting regionally made merchandise, which make nice presents to take residence. In the event you’re on the town on a Saturday and are in search of a cut price, and an perception into the lives of the individuals who reside in Bari, I like to recommend swinging by Mercato di Poggiofranco.

15. Take a Journey to Monopoli

Monopoli is an exquisite coastal metropolis and probably the greatest locations to go to close to Bari. It takes about 40 minutes to drive there, or you’ll be able to 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 previous 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 historic fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used right now, the place you’ll be able to see native fishermen bringing of their catch, able to be taken straight to the town’s eating places.

In the event you’re seeking to spend a while on the seashore, try Cala Porta Vecchia, which is positioned simply south of the primary Previous City.

I additionally advocate taking a stroll alongside the paved pedestrianized walkway that runs alongside the sting of the Previous City, subsequent to the seafront. It’s stunning right here at any time of day nevertheless it’s particularly magical and atmospheric at sundown.

See full put up: 15 Greatest Issues to Do in Monopoli.

16. Study Concerning the Metropolis’s Historical past at Museo Civico

The Museo Civico is a small museum devoted to the historical past of Bari. It’s positioned in an previous palazzo within the Previous City and is unquestionably value a go to for those who’re eager about 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 the town’s conventional tradition, which is basically fascinating.

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.

Tackle: 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 completely from stone.

When you’ve got the time, there are a lot of 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 automobile, and there’s additionally a bus that runs between the 2 locations (though this does take virtually twice as lengthy). A better possibility for those who don’t have your personal automobile is to take a guided journey from Bari (see beneath). Study extra about Alberobello in this put up.

18. Verify Out the Teatro Petruzzelli

The Teatro Petruzzelli is without doubt one of the most essential cultural establishments in Bari. It’s a big theater and opera home that repeatedly hosts a spread of theater, ballet, opera, and live performance performances.

The constructing itself dates from 1904 and is extremely ornate and delightful inside. Even for those who’re not planning to catch a efficiency there, it’s nonetheless nicely value having a look inside.

Tackle: Corso Cavour, 12, 70122, Bari BA, Italy

19. Be part of a Bike Tour

One other enjoyable method to see the primary vacationer points of interest in Bari, Italy is to take a motorcycle 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 for those who solely have a restricted period of time.

This tour has glorious critiques and can take you thru the Previous City of Bari, in addition to a number of of the town’s different, less-visited neighborhoods. Your information may even take you to one in all 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 motorcycle 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 imagine Matera to be the third-oldest regularly inhabited metropolis on the earth, and that folks have lived right here for at the least 9,000 years.

Constructed on high of a rocky hill, it’s actually spectacular and positively value a go to. The town is finest identified for its Sassi District, which is residence 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, for those who 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, for those who’d like to go to each cities in sooner or later, contemplate becoming a member of this guided journey.

Fast Journey Itineraries for Bari

Listed below 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 a lot of the predominant Bari points of interest in sooner or later.

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 seashore for a swim, and finish your day with a meal at one in all Bari’s glorious eating places.

2-3 Days in Bari Itinerary

When you’ve got two or three days, you’ll be able to discover Bari’s environment in addition to 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, for those who’d prefer to see each locations in sooner or later, contemplate becoming a member of this tour).

When you’ve got 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. Finish your final day with this superb sundown crusing journey.

1 Week in Bari Itinerary

With per week, you’ll be able to comfortably do all the actions in Bari I’ve described on this put up, and nonetheless have some spare time to spend nonetheless you would like.

I like to recommend spending at the least 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 all your Bari days, hiring a motorcycle 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. And if you wish to spend a complete day on the seashore, go proper forward.

The place to Keep in Bari

These are a number of of the perfect 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 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 engaging little plazas. Take a look at this nice lodging in Bari Vecchia.

Murat – Greatest for Purchasing 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 outlets, eating places, and bars. This is a superb place to remain in Murat.

Madonnella – Greatest for Seaside 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 (the perfect 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 can be notably standard with locals.

Take a look at this glorious residence within the space.

Greatest Eating places in Bari

There’s superb meals all through Bari. In the event you’re in search of some particular suggestions, try these locations.

Al Pescatore

Positioned proper subsequent to the Castello Svevo, Al Pescatore serves among the finest recent fish and seafood within the metropolis. The standard is superb and the costs are cheap. Attempt 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 spread of different native specialties, all of that are low cost and incredible.

Their menu modifications ceaselessly, 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 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 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 for those who’re in search of an affordable and scrumptious place to eat within the heart of Bari. I had the perfect 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 outdoors of Europe, you’ll in all probability have to attach by way of Rome, Milan, or one other main European metropolis.

You can even 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 akin to Rome, Venice, and Naples.

Alternatively, you’ll be able to attain Bari by ferry from Albania, Greece, Montenegro, and Croatia. These ferries additionally transport vehicles.

When you get to Bari, the town heart is walkable, and you may get to most different main locations by way of public transport. Nevertheless, for those who’d prefer to discover extra of the encircling area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, you may as well 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.

Now You Know What to Do in Bari

These are just some 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 standard Italian cities. In the event you get the prospect to go to Bari, I extremely advocate it.

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