Bari is among the greatest Italian cities to go to when you’re exploring the gems of Southern Italy. With centuries of historical past, a great deal of foodie spots and a stunning centre to walk round, Bari is the right Italian metropolis to go to. In truth, there are heaps of the most effective issues to do in Bari dotted all throughout the town.
This all makes it excellent for a protracted weekend break – or the start line to your Puglia journey.


For many of us, Bari would be the start line to discover the broader Puglia area (which is attractive, by the best way) as a result of its airport. We ‘tacked on’ our go to to Bari with our street journey round Puglia and the iconic metropolis of Matera. It’s an ideal beginning (or ending level) for a visit and so price spending a number of days there.
So, to make your journey that bit simpler, I’ve shared a number of the prime issues to do in Bari that we cherished.
Check out the most effective issues to do in Bari. Have an incredible journey!
1.) Bari Vecchia
Visiting Bari Vecchia (probably the most historic a part of the town) is well among the best issues to do in Bari when strolling across the metropolis.
You see, its slender streets, piazzas and gorgeous cobblestone streets are simply picture-perfect and completely stunning to simply stroll by.
Now, I often hate saying issues like ‘get misplaced within the metropolis streets (I imply, nobody actually likes being misplaced in actuality) however Bari Vecchia is an ideal spot for that.
Fact be instructed, even with out making an attempt, you’ll seemingly get misplaced while navigating the tiny alleys. That every one being mentioned, it’s a part of the enjoyable – similar to in Venice (the place we at all times get misplaced).
Now, when you’re driving, there may be sometimes parking all alongside the promenade (earlier than you stroll into the outdated a part of the town. Although, when you’re struggling for area, there’s additionally this parking space that’s a stone’s throw from the partitions of Bari Vecchia.
As soon as inside, be sure to identify the San Sabino Cathedral and the di Sant’Antonio which was constructed to guard Bari, all the best way again within the sixteenth Century.
Oh, and don’t overlook to pop into one of many scrumptious trattorias that line the streets right here.
We cherished Osteria Le Arpie, it’s completely casual and so they serve some scrumptious Orecchiette pasta (which is definitely from Bari).
Learn extra: Finest cities to go to within the South of Italy
2.) San Sabino Cathedral
As I discussed above, it’s a must to go to San Sabino Cathedral that’s perched proper within the coronary heart of historic Bari.
It’s one of the vital spectacular church buildings on this a part of Italy and nicely price taking a gander inside while you’re visiting Bari.
First constructed, all the best way again within the 1100s, it’s a gorgeous instance of Baroque-style structure (particularly within the crypt) that stands proudly overlooking Bari.
As soon as inside, take a wander all the way down to the crypts, the place you’ll see the spot the place Madonna Odegitria is commemorated and it’s fairly particular to see. It’s among the best issues to do in Bari, particularly when you’re focused on Italian historical past.
Not too far-off (about an 8-minute stroll), you’ve got the Antica gelateria Gentile, which serves up a number of the tastiest gelatos in Bari. It’s completely unassuming from the surface, however the flavours converse for themselves.
Really, on the observe of gelato, check out our information to recognizing the most effective gelato in Italy. They’re our important pointers that’ll enable you to at all times select the most effective gelato spots when exploring.
3.) Lungomare Nazario Sauro
The shoreline street of the ‘newer’ a part of Bari, Lungomare Nazario Sauro is a protracted promenade space that’s excellent for an early morning (or night) stroll. Nice for dawn walks (however I hate early mornings), so I at all times go for the sundown model as a substitute. Sure, it’s going through northeast however you possibly can nonetheless see a stunning sundown change Bari with its attractive orange hues.
Oh, and when you’re searching for a metropolis seashore in Bari, then head over to Lido San Francesco. It is among the hottest seashores in Bari and is ideal when you’re not exploring the broader shoreline of Puglia.
One tip to recollect, don’t anticipate it to be quiet on the weekends, this place will get full on a heat weekend.
This all being mentioned, if you’re escaping the town, make a journey (within the automobile) to Parco Nationale Alta Murgia. Right here, you’ll get to see Castel del Monte, a historic citadel simply outdoors Bari that has been round for hundreds of years.
4.) Teatro Petruzzelli
In case you can, prematurely, e-book tickets to observe the orchestra at Teatro Petruzzelli. It’s among the best issues to do in Bari when you’re trying to expertise some world-class theatre or classical music.
This all being mentioned, when you can’t make the present,s take a tour inside Teatro Petruzzelli itself. It’s nicely price it.
If that doesn’t sound fascinating, take a day journey to go to the traditional ruins of Egnazia.
Relationship again to the eighth century BC, be taught concerning the historical past of the Messapii folks and discover how life was once on this area of Italy.
It’s nicely price it, and you may simply tag on a go to to Monopoli (a stunning metropolis), too.
Learn extra: Finest cities to go to within the South of Italy
5.) Castello Svevo
There are such a lot of iconic castles in Italy to go to, with the one in Bari being no exception.
As soon as right here, be sure to go inside and see the artefacts and displays that make this spot so particular.
Plus, you possibly can discover by the central courtyard, the guard towers, and the moat.
There’s a cost to enter, which is round 10-15 euros however don’t let that put you off, it’s among the best issues to do in Bari when you’re exploring the town.
6.) Basilica of Saint Nicholas
The Basilica of Saint Nicholas is iconic in Bari, and has a whole lot of years of historical past inside and outside. Relationship again to 1197, the church stands proudly over the town of Bari and the harbour itself.
It may appear just a little unassuming from the surface, but it surely’s steeped in historical past. In truth, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas homes a very powerful Romanesque artworks in all of Southern Italy.
It’s the completely gorgeous Bishop’s Throne that’s virtually 1,000 years outdated.
Additionally, don’t overlook to search for, the ceiling is simply stunning.
Learn extra: Finest cities to go to within the South of Italy
7.) Sail the Puglian coast
Yep! You’ll be able to simply sail the Puglian coast proper from Bari by reserving this unimaginable half-day tour that’ll depart proper from the town itself.
Hopping on board on the marina, you’ll get to sail the attractive waters round Bari and also have a likelihood to go for a dip within the gorgeous bays in the summertime.
In case you’re feeling adventurous, the skipper will enable you to sail the boat your self! It’s a lot enjoyable and among the best issues to do in Bari on a sunny day.
8.) Bari Museum
Perched in a historic palace in Bari, the museum may appear comparatively intimate but it surely’s among the best issues to do in Bari to discover the historical past of the area.
Full of work, artefacts and extra, it’s just a little calling spot that’ll take round 20-Half-hour to totally discover.
Although, don’t go to anticipating some grand corridor or huge assortment. As I mentioned, this place is intimate and small.
9.) Archeological Museum of Bari
Yeah, I do know, one other museum – however this space of Puglia is stuffed with historical past that’s too good to overlook. With free entry, you’ll get to wander across the displays which have all been restored.
Excellent for a stroll when the noon solar will get too sizzling!
10.) Strive Orecchiette pasta
Keep in mind I discussed Orecchiette pasta? Properly, you possibly can’t miss it in Bari. To be taught extra about its historical past (and check out the pasta), e-book this wonderful Pasta strolling tour of Bari.
Not solely will the tour take you thru the cobbled streets of Previous Bari, however you’ll additionally get to attempt making your individual Orecchiette and have just a little wine from Puglia, too.
It’s a lot enjoyable.
Simply be sure you e-book your tour prematurely. Locations replenish at peak occasions.
Learn extra: Finest cities to go to within the South of Italy
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