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 Recognized for its atmospheric Outdated City, medieval church buildings, gorgeous seashores, and scrumptious meals and wine, there are such a lot of unimaginable issues to do in Bari.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 very genuine and laidback vibe.
On this put up, I’ll describe a few 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 positively worthwhile.
Finest Issues To Do in Bari
Nevertheless lengthy you need to spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend testing not less than a few of the following.
1. Discover The Citta Vecchia
Most of the high locations to go to in Bari are positioned in its Outdated City – a maze of slender, winding streets and again alleys that lies simply south of the trendy port space.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 means of 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 appears 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 an incredible place to whereas away a number of hours.
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 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 grew to become 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.
3. Examine 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 attractive instance of Romanesque structure. Inside, the cathedral’s treasury (Tesoro) incorporates a collection of treasured relics and different historic artifacts, in addition to a museum.
Beneath the cathedral lies a collection 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.
4. Take A Historic Strolling Tour Of Bari
Among the finest methods to be taught 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 life-style of the folks of Bari.
5. Chill Out At The Seaside
Puglia is dwelling 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 probably the most well-known seashore close to Bari is Lama Monachile (also called 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 embody 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, in case you don’t have time to depart town, you’ll be able to nonetheless get pleasure from some seashore time. Take a look at Pane e Pomodoro seashore, a sandy seashore 3 kilometers southeast of town heart. The identify interprets as “Bread and Tomato” (don’t ask me why).
6. Go On A Avenue Meals Tour
Bari is known for its scrumptious road meals, so be sure you attempt as a lot of it as attainable whilst you’re on the town. Among the finest methods to pattern a few of Bari’s greatest road meals is to go on a road meals tour.
This is a superb choice and can introduce you to a few of the metropolis’s most well-known dishes. You’ll go to fashionable native locations, and immerse your self in Bari’s wealthy culinary tradition.
A few of my favourite native 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 – in all probability 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 generally fish, meat, or greens), both served crispy by themselves, or in a wealthy sauce.
7. Discover Castello Svevo (Considered one of 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 outdated metropolis’s details of protection all through the centuries.
The fort has been by means of quite a bit traditionally and has been broken by earthquakes on a number of events. Regardless of this, the entire construction is amazingly nicely intact.
At the moment, the fort is used as an exhibition heart and a museum devoted to the historical past of the fort, in addition to town of Bari extra broadly. Exploring the enormous rooms and in depth grounds is extraordinarily evocative and is unquestionably among the best 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 awesome 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’ll be able to cease for a espresso or a chunk to eat in case you like.
It’s also possible to 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 once town’s foremost 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. You possibly can sit 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 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 top 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 learn to make some basic and scrumptious, native dishes, take a conventional Puglian cooking class. There are a number of totally different courses to select from, however I like to recommend this one, which takes place on the host’s dwelling, near the Central Station.
In the course of the class, you’ll learn to make contemporary orecchiette (Puglia’s well-known pasta that appears like little ears), conventional focaccia Barese (with oregano and contemporary tomatoes), and sauces with recipes and methods handed down by means of generations. This is among the most enjoyable issues to do in Bari – I extremely suggest it!
10. Folks-Watch in The Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is among the foremost squares on the sting of the Outdated City of Bari. It’s an awesome 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 immediately 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 gorgeous little nook of town is among the greatest free issues to do in Bari, Puglia.
11. See Bari On A Segway Tour
Segways could be very divisive: some folks love them, and a few folks actually don’t. If you happen to’re within the former 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 foremost fish market.
And on the finish, you’ll be able to get pleasure from some scrumptious conventional home made ice cream.
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 totally different crops and timber, in addition to a lake that’s dwelling to turtles, geese, and different birds. If you happen to’re searching for 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 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 lots of crusing journeys permit you the prospect 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 superb sundown crusing journey that has incredible critiques and is among the greatest issues to do in Bari for {couples}. What may very well 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 in case 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 among 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 possibly can 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 identify it, you’ll in all probability get it right here.
You’ll additionally discover stalls promoting domestically made merchandise, which make nice items to take dwelling. If you happen to’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 among the best locations to go to close to Bari. It takes about 40 minutes to drive there, or you’ll be able to 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 gorgeous outdated whitewashed buildings, with inexperienced window shutters, colourful flowerboxes, and cobbled streets polished clean by a whole lot of years of passing toes.
There’s additionally an historic fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used immediately, the place you’ll be able to see native fishermen bringing of their catch, able to be taken straight to town’s eating places.
If you happen to’re trying to spend a while on the seashore, take a look at Cala Porta Vecchia, which is positioned simply south of the primary Outdated City.
I additionally suggest taking a stroll alongside the paved pedestrianized walkway that runs alongside the sting of the Outdated City, subsequent to the seafront. It’s lovely right here at any time of day nevertheless it’s particularly magical and atmospheric at sundown.
16. Study About 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 outdated palazzo within the Outdated City and is unquestionably value a go to in case you’re focused on studying in regards to 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 town’s conventional tradition, which is admittedly 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.
17. Make A Day Journey To Alberobello
When you’ve got the time, there are various different issues to do close to Bari.
Alberobello is a small Puglian city well-known for its distinctive “trulli” homes – conventional conical-roofed dwellings which are made completely from stone.
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 better choice in case you don’t have your personal automotive is to take a guided journey from Bari (see beneath).
18. Examine Out The Teatro Petruzzelli
The Teatro Petruzzelli is among the most essential cultural establishments in Bari. It’s a big theater and opera home that commonly hosts a variety of theater, ballet, opera, and live performance performances.
The constructing itself dates from 1904 and is extremely ornate and delightful inside. Even in case you’re not planning to catch a efficiency there, it’s nonetheless nicely value looking inside.
19. Be a part of A Bike Tour
One other enjoyable option to see the primary vacationer points of interest in Bari, Italy is to take a motorbike tour. You’ll cowl way more floor than you would on foot, so it’s an effective way to see extra of town, particularly in case you solely have a restricted period of time.
This tour has wonderful critiques and can take you thru the Outdated City of Bari, in addition to a number of of town’s different, less-visited neighborhoods. Your information will 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 at all times rent a motorbike and discover by your self. 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 regularly inhabited metropolis on the planet, and that folks have lived right here for not less than 9,000 years.
Constructed on high of a rocky hill, it’s actually spectacular and positively value a go to. Town is greatest 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 case you needed to decide solely one in every of Alberobello or Matera to go to, personally I might go together with Matera. I discovered it extra atmospheric and fewer touristy. Nevertheless, in case you’d like to go to each cities in someday, take into account becoming a member of this guided journey.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Bari
Listed below are a number of recommended itineraries that can assist you resolve what to see and do in Bari.
1 Day in Bari Itinerary
You possibly can see many of the foremost Bari points of interest in someday.
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.
Afterward, head to the seashore for a swim, and finish your day with a meal at one in every of Bari’s wonderful 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 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 case you’d wish to see each locations in someday, take into account becoming a member of this tour).
When you’ve got 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. Finish your final day with this superb sundown crusing journey.
1 Week in Bari Itinerary
With every week in Bari, you’ll be able to comfortably do all the actions I’ve described on this put up, and nonetheless have some spare time to spend nonetheless you would like.
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 every of your Bari days, hiring a motorbike will allow you to see much more of town.
With the extra days, I’d suggest taking day journeys to Monopoli, and Matera/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 number of of one of the best 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 many of the metropolis’s most well-known sights and points of interest.
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. Take a look at this nice Airbnb in Bari Vecchia.
Murat – Finest for Procuring and Nightlife
Positioned simply south of Bari Vecchia, Murat is the trendy 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 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 (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 are significantly fashionable with locals.
Take a look at this wonderful Airbnb within the space.
Finest Eating places in Bari
There’s superb meals all through Bari. If you happen to’re searching for some particular suggestions, take a look at these locations.
Al Pescatore
Positioned proper subsequent to the Castello Svevo, Al Pescatore serves a few of the greatest contemporary fish and seafood within the metropolis. The standard is great and the costs are affordable. 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 Outdated City. They serve scrumptious pasta and a variety 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 unimaginable. That is additionally a beautiful 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 great homeowners.
The menu is small and options conventional Puglian specialties – attempt 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 By way of 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 return in case you’re searching for an affordable and scrumptious place to eat within the heart of Bari. I had one of the best focaccia of my life right here, and their arancini balls are additionally insanely good.
Getting To Bari
Bari has a world airport with flights from throughout Europe, together with price range carriers Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air. If you happen to’re flying from outdoors of Europe, you’ll in all probability have to attach through Rome, Milan, or one other main European metropolis.
It’s also possible to 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’ll be able to attain Bari by ferry from Albania, Greece, Montenegro, and Croatia. These ferries additionally transport automobiles.
When you get to Bari, town heart is walkable, and you may get to most different main locations through public transport. Nevertheless, in case you’d wish to discover extra of the encompassing area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, you too can rent a automotive (typically the most affordable from the airport).
Issues To Do in Bari: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Bari and what stuff to do in Bari.
Bari is understood for its lovely structure, atmospheric Outdated City, nice meals, and beautiful seashores. It’s additionally one in every of southern Italy’s main ports and is a significant transport hub for the area.
The perfect 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 every time you’ll be able to.
Completely! Bari is an enthralling metropolis with loads to see and do. Whether or not you’re focused on historical past, artwork, meals, or simply stress-free on the seashore, Bari has one thing for you.
You possibly can see most of Bari’s foremost sights in someday. Nevertheless, I like to recommend spending two or three days right here in case you can, to essentially get a really feel for the environment of town and surrounding area.
Sure, Bari is not any much less secure than every other main Italian metropolis. After all, petty crime can occur anyplace, 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 Outdated City, which is filled with lovely medieval buildings and winding alleyways. Right here you’ll be able to watch girls making pasta by hand on the road – one of the iconic issues to see in Bari, Italy.
The perfect seashore in Bari itself is Pane e Pomodoro seashore. Nevertheless, probably 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 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).
In Conclusion
These are only a few of the highest issues to do in Bari, Italy. It’s an awesome metropolis and one which I might like to return to.
The vibe is pleasant and chilled, it’s sunny for many of the 12 months, and also you’ll be surrounded by far fewer vacationers than in lots of different fashionable Italian cities. If you happen to get the prospect to go to Bari, I extremely suggest it.
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