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 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 undoubtedly worthwhile.
Greatest Issues to Do in Bari
Nevertheless lengthy you need to spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend testing a minimum of a few of 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 slender, winding streets and again alleys that lies simply south of the trendy port space. It’s a captivating 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 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 wood 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 lots of of years. It’s a tremendous place to whereas away a couple of 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 Click on right here for a highly-rated guided tour of the outdated city.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 positioning of a church that was destroyed by an earthquake in 1089.
The outside of the basilica is extremely ornate, with two giant 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 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 everywhere in the world. This rickshaw tour of the outdated city truly takes within the Basilica of Saint Nicholas.
Handle: Largo Abate Elia, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
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 situated within the coronary heart of Citta Vecchia and is a stupendous instance of Romanesque structure. Inside, the cathedral’s treasury (Tesoro) comprises a collection of valuable relics and different historic artifacts, in addition to a museum.
Beneath the cathedral lies a collection 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.
Handle: Piazza dell’Odegitria, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
4. Take a Historic Strolling Tour of Bari
The most effective methods to study in regards to 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 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 essential and iconic sights, and educate you in regards to the historical past, tradition, and way of life of the folks of Bari.
I believed I knew rather a lot 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’ve got mobility points…or, if you happen to’re simply feeling lazy…this rickshaw tour is an effective way to get across the outdated city!
5. Chill Out on the Seashore
Puglia is house to a few 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 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 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, if you happen to don’t have time to go away town, you’ll be able to nonetheless take pleasure in some seaside time. Take a look at Pane e Pomodoro Seashore, a sandy seaside 3 kilometers southeast of town middle. The title interprets as “Bread and Tomato” (don’t ask me why).
6. Go on a Road Meals Tour
Bari is legendary for its scrumptious avenue meals, so you should definitely attempt as a lot of it as potential whilst you’re on the town. The most effective methods to pattern a few of Bari’s greatest avenue meals is to go on a avenue meals tour.
This is a superb possibility and can introduce you to a few of the metropolis’s most well-known dishes. You’ll go to in style 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 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 typically fish, meat, or greens), both served crispy by themselves, or in a wealthy sauce.
7. Discover Castello Svevo (One in every of 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 by means of rather a lot traditionally and has been broken by earthquakes on a number of events. Regardless of this, the entire construction is amazingly effectively intact.
Right this moment, the fortress is used as an exhibition middle and a museum devoted to the historical past of the fortress, in addition to town of Bari extra extensively. Exploring the enormous rooms and intensive grounds is extraordinarily evocative and is certainly among the best locations to see in Bari.
8. Stroll Alongside the Seafront Promenade
Bari has a stupendous lengthy promenade (referred to as Lungomare Nazario Sauro) that runs alongside the seafront. It’s an awesome 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 if you happen to 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 town’s primary 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 associates, portray boats, or taking crusing classes within the sheltered marina. I 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 observe the spectacular sundown. That is one among my favourite issues to do in Bari at evening – 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’ll be able to discover ways to make some traditional and scrumptious, native dishes, take a conventional Puglian cooking class. There are a number of completely different lessons to select from, however I suggest this one, which takes place on the host’s house.
Throughout the class, you’ll discover ways 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 suggest it! Click on right here to study extra and e book your spot.
10. Folks-Watch within the Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is without doubt one of the primary squares on the sting of the Previous 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 for the reason that 14th century, and even in the present day it’s a preferred spot for locals to satisfy 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 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. When you’re within the first camp, contemplate 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 Previous City and the trendy metropolis, together with the Petruzzelli Theater and Bari’s primary fish market.
And on the finish, you’ll be able to 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 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 completely different crops and timber, in addition to a lake that’s house to turtles, geese, and different birds. When 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 supply 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 offers you a novel 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 frequent to see dolphins and a spread of different aquatic life whilst you’re on the boat too.
This is a superb sundown journey that has improbable critiques and is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Bari for {couples}, or teams of associates. What might 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 if you happen to’re touring by your self, that is nonetheless a reasonably 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 principle 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’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, 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 presents to take house. When 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 reside in Bari, I like to recommend swinging by Mercato di Poggiofranco.
15. Take a Journey to Monopoli
Monopoli is a stupendous 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 prepare from Bari Central Station, which takes about 35 minutes.
On the coronary heart of Monopoli is the centro storico, or historic middle – a labyrinth of gorgeous outdated whitewashed buildings, with inexperienced window shutters, colourful flowerboxes, and cobbled streets polished easy by lots of of years of passing ft.
There’s additionally an historical fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used in the present day, the place you’ll be able to see native fishermen bringing of their catch, able to be taken straight to town’s eating places.
When 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 stunning right here at any time of day however 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 situated in an outdated palazzo within the Previous City and is certainly value a go to if you happen to’re occupied with 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 bit devoted to town’s conventional tradition, which is basically attention-grabbing.
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.
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 can be made totally from stone.
When you’ve got 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 nearly twice as lengthy). A neater possibility if you happen to don’t have your individual automobile is to take a guided journey from Bari (see beneath). Study extra about Alberobello in this put up.
18. Examine 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 if you happen to’re not planning to catch a efficiency there, it’s nonetheless effectively value looking inside.
Handle: Corso Cavour, 12, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
19. Be a part of a Bike Tour
One other enjoyable technique to see the principle vacationer points of interest in Bari, Italy is to take a motorcycle tour. You’ll cowl much more floor than you possibly can on foot, so it’s an effective way to see extra of town, particularly if you happen to 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 couple of of town’s different, less-visited neighborhoods. Your information can even take you to one among their favourite ice cream outlets so that you can cool off and revel in a well-earned deal with.
Alternatively, you possibly can all the time 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 consider Matera to be the third-oldest regularly inhabited metropolis on the earth, and that individuals have lived right here for a minimum of 9,000 years.
Constructed on high of a rocky hill, it’s actually spectacular and undoubtedly value a go to. The town is greatest identified for its Sassi District, which is house to a posh of prehistoric cave dwellings and a medieval rock church carved into the mountain.
Tip: When deciding what issues to do round Bari, if you happen to needed to choose solely one among Alberobello or Matera to go to, personally I’d go together with Matera. I discovered it extra atmospheric and fewer touristy. Nevertheless, if you happen to’d like to go to each cities in sooner or later, contemplate becoming a member of this guided journey.
21. Bonus!
When touring to Italy, it’s not possible to have “an excessive amount of meals”! Take a look at 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 in style landmarks, pattern conventional meals, and drink native wine as effectively. Click on right here for particulars.
Fast Journey Itineraries for Bari
Listed here are a couple of instructed itineraries that can assist you determine what to see and do in Bari.
1 Day in Bari Itinerary
You’ll be able to see many of the primary Bari points of interest in sooner or later. Becoming a member of a strolling tour means that you can see the principle sights, and study in regards to 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.
Afterward, head to the seaside for a swim, and finish your day with a meal at one among 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 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, if you happen to’d wish 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 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 superb sundown crusing journey.
1 Week in Bari Itinerary
With per week, you’ll be able to comfortably do the entire 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 a minimum of 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 among 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 truly takes in Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, and Alberobello! And if you wish to spend an entire 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 middle 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 plenty of quaint eating places and cafes spilling out into the enticing little plazas. Take a look at this nice lodging in Bari Vecchia.
Murat – Greatest for Buying 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 outlets, eating places, and bars. This is a good place to remain in Murat.
Madonnella – Greatest 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 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 can be significantly in style with locals. Take a look at this glorious house within the space.
Greatest Eating places in Bari
There’s superb meals all through Bari. When you’re searching for some particular suggestions, try these locations.
Al Pescatore
Positioned proper subsequent to the Castello Svevo, Al Pescatore serves a few of the greatest 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 (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 spread of different native specialties, all of that are low-cost and improbable.
Their menu adjustments continuously, 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 ambiance and fantastic house owners.
The menu is small and options conventional Puglian specialties – attempt 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 By way of Prospero Petroni. It’s a stable 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 return if you happen to’re searching for an affordable and scrumptious place to eat within the middle 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 global airport with flights from throughout Europe, together with price range carriers Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air. When 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 too can 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 reminiscent of 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 middle is walkable, and you may get to most different main locations by way of public transport. Nevertheless, if you happen to’d wish to discover extra of the encircling area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, it’s also possible to rent a automobile (typically the most cost effective from the airport).
Issues to Do in Bari: FAQs
Nonetheless questioning what to do in Bari? Listed here 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 Previous City, nice meals, and wonderful seashores. It’s additionally one among southern Italy’s main ports and is a serious 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 scorching and there are fewer vacationers. Nevertheless, Bari is a good vacation spot year-round, so go to each time you’ll be able to.
Completely! Bari is a captivating metropolis with a lot 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’ll be able to see most of Bari’s primary sights in sooner or later. Nevertheless, I like to recommend spending two or three days right here if you happen to can, to actually get a really feel for the ambiance of town and surrounding area.
Sure, Bari is as protected as some other main Italian metropolis. After all, petty crime can occur anyplace, however so long as you’re taking the standard 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 stuffed with stunning 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 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 awesome metropolis and one which I’d like to return to.
The vibe is pleasant and chill, it’s sunny for many of the 12 months, and also you’ll be surrounded by far fewer vacationers than in lots of different in style Italian cities. When you get the prospect to go to Bari, I extremely suggest it.
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