The capital of the southeastern Puglia area of Italy, Bari, is a vibrant port metropolis on the Adriatic Sea. Identified for its atmospheric Outdated City, medieval church buildings, beautiful seashores, and scrumptious meals and wine, there are such a lot of unbelievable issues to do in Bari.
I hung out in Bari final month and actually beloved 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 publish, I’ll describe among 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.
Greatest Issues To Do in Bari
Nonetheless lengthy you need to spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend trying out at the very least among the following.
1. Discover The Citta Vecchia
Lots of the high locations to go to in Bari are situated in its Outdated City – a maze of slim, winding streets and again alleys that lies simply south of the fashionable port space.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.
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 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 lots of of years. It’s an incredible place to whereas away a couple 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 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 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 everywhere in the world.
3. Verify Out Bari Cathedral
One other church in Bari that’s value visiting is the Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale San Sabino (or Bari Cathedralfor brief), 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 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 street from the 2nd century and a Byzantine church from the ninth century. There are additionally the stays of a superbly ornate mosaic.
4. Take A Historic Strolling Tour Of Bari
Among the finest 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 necessary and iconic sights, and train you concerning the historical past, tradition, and life-style of the individuals of Bari.
5. Chill Out At The Seashore
Puglia is residence 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 the town.
Maybe probably the most well-known seashore close to Bari is Lama Monachile (often known 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 beautiful turquoise water.
Different nice seashores close to Bari embrace Cala Paura (additionally in Polignano a Mare) and Cala Porta Vecchia (in romantic Monopoli). These are all straightforward to achieve with public transport (practice or bus) from Bari.
Nonetheless, should you don’t have time to go away the town, you may nonetheless get pleasure from some seashore time. Try Pane e Pomodoro seashore, a sandy seashore 3 kilometers southeast of the town heart. The title interprets as “Bread and Tomato” (don’t ask me why).
6. Go On A Road Meals Tour
Bari is known for its scrumptious avenue meals, so you should definitely attempt 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 superb choice 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 specialties embrace:
- Orecchiette pasta with sautéed broccoli rabe (often known 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 (Considered one 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 lots traditionally and has been broken by earthquakes on a number of events. Regardless of this, the entire construction is amazingly nicely intact.
Right this moment, the fortress is used as an exhibition heart and a museum devoted to the historical past of the fortress, in addition to the town of Bari extra extensively. Exploring the large 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 phenomenal lengthy promenade (known as Lungomare Nazario Sauro) that runs alongside the seafront. It’s an excellent place to take a stroll, calm down, 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 should you like.
You can too 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 the town’s predominant harbor, till the development of the bigger business Port of Bari in 1850.
Right here you’re more likely to see individuals fishing and hanging out with mates, portray boats, or taking crusing classes within the sheltered marina. You’ll be able to 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 folks come to look at the spectacular sundown. That is considered one 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 substances, 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 standard Puglian cooking class. There are a number of totally different lessons to select from, however I like to recommend this one, which takes place on the host’s residence, 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 likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Bari – I extremely advocate it!
10. Folks-Watch in The Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is likely one of the predominant squares on the sting of the Outdated 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. 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 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 the town is likely one of the finest free issues to do in Bari, Puglia.
11. See Bari On A Segway Tour
Segways may be very divisive: some individuals love them, and a few individuals actually don’t. In case you’re within the former 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 Outdated City and the fashionable metropolis, together with the Petruzzelli Theater and Bari’s predominant fish market.
And on the finish, you may 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 right place to calm down and take a break throughout a busy day of sightseeing.
The park has quite a lot of totally different vegetation and bushes, in addition to a lake that’s residence to turtles, geese, and different birds. In case you’re on the lookout 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 bit of 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 calm down 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 lots of crusing journeys enable you the possibility to swim within the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean. It’s pretty widespread to see dolphins and a variety of different aquatic life when you’re on the boat too.
This is a superb sundown crusing journey that has implausible critiques and is likely one of the finest 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 should you’re touring by your self, that is nonetheless a reasonably superior expertise!)
14. Snag A Cut price At Poggiofranco Market
Mercato di Poggiofranco is likely one of the largest open-air markets in Bari and is the right 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, sneakers, 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 regionally made merchandise, which make nice presents to take residence. In case you’re on the town on a Saturday and are on the lookout 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 phenomenal coastal metropolis and among the best locations to go to close to Bari. It takes about 40 minutes to drive there, or you may 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 lovely 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 historic fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used immediately, the place you may see native fishermen bringing of their catch, able to be taken straight to the town’s eating places.
In case you’re trying to spend a while on the seashore, take a look at Cala Porta Vecchia, which is situated simply south of the principle Outdated City.
I additionally advocate 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 but it surely’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 situated in an outdated palazzo within the Outdated City and is certainly value a go to should you’re all for studying concerning 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 the town’s conventional tradition, which is basically 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 have 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 totally 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 neater choice should you don’t have your individual automotive is to take a guided journey from Bari (see beneath).
18. Verify Out The Teatro Petruzzelli
The Teatro Petruzzelli is likely one of the most necessary cultural establishments in Bari. It’s a big theater and opera home that frequently 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 should you’re not planning to catch a efficiency there, it’s nonetheless nicely value having a look inside.
19. Be part of A Bike Tour
One other enjoyable strategy to see the principle vacationer sights in Bari, Italy is to take a motorcycle tour. You’ll cowl way more floor than you would on foot, so it’s an effective way to see extra of the town, particularly should 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 couple of of the town’s different, less-visited neighborhoods. Your information will even take you to considered one 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. 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 this planet, and that individuals have lived right here for at the very 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 recognized 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, should you needed to choose solely considered one of Alberobello or Matera to go to, personally I might go along with Matera. I discovered it extra atmospheric and fewer touristy. Nonetheless, should you’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 couple of prompt itineraries that can assist you resolve what to see and do in Bari.
1 Day in Bari Itinerary
You’ll be able to see many of the predominant Bari sights in sooner or later.
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 buying.
Afterward, head to the seashore for a swim, and finish your day with a meal at considered one of Bari’s wonderful eating places.
2-3 Days in Bari Itinerary
When you have two or three days, you may 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, should you’d prefer to see each locations in sooner or later, contemplate becoming a member of this tour).
When you have 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 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 in Bari, you may comfortably do the entire actions I’ve described on this publish, and nonetheless have some spare time to spend nevertheless you want.
I like to recommend spending at the very least two days within the metropolis itself, primarily following the above itinerary, however giving your self extra time to get pleasure from every exercise and spend longer in every place. On considered one of 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 an entire day on the seashore, 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 (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 sights.
It’s tremendous atmospheric, with a maze of cobbled backstreets, and lots of quaint eating places and cafes spilling out into the engaging little plazas. Try this nice Airbnb in Bari Vecchia.
Murat – Greatest for Buying and Nightlife
Situated 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 superb place to remain in Murat.
Madonnella – Greatest for Seashore 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 very 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 standard with locals.
Take a look at this wonderful Airbnb within the space.
Greatest Eating places in Bari
There’s superb meals all through Bari. In case you’re on the lookout for some particular suggestions, take a look at these locations.
Al Pescatore
Situated proper subsequent to the Castello Svevo, Al Pescatore serves among the finest 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 implausible.
Their menu adjustments ceaselessly, however I had the orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe and it was unbelievable. That is additionally a beautiful 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 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 situated 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 right place to return should you’re on the lookout for an affordable 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.
Getting To Bari
Bari has a global airport with flights from throughout Europe, together with price range carriers Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air. In case you’re flying from exterior of Europe, you’ll most likely have to attach through Rome, Milan, or one other main European metropolis.
You can too attain Bari by practice. The town is a significant cease on the Frecciargento high-speed railway community, which connects it to varied different main Italian locations equivalent 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, the town heart is walkable, and you will get to most different main locations through public transport. Nonetheless, should you’d prefer to discover extra of the encircling area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, you can even rent a automotive (usually the most cost effective 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 thought for its lovely structure, atmospheric Outdated City, nice meals, and beautiful seashores. It’s additionally considered one of southern Italy’s main ports and is a significant transport hub for the area.
The very best time to go to Bari is within the spring (April-Could) or autumn (September-October), when the climate is heat however not too scorching, and there are fewer vacationers. Nonetheless, Bari is a superb vacation spot year-round, so go to every time you may.
Completely! Bari is an enthralling metropolis with a lot to see and do. Whether or not you’re all for historical past, artwork, meals, or simply enjoyable on the seashore, Bari has one thing for you.
You’ll be able to see most of Bari’s predominant sights in sooner or later. Nonetheless, I like to recommend spending two or three days right here should you can, to actually get a really feel for the environment of the town and surrounding area.
Sure, Bari isn’t any much less secure than another main Italian metropolis. In fact, petty crime can occur wherever, however so long as you’re taking the standard wise precautions, you shouldn’t have any points throughout your time there.
The most well-liked 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 may watch girls making pasta by hand on the road – one of the vital iconic issues to see in Bari, Italy.
The very best seashore in Bari itself is Pane e Pomodoro seashore. Nonetheless, 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 usually served with broccoli rabe (or rapini). Different must-try dishes embrace tiella (a rice dish with potatoes and mussels), focaccia barese, and polpette (tacky fried dumplings).
In Conclusion
These are just some of the highest issues to do in Bari, Italy. It’s an excellent 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 standard Italian cities. In case you get the possibility to go to Bari, I extremely advocate it.
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