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 Identified for its atmospheric Outdated City, medieval church buildings, gorgeous seashores, and scrumptious meals and wine, there are such a lot of unbelievable issues to do in Bari.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 liked 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 publish, 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
Nonetheless lengthy you need to spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend testing no less than a few of the following.
1. Discover The Citta Vecchia
Lots of the high locations to go to in Bari are positioned in its Outdated City – a maze of slim, winding streets and again alleys that lies simply south of the fashionable port space.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.
The vast majority 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 via 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 adorned with flowers, and locals sit collectively chatting over a espresso or glasses of wine.
The entire place looks like a time warp, and also you get the sense that life hasn’t modified a lot right here in tons of of years. It’s a tremendous 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 location 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 surprising 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 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 all around the world.
3. Examine Out Bari Cathedral
One other church in Bari that’s price visiting is the Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale San Sabino (or Bari Cathedralfor brief), which dates again to the eleventh century.
The cathedral is positioned within the coronary heart of Citta Vecchia and is a good looking instance of Romanesque structure. Inside, the cathedral’s treasury (Tesoro) incorporates a sequence of treasured relics and different historic artifacts, in addition to a museum.
Beneath the cathedral lies a sequence of archaeological excavations, displaying 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 fantastically ornate mosaic.
4. Take A Historic Strolling Tour Of Bari
Among the finest methods to study concerning the wealthy and engaging historical past of this wonderful 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 house to a few of 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 town.
Maybe probably the most well-known seaside close to Bari is Lama Monachile (also called 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 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 simple to succeed in with public transport (practice or bus) from Bari.
Nonetheless, for those who don’t have time to depart town, you may nonetheless take pleasure in some seaside time. Take a look at Pane e Pomodoro seaside, 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 Avenue Meals Tour
Bari is known for its scrumptious avenue meals, so make sure 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 choice and can introduce you to a few of 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 (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 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 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 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 simple to think about how this citadel served as one of many outdated metropolis’s details of protection all through the centuries.
The citadel has been via rather a lot traditionally and has been broken by earthquakes on a number of events. Regardless of this, the entire construction is amazingly nicely intact.
As we speak, the citadel is used as an exhibition middle and a museum devoted to the historical past of the citadel, in addition to town of Bari extra extensively. Exploring the large rooms and in depth grounds is extraordinarily evocative and is certainly probably the greatest locations to see in Bari.
8. Stroll Alongside The Seafront Promenade
Bari has a good looking lengthy promenade (referred to as Lungomare Nazario Sauro) that runs alongside the seafront. It’s an excellent 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 may cease for a espresso or a chunk to eat for those who like.
You can too 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 town’s essential 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 associates, 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 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 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 top quality of native and seasonal components, together with tomatoes, beans, artichokes, peppers, and seafood.
For an unforgettable expertise the place you may 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 house, near the Central Station.
Through the class, you’ll learn 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 methods handed down via generations. This is among the most enjoyable issues to do in Bari – I extremely advocate it!
10. Folks-Watch in The Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is among the essential 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 as we speak 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 among the finest free issues to do in Bari, Puglia.
11. See Bari On A Segway Tour
Segways will 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 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 fashionable metropolis, together with the Petruzzelli Theater and Bari’s essential fish market.
And on the finish, you may take pleasure in some scrumptious conventional do-it-yourself 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 a wide range of totally different vegetation and bushes, in addition to a lake that’s house to turtles, geese, and different birds. In case 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 kids, and slightly 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 supply 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 possibility 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 improbable opinions and is among the finest issues to do in Bari for {couples}. What might be extra romantic than sitting on the deck of a sailboat, watching the sundown over the ocean, with an aperitivo in hand?
(To be trustworthy, even for those who’re touring by your self, that is nonetheless a reasonably 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 principle market takes place on Saturday mornings, from 8 am till round 1.30 pm.
To search 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 food and drinks, homeware, and kitchen utensils. You title 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 house. In case you’re on the town on a Saturday and are searching for a discount, and an perception into the lives of the individuals who stay in Bari, I like to recommend swinging by Mercato di Poggiofranco.
15. Take A Journey To Monopoli
Monopoli is a good looking coastal metropolis and probably the greatest 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 middle – a labyrinth of lovely outdated whitewashed buildings, with inexperienced window shutters, colourful flowerboxes, and cobbled streets polished easy by tons of of years of passing ft.
There’s additionally an historical fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used as we speak, the place you may see native fishermen bringing of their catch, able to be taken straight to town’s eating places.
In case you’re seeking to spend a while on the seaside, take a look at Cala Porta Vecchia, which is positioned simply south of the primary 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 positioned in an outdated palazzo within the Outdated City and is certainly price a go to for those who’re keen on studying concerning 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 de facto 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.
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 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 virtually twice as lengthy). A better choice for those who don’t have your personal automotive is to take a guided journey from Bari (see under).
18. Examine Out The Teatro Petruzzelli
The Teatro Petruzzelli is among the most necessary 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 price having a look inside.
19. Be a part of A Bike Tour
One other enjoyable strategy to see the primary vacationer sights in Bari, Italy is to take a motorbike tour. You’ll cowl much more floor than you could possibly on foot, so it’s a good way to see extra of town, particularly for those who solely have a restricted period of time.
This tour has wonderful opinions 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 among their favourite ice cream outlets so that you can cool off and revel in a well-earned deal with.
Alternatively, you could possibly at all times rent a motorbike and discover by your self. 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 this planet, and that folks have lived right here for no less than 9,000 years.
Constructed on high of a rocky hill, it’s actually spectacular and undoubtedly price a go to. The town is finest identified for its Sassi district, which is house 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 among Alberobello or Matera to go to, personally I might go together with Matera. I discovered it extra atmospheric and fewer touristy. Nonetheless, for those who’d like to go to each cities in at some point, contemplate becoming a member of this guided journey.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Bari
Listed here are a number of recommended itineraries that can assist you determine what to see and do in Bari.
1 Day in Bari Itinerary
You’ll be able to see a lot of the essential Bari sights in at some point.
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 seaside for a swim, and finish your day with a meal at one among 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 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, for those who’d wish to see each locations in at some point, 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 wonderful sundown crusing journey.
1 Week in Bari Itinerary
With per week in Bari, you may comfortably do all the actions I’ve described on this publish, and nonetheless have some spare time to spend nonetheless you would like.
I like to recommend spending no less than two days within the metropolis itself, basically 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 motorbike will allow you to see much more of 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 seaside, 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 (Outdated Bari) is the historic middle of Bari and is the place you’ll discover a lot 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 enticing little plazas. Take a look at this nice Airbnb in Bari Vecchia.
Murat – Greatest for Procuring 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 outlets, 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 seaside, I like to recommend staying in Madonella. Right here you’ll be close to Pane e Pomodoro seaside (the perfect 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 are significantly standard with locals.
Take a look at this wonderful Airbnb within the space.
Greatest Eating places in Bari
There’s wonderful meals all through Bari. In case you’re searching for some particular suggestions, take a look at these locations.
Al Pescatore
Situated proper subsequent to the Castello Svevo, Al Pescatore serves a few of 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 Outdated 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 unbelievable. That is additionally a stunning 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 house owners.
The menu is small and options conventional Puglian specialties – strive the ravioli filled with turnip tops and anchovies. Costs are midrange and very 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 spread of focaccias, flatbreads, candy and savory pastries, and different conventional snacks.
That is the proper place to return for those who’re searching for an inexpensive and scrumptious place to eat within the middle of Bari. I had the perfect 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 finances carriers Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air. In case 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 too attain Bari by practice. The town is a serious 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 may 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. Nonetheless, for those who’d wish to discover extra of the encompassing area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, it’s also possible to rent a automotive (typically the most cost effective from the airport).
Issues To Do in Bari: FAQs
Listed here 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 wonderful seashores. It’s additionally one among southern Italy’s main ports and is a serious transport hub for the area.
The most effective 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 a captivating metropolis with a lot to see and do. Whether or not you’re keen on 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 essential sights in at some point. Nonetheless, I like to recommend spending two or three days right here for those who can, to essentially get a really feel for the environment of town and surrounding area.
Sure, Bari isn’t any much less protected than some other main Italian metropolis. After all, petty crime can occur anyplace, however so long as you are taking the same old smart 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 stuffed with lovely medieval buildings and winding alleyways. Right here you may watch ladies making pasta by hand on the road – one of the crucial iconic issues to see in Bari, Italy.
The most effective seaside in Bari itself is Pane e Pomodoro seaside. Nonetheless, probably 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 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 a lot of the yr, 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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