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, gorgeous seashores, and scrumptious meals and wine, there are such a lot of unbelievable issues to do in Bari.
I frolicked 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 extremely 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 it’s a must to pay for, however all are nice and positively worthwhile.
Finest Issues to Do in Bari
Nonetheless lengthy it’s a must to spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend trying out at the very least 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 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 straightforward to get misplaced wandering by way 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 looks 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 and exploring it is likely one of the finest actions in Bari.
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 massive 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 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.
Handle: Largo Abate Elia, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
3. Test Out Bari Cathedral
One other church in Bari that’s price 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 wonderful instance of Romanesque structure. Inside, the cathedral’s treasury (Tesoro) accommodates a sequence of treasured relics and different historic artifacts, in addition to a museum.
Beneath the cathedral lies a sequence of archaeological excavations, exhibiting 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.
Handle: Piazza dell’Odegitria, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
4. Take a Historic Strolling Tour of Bari
Probably the greatest methods to study 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 necessary and iconic sights, and educate you in regards to the historical past, tradition, and life-style of the individuals of Bari.
I believed I knew so much about what to do in Bari, however after taking this strolling tour, I noticed there’s a lot extra to town.
5. Chill Out on the Seaside
Puglia is house to a few of 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 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 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 (practice or bus) from Bari.
Nonetheless, should you don’t have time to depart town, you’ll be able to 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 road meals, so be sure you attempt as a lot of it as attainable when you’re on the town. Probably the greatest methods to pattern a few of Bari’s finest road meals is to go on a road meals tour.
This is a wonderful possibility 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 Puglia 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 – 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 way of so much traditionally and has been broken by earthquakes on a number of events. Regardless of this, the entire construction is amazingly properly intact.
As we speak, 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 finest locations to see in Bari.
8. Stroll Alongside the Seafront Promenade
Bari has a wonderful lengthy promenade (known as Lungomare Nazario Sauro) that runs alongside the seafront. It’s an incredible 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’ll be able to cease for a espresso or a chew to eat should you like.
It’s also possible to 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 important harbor, till the development of the bigger business Port of Bari in 1850.
Right here you’re prone to see individuals fishing and hanging out with mates, portray boats, or taking crusing classes within the sheltered marina. I really 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 in every of my favourite issues to do in Bari at evening – there’s only a actually pretty 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 basic and scrumptious, native dishes, take a conventional Puglian cooking class. There are a number of totally different lessons to select from, however I suggest this one, which takes place on the host’s house, near the Central Station.
In the course of the class, you’ll discover ways 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 strategies handed down by way of generations. This is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Bari – I extremely suggest it!
10. Individuals-Watch within the Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is likely one of the important squares on the sting of the Previous City of Bari. It’s an incredible 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. Individuals 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 beautiful little nook of town is likely one of 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. For those who’re within the first camp, think about 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 fashionable metropolis, together with the Petruzzelli Theater and Bari’s important fish market.
And on the finish, you’ll be able to take pleasure in some scrumptious conventional home made ice cream. I had a good time on the segway, however perhaps 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 calm down and take a break throughout a busy day of sightseeing.
The park has quite a lot of totally different vegetation and timber, in addition to a lake that’s house to turtles, geese, and different birds. For those who’re in search of issues to do in Bari for households, I like to recommend checking this place out.
There’s additionally a playground for youngsters, and slightly 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 gorgeous shoreline as you sail previous.
Being on the water provides you a novel perspective of Bari itself, and lots of crusing journeys enable you the prospect 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 wonderful sundown crusing journey that has incredible opinions and is likely one of the finest issues to do in Bari for {couples}. What could possibly 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 fairly superior expertise!)
14. Snag a Discount at Poggiofranco Market
Mercato di Poggiofranco is likely one of the largest open-air markets in Bari and is the proper place to choose 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 situated 2.5 kilometers south of the Central Station, within the Poggiofranco district. You may 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 items to take house. For those who’re on the town on a Saturday and are in search of 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 a wonderful coastal metropolis and among the finest 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 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 historic 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.
For those who’re seeking to spend a while on the seaside, try Cala Porta Vecchia, which is situated simply south of the primary 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 lovely right here at any time of day nevertheless it’s particularly magical and atmospheric at sundown.
See full put up: 15 Finest Issues to Do in Monopoli.
16. Study In regards to 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 price a go to should you’re excited about 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 bit devoted to town’s conventional tradition, which is admittedly fascinating.
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.
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 completely from stone.
You probably have the time, there are a lot of different issues to do close to Bari, and Alberobello is likely one of the most fascinating.
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 possibility should you don’t have your individual automotive is to take a guided journey from Bari (see beneath). Study extra about Alberobello in this put up.
18. Test 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 properly price having a look inside.
Handle: Corso Cavour, 12, 70122, Bari BA, Italy
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 motorcycle tour. You’ll cowl way more floor than you may on foot, so it’s an effective way to see extra of town, particularly should you solely have a restricted period of time.
This tour has glorious opinions 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 may 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 may at all times rent a motorcycle and discover by your self. However for the tour, 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 consider Matera to be the third-oldest regularly inhabited metropolis on the 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 price a go to. Town is finest 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, should 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. Nonetheless, should you’d like to go to each cities in at some point, think about becoming a member of this guided journey.
Fast Journey Itineraries for Bari
Listed below are a couple of urged itineraries that can assist you resolve what to see and do in Bari.
1 Day in Bari Itinerary
You may see many of the important Bari sights in at some point.
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.
In a while, head to the seaside for a swim, and finish your day with a meal at one in every of Bari’s glorious eating places.
2-3 Days in Bari Itinerary
You probably have 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, should you’d prefer to see each locations in at some point, think about becoming a member of this tour).
You probably 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, you’ll be able to comfortably do all the actions in Bari I’ve described on this put up, and nonetheless have some spare time to spend nevertheless you would like.
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 take pleasure in every exercise and spend longer in every place. On one in every of 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. 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 – Finest 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 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 lodging in Bari Vecchia.
Murat – Finest for Procuring and Nightlife
Positioned 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 – Finest for Seaside 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 standard with locals.
Take a look at this glorious house within the space.
Finest Eating places in Bari
There’s superb meals all through Bari. For those who’re in search of some particular suggestions, try these locations.
Al Pescatore
Positioned 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. Strive the normal 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 Previous City. They serve scrumptious pasta and a variety of different native specialties, all of that are low cost and incredible.
Their menu adjustments often, however I had the orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe and it was unbelievable. 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 filled with turnip tops and anchovies. Costs are midrange and very reasonable.
Magda
Magda is a bakery and a restaurant situated on the bustling Through 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 should you’re in search of an inexpensive 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 finances carriers Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air. For those who’re flying from outdoors of Europe, you’ll most likely have to attach by way of 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 corresponding 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 middle is walkable, and you will get to most different main locations by way of public transport. Nonetheless, should you’d prefer to discover extra of the encompassing area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, it’s also possible to rent a automotive (usually the most affordable from the airport).
Issues to Do in Bari: FAQs
Nonetheless questioning what to do in Bari? 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 Previous 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 most effective 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. Nonetheless, Bari is a superb vacation spot year-round, so go to every time you’ll be able to.
Completely! Bari is an enthralling metropolis with a lot to see and do. Whether or not you’re excited about historical past, artwork, meals, or simply enjoyable on the seaside, Bari has one thing for you.
You may see most of Bari’s important sights in at some point. Nonetheless, I like to recommend spending two or three days right here should you can, to essentially get a really feel for the ambiance of town and surrounding area.
Sure, Bari is as secure as every other main Italian metropolis. After all, petty crime can occur wherever, however so long as you’re 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 Previous 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 – some of the 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 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 incredible metropolis and one which I might like to return to.
The vibe is pleasant and chill, it’s sunny for many of the yr, and also you’ll be surrounded by far fewer vacationers than in lots of different standard Italian cities. For those who get the prospect to go to Bari, I extremely suggest it.
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