The capital of the southeastern Puglia area of Italy, Bari, is a vibrant port metropolis on the Adriatic Sea. Identified 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 hung out in Bari final month and actually cherished the 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 submit, I’ll describe a number of the high issues to see and locations to go to in Bari. A few of these are free, others it’s important to pay for, however all are nice and positively worthwhile.
Greatest Issues To Do in Bari
Nevertheless lengthy it’s important to spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend testing no less than a number of the following.
1. Discover The Citta Vecchia
Most 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 an interesting 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 by 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 looks like a time warp, and also you get the sense that life hasn’t modified a lot right here in a whole lot of years. It’s an incredible place to whereas away a number of hours.
2. Go to The Basilica Di San Nicola
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 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 everywhere in the world.
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 good looking instance of Romanesque structure. Inside, the cathedral’s treasury (Tesoro) comprises a collection of treasured 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 fantastically ornate mosaic.
4. Take A Historic Strolling Tour Of Bari
Probably the greatest methods to study 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 way of life of the folks of Bari.
5. Chill Out At The Seaside
Puglia is residence to a number 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 the town.
Maybe probably the most well-known seaside close to Bari is Lama Monachile (often known 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 simple to succeed in with public transport (practice or bus) from Bari.
Nevertheless, in case you don’t have time to depart the town, you may nonetheless get pleasure from some seaside time. Try Pane e Pomodoro seaside, a sandy seaside 3 kilometers southeast of the town middle. The identify interprets as “Bread and Tomato” (don’t ask me why).
6. Go On A Avenue Meals Tour
Bari is legendary for its scrumptious avenue meals, so remember to strive as a lot of it as doable when you’re on the town. Probably the greatest 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 number 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 embody:
- 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 one of the best focaccia you’ll ever eat, topped with ripe tomatoes, olives, olive oil, and oregano.
- Polpette – tacky fried dumplings made utilizing stale bread (and generally fish, meat, or greens), both served crispy by themselves, or in a wealthy sauce.
7. Discover Castello Svevo (One in all My Favourite Locations to Go to in Bari)
Castello Svevo di Bari is a Norman fort that was constructed, destroyed, after which rebuilt within the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. It’s an imposing construction proper subsequent to the ocean, and with its thick partitions and moat, it’s simple to think about how this fort served as one of many outdated metropolis’s details of protection all through the centuries.
The fort has been by so much traditionally and has been broken by earthquakes on a number of events. Regardless of this, the entire construction is amazingly effectively intact.
In the present day, the fort is used as an exhibition middle and a museum devoted to the historical past of the fort, in addition to the town of Bari extra broadly. Exploring the large rooms and in depth grounds is extraordinarily evocative and is unquestionably the most effective locations to see in Bari.
8. Stroll Alongside The Seafront Promenade
Bari has a good looking lengthy promenade (known as Lungomare Nazario Sauro) that runs alongside the seafront. It’s an awesome 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 chunk to eat in case you like.
It’s also possible to prolong the stroll all the best way 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 essential harbor, till the development of the bigger business Port of Bari in 1850.
Right here you’re more likely to see folks fishing and hanging out with buddies, portray boats, or taking crusing classes within the sheltered marina. You possibly can sit and watch all this go on whereas having fun with the recent sea air.
Within the night, the promenade comes alive with locals and vacationers alike, and other people come to observe the spectacular sundown. That is one among 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 prime quality of native and seasonal elements, 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 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 residence, near the Central Station.
In the course of 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 by generations. This is among the most enjoyable issues to do in Bari – I extremely suggest it!
10. Folks-Watch in The Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is among the essential squares on the sting of the Previous City of Bari. It’s an awesome 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 right now it’s a preferred spot for locals to fulfill and hang around collectively.
The buildings across the sq. are extremely picturesque, together with the Palazzo della Dogana, the Sixteenth-century clock tower, and the baroque Fontana della Pigna fountain. Taking a seat and having fun with this beautiful little nook of the town is among the finest free issues to do in Bari, Puglia.
11. See Bari On A Segway Tour
Segways might be very divisive: some folks love them, and a few folks actually don’t. In the event you’re within the former camp, think about becoming a member of this tour.
After a fast briefing, you’ll set off exploring a number 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 essential 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 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 residence to turtles, geese, and different birds. In the event you’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 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 provide 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 offers you a singular 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 spread of different aquatic life when you’re on the boat too.
This is a wonderful sundown crusing journey that has unbelievable opinions and is among 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 trustworthy, even in case you’re touring by your self, that is nonetheless a reasonably superior expertise!)
14. Snag A Discount 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 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 possibly can 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 foods and drinks, homeware, and kitchen utensils. You identify it, you’ll most likely get it right here.
You’ll additionally discover stalls promoting domestically made merchandise, which make nice presents to take residence. In the event you’re on the town on a Saturday and are in search of a discount, 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 good looking coastal metropolis and the most effective 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 a whole lot of years of passing ft.
There’s additionally an historical fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used right now, the place you may see native fishermen bringing of their catch, able to be taken straight to the town’s eating places.
In the event 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 nevertheless it’s particularly magical and atmospheric at sundown.
16. Be taught 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 Previous City and is unquestionably price a go to in case you’re thinking about 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 fascinating.
The museum hosts a spread 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
You probably have the time, there are numerous different issues to do close to Bari.
Alberobello is a small Puglian city well-known for its distinctive “trulli” homes – conventional conical-roofed dwellings which are made completely from stone.
It’s about an hour away from Bari by automotive, and there’s additionally a bus that runs between the 2 locations (though this does take nearly twice as lengthy). A better choice in case you don’t have your individual automotive is to take a guided journey from Bari (see under).
18. Test 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 commonly 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 in case you’re not planning to catch a efficiency there, it’s nonetheless effectively price having a look inside.
19. Be a part of A Bike Tour
One other enjoyable option to see the principle vacationer sights in Bari, Italy is to take a motorcycle tour. You’ll cowl much more floor than you can on foot, so it’s an effective way to see extra of the town, particularly in case you solely have a restricted period of time.
This tour has wonderful opinions and can take you thru the Previous City of Bari, in addition to a number of of the 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 luxuriate in a well-earned deal with.
Alternatively, you can 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 folks have lived right here for no less than 9,000 years.
Constructed on high of a rocky hill, it’s actually spectacular and positively price a go to. Town is finest recognized for its Sassi district, which is residence 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, in case you needed to decide solely one among Alberobello or Matera to go to, personally I might go together with Matera. I discovered it extra atmospheric and fewer touristy. Nevertheless, in case you’d like to go to each cities in someday, think about becoming a member of this guided journey.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Bari
Listed here are a number of instructed itineraries that will help you determine what to see and do in Bari.
1 Day in Bari Itinerary
You possibly can see a lot of the essential Bari sights in someday.
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 among Bari’s wonderful eating places.
2-3 Days in Bari Itinerary
You probably 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, in case you’d prefer to see each locations in someday, 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 in Bari, you may comfortably do the entire actions I’ve described on this submit, and nonetheless have some spare time to spend nonetheless you want.
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 get pleasure from 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 the town.
With the extra days, I’d suggest 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 one of the 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 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. Try this nice Airbnb in Bari Vecchia.
Murat – Greatest for Purchasing and Nightlife
Situated simply south of Bari Vecchia, Murat is the trendy coronary heart of Bari. Right here you’ll discover most of the metropolis’s finest outlets, eating places, and bars.
This is a good place to remain in Murat.
Madonnella – Greatest 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 (one of the 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 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 the event you’re in search of some particular suggestions, try these locations.
Al Pescatore
Situated proper subsequent to the Castello Svevo, Al Pescatore serves a number of the finest recent fish and seafood within the metropolis. The standard is superb and the costs are cheap. Strive 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 unbelievable.
Their menu modifications steadily, however I had the orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe and it was unimaginable. 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 ambiance and fantastic house owners.
The menu is small and options conventional Puglian specialties – strive 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 Through 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 come back in case you’re in search of an inexpensive and scrumptious place to eat within the middle of Bari. I had one of the best focaccia of my life right here, and their arancini balls are additionally insanely good.
Getting To Bari
Bari has a global airport with flights from throughout Europe, together with price range carriers Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air. In the event you’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 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 may attain Bari by ferry from Albania, Greece, Montenegro, and Croatia. These ferries additionally transport automobiles.
When you get to Bari, the town middle is walkable, and you will get to most different main locations by way of public transport. Nevertheless, in case you’d prefer to discover extra of the encompassing area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, you may also rent a automotive (usually the most affordable 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 understood for its stunning structure, atmospheric Previous City, nice meals, and beautiful seashores. It’s additionally one among southern Italy’s main ports and is a serious transport hub for the area.
One of the best time to go to Bari is within the spring (April-Could) or autumn (September-October), when the climate is heat however not too sizzling, and there are fewer vacationers. Nevertheless, Bari is a good vacation spot year-round, so go to every time you may.
Completely! Bari is a captivating metropolis with a lot to see and do. Whether or not you’re thinking about historical past, artwork, meals, or simply enjoyable on the seaside, Bari has one thing for you.
You possibly can see most of Bari’s essential sights in someday. Nevertheless, I like to recommend spending two or three days right here in case you can, to essentially get a really feel for the ambiance of the town and surrounding area.
Sure, Bari is not 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 Previous City, which is stuffed with stunning medieval buildings and winding alleyways. Right here you may watch ladies making pasta by hand on the road – some of the iconic issues to see in Bari, Italy.
One of the best seaside in Bari itself is Pane e Pomodoro seaside. Nevertheless, 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).
In Conclusion
These are only a few of the highest issues to do in Bari, Italy. It’s an awesome metropolis and one which I might like to return to.
The vibe is pleasant and chilled, it’s sunny for a lot of the yr, and also you’ll be surrounded by far fewer vacationers than in lots of different standard Italian cities. In the event you get the prospect to go to Bari, I extremely suggest it.
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