The capital of the southeastern Puglia area of Italy, Bari, is a vibrant port metropolis on the Adriatic Sea. Recognized for its atmospheric Previous City, medieval church buildings, beautiful seashores, and scrumptious meals and wine, there are such a lot of unimaginable issues to do in Bari.
I hung out in Bari final month and actually liked 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 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.
Finest Issues To Do in Bari
Nonetheless lengthy you need to spend sightseeing in Bari, I like to recommend testing not less than a few 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 means of the backstreets, however that is a part of the enjoyable.
Each nook you flip you’ll see one thing new. Girls 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 appears 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 a tremendous place to whereas away just a few 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. Examine Out Bari Cathedral
One other church in Bari that’s value visiting is the Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale San Sabino (or Bari Cathedralfor quick), which dates again to the eleventh century.
The cathedral is situated within the coronary heart of Citta Vecchia and is an exquisite instance of Romanesque structure. Inside, the cathedral’s treasury (Tesoro) accommodates a collection of valuable relics and different historic artifacts, in addition to a museum.
Beneath the cathedral lies a collection of archaeological excavations, exhibiting the stays of an historic Roman highway 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
The most effective 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 completely different excursions to select from, however I like to recommend this one. Your passionate native information will present you across the metropolis’s most vital and iconic sights, and educate you concerning the historical past, tradition, and way of life of the folks of Bari.
5. Chill Out At The Seaside
Puglia is dwelling 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 the town.
Maybe essentially the most well-known seashore close to Bari is Lama Monachile (also called 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 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 (prepare or bus) from Bari.
Nonetheless, for those who don’t have time to go away the town, you may nonetheless take pleasure in some seashore time. Try Pane e Pomodoro seashore, a sandy seashore 3 kilometers southeast of the town heart. 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 attempt as a lot of it as attainable when you’re on the town. The most effective methods to pattern a few of Bari’s finest avenue meals is to go on a avenue 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 in style 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 (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 generally fish, meat, or greens), both served crispy by themselves, or in a wealthy sauce.
7. Discover Castello Svevo (Certainly one of 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 means of rather a lot traditionally and has been broken by earthquakes on a number of events. Regardless of this, the entire construction is amazingly nicely intact.
Immediately, the fort is used as an exhibition heart and a museum devoted to the historical past of the fort, in addition to the town of Bari extra extensively. 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 an exquisite lengthy promenade (known as Lungomare Nazario Sauro) that runs alongside the seafront. It’s an excellent place to take a stroll, loosen up, and take within the views. There are additionally a number of cafes and eating places alongside the promenade, so you may cease for a espresso or a chunk to eat for those who like.
You may as well 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 once the town’s foremost harbor, till the development of the bigger industrial Port of Bari in 1850.
Right here you’re more likely to see folks fishing and hanging out with 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 recent sea air.
Within the night, the promenade comes alive with locals and vacationers alike, and other people 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 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 traditional and scrumptious, native dishes, take a conventional Puglian cooking class. There are a number of completely different courses to select from, however I like to recommend this one, which takes place on the host’s dwelling, 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 strategies handed down by means of generations. This is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Bari – I extremely suggest it!
10. Individuals-Watch in The Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is likely one of the foremost squares on the sting of the Previous City of Bari. It’s an excellent 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 at present it’s a well-liked 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 likely one of the finest free issues to do in Bari, Puglia.
11. See Bari On A Segway Tour
Segways could be very divisive: some folks love them, and a few folks actually don’t. In case you’re within the former 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 trendy metropolis, together with the Petruzzelli Theater and Bari’s foremost fish market.
And on the finish, you may take pleasure in 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 well-liked spot with locals and is the right place to loosen up and take a break throughout a busy day of sightseeing.
The park has quite a lot of completely different vegetation and timber, in addition to a lake that’s dwelling 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 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 loosen up on deck and benefit from the beautiful shoreline as you sail previous.
Being on the water provides you a novel perspective of Bari itself, and plenty of crusing journeys permit you the possibility to swim within the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean. It’s pretty frequent 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 implausible critiques and is likely one of 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 sincere, even for those who’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 right place to select up some souvenirs. The primary 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’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 identify it, you’ll in all probability get it right here.
You’ll additionally discover stalls promoting regionally made merchandise, which make nice presents to take dwelling. In case you’re on the town on a Saturday and are searching for a cut price, and an perception into the lives of the individuals who reside in Bari, I like to recommend swinging by Mercato di Poggiofranco.
15. Take A Journey To Monopoli
Monopoli is an exquisite 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 prepare 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 gorgeous 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 historic fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used at present, 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 seeking to spend a while on the seashore, 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 lovely right here at any time of day but it surely’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 value a go to for those who’re enthusiastic about 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 the town’s conventional tradition, which is de facto 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.
17. Make A Day Journey To Alberobello
You probably have the time, there are a lot of 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 solely from stone.
It’s about an hour away from Bari by automobile, and there’s additionally a bus that runs between the 2 locations (though this does take nearly twice as lengthy). A better possibility for those who don’t have your personal automobile is to take a guided journey from Bari (see under).
18. Examine Out The Teatro Petruzzelli
The Teatro Petruzzelli is likely one of the most vital cultural establishments in Bari. It’s a big theater and opera home that often hosts a variety 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 value having a look inside.
19. Be part of A Bike Tour
One other enjoyable option to see the principle vacationer sights in Bari, Italy is to take a motorbike tour. You’ll cowl much more floor than you possibly can on foot, so it’s a good way to see extra of the town, particularly for those who solely have a restricted period of time.
This tour has glorious critiques and can take you thru the Previous City of Bari, in addition to just a few of the town’s different, less-visited neighborhoods. Your information may also take you to considered one of their favourite ice cream outlets so that you can cool off and revel in a well-earned deal with.
Alternatively, you possibly can at all times rent a motorbike 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 consider Matera to be the third-oldest regularly inhabited metropolis on the earth, and that folks have lived right here for not less than 9,000 years.
Constructed on high of a rocky hill, it’s actually spectacular and undoubtedly value a go to. The town is finest recognized for its Sassi district, which is dwelling 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 decide solely considered one of Alberobello or Matera to go to, personally I’d go along 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, think about becoming a member of this guided journey.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Bari
Listed below are just a few 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 foremost 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 purchasing.
Afterward, head to the seashore for a swim, and finish your day with a meal at considered one of Bari’s glorious 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, for those who’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 prepare 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 not less than 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 considered one of your Bari days, hiring a motorbike 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 an entire day on the seashore, go proper forward.
The place To Keep in Bari
These are just a few of the perfect neighborhoods in Bari for vacationers.
Bari Vecchia – Finest for First-time Guests and Sightseeing
Bari Vecchia (Previous Bari) is the historic heart 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 plenty of quaint eating places and cafes spilling out into the enticing little plazas. Try this nice Airbnb in Bari Vecchia.
Murat – Finest for Buying and Nightlife
Positioned simply south of Bari Vecchia, Murat is the trendy coronary heart of Bari. Right here you’ll discover most of the metropolis’s finest outlets, eating places, and bars.
This is a good place to remain in Murat.
Madonnella – Finest for Seaside 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 perfect 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 notably in style with locals.
Take a look at this glorious Airbnb within the space.
Finest Eating places in Bari
There’s superb meals all through Bari. In case you’re searching for some particular suggestions, try these locations.
Al Pescatore
Positioned proper subsequent to the Castello Svevo, Al Pescatore serves a few of the 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 implausible.
Their menu modifications ceaselessly, however I had the orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe and it was unimaginable. That is additionally a beautiful place to take a seat with a spritz and watch the world go by.
Per Bacco
Within the new a part of city, near the Lungomare seafront promenade, Per Bacco is a midrange, intimate restaurant with a really cozy environment and fantastic homeowners.
The menu is small and options conventional Puglian specialties – attempt the ravioli full of turnip tops and anchovies. Costs are midrange and particularly reasonable.
Magda
Magda is a bakery and a restaurant situated on the bustling Through Prospero Petroni. It’s a strong 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 come back for those who’re searching for an inexpensive and scrumptious place to eat within the heart 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 exterior of Europe, you’ll in all probability have to attach by way of Rome, Milan, or one other main European metropolis.
You may as well attain Bari by prepare. The town is a serious 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 automobiles.
When you get to Bari, the town heart is walkable, and you may get to most different main locations by way of public transport. Nonetheless, for those who’d prefer to discover extra of the encompassing area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, it’s also possible to rent a automobile (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 Previous City, nice meals, and wonderful seashores. It’s additionally considered one of 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-Might) or autumn (September-October), when the climate is heat however not too sizzling, and there are fewer vacationers. Nonetheless, 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 enthusiastic about 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 foremost 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 the town and surrounding area.
Sure, Bari is not any much less secure than some other main Italian metropolis. After all, petty crime can occur anyplace, however so long as you are taking the same old 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 Previous City, which is stuffed with lovely medieval buildings and winding alleyways. Right here you may watch girls making pasta by hand on the road – one of the crucial iconic issues to see in Bari, Italy.
One of the best seashore in Bari itself is Pane e Pomodoro seashore. Nonetheless, essentially 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 embody 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’d like to return to.
The vibe is pleasant and chilled, it’s sunny for a lot of the 12 months, and also you’ll be surrounded by far fewer vacationers than in lots of different in style Italian cities. In case you get the possibility to go to Bari, I extremely suggest it.
The submit 20 Finest Issues To Do in Bari, Italy appeared first on Goats On The Street.
