Destinations

20 Finest Issues To Do in Bari, Italy

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, gorgeous 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 beloved the town. It receives far fewer vacationers than different Italian cities like Rome, Florence, and Naples, it’s less expensive and has a extremely genuine and laidback vibe.

On this submit, I’ll describe a few of the prime issues to see and locations to go to in Bari. A few of these are free, others you must pay for, however all are nice and positively worthwhile.

Finest Issues To Do in Bari

Nonetheless lengthy you must 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 prime locations to go to in Bari are positioned 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.

Nearly all 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 way of the backstreets, however that is a part of the enjoyable.

Each nook you flip you’ll see one thing new. Girls 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 appears like a time warp, and also you get the sense that life hasn’t modified a lot right here in lots of of years. It’s an incredible place to whereas away a couple of hours.

2. Go to The Basilica Di San Nicola

Courting again to the twelfth century, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas was constructed on the 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 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. Examine Out Bari Cathedral

One other church in Bari that’s value visiting is the Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale San Sabino (or Bari Cathedralfor brief), which dates again to the eleventh century.

The cathedral is positioned within the coronary heart of Citta Vecchia and is a ravishing 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.

The cathedral of Bari, in Apulia, southern Italy, on a bright day.

Beneath the cathedral lies a collection of archaeological excavations, displaying the stays of an historical 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 be taught concerning the wealthy and interesting historical past of this superb metropolis is to participate in a historic strolling tour of Bari.

There are a number of 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 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 Seashore

Puglia is dwelling 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 the town.

Maybe probably the most well-known seaside close to Bari is Lama Monachile (also referred to 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.

Lama Monachile beach near Bari on sunset.

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 achieve with public transport (practice or bus) from Bari.

Nonetheless, if you happen to don’t have time to depart the town, you’ll be able to nonetheless take pleasure in some seaside time. Try Pane e Pomodoro seaside, a sandy seaside 3 kilometers southeast of the town heart. The title interprets as “Bread and Tomato” (don’t ask me why).

6. Go On A Road Meals Tour

Bari is legendary for its scrumptious avenue meals, so remember to attempt as a lot of it as potential 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 superb possibility and can introduce you to a few of the metropolis’s most well-known dishes. You’ll go to fashionable 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 referred to as rapini).
  • Tiella – a hearty conventional dish made with rice, potatoes, and mussels (consider it as a Puglian paella).
  • Focaccia Barese – most likely the most effective 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 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 simple to think about how this fortress served as one of many previous metropolis’s details of protection all through the centuries.

The fortress has been by way of loads traditionally and has been broken by earthquakes on a number of events. Regardless of this, the entire construction is amazingly nicely intact.

The Castello Svevo in Bari is a massive 13C fortress which now houses a museum.

At the moment, the fortress is used as an exhibition heart and a museum devoted to the historical past of the fortress, in addition to the town of Bari extra broadly. Exploring the enormous rooms and intensive grounds is extraordinarily evocative and is certainly the most effective locations to see in Bari.

8. Stroll Alongside The Seafront Promenade

Bari has a ravishing lengthy promenade (referred to as Lungomare Nazario Sauro) that runs alongside the seafront. It’s an important 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’ll be able to cease for a espresso or a chunk to eat if you happen to like.

It’s also possible to lengthen the stroll all the best way 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 once the town’s foremost 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 may 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 in all my favourite issues to do in Bari at evening – there’s only a actually pretty environment right here.

9. Take A Conventional Puglian Cooking Class

Puglian meals tends to be pretty easy and showcases the freshness and prime quality of native and seasonal components, together with tomatoes, beans, artichokes, peppers, and seafood.

For an unforgettable expertise the place you’ll be able to discover ways 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.

The delicious orecchiette is on a ceramic plate with herbs and olive oil on the table.

Throughout 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 methods handed down by way of generations. This is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Bari – I extremely advocate 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 important 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 right this moment 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 the town is likely one of 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. Should you’re within the former camp, take into account 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 foremost fish market.

Explore Bari on a segway tour.

And on the finish, you’ll be able to 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 completely different vegetation and bushes, in addition to a lake that’s dwelling to turtles, geese, and different birds. Should 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 somewhat 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 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 variety of different aquatic life when you’re on the boat too.

Sailing boats in Bari, Italy

This is a superb sundown crusing journey that has improbable critiques 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 trustworthy, even if you happen to’re touring by your self, that is nonetheless a fairly superior expertise!)

14. Snag A Cut price At Poggiofranco Market

Mercato di Poggiofranco is likely one of the largest open-air markets in Bari and is the proper 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 positioned 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 foods 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 presents to take dwelling. Should you’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 stay in Bari, I like to recommend swinging by Mercato di Poggiofranco.

15. Take A Journey To Monopoli

Monopoli is a ravishing coastal metropolis and the most effective 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 heart – a labyrinth of lovely previous whitewashed buildings, with inexperienced window shutters, colourful flowerboxes, and cobbled streets polished easy by lots of of years of passing ft.

Scenic sight in Monopoli, Bari Province, Puglia (Apulia), southern Italy.

There’s additionally an historical fishing harbor that’s nonetheless used right this moment, the place you’ll be able to see native fishermen bringing of their catch, able to be taken straight to the town’s eating places.

Should you’re trying to spend a while on the seaside, take a look at Cala Porta Vecchia, which is positioned simply south of the principle Previous City.

I additionally advocate 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 however it’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 previous palazzo within the Previous City and is certainly value a go to if you happen to’re excited 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 absolutely 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

If in case 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 can be made completely from stone.

Trulli houses in Alberobello, Puglia, Italy

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 neater possibility if you happen to 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 likely one of the most necessary cultural establishments in Bari. It’s a big theater and opera home that recurrently 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 if you happen to’re not planning to catch a efficiency there, it’s nonetheless nicely value looking inside.

19. Be a part of A Bike Tour

One other enjoyable solution to see the principle vacationer points of interest in Bari, Italy is to take a motorcycle tour. You’ll cowl way more floor than you can on foot, so it’s a good way to see extra of the town, particularly if you happen to 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 a couple of of the town’s different, less-visited neighborhoods. Your information will even take you to one in all 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 frequently inhabited metropolis on the earth, and that folks have lived right here for at the very least 9,000 years.

Constructed on prime of a rocky hill, it’s actually spectacular and positively value a go to. Town is finest recognized for its Sassi district, which is dwelling to a posh of prehistoric cave dwellings and a medieval rock church carved into the mountain.

Panoramic view of the ancient Sassi district of Matera, Italy.

Tip: When deciding what issues to do round Bari, if you happen to needed to choose solely one in all Alberobello or Matera to go to, personally I’d go together with Matera. I discovered it extra atmospheric and fewer touristy. Nonetheless, if you happen to’d like to go to each cities in sooner or later, take into account becoming a member of this guided journey.

Fast Journey Itineraries For Bari

Listed below are a couple of steered itineraries that will help you resolve what to see and do in Bari.

1 Day in Bari Itinerary

You may see many of the foremost Bari points of interest in sooner or later.

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.

Afterward, head to the seaside for a swim, and finish your day with a meal at one in all Bari’s glorious eating places.

2-3 Days in Bari Itinerary

If in case you have two or three days, you’ll be able to 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, if you happen to’d prefer to see each locations in sooner or later, take into account becoming a member of this tour).

The old town in Bari, Italy

If in case you have a 3rd day, take the practice to the close by city of Polignano a Mare, which is completely picturesque and residential to a few of southern Italy’s finest seashores, together with Lama Monachile and Cala Paura. Finish your final day with this superb sundown crusing journey.

1 Week in Bari Itinerary

With every week in Bari, you’ll be able to comfortably do the entire actions I’ve described on this submit, and nonetheless have some spare time to spend nonetheless you would like.

I like to recommend spending at the very least 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 in all your Bari days, hiring a motorcycle will allow you to see much more of the town.

With the extra days, I’d advocate taking day journeys to Monopoli, and Matera/Alberobello. And if you wish to spend an entire day on the seaside, go proper forward.

The place To Keep in Bari

These are a couple of of the most effective 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 many of the metropolis’s most well-known sights and points of interest.

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 – Finest for Purchasing and Nightlife

Positioned simply south of Bari Vecchia, Murat is the fashionable 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 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 most effective 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 fashionable with locals.

A long exposure at sunset in Pane e Pomodoro beach in Bari, Apulia, Italy

Take a look at this glorious Airbnb within the space.

Finest Eating places in Bari

There’s superb meals all through Bari. Should you’re in search of some particular suggestions, take a look at 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 affordable. Attempt the normal 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 variety of different native specialties, all of that are low cost and improbable.

Their menu adjustments often, 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 positioned on the bustling By way of 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 proper place to return if you happen to’re in search of an affordable and scrumptious place to eat within the heart of Bari. I had the most effective focaccia of my life right here, and their arancini balls are additionally insanely good.

Getting To Bari

Bari has a world airport with flights from throughout Europe, together with funds carriers Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air. Should 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 varied different main Italian locations equivalent 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, the town heart is walkable, and you will get to most different main locations by way of public transport. Nonetheless, if you happen to’d prefer to discover extra of the encompassing area, together with extra out-of-the-way locations, you can too rent a automotive (typically 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.

What’s Bari recognized for?

Bari is thought for its stunning structure, atmospheric Previous City, nice meals, and beautiful seashores. It’s additionally one in all southern Italy’s main ports and is a serious transport hub for the area.

When is the most effective time to go to Bari?

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 scorching, and there are fewer vacationers. Nonetheless, Bari is a good vacation spot year-round, so go to each time you’ll be able to.

Is Bari value visiting?

Completely! Bari is an enthralling metropolis with lots 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.

What number of days ought to I spend in Bari?

You may see most of Bari’s foremost sights in sooner or later. Nonetheless, I like to recommend spending two or three days right here if you happen to can, to actually get a really feel for the environment of the town and surrounding area.

Is Bari protected?

Sure, Bari is not any much less protected than another 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.

What’s the hottest factor to do in Bari?

The preferred factor to do in Bari is to walk across the atmospheric Previous City, which is filled with stunning 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.

What’s the finest seaside in Bari?

One of the best 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.

What meals ought to I attempt in Bari?

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 important metropolis and one which I’d like to return to.

The vibe is pleasant and chilled, it’s sunny for many of the yr, and also you’ll be surrounded by far fewer vacationers than in lots of different fashionable Italian cities. Should you get the prospect to go to Bari, I extremely advocate it.

The submit 20 Finest Issues To Do in Bari, Italy appeared first on Goats On The Street.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button