Bari is likely one of the finest Italian cities to go to for those who’re exploring the gems of Southern Italy. With centuries of historical past, a great deal of foodie spots and a stunning centre to walk round, Bari is the right Italian metropolis to go to. Actually, there are heaps of the perfect issues to do in Bari dotted all throughout the town.
This all makes it excellent for a protracted weekend break – or the start line to your Puglia journey.


For many of us, Bari would be the start line to discover the broader Puglia area (which is beautiful, by the way in which) because of its airport. We ‘tacked on’ our go to to Bari with our street journey round Puglia and the enduring metropolis of Matera. It’s an ideal beginning (or ending level) for a visit and so value spending a couple of days there.
So, to make your journey that bit simpler, I’ve shared a number of the prime issues to do in Bari that we beloved.
Check out the perfect issues to do in Bari. Have an incredible journey!
1.) Bari Vecchia
Visiting Bari Vecchia (essentially the most historic a part of the town) is definitely among the best issues to do in Bari when strolling across the metropolis.
You see, its slender streets, piazzas and gorgeous cobblestone streets are simply picture-perfect and completely lovely to only stroll by means of.
Now, I normally hate saying issues like ‘get misplaced within the metropolis streets (I imply, nobody actually likes being misplaced in actuality) however Bari Vecchia is an ideal spot for that.
Fact be instructed, even with out making an attempt, you’ll probably get misplaced while navigating the tiny alleys. That every one being mentioned, it’s a part of the enjoyable – identical to in Venice (the place we at all times get misplaced).
Now, for those who’re driving, there may be sometimes parking all alongside the promenade (earlier than you stroll into the previous a part of the town. Although, for those who’re struggling for house, there’s additionally this parking space that’s a stone’s throw from the partitions of Bari Vecchia.
As soon as inside, ensure to identify the San Sabino Cathedral and the di Sant’Antonio which was constructed to guard Bari, all the way in which again within the sixteenth Century.
Oh, and don’t overlook to pop into one of many scrumptious trattorias that line the streets right here.
We beloved Osteria Le Arpie, it’s completely casual and so they serve some scrumptious Orecchiette pasta (which is definitely from Bari).
Learn extra: Greatest cities to go to within the South of Italy
2.) San Sabino Cathedral
As I discussed above, you need to go to San Sabino Cathedral that’s perched proper within the coronary heart of historic Bari.
It’s one of the crucial spectacular church buildings on this a part of Italy and effectively value taking a gander inside while you’re visiting Bari.
First constructed, all the way in which again within the 1100s, it’s a gorgeous instance of Baroque-style structure (particularly within the crypt) that stands proudly overlooking Bari.
As soon as inside, take a wander all the way down to the crypts, the place you’ll see the spot the place Madonna Odegitria is honored and it’s fairly particular to see. It’s among the best issues to do in Bari, particularly for those who’re considering Italian historical past.
Not too distant (about an 8-minute stroll), you have got the Antica gelateria Gentile, which serves up a number of the tastiest gelatos in Bari. It’s completely unassuming from the skin, however the flavours converse for themselves.
Truly, on the word of gelato, check out our information to recognizing the perfect gelato in Italy. They’re our important pointers that’ll show you how to at all times select the perfect gelato spots when exploring.
3.) Lungomare Nazario Sauro
The shoreline street of the ‘newer’ a part of Bari, Lungomare Nazario Sauro is a protracted promenade space that’s excellent for an early morning (or night) stroll. Nice for dawn walks (however I hate early mornings), so I at all times go for the sundown model as a substitute. Sure, it’s going through northeast however you’ll be able to nonetheless see a stunning sundown change Bari with its beautiful orange hues.
Oh, and for those who’re searching for a metropolis seashore in Bari, then head over to Lido San Francesco. It is likely one of the hottest seashores in Bari and is ideal for those who’re not exploring the broader shoreline of Puglia.
One tip to recollect, don’t count on it to be quiet on the weekends, this place will get full on a heat weekend.
This all being mentioned, if you’re escaping the town, make a journey (within the automotive) to Parco Nationale Alta Murgia. Right here, you’ll get to see Castel del Monte, a historic citadel simply outdoors Bari that has been round for hundreds of years.
4.) Teatro Petruzzelli
Should you can, prematurely, book tickets to observe the orchestra at Teatro Petruzzelli. It’s among the best issues to do in Bari for those who’re seeking to expertise some world-class theatre or classical music.
This all being mentioned, for those who can’t make the present,s take a tour inside Teatro Petruzzelli itself. It’s effectively value it.
If that doesn’t sound attention-grabbing, take a day journey to go to the traditional ruins of Egnazia.
Relationship again to the eighth century BC, study concerning the historical past of the Messapii individuals and discover how life was on this area of Italy.
It’s effectively value it, and you may simply tag on a go to to Monopoli (a stunning metropolis), too.
Learn extra: Greatest cities to go to within the South of Italy
5.) Castello Svevo
There are such a lot of iconic castles in Italy to go to, with the one in Bari being no exception.
As soon as right here, ensure to go inside and see the artefacts and displays that make this spot so particular.
Plus, you’ll be able to discover by means of the central courtyard, the guard towers, and the moat.
There’s a cost to enter, which is round 10-15 euros however don’t let that put you off, it’s among the best issues to do in Bari for those who’re exploring the town.
6.) Basilica of Saint Nicholas
The Basilica of Saint Nicholas is iconic in Bari, and has lots of of years of historical past inside and outside. Relationship again to 1197, the church stands proudly over the town of Bari and the harbour itself.
It may appear a bit unassuming from the skin, but it surely’s steeped in historical past. Actually, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas homes an important Romanesque artworks in all of Southern Italy.
It’s the completely gorgeous Bishop’s Throne that’s nearly 1,000 years previous.
Additionally, don’t overlook to search for, the ceiling is simply lovely.
Learn extra: Greatest cities to go to within the South of Italy
7.) Sail the Puglian coast
Yep! You may simply sail the Puglian coast proper from Bari by booking this incredible half-day tour that’ll depart proper from the town itself.
Hopping on board on the marina, you’ll get to sail the beautiful waters round Bari and also have a probability to go for a dip within the gorgeous bays in the summertime.
Should you’re feeling adventurous, the skipper will show you how to sail the boat your self! It’s a lot enjoyable and among the best issues to do in Bari on a sunny day.
8.) Bari Museum
Perched in a historic palace in Bari, the museum may appear comparatively intimate but it surely’s among the best issues to do in Bari to discover the historical past of the area.
Stuffed with work, artefacts and extra, it’s a bit calling spot that’ll take round 20-Half-hour to totally discover.
Although, don’t go to anticipating some grand corridor or huge assortment. As I mentioned, this place is intimate and small.
9.) Archeological Museum of Bari
Yeah, I do know, one other museum – however this space of Puglia is full of historical past that’s too good to overlook. With free entry, you’ll get to wander across the displays which have all been restored.
Good for a stroll when the noon solar will get too sizzling!
10.) Strive Orecchiette pasta
Bear in mind I discussed Orecchiette pasta? Effectively, you’ll be able to’t miss it in Bari. To study extra about its historical past (and take a look at the pasta), book this amazing Pasta walking tour of Bari.
Not solely will the tour take you thru the cobbled streets of Previous Bari, however you’ll additionally get to attempt making your personal Orecchiette and have a bit wine from Puglia, too.
It’s a lot enjoyable.
Simply make sure to book your tour in advance. Locations refill at peak instances.
Learn extra: Greatest cities to go to within the South of Italy
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