Bari, located in the Puglia region (also known as Apulia), is a quiet side of Italy, yet unbelievably unique! So let’s talk about Bari? Three words Italians describe Bari are: Lively, Coastal, Historic. I found Bari and the whole region of Puglia much more interesting than some highly popular Italian destinations. Here are my top tips for adventurous travelers on the best outdoor activities and things to do in Bari, Italy.
Top things to do in Bari, Italy!
Bari is a vibrant port city located on the Adriatic Sea in southern Italy.
Bari is the capital of Puglia region, which borders Calabria (a famous Italian mafia region).
There are four Italian Mafia-type organizations:
- Sicilian Mafia,
- Calabrian ‘Ndrangheta – considered one of the world’s most dangerous criminal organisations.
- Neapolitan Camorra – the one that Roberto Saviano wrote about in his world-famous book!
- Apulian Organised Crime.
However, there’s no reason to worry; Bari is generally considered a safe city for both tourists and residents. Small crimes can occur, such as pickpocketing, particularly in crowded and touristy areas, but it’s a lovely Italian corner with warm hospitality and kind people.
What to know before traveling to Bari Italy?
- Remember, Italian people take a riposo (siesta), which means most of the shops and restaurants open early morning for 3-4 hours and then reopen late afternoon around 6 pm.
- I found the Puglia region very catholic – so dress respectfully. People were staring at me when I was wearing a dress that uncovered my knees..
- Maintain good manners in public transport – move over if you see an elderly person. Elder people are highly respected in local society.
- People don’t speak English at all!!
- Puglia is one of the poorest regions in the whole country.
The Charms of Bari Vecchia (the Old Town).
Wandering through the narrow, winding streets of Bari Vecchia (the city’s historic old town) is one of the top things to do in Bari. This area is a labyrinth of whitewashed buildings full of local artisans, shops and traditional bakeries.
Don’t miss to try a slice of ‘focaccia barese’ from one of a local charming bakery – it’s a traditional Italian speciality, a perfect fuel for a day of exploration.
Città Vecchia – Bari Old City. Walking the cobblestoned streets is the best way to observe local life. Fresh laundry stretches above your head. Ladies sitting on their doorsteps, making traditional Puglian pasta called ‘orecchiette’. You can often buy it straight from the family or try in a local restaurant for only 10$. The houses are bedecked with colorful wooden shutters, lots of flowers and lacy.
Basically, a day in Bari can focus only on the Old Town. There are enough activities for a whole day of sightseeing. Piazza del Ferrarese is a great spot for a coffee stop. There’s no need for a sightseeing plan, often the best experiences come from unexpected discoveries, which is very likely to happen in Bari.
I highly recommend this Bari Walking City Tour – where a lovely guide will tell you everything about southern Italy’s culture, traditions, history, and people!
Basilica di San Nicola.
While in Bari Vecchia, explore the majestic Basilica di San Nicola, a significant pilgrimage site. It’s a stunning Romanesque church built in the 11th century. It houses the relics of Saint Nicholas, the inspiration for Santa Claus 😉
Watch making traditional orecchiette pasta!
Yeah.. we all love ITALIAN FOOD! But there are a few more things to do in Bari for an unforgettable tasting cuisine adventure – indulging in local street food, homemade orecchiette pasta from local stalls, and freshly baked focaccia.
Walking along the streets of the Old Town, you will see family homes with windows and doors widely open, and housewives making the traditional orecchiette in front of your eyes.
Watch local women making traditional orecchiette pasta by hand in the streets — a culinary tradition deeply rooted in Bari.
‘Orecchiette’, meaning “small ears” in Italian, is a homemade, ear-shaped pasta. It’s usually served with fresh tomatoes and ricotta cheese or cime di rapa (broccoli rabe) and garlic. Delicious!
Bari-the longest promenade in Italy!
Bari’s seafront promenade, the Lungomare, stretches for several kilometers along the Adriatic coast. It’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike to take leisurely walks, jog, or simply sit and watch the sunset over the water.
- Stop at one of the many cafés or gelaterias for a refreshing gelato or espresso with a view.
- During the warmer months, the beach areas along the Lungomare are perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
- The promenade also features statues and monuments that reflect Bari’s maritime history.
Italian dishes to try in Bari.
Food tasting is one of the most pleasurable things to do in Bari. Traditional Bari dishes you need to try are:
- Orecchiette alle cime di rapa, the region’s signature pasta dish made with turnip tops, garlic, and chili.
- Visit the local markets like Mercato del Pesce to see the freshest catches and sample local cheeses, olives, and breads.
- Enjoy a meal at a traditional trattoria, where you can savor dishes like polpo alla pignata (octopus stew) and focaccia Barese.
- Local street food – available along the promenade, such as panzerotti and Focaccia.
Unless you want to learn how to cook orecchiette, with a countryside cooking class.
Discover the Castello Normanno-Svevo.
Visit the imposing Castello Normanno-Svevo, a Norman-Swabian castle that dates back to the 12th century.
Adventurous travelers can explore its massive walls, towers and inner courtyards, which is one of the most interesting things to do in Bari.
How to get from Bari airport to city center?
There is a direct bus NO 16 going from the airport to Bari city center.
You will notice that a few bus lines have a slash next to the number, like: No. 12 and 12/. It means the initial and final destination is the same but they have different routes.
No 12 drives through the coastline and No 12/ drives through the city. Both depart from Aldo Moro – the main bus station in Bari.
You can also book a transfer on GetTransfer.com for long-distance travel, cab rides, hourly chauffeured and delivery services anywhere in the world.
Car rental in Bari Italy.
As usual, I hired a car with Rentalcars.com and the platform has never let me down. I go for full insurance with no excess. Renting a car in Bari was straightforward and I had no problems during two weeks of exploring the Puglia region.
Public transport in Bari Italy.
TRAINS IN PUGLIA are very convenient and modern. Ask for any directions at the ticket information located at the stations.
ALDO MORO is the main bus and train station in Bari city center.
Where to stay in Bari?
I was staying a little outside Bari, to avoid all the traffic and have the possibility to capture local daily life. It’s a very convenient option when you have your car.
My B&B was on a Street della Marina, located between San Giorgio and Torre a Mare, two very small towns, a 10-minute drive from Bari.
I definitely recommend staying in the Old Town, here are a few special places:
- Dimora Vittoria /good value for money/- offers a central location with Basilica San Nicola just a 1-minute walk away and Bari Cathedral 984 feet nearby.
- La Follia dell’Architetto – great place and great location in the center of the Old Town!
- Lullaby Room spacious apartment is stunning top accommodation.
- My favourite B&B Murex – prime location and amazing stay with a terrace, great breakfast, and a friendly host.
Best outdoor activities in Bari.
Adventure doesn’t stop at sightseeing; Bari is surrounded by natural beauty, there are few hiking trails in the nearby Parco Nazionale dell’Alta Murgia, rock climbing opportunities abound in the nearby cliffs and of course visiting world-famous Alberobello town!
Amazing day trips from Bari.
Bari’s location makes it a perfect base for exploring the beautiful Puglia region.
- Alberobello – is a must! famous for its trulli — unique whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs — is just an hour away.
- Polignano a Mare, a breathtaking cliffside town with crystal-clear waters and famous sea caves, is a must-visit coastal escape.
- The UNESCO World Heritage site of Castel del Monte, an enigmatic 13th-century fortress shaped like an octagon, is easily accessible for history enthusiasts.
Day trip to Arbelobello.
Alberobello is one of the top attractions in Italy, famous for its trulli – traditional dry stone huts with conical roofs.
It’s about an hour’s drive from Bari. The stunning architecture and charming streets are well worth the journey. People from all over the world are coming to see the Trulli original huts. You can also explore Alberobello with one of the top tours
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