A guide to Bari, Italy

A millennia-old city of winding streets and sun-washed stone on the shore of the Adriatic Sea, Bari has long been Italy’s porta d’oriente (door to the east). While it’s not technically part of the Magna Graecia – the group of ancient Greek settlements along the southern Italian coast – Bari carries deep historical roots.

A visit to this capital of the Puglia region (the heel of boot-shaped Italy) means wandering the narrow streets of the old city, relaxing along the Lungomare (seaside promenade) with views of the water, exploring medieval castles and churches, and soaking in an atmosphere that’s simply magical. And naturally, since this is Italy, a great meal is never far away.

Here’s a full guide to when to visit, how to get around and what to do in Bari if you’re visiting for the first time.

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When should I go to Bari?

The best time of year to visit Bari, and the ideal time to travel the entirety of Puglia for that matter, is between April and June, and then again in September and October. Spring brings gradually warmer temperatures (though expect occasional rain showers early on in the season), while autumn offers similarly pleasant weather with fewer crowds than summer.

The bulk of the summer months, while demonstrating the full glory of a golden Italian summer, are the busiest and most expensive. The school year finishes at the beginning of June, and you’ll likely encounter countless Italian families taking their vacation in Puglia. It can also be wickedly hot, especially if you’re spending your days among the marble and stone buildings of Bari’s old city. You’ll want to plan any stay at the height of the season well in advance to make sure you find accommodations that suit your needs and aren’t too hard on your wallet.

Still, a visit during the shoulder season requires some planning, too. Depending on when Easter falls, you might catch some of its celebrations, which are usually beautiful but crowded, since Italian schools close in the days leading up to Easter Sunday and most workplaces close on Easter Monday. A great number of pilgrims descend on the city for Bari’s annual celebration of its patron saint, St Nicholas (San Nicola), from May 7–9.

How much time should I spend in Bari?

While Bari is heavily populated, the city doesn’t sprawl. It’s possible to see all its major attractions in 3 days – and that’s taking it slow, not galloping from one place to another – 5 days will let you really take it easy and allow you to wander wherever you want to go. You can even squeeze in a day trip to another fantastic destination in Puglia, like the nearby beach resort at Polignano a Mare and the famous Abbazia di San Vito.

Is it easy to get in and around Bari?

Yes, though things can get a little trickier if you’re looking to expand the visit beyond the city limits. You can get to Bari either by plane (its airport connects cities all over Europe) or by train, especially if Bari is a stop on a longer Italian itinerary. The city’s railway station is regularly served by high-speed and Intercity trains. (Many Intercity services are night trains, which means you can quite literally reach Bari in your sleep.)

Once you’re in the city, it’s easy to navigate the compact center by foot. Walking is your best bet to immerse yourself in the atmosphere and avoid the nightmare that can be urban driving, especially during peak traffic hours. Be sure to arm yourself with sufficient sun protection and plenty of water in summer.

If you want to get around outside of Bari, however, you’ll have to pick another means of transportation. Regional trains can come in handy, depending on where you want to go. If your destination is a smaller village, then you can travel by bus – inquire about routes at the city’s tourist centers at the airport, railway station and major landmarks like the Piazza del Ferrarese.

These centers are also a good place to ask about renting a car or scooter, which will give you maximum freedom to explore the area around Bari and stop at whatever catches your fancy. You’ll need an International Driving Permit and to pay attention to road signs, especially those indicating a ZTL, zona a traffico limitato (limited-traffic area). In these, only residents of those areas are permitted to enter – and everyone else is guaranteed to earn a hefty fine.

Top things to do in Bari

Visit the church of Bari’s patron saint

The 12th-century Basilica di San Nicola hosts relics of San Nicola, a key religious figure for Orthodox Christians. An icon for children everywhere, this gift-giving Anatolian saint was the inspiration for Father Christmas, and is also the patron saint of children, sailors, archers, brewers and pawnbrokers. 

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First preserved in modern-day Türkiye, St Nick’s relics were eventually seized and then moved to Bari to keep them safe from the Turkish Seljuk dynasty. This relocation remains a cause of ongoing contention between the Turkish and Italian governments.  

Savor traditional Bari flavors

No trip to Bari is complete without having some truly great seafood. While finding it is not hard in this coastal city, if you want a unique experience, head to N’dèrr’a la lanze, an open-air market that doubles as a street food bonanza, just a few steps off the Piazza del Ferrarese. Keep in mind that it’s only open in the mornings, making it the place for a spectacular seafood lunch rather than dinner.

Another local specialty is focaccia barese – a flatbread made from semolina dough, type “00” pizza flour and mashed potatoes. Think of it as a cheese-free pizza with a puffier, fluffier dough; it typically comes topped with cherry tomatoes, black or green olives, fresh oregano and a slosh of olive oil. The long line is worth the wait at Panificio Santa Rita in the old town. Or there’s Panificio Fiore, Bari’s most iconic bakery, which sits inside the old city’s walls and has been open since 1508. 

See pasta makers at work on most famous street

Bari’s history is burrowed deep into sun-washed stone, and one of the best things to do here is simply get lost in streets where you can feel the weight of centuries, then sit down for a life-changing meal by the glittering sea. And in the maze of Bari Vecchia, the old city, one street is a must-stop: the famous Strada delle Orecchiette.

Orecchiette, which translates to “little ears,” is a fresh pasta shape typical of this corner of Puglia. In the Strada delle Orecchiette, you can see numerous skilled women making them by hand right in front of you, as generations have done before them. You can, of course, also buy a packet to bring home. 

Go underground for a unique tour

Like any city that has seen centuries of life, what lies under modern Bari is just as interesting as what’s above ground. Tour operators like Bari Sotterranea bring tourists underground to what remains of the old Roman city. Archaeologists, who often lead these groups, continue to make regular discoveries.

Stroll Bari’s storied seafront

Built during a radical remodeling of the city in the 1920s, the Lungomare stretches for about 15km (it’s Europe’s longest). Much of Bari’s city life happens by the Adriatic Sea, especially after work and on weekends.

Along the Lungomare’s length, you’ll see a range of modern palaces and some jewels, such as the art nouveau Teatro Kursaal Santalucia. When the sun sets, grab a beer and mix with the young crowd at El Chiringuito, a shack by the Mercato del Pesce (Fish Market), or sit in one of the fancier aperitivo (pre-dinner drink) spots further along the seafront promenade.

My favorite thing to do in Bari

Whatever city I’m in, my favorite thing to do is walk along the streets and pretend I’m a resident going about my usual routine, embracing the rhythms of daily life. In Bari, I love wandering the alleys of Bari Vecchia, stopping at any corner that catches my curiosity and diving down side streets that I hadn’t planned on passing through. 

I finish my walking tours in the Piazza del Ferrarese. Stepping out of the fascinating tangle of Bari Vecchia into this large square looking out onto the sea never gets old, especially during the celebrations in honor of St Nicholas, when the entire plaza is decked out in an impressive set of illuminations. 

How much money do I need for Bari?

Costs in Bari are more or less in line with prices in Southern Italy’s other cities. It’s cheaper than Milan or Venice, but you shouldn’t imagine that everything will be a steal, especially if you hang out in popular spots during high season.

Plan for about 130 euros per night for a hotel, though you can get this down to €50–70 for a bed and breakfast during low season. Around €100 per person per day is a generous budget for other expenses. For €70 or even less per day, you can still enjoy some great food and experiences.

• One night in a hotel: €130

• Seafood at a street stall: €10 

• Espresso: €1

• Underground tour: €30

• Daylong bus ticket: €2.50 

• Packet of handmade orecchiette: €5 

Where to stay in Bari

• Atipico B&B features cozy rooms in the heart of Bari Vecchia, close to the major sights of Basilica di San Nicola and Teatro Margherita.

• A 10-minute drive from Bari’s city center, the spacious, large Nicolaus Hotel has all the right amenities, including wellness facilities and a generous breakfast.

• Porta Murat Bari offers clean new apartments in the Murat neighborhood, with a good view and a central position.

Prepare for glare in Bari

Keep in mind that Bari’s center, including Bari Vecchia, is made up mostly of marble and stone. While undoubtedly beautiful, these materials take in all the heat of the sun and reflect it back at you, especially in the summer. If you’re visiting during particularly hot days, always keep water and maybe a fan on hand to help you cool down.

Are there any beaches in or near Bari?

The beaches within Bari’s city limits are more often than not packed – and the perfect spots to lie out with locals. Try Pane e Pomodoro or Torre Quetta, which are both what Italians call spiaggia libera – meaning free beaches with no clubs that you have to pay to enter.

Some of the best beaches in Italy are in smaller towns and villages quite near Bari, such as Monopoli, Polignano a Mare and Cozze.

Can I use credit cards in Bari?

While credit cards are widely accepted, and most shops and restaurants will accept them with no issues, it’s always a good idea to have some cash for smaller purchases or shopping with vendors who might not have a card reader. Digital payments like Apple Pay generally aren’t as popular in Italy as in other parts of the world.

Is Bari safe?

Bari is no more dangerous than any other city, so apply the same common sense you would anywhere else, paying particular attention to pickpockets.