Bari guide 
The port city on the Adriatic coast will enchant you with its atmosphere. In the old town, Bari Vecchia, you can wander through a labyrinth of narrow streets full of medieval monuments, such as the Basilica di San Nicola, which houses the remains of Saint Nicholas. On the other hand, the modern Murat district attracts with stylish boutiques and lively cafes. The local cuisine will win you over! Try focaccia barese or panzerotti - fried pockets filled with tomatoes and mozzarella. Seafood lovers will also enjoy themselves here. Bari also has one of the longest promenades in Italy, ideal for evening walks and picnics right by the sea.
Sights and attractions - Interesting information about sights and beaches in Bari - Basilica of St. Nicholas, Old Town, promenades, beaches...
Accommodation - Where to stay, whether you are interested in hotels, guesthouses or cheap accommodation in the city center or near the beach.
Food and drink - What you should try in Bari - orecchiete pasta, focaccia, local wine or beer,...
Practical advice - Here you can find information about public transport, opening hours of restaurants and shops, where to eat in style, etc.
Trips to the surrounding area - What to visit in Puglia besides Bari? Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, Matera and a walk along the coast from Sant'Andrea to San Foca.
Weather - What temperatures can you expect in Bari? When does it rain and when does the sun shine?
Famous People - Which famous people are associated with Bari?
Bari, the capital of the Apulia region, is located on the Adriatic coast in southeastern Italy. Around 400,000 inhabitants live here. Bari is famous for its picturesque historic center, beautiful beaches, rich culture and an important port where many cruise ships call. Bari is home to a university and is the economic center of the region.
The history of the city dates back to antiquity. The first people came here already in the Bronze Age, and later Bari became a Greek and Roman colony.
In the Middle Ages, the city became an important trade and maritime center. Thanks to the Basilica of St. Nicholas, built in the 11th century, Bari played an important role from a religious point of view.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Bari developed as a modern city with an important port and industrial center, especially in the food, chemical and engineering industries.
The main sights and attractions include the Basilica of St. Nicholas, Cathedral of St. Sabina, Castello Normanno-Svevo, Old Town and coastal promenade.
You can also enjoy a rich cultural and social life in Bari. Every year in May, a festival is held in honor of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of the city. The festival includes processions, concerts, fireworks and various cultural events.
Teatro Petruzzelli, one of the largest and most important opera houses in Italy, hosts opera, ballet and concert performances.
Due to its historical and cultural heritage and beautiful beaches, many tourists go to Bari throughout the year, but mostly in the summer season.
Sights and attractions
Basilica di San Nicola - One of the most important church buildings in southern Italy. They built it between 1087 and 1197 and it keeps the remains of St. Nicholas, patron of the city of Bari. In this massive three-nave tabernacle, you can see, for example, the bishop's throne from the end of the 11th century. The site is important not only for Catholics but also for Orthodox Christians, making this basilica a pilgrimage site of international importance.
Bari Vecchia (Old Town) - An old quarter full of narrow, winding streets where you can experience the true atmosphere of southern Italy. Right on the street in front of their houses, local women prepare and dry the typical orecchiette pasta. Discover hidden squares and historic houses in the local maze of alleys.
Cattedrale di San Sabino – The beautiful Romanesque cathedral of St. Sabina was built in the 12th and 13th centuries on the ruins of an old Byzantine temple. Inside you can admire the crypt with the remains of St. Sabine. While visiting the cathedral, you can also discover an underground archaeological site that reveals the ancient foundations of the city.
Castello Normanno-Svevo - Norman-Staufa fortress built by Norman William I in the 12th century and later expanded by Frederick II. Today, this massive castle is open to the public and hosts various exhibitions. Enjoy beautiful views of the old town and the sea from the castle. The interiors hide museum exhibits about the history of the castle and the city.
Lungomare Nazario Sauro - This beautiful coastal boulevard, known as the Lungomare, invites you to stroll with views of the Adriatic Sea. It is surrounded by art deco palaces. The Lungomare is visited by both locals and tourists who come here for evening walks or to have a coffee in one of the many cafes.
Teatro Petruzzelli - One of the largest and most important opera houses in Italy, known for its excellent acoustics and magnificent interior. The theater was severely damaged by fire in 1991, but has since been carefully restored and now once again serves as the center of culture and art in Bari.
Pinacoteca Metropolitana di Bari - Located in a historic palace, this museum offers a rich collection of works of art, including paintings, sculptures and decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the 19th century by well-known artists from the Apulian region.
Beaches in Bari:
Pane e Pomodoro - A popular urban beach with fine sand and clear water, ideal for relaxing and swimming.
Torre Quetta - A quieter beach located south of the city, with good parking and food options.
Lido San Francesco - Sandy beach in the western part of Bari - the main part is occupied by paid areas with umbrellas and sunbeds, but around you can also find free parts of the beach with free entry.
Accommodations
In the city of Bari, you can choose from more than 2,600 different accommodation capacities, led by apartments, followed by guesthouses, villas, hotels and hostels. If you arrive by car, accommodation with parking will come in handy. If you come in the summer, you will certainly like to choose from some accommodation near the beach.
Luxury by the beach is offered by the 4* B21 Lifestyle Hotel. It is located by the beach of Lido San Francesco, it offers a seasonal outdoor pool with a bar, sunbeds and umbrellas, a restaurant, private paid parking. At the constantly open reception, they can provide you with an airport transfer and the like on request.
If you want to stay in the city center near the Bari Centrale train station, check out the 3* Residence Hotel Moderno. You can book either a room or an apartment with a kitchen and a balcony. You can store your luggage at the 24-hour reception.
Guest house 12 Passi dal Mare offers highly rated accommodation near Lido la Rotonda beach. Here you can use the terrace with outdoor furniture, the garden or private free parking. The accommodation is located near the airport and is ideal for those who want to relax in peace by the beach.
Affordable accommodation in the city center is offered by Habari We Dorm, for example. You can stay in a mixed multi-bed room or in a private double room. Here you can use the terrace, shared lounge or kitchen. At the reception, they will help you organize trips.
For a complete offer of accommodation in Bari, we recommend using A-HOTEL.com or Booking.com.
Typical food and drink
Bari has a rich gastronomic tradition, combining Mediterranean influences and regional specialties. Typical food and drinks in Bari are often simple, very tasty, using fresh local ingredients. In addition to great Italian pizza and ice cream, you should try when visiting Bari:
Orecchiette – Typical local pasta in the shape of an "ear". If you want to see how it is made, take a walk through the streets of the old town. You can buy orecchiette here directly from the local pasta makers right on the street in front of the house. They are traditionally served with a sauce made from turnips (cime di rapa), garlic, anchovies and olive oil. You can also try orecchiette with tomatoes, ricotta or meat sauces.
Focaccia Barese - Soft fluffy bread, similar to a tall pizza. It is baked with tomatoes, olives, olive oil and often sprinkled with coarse salt and oregano. Focaccia is a popular snack during the day and you can buy it in many bakeries around the city.
Panzerotti - Fried pockets of salt dough, filled with tomato sauce and mozzarella. They are similar to small calzones, but fried instead of baked. They can be filled with anything, including cheese, ham, spinach or anchovies.
Riso, Patate e Cozze - A traditional Bari dish combines rice, potatoes and mussels. They are baked together in one bowl with olive oil, tomatoes, garlic and herbs.
Taralli, tarallini – Local typical small salty pastry. Crispy salty rings are flavored with olive oil, rosemary, sesame seeds and the like. They are eaten as a snack or nibbled with local wine.
Sgagliozze - Fried pieces of corn porridge (polenta). Pieces of polenta are cut into squares or rectangles and fried until golden. You can buy sgagliozze directly from the locals on the streets of Bari, especially in the winter months.
Primitivo di Manduria - One of the most famous red wines of Puglia. It is especially suitable for meat dishes and pasta.
Limoncello - A sweet lemon liqueur served chilled, often after a meal as a digestif. Limoncello is made by macerating lemon peel in alcohol, then mixing it with sugar syrup and letting it mature for several weeks.
Birra Peroni - One of the most popular Italian beers. In Bari you can find it on every corner and in every restaurant, especially during the warm summer months. This is a pale, light beer that goes well with the local Mediterranean cuisine.
Practical advice for the trip
Bari has Karol Wojtyla International Airport (BRI), located about 8 km from the city center. You can get from the airport to the city by taxi, bus (line 16), train or rental car.
Bari has a relatively well-functioning public transport system. AMTAB buses cover most of the city but are often late. You can buy tickets at newsstands or directly on the bus. You can easily explore the main tourist areas on foot.
If you are traveling by car, parking in the center can be difficult. Therefore, it is recommended to use the parking lot on the outskirts of the city and to reach the center by public transport.
Most people in Bari speak Italian, and although some people in the tourist areas understand English, a basic knowledge of Italian will definitely help. Learn some basic phrases to make communication easier. Italians appreciate it when visitors try to use the Italian language and respect local customs.
Most restaurants open for lunch from 12:00 to 14:30 and for dinner from 19:00 to 22:00. In the time between these periods, you may encounter a limited selection of open restaurants. Some restaurants are only open for dinner.
Shops usually open from 9:00 to 13:00 and then from 16:30 to 20:00. Many shops are closed during midday.
Museums and monuments may have different opening hours, so it is recommended to check the opening hours in advance, especially if you plan to visit outside the main tourist season.
Bari is generally a safe city, but as with most tourist destinations, be careful of your belongings in crowded places and on public transport.
Most restaurants, shops and hotels accept credit cards, but cash may be preferred in smaller businesses or markets. You can find ATMs all over the city.
You can take away various souvenirs from Bari, such as local olive oil, Primitivo wine, handmade orecchiette or olive wood products. Markets and small shops in the old town offer a wide selection of local products.
And finally, a tip on how to eat well and cheaply - many restaurants offer cheaper takeaway pizza. If you wear it, for example, on the Lungomare Giambattista e Pietro Starita promenade, I recommend sitting with it on a bench on the promenade at sunset. You will meet many locals who come here every evening and enjoy the true atmosphere of southern Italy.
Recommended trips to the surroundings
Alberobello – white beauty or tourist trap? A picturesque village near Bari, famous for its white houses called trulli. These unique buildings with conical roofs are a symbol of the entire region and can be found not only in the city, but also in the surrounding olive and cherry orchards. Locals built their trulli from processed limestone blocks. The characteristic roofs made of limestone slabs resemble small pyramids.
It was this unusual architecture that was behind the spread of trulli in the 15th century. At that time, the Kingdom of Naples had to pay a tax for every new urban settlement. Therefore, the locals came up with a clever trick – they built the houses in such a way that the roof could be quickly dismantled. When the royal tax collector arrived, all they had to do was remove the foundation stone and the house turned into a pile of stones in no time. The residents did not have to pay the tax. Another advantage of trulli is their ability to keep you pleasantly cool in summer and warm in winter.
If you are planning a trip to Puglia and want to see as many places as possible, definitely consider renting a car. However, you can also easily get to Alberobello by train or bus - it just depends on where you are starting from.
Alberobello is definitely worth a visit. However, be prepared that you will never be alone here - there will be thousands of other tourists looking at the trulli with you.
Some trulli now serve as stylish accommodation or small souvenir shops. You can stay in trulli not only in Alberobello itself, but also in its immediate surroundings.
The seaside resort of Polignano a Mare lies on dramatic cliffs around a narrow bay. Right in the town you will find a picturesque pebble beach, where you can swim or relax on the surrounding rocks and enjoy unique views of the sea. Polignano a Mare is located approximately 30 km south of Bari. You can easily get here from Bari by train, which runs once or twice an hour, and the ticket costs around 3 euros one way.
The historic center itself, built on the rocks above the Lama Monachille bay, will captivate every visitor. The crystal-clear water invites you to swim or jump into the sea from the rocks, which is very popular here. You will definitely enjoy your visit, especially if you come outside the high season. In summer, the beach is crowded from early morning until evening.
Matera, the uncut diamond of southern Italy, whose popularity is still growing. You can find this historical gem in the Basilicata region, about 65 km west of Bari. Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The system of cave dwellings and churches carved into the limestone rocks has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1993.
Be sure to set aside at least one full day for your visit.
Matera will enchant you with its historic core, the Sassi di Matera, which is divided into two parts – Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano. Both districts form a labyrinth of narrow streets, staircases, ancient houses and churches carved into the rocks. One of the many beautiful views of the city is offered by the Belvedere viewpoint, from where you can see the stone houses. During a walk through the city, other breathtaking views await you, for example from the Church of St. Peter and Paul, one of the two churches that are not carved into the rock. There are over 120 cave churches in Matera. Not far from this viewpoint, you can go down to the valley of the Gravina River, cross the drawbridge and climb up to the Margia plateau. From here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city not only at sunset.
Films such as James Bond – No Time to Die, Wonder Woman, The Passion of the Christ and Ben Hur were filmed here.
In the 1950s, around 16,000 people lived in cave houses here.
In 2019, Matera was elected European City of Culture.
For those who prefer walks in nature to city bustle, I can recommend a short route along the sea in the Puglia region. Even small children can handle the journey. You can start in the town of Sant'Andrea (or a little lower, for example in Conca Specchiulla), and finish in San Foca. The route is less than 8 km long.
Right at the beginning in Sant'Andrea, you will be captivated by the limestone formations in the sea – the "Grotta del Pepe" – and in the vast bay you will enjoy the view of several breathtaking rock formations. The route then takes you along the sea to the town of Torre dell'Orso. There, relax on a sandy beach with crystal clear water. Above the beach you will find several small trattorias where you can have a snack, as well as a small shop.
Continue along the sea. The path will take you to the statue of the Madonna of Roca Vecchia and a short distance from it to the natural pool "Grotta della Poesia". The next stop is the beautiful Archaeological Park. After the town of Roca Vecchia, your destination is the fishing town of San Foca.
Bus number 101 runs here. The journey takes approximately 32 minutes. Check the timetable before your trip.
Weather
Bari's typical Mediterranean climate is characterized by hot summers and mild, rainy winters.
In summer (June to September), average temperatures are around 28-30 °C, but can rise above 35 °C. In summer, it rarely rains, so you can enjoy many sunny days in Bari.
Winter temperatures usually do not fall below 8 °C. It rains more often in the winter months.
In spring and autumn you will enjoy pleasant temperatures between 15-25 °C. The weather can be more changeable, but sunny days still prevail.
This climate makes Bari an ideal place to visit all year round.
Famous personalities
San Nicola (ca. 280 - 343) – St. Nicholas, patron saint of the city of Bari. His remains were transferred to the Basilica of Saint Nicholas (Basilica di San Nicola) in Bari in 1087, making the city an important pilgrimage site for Christians from all over the world.
Aldo Moro (1916–1978) - Prominent Italian politician who was born in the nearby town of Maglie. He studied law in Bari and then lectured at the local university. In the 1960s and 1970s, he served as Prime Minister of Italy. and his tragic assassination by the Red Brigade terrorist organization in 1978 remains one of the darkest chapters in modern Italian history.
Niccolò Piccinni (1728–1800) - Famous opera composer. He was born in Bari. He belonged to the most important representatives of the Neapolitan opera school and his works were known all over Europe. In Bari they named the Teatro Piccinni after him.
Sergio Rubini (1959) - Famous Italian actor, director and screenwriter who was born in Grumo Appula, a town near Bari. His work in Italian cinema won recognition for his creativity and contributed to the promotion of the culture of Puglia.
Gianrico Carofiglio (1961) - Popular Italian writer, former judge and senator. He comes from Bari. His novels, especially those with legal themes, became bestsellers. Today you can read them in many languages.
Antonio Cassano (1982) - Famous Italian footballer who was born in Bari. Cassano is considered one of the greatest talents in Italian football, although his career has often been surrounded by controversy. He played for famous clubs like AS Roma, Real Madrid and AC Milan.
Michele Emiliano (1959) - Prominent Italian politician who served as mayor of Bari and later became president of the Apulia region. He became famous for his reform initiatives and active role in regional politics.
