Historic Bari

Come join us in the capital city of Apulia and enjoy 'la Dolce Vita'. This picturesque seaside town in the southeast of the country will enchant you with its Italian charm - we promise!

Located in southeastern Italy, the charming city of Bari is in the Apulia region. If you're looking for authentic Italian joie de vivre and plenty of culture, then Bari is the perfect travel destination for you. In this student city, there's always something happening, and its location on the Italian Adriatic guarantees great weather and a Mediterranean atmosphere. Come to the Italian coast and let yourself be enchanted by la Dolce Vita!

Getting to Bari Attractions Shopping Beaches Cuisine Nightlife Italy Deals

The beautiful port city of Bari can be easily reached from the United States by plane, as it has an international airport. Direct flights are available in the off-season from cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Miami for under $40. You can be on the Italian coast in just over two hours. During the summer months, Bari is served by many other U.S. airports, but prices may increase, so be prepared to budget at least $100.

Numerous 4-5 star hotels are available in Bari. If you prefer something more budget-friendly, vacation rentals are a popular alternative. Unlike typical destinations such as Venice or Rome, you will find a suitable place to stay here for less money! Beautiful vacation rentals are centrally located in Bari's old town. Just browse through the accommodations - you're sure to find something!

To ensure you don't miss any attractions in Bari, we have put together a clear Bari map that highlights all the must-see spots.

The first destination of your Bari vacation should be the Old Town, as it is the heart of the city and the ideal starting point for nearby attractions. Stroll through the narrow alleys, past small cafés and restaurants. You will quickly notice: Time seems to have stood still here. In the dreamy streets, old women hang laundry over balconies, children play joyfully, and there's a lively hustle and bustle everywhere - pure Italian tranquility and joy of life! The historic Old Town of Bari is definitely a very special place where the Italian way of life shines beautifully. At the edge of the Old Town is the Castello Normanno-Svevo. The castle, built in the 12th century by the Norman King Roger II, now hosts exhibitions. Be sure to walk around the fortress and enjoy the impressive backdrop.

A highlight is also the visit to the Sanctuary of San Nicola. The building is considered a model for many Apulian cathedrals and resembles a fortress. Inside, the church is lavishly decorated with many golden details. Each year, numerous people make a pilgrimage here to express their wishes to the patron saint.

Guru Tip: The atmosphere is especially lively in the first days of May during the Festa di San Nicola. The old town is then beautifully illuminated, and the streets around the basilica come alive with colors.

Piazza del Ferrarese remains lively even late at night, with young and old gathering to eat, celebrate, or dance together. This popular square is located in Bari's new town. Thanks to its checkerboard layout and larger buildings, such as the impressive university building, this part of Bari differs significantly from the old town.

Fans of theater and culture should definitely visit the famous Teatro Petruzzelli. The opera house, built in 1903, is one of the largest private theaters in the country. Even from the outside, the building looks impressive with its red façade and the round dome, making it one of Bari's most important landmarks. Continuing along the coast, you will come across the Pinacoteca Metropolitana di Bari, which houses art collections from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

While strolling through Bari, make sure to walk along the historic city wall and enjoy the idyllic view of the sea. Small fishing boats bob on the gentle waves as fishermen prepare their nets for the next catch. Here you can also catch boats heading to Dubrovnik in Croatia or Corfu in Greece. A little further down the line, large cruise ships occasionally dock. You can also enjoy an invaluable view of the sea while strolling along the promenade. Settle onto one of the benches right by the water and soak up the warm evening sun or treat yourself to a creamy ice cream from one of the many gelaterias.

Vacation Guru Insider Tip: Where can you find the best gelato in Bari? Italians agree: Gelateria Gentile is a must-visit for creamy specialties.

If you have a bit more time to explore the beautiful, hilly landscape of the Bari region, the best way to do so is with a rental car. Be sure to visit the famous 'Trulli' during your travels. These traditional Apulian villages feature homes with conical roofs. The town of Alberobello was even designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its Trulli!

Vacation Guru Tip: If you don't want to rent a car, you can take a train to Alberobello for about $5 in 85 minutes.

Italy - the land of fashion, beautiful handbags and shoes, designer stores, and elegant boutiques. Even in Bari, every fashion lover will find joy. Via Sparano is a pedestrian zone and also Bari's most elegant promenade. In addition to well-known Italian brands, you can find larger chains like Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes, along with some smaller boutiques.

Looking for fresh Apulian produce, second-hand treasures, and special finds? Then we recommend a visit to Mercato Via Napoli, where you can buy all sorts of vintage clothing and antique items. The Mercato Coperto and Mercato Santa Scolastica, which offer fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as fish and seafood, are also worth visiting.

Sunbathing, water sports, and beach volleyball - the beaches around the city of Bari have plenty to offer. The city beach Pane e Pomodoro is only about one kilometer from the city center and easily accessible. Here you can soak up the sun and relax after a tiring city tour. The beach translates to the quirky name 'Bread and Tomato'.

Beautiful Beaches around Bari

Polignano a Mare (23 miles)

Cala Porto Spiaggia di San Vito

Monopoli (34 miles)

Cala Susca Porto Bianco Lido Bambù

Five kilometers northwest of the old town is Lido San Francesco alla Rena, which is particularly popular with families due to its long, gently sloping beach.

The entire Bari region enchants its visitors with many other beaches, some of which are true gems: Especially in Polignano a Mare, you will be pampered with idyllic bays and crystal-clear waters. The bay Lama Monachile Cala Porto right in the center is considered one of the most beautiful and sought-after beaches in the region. Thus, it can get quite crowded during the high season.

The restaurants in Bari truly leave nothing to be desired and offer the best of Italian cuisine, from Frutti di Mare to traditional pasta dishes. For the latter, I recommend Panificio Fiore near the Basilica di San Nicola, where you can enjoy the best focaccia in the whole city. Sandwiches, burgers, and other delicious Italian-style treats can also be sampled at the popular Mastro Ciccio restaurant, which boasts unbeatable value for money. The best pizza in town can be found at Il Grottino. The menu offers no dishes other than pizza, but they do it exceptionally well!

The narrow alleys of the old town are more than just thoroughfares for the residents; this is where daily life unfolds. A special curiosity: In Bari, you can observe the so-called Orecchiette women making handmade Italian pasta in the alleys of the port city!

Italians know how to not only make pizza and pasta but also how to throw a great party! Let yourself be swept away by the Italian joy of life and dance or celebrate with the locals in numerous bars and pubs. At night, the city belongs to the students, and prices are adjusted to fit the budgets of partygoers. In Bari, Italians, Spaniards, Germans, and various other nationalities come together, making the city a popular spot for Erasmus students. Here, everyone is welcome to wind down the evening over beer and wine or party until the early morning hours.

If you ask us, it's time for a trip to Italy filled with pasta, wine, and Italian joy of life! With our Bari tips, you are well-prepared for your vacation. You can also set sail on a cruise ship and explore Italy from the water - browse through our offers and off you go!