The 11 things to do in Bari

Visit Bari: what are the best things to do and to see in this charming coastal city of Italy?

The capital of Puglia, located southeast of Italy, Bari is a city full of history that bears witness to the beauty of Italian landscapes. With more than 325,000 inhabitants, Bari is the second economic hub of South Italy.

Beyond the activity of its port, it is also a pleasant destination to live and to discover for a holiday. Its mild climate makes it a pleasant place for visits, which are many!

This historic city, full of monuments, museums, cultural centres and places of worship and also has 40 kilometers of beach overlooking the Adriatic Sea. It is pleasantly suited to the pleasures of the stroll, along its scenic and picturesque streets...

Are you wondering what to do in Bari? This is it!

1. Bari Vecchia, the historic centre of Bari

The first centre of interest in the city, the old Bari Vecchia district is simply the historic heart of Bari. Lose yourself in its narrow alleys that easily walk, allowing you to discover its most beautiful monuments.

Among these architectural gems that have been able to resist time, the Basilica Saint-Nicolas embodies the Romanesque style of Puglia. It brings together most of the tourist sites to see. Not to be missed: Via Arco Basso Street, where you can watch women in the midst of manufacturing work, sometimes directly on the street or squarely at home!

2. The Norman Castle

Discover this fortress of the 12th century, located between the historic center and the sea. It first undergoes a phase of reconstruction at the initiative of Frédéric II, then a phase of restoration, to arrive at its imposing current architecture. The Norman Castle remains a strong symbol of the military past of the city.

3. A seaside promenade on the Lungomare

Inaugurated in 1927, this 10-kilometre walk allows you to observe the Musolinian buildings and the previous constructions of the 19th century that border it. You will be taken by the marina, the beach, or the dam... For a magnificent panorama at any time of day or night.

Just enjoy the calm and the view that this walk offers. Visiting Bari is also enjoying a moment of softness and serenity!

4. The Basilica of San Nicola

San Nicola Basilica, as we say above, is located in the old Bari Vecchia district. This ancient church built under Norman domination between 1089 and 1197, houses the relics of Saint Nicolas who would possess "miracular virtues".

This high meeting place of Catholic-Roman and Greek-Orthodox cultures is also a place of predilection for pilgrimages. A museum dedicated to the Saint is adjacent to the Basilica.

5. The Cathedral of San Sabino

The Cathedral of San Sabino, also located in Bari Vecchia, was built on the ruins of the former Byzantine Dome destroyed in 1156 by Guillaume I of Sicily. You can still see traces of the original slab in some parts of the building. From the outside, you can admire its white stone facade decorated with a large rose. There you will also find a museum of works of art and sacred objects in the cathedral.

The Norman-Sweet Castle, in the old city, always, is built on the ruins of a Roman fort. It was destroyed in part and rebuilt and transformed, but especially fortified for the defense of the city. You will notice the square dungeon, the doves, the corner towers and the bridge.

6. The Petruzzelli Theatre

The Petruzzelli Theatre is located at the Corso Cavour level. Its dimensions make it the largest private theatre in Europe and the 4th in Italy. Completely rebuilt in 1991 following a fire, the theatre lost nothing of its splendor.

If you ask Bari to do so, don’t hesitate to attend a performance during your stay, prices are very affordable. An opportunity to spend a good time in a beautiful place.

7. The Provincial Pinacoteca Corrado Giaquinto

Painting or sculpture enthusiasts must go to the provincial pinnacle Corrado Giaquinto. It is the main museum of the city. You will discover many works representing the art of Puglia and Italy in general.

8. The gastronomy of Bari

Visiting Bari also goes through its gastronomy! The reputation of Italian gastronomy is no longer needed... And here all the more, where the kitchen is a real art of living that has several facets.

During your stay, you will have the opportunity to taste the local specialties articulated around fish, pasta and olive oil. Your taste buds will undoubtedly fall under the charm of artisanal pasta, such as "orecchiette" and "cavatelli".

9. The village of Alberobello

Are you still wondering what to do in Bari? Visiting Bari is also ideally located to visit the province of Puglia. If you have a bit of time in front of you, go along the roads of this region with a rich historical, cultural, gastronomic and architectural heritage. You must take the time to go to Alberobello, located only an hour from Bari.

This pretty little town is famous for its Trulli , these houses bleached to the conical roof in stone essential to the landscape of the Puglia. This particularity has indeed earned the city an inscription to the UNESCO world heritage.

10. The caves of Castellana

Situated about 40 kilometres from Bari, Castellana Caves is a renowned and legendary place. A magical decor is created by the stalagmites and the stalactites that adorn its galleries, which you can survey for three kilometers.

11. A boat ride

If you really want to enjoy the beauty of the nature of Bari, don’t hesitate to take a day to take a boat ride! Indeed renting a boat in Bari , you will sail in turquoise waters, explore its beautiful coastline and follow beaches with golden colors.

For a day, you will offer your loved ones a peaceful moment, with the possibility of discovering sublime corners in which you can swim all together.

How to get to Bari?

You decided to visit Bari? To get there, nothing simpler! Many direct flights are available to the Karol Wojtyla International Airport in Bari. Find cheap flights on our partner's website Ulysses . The train, the bus or the car are also possible if you have a lot of time in front of you, but they are not very economical solutions either.

Where to stay in Bari?

Finding a accommodation where to stay in Bari can be expensive, as tourist attendance is high from May to October. Bari Vecchia is a central area where to stay in Bari ideal if you want to discover the Bari d’antan, away from the great modern arteries. Conversely, prefer the Murat area if you love modern cities and their atmosphere. You can find a cheap hotel in Bari by searching for this Compare hotels.

From your stay, don’t forget to bring olive oil, ascolante olives and orecchiette pasta back to your suitcase... So you still wonder what to do in Bari?