Bari Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Bari with this comprehensive guide featuring top attractions, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.
- Introduction to Bari
- List of Places to Visit in Bari
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Bari
- Best Things to Do in Bari: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Bari
- Food and Drink Scene of Bari
- Where to Stay in Bari: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Bari: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Bari
- Best Time to Visit Bari
- Do’s and Don’ts of Bari
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Bari: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Bari
- Where to Go Next from Bari: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Bari
Bari is a vibrant port city located in the Apulia region of Southern Italy. Bari is known for its rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks, art, and its lovely old town, Bari Vecchia. In this comprehensive tour guide, discover the top attractions, hiking/biking routes, must-try local cuisine, where to stay, and much more.
List of Places to Visit in Bari
Bari boasts a wealth of attractions and things to do. From cultural and historical sites to scenic views, here are Bari’s top destinations for travelers:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums, and Historical Places
- Castello Normanno-Svevo
- Basilica San Nicola
- Citta Vecchia of Bari
- Teatro Petruzzelli
- Pinacoteca Provinciale di Bari
- Lungomare Nazario Sauro
Natural Attractions of Bari: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Parco della Murgia Materana
- Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve
- Grotte di Castellana
- Polignano a Mare
- Alberobello
Hiking/Biking Routes of Bari
Bari also offers several hiking and biking routes around the city. Here are some popular trails for outdoor enthusiasts:
- Sentiero del Cacciatore
- La Via dei Trulli
- Il Bosco degli Occhialoni
- La Via della Murgia
Best Things to Do in Bari: Activities and Tours
Discover the best activities and tours in Bari to add to your itinerary:
- Taste of Bari food tour
- Scooter tours around Bari
- Olive oil and wine tasting tours
- Boat tours to Polignano a Mare and the Grotte di Castellana
Week-Long Itinerary for Bari
Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Bari:
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explore Bari Vecchia, visit Basilica San Nicola and Castello Normanno-Svevo |
| 2 | Take a day trip to Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, and Deruta |
| 3 | Hiking excursion to Parco della Murgia Materana |
| 4 | Visit Teatro Petruzzelli and Pinacoteca Provinciale di Bari |
| 5 | Enjoy a food tour, taste local cuisine |
| 6 | Visit Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve |
| 7 | Shop for souvenirs, visit Galleria d’Arte Moderna Sant’Anna for contemporary art |
Food and Drink Scene of Bari
Must-Try Dishes
Bari is famous among foodies for its hearty, homemade cuisine. Here are some of the must-try dishes in Bari:
- Orecchiette con le cime di rapa
- Focaccia Barese
- Arancini
- Panzerotti
- Burrata
Local Beverages
Bari’s Favorite local drinks include local wines and colorful cocktails such as:
- Primitivo di Gioia del Colle
- Negroamaro
- Puglian Sangria
- Limoncello
Where to Stay in Bari: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Bari offers a wide range of accommodation options for all kinds of travelers, including luxury hotels, guesthouses, and hostels. Here are some top-rated accommodations:
- Grand Hotel Leon d’Oro
- Hotel Imago
- BariRooms24 ore
- Olive Tree Apartments
What to Buy in Bari: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Bari is famous for its handmade ceramics, olive oil products, and Apulian jewelry. Some of the most popular souvenirs to bring home include:
- Ceramiche d’Arte
- Olive oil and vinegar
- Taralli
- Handmade jewelry
Local Culture and Customs of Bari
Bari has a rich cultural heritage with strong traditions and customs. Here are a few things to keep in mind while visiting:
- Dress in respect of visiting churches and other holy places
- Keep in mind the siesta hours
- Try to learn basic Italian phrases to connect with locals
Best Time to Visit Bari
The best time to visit Bari is spring or summer, between April and September, when the weather is warm, and outdoor festivals and events are in full swing.
Do’s and Don’ts of Bari
Do:
- Try the local cuisine
- Visit Bari Vecchia and the stunning landmarks
- Dress appropriately while in churches
Don’t:
- Drink and drive
- Wear flip-flops while exploring old town Bari
- Forget to bring a power adapter
Safety and Health
Safety in Bari
Bari is a safe destination for tourists. However, be cautious in crowded areas and beware of pickpockets.
Health in Bari
Bari has adequate medical facilities, but it’s recommended to have medical insurance before traveling. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and apply sunblock while outdoors.
Getting to Bari: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Bari
- Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport, approximately 12 km from the city center
Bus Stations Near Bari
- Piazza Moro, the city’s central bus station
Other Options
- Trains: There are several rail links connecting Bari to major Italian cities.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available at the airport and around the city.
How to Get Around in Bari
The best way to explore Bari is on foot. Alternatively, you can opt for public transportation, like buses and trains, or rent a bike.
Where to Go Next from Bari: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Bari is an excellent base for exploring the rest of Puglia. Here are some nearby destinations to add to your itinerary:
- Lecce
- Gallipoli
- Matera
Conclusion
Bari is a hidden gem in Southern Italy that features a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. With this comprehensive tour guide, you’re well-equipped to plan your trip to Bari and make the most of your stay. Don’t miss out on this beautiful Italian city, and enjoy the Bari experience!
