Top things to do in Bari, Italy

Bari is the capital of the region of Puglia in southern Italy. Located right on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, it has a typical Italian coastal charm to it.

Its ancient port dates back to 180 BC, but the city may have been inhabited since 1500 BC. This means that the Greeks were here way before the Romans took over. With a captivating past, history buffs will be enthralled by Bari’s remarkable heritage.

But that’s not all – the city also offers a culinary delight with its famous Orecchiette pasta and a centuries-old tradition of savouring raw fish.

From delectable cuisine to scenic beauty, Bari is an ideal destination for a memorable weekend getaway!

TOP THINGS TO DO

1. Get lost on the streets of Bari Vecchia

The old city centre is known as Bari Vecchia. It’s exactly what you’d expect from an Italian destination: beautiful narrow streets, pasta shops, good food and cute cafes.

Located right next to the port, makes the old town the perfect escape from the city’s bustling life. It’s the perfect place to stop for food, enjoy a gelato or simply have a nice evening stroll.

Be sure not to miss Piazza Mercantile that’s been the city’s commercial centre since the 14th century. Today you can stop in the square and enjoy an Aperol or a small bite at one of the many terraces that surround it.

Most attractions are either in or around the Old Town so you’ll definitely spend most of your time here.

2. Discover the Orecchiette Street

Strada delle Orecchiette (Orecchiette Street) got its nickname due to the housewives that make orecchiette pasta. The women make the pasta right in their homes and sell it in the street. The pasta is strictly handmade and you will see them drying out on the wooden boards while you pass through.

The pasta gets its name from its shape, the word “orecchiette” means “little ear”. It originated around the 12th century in this area and is to this day still very popular.

The actual name of the street is Arco Basso, and you can find it in the Old Town.

3. Visit Castello Svevo di Bari

Located just outside The Old Town, Castello Svevo di Bari is an impressive fortress that hosts a museum. The fortress dates back to the Middle Ages, probably built probably in 1132.

During the second half of the 20th century, the Castle was selected as the location to house a collection of artworks and was initially made accessible to the public in 1957. It served as the administrative headquarters for the Superintendency for numerous years. In 2017, after significant renovations, the public gained access to the first floor of the Castle.

You can visit the museum from 09:00 AM to 07:00 PM and the tickets cost €8. The museum is closed on Mondays.

4. Try raw fish at Al Pescatore

“Il Crudo Barese” is the tradition of eating raw fish and seafood that dates back centuries. There is actually a law pertaining to the sale and consumption of raw fish, dating as far back as 1500.

There’s a variety of raw fish you can try and the most popular raw seafood to try are octopus, sea urchins and baby cuttlefish.

After a bit of research on local restaurants where you can enjoy Il Crudo Barese, I chose Al Pescatore. You can find it in Bari Vecchia and they have an impressive open fish counter.

They have a good selection of raw fish, delicious main courses and a wide variety of wines. Be sure to book a table in advance!

5. Admire the beauty of Basilica San Nicola

The basilica was built in the 11th century and is one of the most significant examples of Apulian Romanesque architecture.

You will find it on the eastern edge of Bari Vecchia on Largo Abate Elia. You’ll spot it very easily due to its impressive size. Once inside take a look up at the beautiful gilded 17th-century wooden ceiling.

The entrance is free and you can visit every day between 07:15 AM and 08:30 PM.

6. Try some amazing Gelato at Gelateria Gentile

No trip to Italy would be complete without having at least one gelato, the famous Italian dessert. I stopped at Gelateria Gentile which is very close to Orecchiette Street and honestly, it has to be one of the creamiest artisanal gelatos I’ve ever had. Established in 1880, the gelateria uses old traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients.

It’s a bit more expensive than other shops, but honestly, it’s worth it! They also serve a variety of coffees and pastries so be sure to stop by.

7. Take a walk on Bari’s promenade

Bari’s Promenade is one of the longest and most beautiful promenades in Italy. It’s about 15 km (9 mi) long and taking a walk on it is a must! Walking the promenade, you will pass fish markets, historical buildings and beautiful harbours. This makes the promenade the perfect way to start or end your day in Bari.

Be sure to walk up to the Lighthouse Molo “Sant’Antonio” for a spectacular view of the city.

8. Take a day trip to Alberobello

I think that if you are in Bari, you should not miss out on taking a day trip to Alberobello.

This picturesque town is famous for its trulli houses, whitewashed stone houses with conical roofs.

The houses date back to 1000 AD and became part of the UNESCO World Heritage in 1996. It takes around 2-3 hours to walk around and explore all the trulli-lined streets. If you have more time you can visit a few museums or even spend the night in a trulli house!

It’s located just 55 km (34 mi) from Bari and you can easily get there by taking the bus. The bus ride costs around €11 return and it takes about 1 hour each way.

Where to stay

Budget – Habari We Dorm – this is where I stayed and it’s such a good place for solo travellers. It’s close to both the Old Town and the train station. The rooms are clean, they offer self-check-in and they have both dorms and private rooms.

Medium – Zodiacus Residence – This traditional hotel is such a cute find! It’s right in the Old Town and it has the perfect Italian charm.

High – Palazzo Calò – This stunning 4-star hotel offers one of the best views across Bari. They bring you Italian breakfast every morning to your room!

Author

Miruna

Full-time software engineer, part-time traveller. I am the annoying person who slows you down because she saw a stray cat that “needed” attention.