It’s often considered a mere gateway to the popular Puglia region, but Bari is an enticing travel destination in its own right. And as an inexplicably underrated destination, it’s the perfect city for those travellers who want to get away from the tourist crowds and experience the real, authentic Italy.
From its charmingly tumbledown old town (Bari Vecchia), to the classical architecture and the stunning beauty of its seafront, port and nearby beaches in the “heel” of the Italian boot, it’s well worth a visit.
You’ll be rewarded with balmy weather, vibrant nightlife and a burgeoning culinary scene – a perfect city break destination in the south.
All about Bari
The capital city of the Puglia region, Bari overlooks the Adriatic Sea, perfectly positioned for ferry crossings to Greece, Croatia and Albania. But aside from being a cultural crossroads, this is a city that demands to be explored, with a long fascinating history and a whole host of coastal treasures to discover.
Developed into a major commercial centre and trade port by the Romans over 2,000 years ago, Bari later became a major link between the central and eastern Mediterranean regions. A history that blends Norman, Byzantine and Roman rule with religious reverence gives the Puglian capital a distinctive character that infuses everything, from its eclectic architecture to its diverse cuisine.
Today, the city is a fascinating mix of the old and new. The interweaving streets of Bari old town is now a vibrant cultural quarter full of quality bars, cafes and restaurants. Meanwhile, towards the coast, the seafront promenade, one of the longest in Europe, connects the charm of the old town with the modern shopping district, the perfect place for indulging in a spot of retail bliss.
Bari: what to see
Bari Vecchia
One of Italy’s most charming old towns, Bari Vecchia is a delight. It’s the kind of place you’re happy to get lost in – meandering around the spiralling streets peppered with picturesque plazas, always a place to stop for a bite to eat and a tipple or two.
Here, you’ll find a slice of authentic Italian life. From hearing locals chattering in lilting, melodic Italian to seeing kids scampering around playing football in the streets, there’s a simple pleasure in just observing everyday life unfold in Bari’s old town.
Basilica San Nicola
An important pilgrimage destination for Roman Catholics and Russian Orthodox Christians throughout Europe, the Basilica San Nicola is emblematic of Bari’s religious influence throughout history.
Originally built to house the relics of St Nicholas (the original inspiration for Father Christmas), who is said to be buried in the crypt beneath the basilica, it’s a fascinating visit, with beautiful architecture and an ageless serenity that almost transports you to another time.
Cathedral Piazza Mercantile
This imposing seafront cathedral, another ode to St Nicholas, the Cathedral Piazza Mercantile was built in 1097 on the foundations of an old Byzantine church.
Standout features include the display of the original ornate bronze doors, now located inside the church, and the breathtaking floor mosaics. If you’re lucky enough to catch a wedding or festivity, you’ll have the chance to see the cathedral in all its glory.
Teatro Petruzzelli
Bari’s largest theatre and one of the largest in the whole of Italy, the Teatro Petruzzelli is a majestic place, with an exterior that showcases stunning early 20th-century architecture at its best, together with mesmerising interiors.
You can enjoy a guided tour of the Teatro for just €5, but you should really experience one of the shows for which it was built. Witnessing an Italian opera at Teatro Petruzzelli is an enchanting experience.
Museo Teatro Margherita
An Art Nouveau building, formerly a theatre and a cinema, the Museo Teatro Margherita was built over a hundred years ago. In 2009, it underwent a major restoration and is now a contemporary art museum, showcasing important works of local and international art.
Lungomare
Bari’s wonderful promenade is one of the most beautiful in Italy. Beloved by locals and tourists alike, you’ll find people jogging, cycling or simply basking in the Mediterranean Sun, taking in the views across the Adriatic.
Bathed in the golden glow of the promenade’s iconic black cast iron street lamps, a seafront stroll in the early evening is about as romantic as it gets.
Beautiful beaches
If you’re visiting Bari during the warmer months, a trip to the seaside is a must. There are some great beaches within the city limits, but Bari’s long coastline affords some fantastic opportunities to explore further afield to some of the region’s even more impressive beaches.
Within the city itself, you’ll find the small sandy beach Pane e Pomodoro (literally ‘bread and tomato’, named after the picnic locals would bring to the beach). Set in the southern part of the city, it’s one of the best beaches in Bari – just a 30-minute walk from Bari Vecchia.
About an hour outside the city, Mama Luna is a small lido, with sun loungers for hire, changing facilities and a beach bar. It’s small but relaxing, with calm waters and a laid-back vibe.
Bari’s most popular beach is Lido San Francesco. Just a 12-minute bus ride from the outskirts of Bari Vecchia, it’s a large sandy stretch with lots of sun loungers and ample space. It’s a private beach, so you’ll have to pay a fee, but it’s well worth it to cool off in the summer heat.
Another option is Lungomare Imperatore Augusto, a small stretch of sand just off the famous promenade and right near the city’s old town. Perfect for a quick dip in summer or for watching the sun go down from the nearby restaurant Venezia 40.
For those with their own transport, look further afield to Pietra Igea, a wild and rocky Mediterranean nature preserve that’s a 30-minute drive from the city. It’s the perfect place for a serene walk and immersion in the beauty of the natural landscape.
Alberobello
A charming medieval village an hour’s drive from Bari, Alberobello has been designated a place of historical importance by Unesco. The most fascinating aspect of this historical commune is the Trulli – whitewashed huts, originally made from limestone in the 14th Century, in which people still live today.
Throughout the village you’ll find a variety of shopping experiences, with locals selling everything from handcrafted mementoes to local delicacies, together with several museums dedicated to the history and evolution of the community.
For those wanting a deeper insight into the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello and its Trulli, a guided tour is advisable.
Where to stay in Bari
As Bari shreds its hidden gem status to become more of a true travel hotspot, the accommodation options continue to evolve. You’ll now find a wide variety of great places to stay throughout the city, catering for those who want to experience the old town charm and those with more modern tastes. Here are some of the best hotels in Bari:
A chic stay with vibrant designs that call to mind the boutique hotels of large cities like London and New York, you’ll find cool white and wooden tones, large light-filled rooms and the option for private terraces, kitchenettes and exercise equipment.
A seafront hotel that blends old-school glamour with futuristic vibes. Standout features include a rooftop terrace pool and an excellent restaurant serving up delicious local seafood dishes.
An elegant Art Nouveau hotel a short walk from Bari’s historic centre, this four-star stay offers comfortable rooms, meetings and events spaces, and a wonderful rooftop garden complete with a cocktail bar.
Nestled between Bari’s commercial district and the old town, this hotel is characterised by stripped-down Italian style – exposed brick walls, wooden beam ceilings – with fully equipped studios and a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views.
Where to eat in Bari
Bari’s cuisine offers something for every taste. From traditional dishes to more contemporary culinary delights, the city’s gastronomic scene is an experience to savour. Here’s a selection of some of Bari's best restaurants.
Located at the gateway to Bari’s old town, this fantastic trattoria serves creative cuisine in a tastefully decorated environment. Seafood is their speciality, with the grilled tuna and octopus dishes as particular highlights.
Haute cuisine based around traditional local Puglian dishes, infused with modern ingenuity. The setting is classically Italian and the quality of the food and service is exquisite.
Located in the Seminario Arcivescovile, one of Bari’s most important historical buildings, this Michelin-starred restaurant combines a majestic atmosphere with intensely flavoured, creative cuisine for one of Bari’s best dining experiences.
Simple, traditional Puglian cuisine made from the heart and served with a smile. The pasta is heavenly, as is the local tiella, a form of savoury tart featuring potato, rice and mussels.
A small charming restaurant on the outskirts of Bari Vecchia. Try the truffle pasta or the triple-cooked octopus, caramelised onion, and vegetable caponata, and sample the excellent selection of local wines.
One of the best seafood restaurants in Bari. The paccheri with prawns and tomatoes, and the sea urchin with spaghetti are standout dishes, while the service is first-rate.
Pasta and seafood specialists, you’ll find this restaurant buzzing with loyal local diners. Try the sea bream and octopus, both locally sourced, and pair with a personalised wine recommendation from the wonderfully attentive staff.
For an altogether simpler dining experience, this pizza restaurant is a must. It’s quick and unpretentious, and the pomodoro mozzarella panzerotto (fried pizza roll) is especially delicious. Order to take away, then soak up the ambience and watch the world go by in the adjoining piazza.
For a true street food experience, Bari style, this family-run gem is a must. Serving traditional Barese focaccias and panzerotti (like a small calzone), it’s hugely popular with locals, so expect queues; but with simple, humble food at these kinds of prices, it’s well worth the wait.
Pack your bags
Bari, a true unsung destination, is poised for discovery. With prominent European travel guides now highlighting its appeal, this charming Puglia city is attracting increasing attention. Experience Bari's authentic beauty now, before it becomes a bustling tourist hotspot.
We also encourage you to explore the romantic landscapes and picturesque villages of Calabria. Read this travel guide to Calabria