Bari is among the finest Italian cities to go to for those who’re exploring the gems of Southern Italy. With centuries of historical past, a great deal of foodie spots and a stunning centre to walk round, Bari is the proper Italian metropolis to go to. In truth, there are heaps of one of the best issues to do in Bari dotted all throughout the town.
This all makes it good for an extended weekend break – or the place to begin in your Puglia journey.
For most of us, Bari would be the place to begin to discover the broader Puglia area (which is beautiful, by the best way) because of its airport. We ‘tacked on’ our go to to Bari with our street journey round Puglia and the iconic metropolis of Matera. It’s an ideal beginning (or ending level) for a visit and so value spending just a few days there.
So, to make your journey that bit simpler, I’ve shared among the high issues to do in Bari that we beloved.
Take a have a look at one of the best issues to do in Bari. Have a tremendous journey!
1.) Bari Vecchia
Visiting Bari Vecchia (probably the most historic a part of the town) is definitely probably the greatest issues to do in Bari when strolling across the metropolis.
You see, its slim streets, piazzas and gorgeous cobblestone streets are simply picture-perfect and completely stunning to only stroll by means of.
Now, I often hate saying issues like ‘get misplaced within the metropolis streets (I imply, nobody actually likes being misplaced in actuality) however Bari Vecchia is an ideal spot for that.
Truth be advised, even with out making an attempt, you’ll possible get misplaced while navigating the tiny alleys. That all being stated, it’s a part of the enjoyable – similar to in Venice (the place we all the time get misplaced).
Now, for those who’re driving, there’s usually parking all alongside the promenade (earlier than you stroll into the outdated a part of the town. Though, for those who’re struggling for house, there’s additionally this parking space that’s a stone’s throw from the partitions of Bari Vecchia.
Once inside, ensure to identify the San Sabino Cathedral and the di Sant’Antonio which was constructed to guard Bari, all the best way again within the sixteenth Century.
Oh, and don’t overlook to pop into one of many scrumptious trattorias that line the streets right here.
We beloved Osteria Le Arpie, it’s completely casual they usually serve some scrumptious Orecchiette pasta (which is definitely from Bari).
Read extra: Best cities to go to within the South of Italy
2.) San Sabino Cathedral
As I discussed above, it’s a must to go to San Sabino Cathedral that’s perched proper within the coronary heart of historic Bari.
It’s one of the crucial spectacular church buildings on this a part of Italy and nicely value taking a gander inside while you’re visiting Bari.
First constructed, all the best way again within the 1100s, it’s a gorgeous instance of Baroque-style structure (particularly within the crypt) that stands proudly overlooking Bari.
Once inside, take a wander all the way down to the crypts, the place you’ll see the spot the place Madonna Odegitria is honored and it’s fairly particular to see. It’s probably the greatest issues to do in Bari, particularly for those who’re eager about Italian historical past.
Not too distant (about an 8-minute stroll), you’ve got the Antica gelateria Gentile, which serves up among the tastiest gelatos in Bari. It’s completely unassuming from the surface, however the flavours converse for themselves.
Actually, on the word of gelato, check out our information to recognizing one of the best gelato in Italy. They’re our important pointers that’ll show you how to all the time select one of the best gelato spots when exploring.
3.) Lungomare Nazario Sauro
The shoreline street of the ‘newer’ a part of Bari, Lungomare Nazario Sauro is an extended promenade space that’s good for an early morning (or night) stroll. Great for dawn walks (however I hate early mornings), so I all the time go for the sundown model as a substitute. Yes, it’s going through northeast however you’ll be able to nonetheless see a stunning sundown change Bari with its beautiful orange hues.
Oh, and for those who’re searching for a metropolis seaside in Bari, then head over to Lido San Francesco. It is among the hottest seashores in Bari and is ideal for those who’re not exploring the broader shoreline of Puglia.
One tip to recollect, don’t anticipate it to be quiet on the weekends, this place will get full on a heat weekend.
This all being stated, if you’re escaping the town, make a journey (within the automobile) to Parco Nationale Alta Murgia. Here, you’ll get to see Castel del Monte, a historic citadel simply exterior Bari that has been round for hundreds of years.
4.) Teatro Petruzzelli
If you’ll be able to, prematurely, guide tickets to observe the orchestra at Teatro Petruzzelli. It’s probably the greatest issues to do in Bari for those who’re trying to expertise some world-class theatre or classical music.
This all being stated, for those who can’t make the present,s take a tour inside Teatro Petruzzelli itself. It’s nicely value it.
If that doesn’t sound fascinating, take a day journey to go to the traditional ruins of Egnazia.
Dating again to the eighth century BC, be taught concerning the historical past of the Messapii folks and discover how life was on this area of Italy.
It’s nicely value it, and you’ll simply tag on a go to to Monopoli (a stunning metropolis), too.
Read extra: Best cities to go to within the South of Italy
5.) Castello Svevo
There are so many iconic castles in Italy to go to, with the one in Bari being no exception.
Once right here, ensure to go inside and see the artefacts and reveals that make this spot so particular.
Plus, you’ll be able to discover by means of the central courtyard, the guard towers, and the moat.
There is a cost to enter, which is round 10-15 euros however don’t let that put you off, it’s probably the greatest issues to do in Bari for those who’re exploring the town.
6.) Basilica of Saint Nicholas
The Basilica of Saint Nicholas is iconic in Bari, and has a whole lot of years of historical past in and out. Dating again to 1197, the church stands proudly over the town of Bari and the harbour itself.
It might sound a little bit unassuming from the surface, however it’s steeped in historical past. In truth, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas homes an important Romanesque artworks in all of Southern Italy.
It’s the completely gorgeous Bishop’s Throne that’s nearly 1,000 years outdated.
Also, don’t overlook to lookup, the ceiling is simply stunning.
Read extra: Best cities to go to within the South of Italy
7.) Sail the Puglian coast
Yep! You can simply sail the Puglian coast proper from Bari by reserving this unbelievable half-day tour that’ll depart proper from the town itself.
Hopping on board on the marina, you’ll get to sail the beautiful waters round Bari and actually have a probability to go for a dip within the gorgeous bays in the summertime.
If you’re feeling adventurous, the skipper will show you how to sail the boat your self! It’s a lot enjoyable and probably the greatest issues to do in Bari on a sunny day.
8.) Bari Museum
Perched in a historic palace in Bari, the museum might sound comparatively intimate however it’s probably the greatest issues to do in Bari to discover the historical past of the area.
Filled with work, artefacts and extra, it’s a little bit calling spot that’ll take round 20-Half-hour to completely discover.
Though, don’t go to anticipating some grand corridor or huge assortment. As I stated, this place is intimate and small.
9.) Archeological Museum of Bari
Yeah, I do know, one other museum – however this space of Puglia is crammed with historical past that’s too good to overlook. With free entry, you’ll get to wander across the reveals which have all been restored.
Perfect for a stroll when the noon solar will get too scorching!
10.) Try Orecchiette pasta
Remember I discussed Orecchiette pasta? Well, you’ll be able to’t miss it in Bari. To be taught extra about its historical past (and check out the pasta), guide this wonderful Pasta strolling tour of Bari.
Not solely will the tour take you thru the cobbled streets of Old Bari, however you’ll additionally get to attempt making your individual Orecchiette and have a little bit wine from Puglia, too.
It’s a lot enjoyable.
Just remember to guide your tour prematurely. Places replenish at peak instances.
Read extra: Best cities to go to within the South of Italy
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