Bari is among the best Italian cities to go to should you’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 right Italian metropolis to go to. In actual fact, there are heaps of the most effective issues to do in Bari dotted all throughout town.
This all makes it excellent for an extended weekend break – or the start line to your Puglia journey.
For many of us, Bari would be the start line to discover the broader Puglia area (which is attractive, by the best way) as a consequence of its airport. We ‘tacked on’ our go to to Bari with our street journey round Puglia and the iconic city of Matera. It’s an ideal beginning (or ending level) for a visit and so price spending a couple of days there.
So, to make your journey that bit simpler, I’ve shared a few of the high issues to do in Bari that we liked.
Check out the most effective issues to do in Bari. Have a tremendous journey!
1.) Bari Vecchia
Visiting Bari Vecchia (essentially the most historic a part of town) is definitely among the finest issues to do in Bari when strolling across the metropolis.
You see, its slender streets, piazzas and beautiful cobblestone streets are simply picture-perfect and completely stunning to simply stroll by way of.
Now, I normally 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.
Reality be informed, even with out attempting, you’ll doubtless get misplaced while navigating the tiny alleys. That every one being stated, it’s a part of the enjoyable – identical to in Venice (the place we all the time get misplaced).
Now, should you’re driving, there may be sometimes parking all alongside the promenade (earlier than you stroll into the previous a part of town. Although, should you’re struggling for area, there’s additionally this parking space that’s a stone’s throw from the partitions of Bari Vecchia.
As soon as inside, make sure that 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 neglect to pop into one of many scrumptious trattorias that line the streets right here.
We liked Osteria Le Arpie, it’s completely casual they usually serve some scrumptious Orecchiette pasta (which is definitely from Bari).
Read more: Best towns to visit in 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 spectacular church buildings on this a part of Italy and effectively price taking a gander inside while you’re visiting Bari.
First constructed, all the best way again within the 1100s, it’s a beautiful instance of Baroque-style structure (particularly within the crypt) that stands proudly overlooking Bari.
As soon as inside, take a wander right down to the crypts, the place you’ll see the spot the place Madonna Odegitria is commemorated and it’s fairly particular to see. It’s among the finest issues to do in Bari, particularly should you’re concerned about Italian historical past.
Not too far-off (about an 8-minute stroll), you could have the Antica gelateria Gentile, which serves up a few of the tastiest gelatos in Bari. It’s completely unassuming from the surface, however the flavours converse for themselves.
Really, on the word of gelato, check out our guide to spotting the best gelato in Italy. They’re our important pointers that’ll allow you to all the time select the most effective 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 excellent for an early morning (or night) stroll. Nice for dawn walks (however I hate early mornings), so I all the time go for the sundown model as an alternative. Sure, it’s dealing with northeast however you possibly can nonetheless see a stunning sundown change Bari with its attractive orange hues.
Oh, and should you’re on the lookout for a metropolis seashore in Bari, then head over to Lido San Francesco. It is among the hottest seashores in Bari and is ideal should you’re not exploring the broader shoreline of Puglia.
One tip to recollect, don’t count on it to be quiet on the weekends, this place will get full on a heat weekend.
This all being stated, in case you are escaping town, make a journey (within the automotive) to Parco Nationale Alta Murgia. Right 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
In case you can, upfront, book tickets to look at the orchestra at Teatro Petruzzelli. It’s among the finest issues to do in Bari should you’re seeking to expertise some world-class theatre or classical music.
This all being stated, should you can’t make the present,s take a tour inside Teatro Petruzzelli itself. It’s effectively price it.
If that doesn’t sound attention-grabbing, take a day journey to go to the traditional ruins of Egnazia.
Courting again to the eighth century BC, study in regards to the historical past of the Messapii individuals and discover how life was on this area of Italy.
It’s effectively price it, and you’ll simply tag on a go to to Monopoli (a stunning metropolis), too.
Read more: Best towns to visit in the South of Italy
5.) Castello Svevo
There are such a lot of iconic castles in Italy to visit, with the one in Bari being no exception.
As soon as right here, make sure that to go inside and see the artefacts and reveals that make this spot so particular.
Plus, you possibly can discover by way of the central courtyard, the guard towers, and the moat.
There’s a cost to enter, which is round 10-15 euros however don’t let that put you off, it’s among the finest issues to do in Bari should you’re exploring town.
6.) Basilica of Saint Nicholas
The Basilica of Saint Nicholas is iconic in Bari, and has tons of of years of historical past in and out. Courting again to 1197, the church stands proudly over town of Bari and the harbour itself.
It might sound a bit unassuming from the surface, nevertheless it’s steeped in historical past. In actual fact, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas homes crucial Romanesque artistic endeavors in all of Southern Italy.
It’s the completely beautiful Bishop’s Throne that’s nearly 1,000 years previous.
Additionally, don’t neglect to search for, the ceiling is simply stunning.
Read more: Best towns to visit in the South of Italy
7.) Sail the Puglian coast
Yep! You possibly can simply sail the Puglian coast proper from Bari by booking this incredible half-day tour that’ll depart proper from town itself.
Hopping on board on the marina, you’ll get to sail the attractive waters round Bari and also have a likelihood to go for a dip within the beautiful bays in the summertime.
In case you’re feeling adventurous, the skipper will allow you to sail the boat your self! It’s a lot enjoyable and among the finest 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 nevertheless it’s among the finest issues to do in Bari to discover the historical past of the area.
Crammed with work, artefacts and extra, it’s a bit calling spot that’ll take round 20-Half-hour to totally discover.
Although, 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 stuffed 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.
Excellent for a stroll when the noon solar will get too scorching!
10.) Attempt Orecchiette pasta
Keep in mind I discussed Orecchiette pasta? Nicely, you possibly can’t miss it in Bari. To study extra about its historical past (and check out the pasta), book this amazing Pasta walking tour of Bari.
Not solely will the tour take you thru the cobbled streets of Previous Bari, however you’ll additionally get to strive making your individual Orecchiette and have a bit wine from Puglia, too.
It’s a lot enjoyable.
Simply you’ll want to book your tour in advance. Locations replenish at peak occasions.
Read more: Best towns to visit in the South of Italy
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