Quick guide to Bari, Italy: What to see, eat, and do

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Planning a trip to Bari, Italy? This ultimate companion guide to Bari, Italy will provide you with things to do, day trips, accommodation options to help you plan your trip.

A little bit about Bari

Bari, nestled in the heel of Italy’s boot, is an often overlooked gem that blends vibrant urban life with rich history. While Bari is the capital of the Puglia region, this lively port city still surprised me with its mix of bustling city streets, French-inspired architecture, and the maze-like charm of Bari Vecchia.

Bari’s unique character unfolds as you explore its contrasting neighbourhoods—one moment, you’re wandering through the city centre where the streets are lined with stores and buzzing cafés. Then you enter Bari Vecchia, or Old Town, and navigating the narrow, winding alleyways of the Old Quarter, where local life spills onto the streets and you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.

in this guide to Bari, we’ll dive into things to do, restaurants, accomodation and transport options to help you plan your trip.

Getting to, from and around Bari

Bari is fairly easy to get around and there are a few options depending on your preferred mode of transport:

• Train: Bari has two train stations called Bari Centrale and Bari Marconi. Look at train options here. 
• Bus: Bari Centrale is a main bus station in the city for companies like Flixbus. Look at bus options here.
• Hire a car: Hiring a car will give you the freedom to visit Bari and surrounds towns and cities at your own pace. You can check out rental car options here.

What to do in Bari

Arriving in Bari, I had no idea what to expect beyond its coastal location, but the city quickly proved to be full of surprises. From the lively metropolis with tall, French-inspired buildings and grid-like streets to the winding alleyways of Bari Vecchia, the Old Quarter feels like a world apart. Here are some things to do in Bari, Italy: 

• Join a Bari city tour on foot, segway, rickshaw or bicycle.
• Visit the Romanesque church Basilica di San Nicola.
• Stroll along the Lungomare Nazario Sauro for scenic seafront views.
• Take an archeological tour to learn about the history of Bari.
• Marvel at the architecture of the Bari’s opera house, Teatro Petruzzelli.
• Wander through the square of Piazza Mercantile.
• Join a Bari street food tour by foot, bicycle or rickshaw.
• Experience Mercato del Pesce Bari’s bustling fish market.
• Go on a sailing cruise around Bari.
• Step back in time in Bari Vecchia‘s (Old Quarter) labyrinthine of streets.
• Explore the Castello Normanno-Svevo, Bari’s historic castle.
• Rent a bicycle and take a ride around Bari at your own pace.
• Join a small group pasta and Tiramisu class in Bari

Day trips to take from Bari

• Matera: One of my favourite places – Known for its winding streets and the Stassi, a UNESCO heritage site because of its ancient cave dwellings. Book this day tour or look at public transport options here.
• Polignano a Mare: A stunning coastal town perched on rugged cliffs, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea. Book this day tour (which also goes to Ostuni and Locorotondo) or look at public transport options here.
• Alberobello: Known for its iconic trulli houses, which are white-stone structures with cone-shaped roofs, you’ll feel like you’re stepping into a fairytale. Book this day tour (which also goes to Matera) or look at public transport options here.
• Lecce: Known as the “Florence of the South,” wander through this city’s beautiful Baroque architecture. Book this day tour or look at public transport options here.
• Locorotondo: This is a beautiful whitewashed city perched upon a hilltop with views of the surrounding countryside. Book this day tour (which also goes to Ostuni and Polignano a Mare) or look at public transport options here.
• Cisternino: A quaint town filled with narrow streets, white stone buildings, and authentic Italian atmosphere. Book this day tour (which also goes to Polignano a Mare and Ostuni) or look at public transport options here.
• Ostuni: Known as the “White City,” Ostuni dazzles with its whitewashed houses, winding alleyways, and panoramic views over the Adriatic. Book this day tour (which also goes to Polignano a Mare and Locorotondo) or look at public transport options here.

Where to eat and drink in Bari

From where to grab your morning coffee to dining where the locals do, here’s a few options for getting your morning espresso, a cheap bite to eat and where to have a drink to end the day:

Must-know travel tips for Bari

• Siesta time: Siesta is a common tradition in Bari, with many restaurants and shops closing from around 1 or 2 pm until 5 pm. So, plan ahead if you want to grab lunch—arrive early, or you might miss out!
• Learn some basic Italian words and phrases: While many in tourist areas speak English, knowing a few basic Italian phrases will go a long way.
• Rent a car and explore: While there’s plenty of public transport options and tours, if planning on heading out of Bari to explore the area’s hidden gems, like secluded beaches, countryside towns, and wineries at your own pace you can look at renting a car.

Have I missed something in this guide to Bari?

Please leave any questions about this guide to Bari or any general questions about travelling to Bari in the comments below and I will do my best to answer your queries. Or send me a message via my contact page.