Noisy, colourful and authentic, Bari , the capital of Puglia, is not one of those cities that dress up to welcome travellers, they do so in their everyday clothes, without makeup or freshly coiffed hair. And this is exactly where its charm lies, in the honesty and transparency that Bari Vecchia (Old Bari) exudes. Do you want to know what are the best things to see and do in Bari ?
In this post we are going to explore this Puglian city without sparing any detail. But be careful... don't confuse it with Bali, the island of Indonesia, which, although it may seem incredible, you wouldn't be the first to make a big fuss .
What to see and do in Bari
From the labyrinthine yet picturesque streets of Bari Vecchia to the Norman-Swedish Castle, from the theatres to the bakeries where you can gobble up the best focaccia in Bari... are you ready to venture out to discover this unique city in the south of Italy?
Let's go!
1. Old Bari
First of all, you should head towards the old heart of the city of Bari, known as “ Bari vecchia ” (or what is the same, Old Bari). There, among narrow streets, improvised markets and white and honey-coloured houses, you will discover the temperament and character of Bari.
We started our visit by walking down Via del Arco Basso , famous for the women who, for generations, sit outside their houses and, with patience and skill, prepare homemade orecchiette . Orecchiette is the typical pasta of Puglia, you can't leave without buying a packet 😉 It's a great and delicious souvenir... much better than magnets, don't you think?
2. Panificio Fiore Bari
And speaking of typical Bari dishes, another gastronomic stop that would be a crime to skip is the Panificio Fiore Bari , where they prepare what is probably the best focaccia barese in the city.
Fluffy, tasty and with quality tomatoes: focaccia is almost a religion in this corner of Italy, don't forget to try it because eating it will be a memorable foodie souvenir to make in Bari.
3. Basilica of San Nicola, a must-see in Bari
We continue in a religious environment, but this time a classic religious one (enough to eat) and we go to visit the Basilica of San Nicola , patron saint of the city of Bari.
This basilica is an architectural symbol, with a simple but elegant façade and a much more ornate interior, which also houses the relics of Saint Nicholas, the character who inspired the origin of Santa Claus. With this tour you can learn more about his life.
4. Cathedral of San Sabino
Another church in Bari worth a visit is the Cathedral of San Sabino. Built on the ruins of a previous church in the 13th century, it is a perfect example of Apulian Romanesque, thanks to a clean, limestone façade and a rose window that is also the protagonist of an unusual event.
Every June 21st, the day of the summer solstice, at 5pm the sun's rays filter through the rose window and fit into the flower drawn on the floor of the central aisle. You can see it here . Admission is free, the crypt costs €3.
5. Church of Santa Teresa dei Maschi
The third religious temple in Bari is the Church of Santa Teresa dei Maschi , dedicated to the Spanish Saint Teresa of Jesus, founder of the order of the Discalced Carmelites. Although it is not one of the oldest churches, it is among the most beautiful, with a small but charming baroque façade and a large dome.
Today, cultural events such as art exhibitions, theatre performances and classical concerts are held inside.
6. Norman-Svevo Castle of Bari
One of the most striking buildings in Bari is the Norman-Sweden Castle , with its majestic walls and a strong and imposing air. Built in 1132 during the reign of the Normans, throughout its history it was restored by Frederick II of Swabia, Charles of Anjous and even by the Crown of Aragon, the period in which the walls were built.
Admission costs €7 (€2 for young people aged 18 to 25 and free for those under 18). If you wish, you can sign up for this guided tour to learn the history of this castle in detail in Spanish (includes entrance to the castle and the museum).
7. Pinacoteca Corrado Giaquinto
Do you love art and are you one of those who always try to visit the art galleries and museums of the places you visit? Make a note of this name if you visit Bari: Pinacoteca Corrado Giaquinto . Here you will find rooms dedicated to medieval art, Venetian painting, the Neapolitan school, a collection of paintings from the 19th century and the early 1900s (with works by De Chirico, Morbelli and Viani, among others). Admission costs €3.
8. Russian Orthodox Church, something original to see in Bari
Did you know that you can see a Russian Orthodox Church in Bari ? Ok, it won't be like the ones in Moscow and St. Petersburg but it has its charm! You can find it at Corso Benedetto Croce, 130 (in the neighborhood behind the train station) and it is known as Chiesa di San Nicola .
And if you want to experience a true Orthodox ritual, a Byzantine Catholic liturgy is celebrated every Sunday at 10am in the Church of St. John Chrysostom . A living link between the Christians of the East and West, and a reminder of the two centuries of Byzantine occupation of Bari.
9. Piazza Mercantile
Piazza Mercantile is one of the most beautiful squares in the city, with the elegant Palazzo del Sedile as the main attraction. So coming here is one of the best things to see and do in Bari, no doubt about it.
Its name refers to the “market” that took place here in the Middle Ages, in the old town of Bari. Although the square was not only a place of exchange between sellers and customers… if you look closely you will see a column, it is the one known as the “Infamous Column”, a pillory where debtors, thieves and criminals of the city of Bari were displayed and shamed.
10. Piazza del Ferrarese, one of the most beautiful in Bari
Scattered around the centre of Bari are other squares, such as the interesting Piazza del Ferrarese , which contains archaeological remains of the ancient route of the Via Appia Trajana , which ran from Puglia to Rome. Here you will also find the old fish market building, the Sala Murat, and behind them, the imposing Teatro Margherita.
11. Niccolo Piccinni Theatre
There is life beyond Bari Vecchia and even more so if you walk along Corso Vittorio Emanuele , the city's main commercial artery, full of shops, bars, restaurants and some palaces and historic buildings, such as the Niccoló Piccinni Theatre (the oldest in Bari) or the town hall.
→ Here we recommend a few restaurants where you can eat in Bari (good and cheap)
12. Petruzzelli Theatre
The most famous theatre in Bari is the Teatro Petruzzelli , without a doubt. Rebuilt after a terrible fire destroyed it in 1991, it hosts concerts of classical music as well as more contemporary and modern artists. To find out what's going on, take a look here .
Curiosity : it is the fourth largest theatre in Italy (the first is the Teatro Massimo in Palermo ).
13. Nazario Sauro seafront
One of the most beautiful areas to see in Bari is the Lungomare Nazario Sauro , a promenade that will allow you to relax to the sound of the waves. The best time to walk along it is at sunset and the ideal is to end on a high note with an aperitif at El Chiringuito , a small place in the port, which is a symbol of the Bari nightlife. In addition, the plan is cheap: a Peroni beer costs €1.20!
Tip : Try a panzerotto , a kind of fried dumpling filled with tomato and mozzarella. Wow, the food in Bari is so delicious!
14. Fortino di Sant'Antonio Abate
Another great place to enjoy a memorable sunset in Bari is the Fortino di Sant'Antonio Abate , which is located in front of the Old Port (Saint Anthony's Dock).
It was one of the 4 defensive forts embedded in the wall that protected the city, which you can walk along for almost 1 km, from Piazza del Ferrarese to Piazza San Pietro (corresponds to Via Venezia).
15. Church of Saint Mary of Good Counsel
If you end up at the northern end of this walk along the wall, head to the ruins of the church of Santa Maria del Bondo Conseil . It was demolished in the 1930s, leaving only its beautiful Roman columns with Corinthian capitals standing, and revealing medieval mosaics on the floor from an ancient Byzantine church. A real hidden treasure in the heart of Bari!
Excursions from Bari
If you have more time and are using the city of Bari as a base to explore the rest of the region (here is a 1-week itinerary through Puglia ), these are the most recommended excursions in the surrounding area:
– Just 40km from Bari we find one of the most beautiful villages in Puglia: Polignano a Mare . Our recommendation is: go. It doesn’t matter if you go by car, bus or train, but you have to visit this unique and romantic corner.
– And how can we forget Alberobello , which with its unique trulli is not only one of the best destinations in Puglia, but is also one of the most charming, beautiful and special towns in all of Italy .
There are many more things to see and do in Bari , but we think these 15 are perfect for a first visit and to break the ice with this city that is both bright and poetic. Have you been to Bari? What did you think?
