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Bari is a city that gets to join the (admittedly large) list of gritty, bustling, historic, and beautiful cities that I visit once and immediately decide I should consider moving to (Sarajevo, Paris, Hanoi, and Palermo are some other members of that list, in case you were wondering). It just has that special something that draws you in despite the hectic energy and crowds.
In general I find that Italy has a way of making even the ugly seem appealing. For whatever reason a cockroach doesn’t seem nearly as horrifying in Bari as it does in New York, for example. Graffiti feels like it’s appeared in order to set the scene, whereas in London it feels like an eyesore. Bari just… has something special about it. Charli XCX was right, okay? Everything IS romantic.
While I think the number one best thing to do in Puglia is to enjoy the unbelievable beaches, I also happen to think that visiting Bari should be a non-negotiable part of your visit.
Bari is not only the biggest city in Puglia, but also the second biggest southern city in all of Italy. The next largest city in Puglia, Lecce, doesn’t even make the top 20 largest cities in Italy, so the difference between them is vast. If you want to get a true taste of the controlled chaos and beautiful mess of Southern Italy, you gotta go to Bari.
Now that I’ve convinced you to make some time in your itinerary for Bari, let me show you how amazing your time there will be. Keep scrolling to see all the best things to do in Bari, including the best places to eat and the best places to stay in Puglia’s capital city.
If you want to sync all of my top Bari picks right to your own Google Maps to access quickly on-the-go, be sure to check out my Google Maps shop!
- The 10 Best Things to Do in Bari
- 1. Explore Bari’s Vibrant Old Town
- 2. Watch Pasta-Making on the Orecchiette Street
- 3. Discover Vintage Finds in Bari’s Best Thrift Shops
- 4. Indulge in Delicious Street Food
- 5. Savor Spaghetti all’Assassina, Bari’s Signature Dish
- 6. Join a Hands-On Cooking Class
- 7. Taste Raw Seafood at Bari’s Harbor
- 8. Wander the Hidden Gems of Quartiere Umbertino
- 9. Relax at Bari’s City Beaches
- 10. Take a Day Trip from Bari
- Where to stay
- Where to eat & drink in Bari
- FAQs about the Best Things to Do in Bari
Delve into Italy
Don’t forget to check out the rest of my Italy posts and guides if you’re still planning your perfect trip!
The 10 Best Things to Do in Bari
Real Talk:
Puglia—like so many parts of Italy—is feeling the pressure of overtourism. And while I want to believe that if you’re here on my blog, you’re the kind of traveler who cares about leaving places better than you found them… I still have to say it:
Don’t be an asshole when you travel. Not in Puglia, not in Italy, not anywhere.
I’ve seen too many visitors treat locals like background characters or behave like the region exists solely for their vacation. So here’s your friendly-but-firm reminder:
If you’re going to make people’s lives harder, please just stay home.
1. Explore Bari’s Vibrant Old Town
Bari’s Old Town, Bari Vecchia, is much more special than your normal, run-of-the-mill European old town. While so many old towns these days just feel like a money-grabbing tourist trap, Bari Vecchia is a magical maze of winding streets that feels lived-in and alive.
You’re likely to come across families and friends eating dinner or drinking on the street outside their apartments. Doors flung open to let the air in while the loud noises of kitchen prep come out to the street. Nonnas chatting across their balconies to one another and kids running around corners so fast you honestly might get slammed into if you aren’t careful.
Bari Vecchia kind of reminded me of the Lower East Side/Chinatown area in Manhattan, and I loved every minute of it. While I think the best thing to do in Bari Vecchia is to just totally get lost and wander, there are a few points of interest you may want to be sure to hit.
What to see in Bari Old Town? Piazza Mercantile and Piazza del Ferrarese are the two main piazzas in the old town, and are two of the better places to grab an aperitivo and people watch, though I was personally a big fan of Piazza dell’Odegitria, which gives you a lovely view of Basilica Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale San Sabino, which is worth a visit in and of itself.
If you do go through Piazza Mercantile you should find the Column of Justice, which was used as a post to tie people up as punishment in the 16th century, and still bears the marks from the ropes today.
Oh, and don’t forget to take a stroll along the old city walls on the perimeter of the Old Town, which will also give you a stellar sea view!
Check out my top Bari Vecchia walking tour recs:
2. Watch Pasta-Making on the Orecchiette Street
One of my absolute favorite things in the Old Town is so special that I think it deserves its own entry on the list.
Arco Basso street is more commonly known as the Bari Orecchiette Street, and it’s not hard to see why. Every day the women who live there will set up shop outside their apartments and make fresh orecchiette pasta that you can buy. Watching them at work is crazy. The speed at which they’re able to make little orecchiette shells is wild, and incredibly impressive.
It seems like they’re fairly used to people taking photos and videos of them at work, but do be respectful anyway and don’t shove a camera in someone’s face while they’re working! And be sure to get some goodies if you do film them.
Along with the pasta many of them sell taralli and even cookies for you to take home!
It can get crowded so I recommend trying to get there early. We made the mistake of arriving around the aperitivo hour (7pm or so) and the women were already packing up. If you do want to make this an afternoon visit – after the pausa – I recommend getting there around 5pm or so to guarantee the most action.
Insider Tip
BRING CASH!!!! Don’t make the same mistake we made. When we visited the Bari Orecchiette Street we didn’t realize that we had run out of cash, and of course, none of the women (that we interacted with at least) took card payment.
The real problem we ran into is that there is basically no ATM machine anywhere in Bari Vecchia, meaning the closest one was like 15 minutes away. Not horrible, but in sweltering heat and crowds, it’s also not ideal.
So do what I say and not what I do: bring cash so you can get yourself some handmade orecchiette!
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3. Discover Vintage Finds in Bari’s Best Thrift Shops
Frequent readers of the blog will know that it isn’t really a Rachel IRL guide if vintage and thrifting isn’t somewhere in the mix.
I seriously feel like it’s one of the best guaranteed ways to explore somewhere authentically, experience a slice of local life, and probably even chat to people who live there. In Bari especially it’s a good way to explore the newer parts of the city, Murat and Quartiere Umbertino, which often get neglected by tourists who only want to explore Bari Vecchia – making it one of my TOP top picks for what to do in Bari.
Bari has a strong selection of vintage, thrift, secondhand and independent shops to explore, so be sure to check out my full Bari shopping guide if you want the whole picture.
For now though, my faves were: Scenario and Bidonville.
If you’re more into shopping from the big name brands you’ll want to take a stroll down Via Sparano da Bari and Via Argiro. They’re not really my vibe shopping-wise so I can’t give too much insight there, but they was still cool to walk down to be honest, because they’re wide and pedestrianized and full of life.
Where to Go Shopping in Bari: 10 Excellent Thrift, Vintage, Book and Record Shops
Where to Go Shopping in Bari: 10 Excellent Thrift, Vintage, Book and Record Shops
4. Indulge in Delicious Street Food
There are a ton of street foods you’ll want to try in Bari. My favorite way to try them all would be to join a street food tour (I’ve linked my top choices below) but if you just want to grab them yourself, these are the ones you should prioritize.
Focaccia Barese is non-negotiable. I mean, it’s in the name! In order to get the focaccia dough particularly soft and fluffy they add a bit of mashed potato. You actually can’t tell at all that there’s mashed potato in this bread, and I only found out it was there while I was looking it up after eating it so much.
As for toppings, they’ll typically put tomato and olives on the top, as well as a sprinkling of oregano and olive oil. Some places will embellish a bit and add burrata or mortadella (or both) on the top when it’s served, which is particularly delicious.
Panzerotti is probably my favorite Barese street food. It’s basically fried dough that’s filled with tomato and mozzarella as a given, but often you’ll find other filling additions too. I was partial to the one I tried with salami inside.
I recommend getting this snack while you’re up near Bari. I found it really difficult to find good panzerotti in Salento, where they’re more likely to do a potato dumpling sort of thing instead.
Puccia con polpo has a special place in my heart because we ended up going to the sagra festival for octopus, where they were serving these all over the place. Puccia is just a Puglian sandwich basically, and getting it con polpo means you’ll essentially get a whole octopus sitting between your bread roll.
Now to be honest, this isn’t my preferred way to eat octopus (and I really love octopus), but I do think it’s worth trying because it’s just so unique to the area.
Check out my top Bari street food tours:
5. Savor Spaghetti all’Assassina, Bari’s Signature Dish
Notably not a street food, spaghetti all’assassina is another complete must while in Bari as it’s only served here! It’s made by putting the pasta directly into the hot cast iron pan while tomato sauce is slowly added, a bit like you’d make a risotto.
The result is a slightly crispy/burnt (but more so caramelized) pasta dish that’s rich and spicy. The best way, in my opinion, to have this dish is to get it with stracciatella on top. Some might say that ruins the classic element of the dish, but I think it adds exactly what’s missing.
6. Join a Hands-On Cooking Class
If you, like me, are a true lover of pasta, you should consider taking a cooking class while you’re in Bari. The most common ones will help you learn how to make orecchiette, which is actually super fun and not too difficult. We had an amazing time at our orecchiette cooking class, and to be honest we would definitely make it again at home!
Cooking classes are such a fun way to get accustomed to the culinary traditions of wherever you’re visiting, and it’s also nice to get to chat to a local who will more often than not be happy to offer recommendations for the rest of your time there.
Top-rated cooking classes in Bari:
7. Taste Raw Seafood at Bari’s Harbor
In general Puglia is a bit of a haven for raw seafood. In this vein, one of the most interesting and adventurous things to eat in Puglia, in my opinion, is sampling the fresh raw squid at the port in Bari.
Fishermen will set up along the port, hit their recently caught squid on the cement to soften and tenderize it, and then cut it into strips (called tagliatelle—not to be confused with the pasta shape!). You can eat it totally fresh like this, or add a squeeze of lemon! Yes, that’s literally it!
If that sounds a bit too rustic for you, you’ll also probably see raw squid (crudo) listed on plenty of restaurant menus, so you can always try it there instead, but I think the first option is way more fun.
8. Wander the Hidden Gems of Quartiere Umbertino
One of my top things to do in Bari is to hang out – get an aperitivo, get dinner, just stroll! – in the Quartiere Umbertino. This small sliver of Bari’s new city barely larger than one square mile has so much going for it.
In addition to quite a few of my favorite vintage shops in the city, Quartiere Umbertino also boasts a very cool leftist bookshop called Prinz Zaum, some of the locals’ favorite panzerotti at El Focacciaro, and numerous trendy bars like Arcimboldo and Katzuti Garage.
Oh, and don’t miss the very trendy Pamperi restaurant, where you’ll often find live jazz. Make sure to make a reservation!!
9. Relax at Bari’s City Beaches
Bari isn’t my top choice for beaches in Puglia (if you want to know what is my top choice, check out this post), but if you aren’t doing a wider Puglia trip it might be worth getting in a beach day while you’re here! Bari sits right on the water, so one of the very popular things to do in Bari is have a city beach day! Several popular beaches in town are San Francesco, Pane e Pomodoro, or Spiaggia Torre Quetta just north and south of the center.
If you have a car, or don’t mind hiring a cab (or taking the bus if that’s an option you’d consider) you can also go a bit out of the city to hit some of the other nearby beaches on the coast. The Adriatic Sea has some stunning landscapes to offer and you don’t have to go very far to get just slightly out of the city and be at a nice beach. I was quite fond of the beaches at Cozze (we went to Coco lido).
Going to the beach in Italy is probably my favorite thing to do there, so you don’t want to miss out on this one.
10. Delve into Bari’s Rich History
Like many Mediterranean port cities, Bari has had its fair share of conquerors – which makes for a storied past and lots of history to take in, if that’s your thing.
Although we didn’t personally have time in our itinerary, the Swabian Castle is one of Bari’s most iconic landmarks and one of the best things to see in Bari. Built in the 12th century by the Normans and later expanded by Emperor Frederick II, the fortress is a testament to the city’s rich and turbulent history.
Its imposing towers, thick walls, and strategic position near the old town make it a must-visit for history lovers and architecture enthusiasts. Inside, you’ll find exhibitions showcasing local history, art, and archaeological finds. A walk around the castle’s grounds offers stunning views of the sea and a glimpse into Bari’s medieval past.
Or, if you want to really explore Bari’s history off the beaten path – literally underneath the city – join this archaeological tour that will allow you to get up close and personal with Bari’s medieval history.
11. Take a Day Trip from Bari
Bari is pretty well located to allow you to take a day trip if your itinerary allows for it.
My top choices for day trips from Bari are Alberobello (about an hour drive), Polignano a Mare (about a 40 minute drive), or Matera (about an hour drive). If you want to know more about these places and what they have to offer, check out my where to visit in Puglia post.
Insider Tip
There really isn’t a ton to do in Alberobello in my opinion, so I recommend trying to combine it with one of the other day trip options to maximize your time!
My favorite way to take a Bari day trip would be to rent a car. We love using Discover Cars and have always chosen it when booking rental cars all over Europe.
If public transportation is more your style, Bari is well connected by train to Polignano a Mare (one of my favorites; 30 minutes), Monopoli (don’t recommend), and even Lecce (90 minutes). It’s more complicated – though doable – to access my favorite non-coastal day trip destinations in the Valle d’Itria via public transport, but there are also multiple daily buses to places like Locorotondo, Martina Franca, and Matera. You can easily search train and bus connections from Bari and purchase your tickets at Omio!
For those interested in the easiest possible way to take a day trip from Bari, you’re in luck! Bari is just about the most common starting point in central Puglia for guided day trip tours. Here are my favorites:
4 Perfect Day Trips from Bari
Where to Stay in Bari
When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay in Bari, you’re spoiled for choice with options that blend modern luxury, stylish design, and authentic charm. Whether you’re seeking sleek suites in the heart of the city or a boutique hideaway tucked into historic streets, Bari has something to suit every traveler’s taste. For a detailed look at the best accommodations, don’t miss my full guide to hotels in Bari here.
€€€ | Libertà, Bari | Effortlessly Cool | Warmest Hospitality
VIS Urban Suites is chic and design-forward – and I’m obsessed. Each suite is a masterpiece of interior design, with a soothing yet sophisticated color palette that mixes earthy tones and bold accents to make you feel like you’ve landed somewhere special. Breakfast, lovingly prepared by Chef Carmen, is a highlight, and the staff, especially Lucia at the front desk, are frequently praised for their hospitality – making this the perfect choice for travelers who appreciate artful, high-end spaces with a touch of Italian charm.
Photo: Booking.com
€€ | Murat, Bari | Thoughtful Interior Design | Doting Hosts
Bari 102 is a true standout – with spacious, beautifully designed rooms that feel straight out of a magazine, this B&B is a haven from the busy city outside. Marco and Agata, the warm and attentive hosts, go above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay, making you feel like family. Not to mention, in addition to the daily breakfast feast of local pastries and fruit, you can also order eggs made to order (never a given in Italy!). If you’re planning a visit to Bari, this gem of a B&B offers comfort, style, and impeccable service—everything you could wish for.
Photo: Booking.com
€ | Mola di Bari | Design-Forward | Awesome Small Town Find!
We had the chance to stay at Le Carasse Boutique Hotel in Mola di Bari, and we found it perfectly located for exploring Bari (only 15-20 minutes away) at a fraction of the price. Designed by the owner, an architect, the hotel features stunning interiors with warm local stone walls, luxurious linens, and serene courtyards. You can enjoy a relaxing spa with a swimming pool and daily organic breakfasts made from regional products – and Mola di Bari is honestly a draw in itself, so that’s another plus!!
Photo: Booking.com
Where to Eat in Bari
Bari’s food scene is a feast for the senses, offering everything from street food you won’t find anywhere else in the world to traditional trattorias serving homemade pasta to modern eateries with a twist on classic flavors.
Whether you’re indulging in fresh seafood, savoring local wines, or grabbing a quick street snack, Bari promises a memorable culinary adventure.
Here are my top picks in no particular order:
- Piccini 28: A chic spot offering modern Italian cuisine with a creative twist, perfect for a stylish dining experience.
- Terranima: A cozy trattoria that serves up hearty, traditional Puglian dishes, celebrating local flavors and ingredients.
- Tucci: This welcoming eatery specializes in fresh seafood, offering a true taste of Bari’s maritime heritage.
- Anto: A trendy restaurant known for its contemporary take on Italian classics, with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
- Al Pescatore: A seafood lover’s paradise, offering daily catches and exquisite preparations right by Bari’s port.
- Pamperi: A vibrant spot blending Mediterranean influences with modern cuisine, ideal for a relaxed yet refined meal.
- Per… Bacco: A refined wine bar and restaurant pairing elegant Italian dishes with an extensive wine selection from the region.
- Nicchie: Known for its warm ambiance and creative approach to local fare, Nicchie offers a menu that fuses tradition and innovation.
- Pinoy Filipino: A top-rated hidden gem bringing the bold and flavorful tastes of Filipino cuisine to the heart of Bari.
- El Focacciaro: This casual spot serves up delicious focaccia and panzerotti (top of my list for what to eat in Bari), the perfect quick bite for a taste of Bari’s street food.
- La Uascezze: A rustic tavern that offers authentic Puglian small plates, perfect for sharing and enjoying local flavors.
FAQs about the Best Things to Do in Bari
Is Bari worth visiting?
Yes! A thousand times yes! Bari, Italy is worth visiting for sure. It’s the main airport in Puglia, so the odds are high that you’ll be going there anyway if you’re planning a wider trip to the Puglia region. If that’s the case then you should definitely work your itinerary out so that you can spend a few days in Bari before moving on.
If you’re just trying to plan a weekend city break, it obviously depends on what your other options are, but I think Bari makes a good argument. There’s lots going on in the city, but you also have good access to beaches if you want some time to relax.
Another nice thing about Bari is that, because it’s all the way down in Puglia, it doesn’t get nearly as crowded and overrun with tourism as some other big Italian cities. I mean, don’t get me wrong it still gets crowded with tourists, but it’s no Rome.
How many days in Bari is enough?
Something between 2-4 days is ideal for Bari, depending on your schedule and pace. In two days you’ll be able to get most of the city ticked off your list, but you might still feel rushed and overwhelmed.
With 3 or 4 days you’ll have the chance to do an experience or two, maybe go to the beach, and enjoy Bari at a slower pace that will give you a more authentic experience.
Does Bari have a beach?
Yes – there are several beaches within Bari for you to visit. Bari sits right on the water, so it’s easy to do a city beach day by visiting the beaches San Francesco, Pane e Pomodoro, or Spiaggia Torre Quetta just north and south of the center.
How far is Bari from the beach?
Bari is actually on the coast, so it’s not far at all from the beach. There are a few city beach options within Bari (Lido San Francesco, Spiaggia Torre Quetta, Pane e Pomodoro) that you can easily get to.
Bari is also really close to lots of beautiful beaches up and down the Adriatic coastline if you want to get away to somewhere a little less “city”.
As for outside the city, I was quite fond of the beaches at Cozze (we went to Coco lido).
What food is Bari known for?
This question is impossible to answer simply, because Bari is known for quite a few foods (like Focaccia Barese, Panzerotti, and Orecchiette, all mentioned above). However, the main dish that Bari is known for is Spaghetti all’Assassina. This unique pasta dish is one that you’ll pretty much exclusively find in Bari.
Instead of boiling the pasta and adding the sauce afterwards, as pasta is commonly made, spaghetti all’assassina is made by putting the pasta directly into the hot cast iron pan while tomato sauce is slowly added, a bit like you’d make a risotto.
You basically can’t find this anywhere else so I definitely think you should give it a go while you’re in Bari.
What to Eat in Puglia: 19 Tantalizing Regional Dishes
What to Eat in Puglia: 19 Tantalizing Regional Dishes
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Still Planning the perfect trip to Puglia?
I hope you found this post helpful!
If you’re still trying to plan the perfect trip to Puglia, check out the Puglia archives here, and if you want more details on Bari, you can read the Bari archives here.
Think I missed something? Try my recs and want to tell me about it? Leave me a comment, send me an email, or tag me on Instagram!
And if you’re kind of feeling done with the whole planning process, check out my Puglia Google Maps. They’ll give you all my best tips from the blog, plus exclusive extras that didn’t make it to the blog. Streamline your planning and have the best recommendations on you at all times, IRL.
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