Bari
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The vibrant capital of Apulia combining historic charm with modern energy

Bari

Apulia, Italy

Bari combines a historic old town with a modern waterfront promenade. Discover the Basilica di San Nicola and authentic street food in Italy's gateway to the Adriatic.

More Places to Visit

Additional attractions worth exploring

Basilica di San Nicola

1-2 hours

An important pilgrimage site housing the remains of St Nicholas, featuring stunning Romanesque architecture

Città Vecchia (Bari Old Town)

2-3 hours

Labyrinthine medieval quarter with narrow streets, local artisans, and authentic atmosphere

Strada delle Orecchiette (Orecchiette Street)

30-45 minutes

Famous street where local women handmake traditional orecchiette pasta outdoors - a living cultural tradition

Cattedrale di San Sabino

45 minutes - 1 hour

Beautiful Romanesque cathedral with impressive crypt and religious artifacts

Lungomare e Murat

1 hour

Modern waterfront promenade perfect for evening strolls with sea views

Castello Normanno Svevo (Swabian Castle)

1-1.5 hours

Medieval fortress with historical exhibitions and stunning views

Piazza del Ferrarese

30 minutes

Historic square marking the boundary between old and new Bari, surrounded by cafes and restaurants

Teatro Petruzzelli

1 hour (if attending performance)

One of Italy's most important opera houses with stunning architecture

Must-Try Foods

Local specialties you can't miss

Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa

pasta dish

Ear-shaped pasta with turnip greens, garlic, anchovies, and chili - Puglia's signature dish

Where to find:Local trattorias in Bari VecchiaStrada delle Orecchiette vendors

Spaghetti all'Assassina

pasta dish

Unique Barese specialty - spaghetti cooked in tomato sauce until crispy and caramelized

Where to find:Traditional Bari restaurants

Tiella Barese

main dish

Baked dish with rice, potatoes, and mussels - comfort food at its finest

Focaccia Barese

bread

Fluffy focaccia topped with tomatoes, olives, and olive oil - perfect street food

Where to find:Local bakeriesStreet vendors

Panzerotti

street food

Fried pocket pastries filled with mozzarella and tomato

Where to find:Street food vendorsLocal bakeries

Raw Seafood (Crudo di Mare)

seafood

Fresh raw seafood including sea urchins, oysters, and prawns

Where to find:Waterfront restaurants

Recommended Experiences

Make the most of your visit

Watch Pasta Making on Orecchiette Street

CULTURAL30-60 minutesFree to watch

Observe local women making traditional orecchiette pasta by hand in the streets of Bari Vecchia

Best time: Morning (9am-12pm)

Street Food Tour in Bari Vecchia

FOOD TOUR2-3 hours

Guided walking tour sampling focaccia, panzerotti, sgagliozze, and other local specialties

Sunset Aperitivo on Lungomare

DINING1-2 hours

Enjoy drinks and snacks along the seafront promenade while watching the sunset

Best time: Evening (6pm-8pm)

Cooking Class - Traditional Orecchiette

COOKING CLASS2-3 hours

Learn to make authentic orecchiette pasta from local experts

Practical Information

Plan your visit

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

Average Stay

2-3 days

Getting There

  • ✈️ Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (15 min from city center)
  • 🚂 Major train connections throughout Italy
  • 🚗 Good highway connections

Nearby Destinations

Alberobello55 km1 hour
Polignano a Mare33 km40 min
Monopoli45 km45 min

Insider Tips

Local advice for visitors

Visit Orecchiette Street in the morning for the best pasta-making demonstrations

The old town is car-free - wear comfortable walking shoes

Try the local aperitivo culture along the waterfront in the evening

Book restaurants in advance during peak season

Combine Bari with day trips to nearby towns like Polignano a Mare and Alberobello