Bari Italy Itinerary

Barry Italy travel guide

Having explored countless corners of Italy, and speaking as an Italian myself, I can confidently say that Bari captures the true soul of Puglia. Set along the Adriatic coast, this lively port city blends sea breezes, centuries-old traditions, and everyday Italian life in a way that feels refreshingly real. Wander through the narrow streets of Bari Vecchia, where history unfolds between Romanesque churches, sun-bleached stone buildings, and locals making fresh pasta right outside their doors. Bari isn’t curated for visitors—it’s lived in, authentic, and proudly rooted in its traditions.

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Practical Information

Location

Bari is positioned on the eastern coast of the Apulian peninsula, overlooking the Adriatic Sea. It is strategically located between the Adriatic and the Apennine Mountains, offering stunning coastal views and easy access to both the sea and the rugged terrain of the Apennines. 

Transportation & Exploration

✈️ By Plane: Bari is served by Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI), one of southern Italy’s main hubs. Located about 8 km (5 miles) from the city center, it offers frequent flights to major Italian cities like Rome, Milan, and Turin, as well as many direct connections across Europe. 

👉 [You can book your plane ticket here🔗]

🚗 By Car: Having a car can be very useful if you plan to explore Puglia beyond Bari—think coastal towns, countryside masserie, and smaller villages. However, for visiting Bari itself, a car is more of a hassle than a help. The historic center is full of narrow streets, limited traffic zones (ZTL), and scarce parking.

⚠️ Please note that parking can be quite challenging, so it’s worth planning ahead before your trip. The easiest option is to choose a hotel that offers private parking. Alternatively, you can leave your car outside the city center and use one of the park-and-ride facilities, which are well connected to the center by public buses running approximately every 20 minutes. I picked Park and Ride Bread and Tomato🔗, which cost 1€ for 24 hours. You can leave the car here overnight. 

🚆 Trains & Local Transport: Bari is one of southern Italy’s best-connected cities by train, with excellent regional and long-distance links. The central station, Bari Centrale, is within walking distance of the old town and the modern center. There’s no true metro system, but local rail lines and buses cover the wider urban area.

🚶‍♂️ On Foot: Bari is best explored on foot, especially Bari Vecchia. 

👉 Exploring the city on foot is one of the most authentic experiences you can have, and this walking tour is perfect for discovering stories you’d otherwise miss. I recommend taking a look here🔗.

Weather

Bari enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate, influenced by the Adriatic Sea, with hot summers and generally mild winters:

☀️ Summer (June to August): Hot, sunny, and often humid, with temperatures typically ranging from 28°C to 35°C (82°F to 95°F). Great for seaside time and evening strolls along the promenade, though midday heat can be intense.

🍂 Autumn (September to November): Warm and comfortable, with temperatures between 18°C and 27°C (64°F to 81°F). The sea is still warm, crowds thin out, and it’s one of the best times to explore Bari and the wider Puglia region.

❄️ Winter (December to February): Mild and quieter, with temperatures averaging 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F). Snow is extremely rare, making winter a pleasant time for city walks and cultural visits without the crowds.

🌸 Spring (March to May): Fresh, sunny, and ideal for sightseeing, with temperatures from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). The countryside around Bari comes alive with blossoms, and the weather is perfect for walking tours and day trips.

Accommodation

Finding accommodation in Bari is relatively easy, as the city offers a wide range of options to suit every budget and preference.

👉 [On my trip, I stayed at Valentino hotel🔗]

Bari Travel Guide

Here’s what to do and see in Bari, Puglia:

• Bari Vecchia (Old Town): Explore the narrow alleys and historic buildings of Bari's old town, which is divided into three main areas: the Medieval Quarter, the Romanesque Quarter, and the Renaissance Quarter. 

• Basilica di San Nicola: Visit this important pilgrimage site dedicated to Saint Nicholas, also known as Santa Claus. Admire the stunning architecture, beautiful mosaics, and the crypt where the relics of Saint Nicholas are kept.

💸 Free to enter

• Castello Svevo (Swabian Castle): Explore this imposing fortress, built by the Normans in the 12th century and later expanded by the Swabians. Climb the ramparts for panoramic views of the city and sea.

💸 It costs 6€

• Cattedrale di San Sabino (Cathedral of San Sabino): Marvel at the Romanesque architecture of this ancient cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century. Admire its intricate stone carvings, elegant columns, and beautiful frescoes.

💸 Free to enter

• Piazza del Ferrarese: Relax in this bustling square, surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops. It's a great place to soak up the lively atmosphere of Bari and watch the world go by.
• Promenade Lungomare Nazario Sauro: Take a leisurely stroll along Bari's picturesque seafront promenade, lined with palm trees, cafes, and gelaterias. Enjoy views of the Adriatic Sea and watch the sunset over the horizon.

• La Strada delle Orecchiette: The "Strada delle Orecchiette" (Bari pasta street) in Bari, Italy, is a charming and picturesque street known for its traditional handmade pasta. Orecchiette, which translates to "little ears" in Italian, is a type of pasta that's particularly popular in the Puglia region, where Bari is located. This street is famous for its many small shops and stalls where local women make and sell orecchiette pasta by hand. Walking along the Strada delle Orecchiette, you can witness the fascinating process of pasta-making and even have the opportunity to taste some freshly prepared pasta dishes.

✨ Aside from orecchiette, you'll find other local specialties and souvenirs along the street, making it a delightful destination for food enthusiasts and travelers interested in experiencing authentic Italian cuisine and culture.

Food from Bari Italy

Bari boasts a rich culinary tradition. Here's a glimpse into the delicious world of Bari's cuisine:

• Panzerotti: panzerotti are one of Bari's most beloved street foods. These deep-fried turnovers are similar to calzones but typically smaller and filled with a variety of ingredients such as tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and sometimes ham or other meats. They're crispy on the outside and wonderfully gooey on the inside, making them a perfect snack or quick meal.
• Orecchiette alle Cime di Rapa: orecchiette pasta, shaped like little ears, is a staple in Apulian cuisine, and one of the most iconic dishes featuring them is Orecchiette alle Cime di Rapa. The pasta is typically paired with sautéed turnip greens, garlic, chili flakes, and sometimes anchovies or grated cheese. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that showcases the region's fresh produce.
• Taralli: taralli are small, crunchy bread snacks that are popular throughout southern Italy, including Bari. They're typically made with flour, olive oil, white wine, and sometimes fennel seeds or other spices. Taralli come in various flavors and are often enjoyed as a snack with a glass of wine or served alongside antipasti.
• Crudo di mare: typically, crudo di mare consists of thinly sliced raw seafood, such as fish, shellfish, or crustaceans, served with minimal seasoning to allow the natural flavors of the seafood to shine. Lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and a sprinkle of sea salt are often used to enhance the taste.

👉 This dish is typically served as an appetizer or starter, showcasing the freshness and quality of the region's seafood. One restaurant where you can taste fish dishes at affordable prices in Bari: Nicolaus - Il Bistrot dal Mare. Here you can also order Ricci di mare (sea urchin roe) a must to try. You will not see them listed in the menu, but ask for them.

In summary, exploring Puglia offers a diverse range of experiences, from the unique trulli houses to the charming towns and beautiful coastline. This itinerary provides a glimpse into the region's cultural heritage and natural beauty, promising an unforgettable journey through one of Italy's most enchanting regions. Get ready to immerse yourself in history, cuisine, and breathtaking scenery. Buon viaggio!

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