Being ruled by the Greeks, the Normans, and the Napoleonic Kingdom of Naples (to name a few), it’s safe to say that Puglia’s capital has a rich history, yet, it also appeals to those looking for delicious food, cultural activities, and relaxing beaches.
Spending 2 days in Bari will allow you to immerse yourself in this intriguing, often-overlooked destination, which appeals to those who can appreciate a city with a modest charm in an extravagant country like Italy. Let’s make the most of it.
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Where to Stay for 2 Days in Bari, Italy
Bari is quite a compact city, especially when it comes to its tourist areas, so it doesn’t take long to realize that the two best neighborhoods to stay in are Bari Vecchia (the old town) and Murat.
Bari Vecchia
Bari Vecchia, or San Nicola, is the city’s enchanting old town, featuring a maze of picturesque narrow pedestrianized streets packed with historic charm.
Here, you can experience Bari’s authentic and slow-paced side, savor traditional Apulian cuisine, and explore the main landmarks.
Highly-rated accommodations in Bari Vecchia include Al Pescatore, Tresca Charme Luxury Rooms, and Palazzo Le Travi.
Murat
South of Bari Vecchia, the Murat district (along with the adjacent Quartiere Umbertino) is more modern, although not the prettiest except for a few Art Nouveau buildings.
They serve as the main shopping area and boast a range of dining options of all cuisines, quaint Italian cafés, and bars.
As I planned a longer trip in Puglia and took day trips from Bari, I chose to stay in Murat for its central location between Bari Vecchia and the train station.
I stayed at the simple yet comfy B&B Alighieri 97 (note that it’s housed in a residential building). Another highly-rated accommodation in Murat is Bari 102.
Day 1 – Bari Vecchia (Bari Old Town)
The walled Bari Vecchia was the highlight of the city for me. This labyrinth of narrow cobbled alleys, filled with everyday life scenes, medieval churches, traditional restaurants, and an abundance of charm, is waiting for you to get lost in it.
While it’s an area I recommend roaming freely, you might not want to miss these points of interest:
1. Castello Svevo (Swabian Castle): THE landmark for me – an imposing 12th-century fortress commissioned by the Norman king Roger II and later remodeled by Frederick II of Swabia, Isabella of Aragon, and her daughter Bona Sforza. Visit it on your own or take a guided tour.
2. Basilica San Nicola: A Romanesque basilica built over a thousand years ago housing a crypt with the relics of Saint Nicholas, which makes it an important pilgrimage site in the region. Visit it on your own or book a basilica & crypt guided tour.
3. Bari Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Sabino): A 13th-century Romanesque cathedral with a hidden underground museum housing unique historic relics.
4. Food spots I liked: Ristorante Antò, Bakery Santa Rita, and Gelateria Gentile (A-M-A-Z-I-N-G gelato). You can even take a street food tour in this area!
5. Strada delle Orecchiette (Street of the Orecchiette): THE spot to watch local nonnas make the typical regional Orecchiette pasta (meaning “little ears”) by hand (and buy some, of course)!
6. Museo Archeologico di Santa Scolastica: Boasting a collection of artifacts from prehistory to the Middle Ages.
7. Ruderi di Santa Maria del Buon Consiglio: Beautiful remains of a church built roughly a thousand years ago.
8. Squares: Largo Albicocca – Piazza degli Innamorati in the evening, Piazza Federico II di Svevia, and Piazza Mercantile.
9. Walking on the walls of Via Venezia all the way to the stunning Teatro Margherita and the old port.
The advantage of spending 48 hours in Bari is that you can fully immerse yourself in this district instead of trying to see it in just half a day. I’m truly glad I took the time to relish its atmosphere, and I think you should too.
Day 2 – Promenade & Beach + the Murat District
This is a super laid-back day, in which you can enjoy some more of Bari’s attractions but see a different side of this city.
Begin your day with a walk along one of Bari’s lovely promenades, Lungomare Nazario Sauro. It starts at Largo Luigi Giannella (where you’ll find the city’s Ferris wheel), is about 1 km long, and ends at the beach of Pane e Pomodoro (translating to Bread and Tomato)
Compared to other beaches in Puglia, Pane e Pomodoro may not be ranked among the best. However, I found the crystal-clear water and the peaceful atmosphere to be just what I needed for a few hours of complete tranquility.
On the way to the beach, you can stop by the Pinacoteca Metropolitana di Bari if you’re an art fan. After some time soaking up the sun, you might consider returning to your hotel to shower and rest.
In the afternoon, venture to the vibrant Murat, the newer part of the city.
Fun fact: It is named after Joachim Murat, the ruler of the Napoleonic Kingdom of Naples, who was the first to commission construction beyond the walls surrounding Bari Vecchia (back in the 18th century).
Murat is filled with restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, as well as cafes and bars, making it a fantastic spot for an aperitivo. I’ve seen the locals enjoy this classic Italian ritual every day, even on weekdays, so this area gets very vibrant in the afternoon and evening.
Additionally, Via Sparano and its surrounding streets are perfect for a little shopping spree.
While it may not be as picturesque as the old town (far from it), Murat features several photogenic buildings with beautiful architecture, including Palazzo Mincuzzi, Teatro Piccinni, and Teatro Petruzzelli.
Cafes and food spots I liked here: Mamapulia, La Baresana (near the lovely Giardino Corso Vittorio Emanuele II), Magda, and Mozart Caffé.
Other Tips and Notes for This Bari Itinerary
Is 2 days enough: I’m going in the direction of traveling more slowly, but I think two days are ideal for enjoying Bari (some might even say one day is enough).
You can always add more time for day trips from Bari by train and bus to other places in the region like Alberobello and Polignano a Mare if you want to explore Puglia without a car.
Getting around the city: While buses are available outside the old town, you don’t need them. Put on some comfy shoes or sandals, and start wandering this walkable city on foot.
What to eat: There’s no shortage of scrumptious Apulian dishes, sweets, and street food to devour, but don’t skip out on trying Spaghetti all’Assassina, Tiella Barese (or riso, patate e cozze – rice, potatoes, and mussels), orecchiette pasta with cime di rapa (broccoli rabe/rapini), Focaccia Barese, Panzerotti, Sgagliozze, and Pasticciotto.
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Other Puglia and Italy Travel Guides
If a weekend in Bari leaves you wanting more of Puglia and Italy, check out:
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- Where to stay in Bari
- Puglia in March
- Hidden gems in Puglia
- Hidden gems in southern Italy
- Best Italian road trips
- Prettiest Italian piazzas
- Italy travel quotes
- Gifts for Italy lovers
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- Things to do in Italy in winter
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