“Is Bari worth visiting?” is a fair question. Even though the Puglia region is getting more and more attention, its capital city is not necessarily the first destination that pops up when researching places to visit in Southern Italy.
In this post, I’ll share my honest opinion on Bari, as well as some travel tips and guides that will help you plan your trip if you decide to book a flight.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables. I share my personal experience and cannot guarantee yours.
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Is Bari Worth Visiting? Why the Answer Is ‘Yes’
The History and Landmarks
The region of Puglia, in its entirety, is very unique.
Given that the Greeks were the first to settle this land and that it was also ruled by the Romans, the Norman Kingdom of Sicily, and the Aragonese Kingdom of Naples (to name a few), it’s exciting to explore its diverse historical and cultural influences.
And while Bari isn’t a city for a sightseeing spree, it’s home to several landmarks that will surely take you back in time.
The most emblematic ones are found in the old town, including the majestic 12th-century Castello Svevo (Norman-Swabian Castle), 13th-century Romanesque-style Bari Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Sabino), and Basilica di San Nicola, an important pilgrimage site.
The castle, in particular, is truly impressive when you see it in person (it was so much bigger and more beautiful than I thought it would be).
Other visit-worthy spots are the lovely Teatro Margherita, an old theatre turned into an art museum overlooking the old port, Teatro Petruzzelli, and Ruderi di Santa Maria del Buon Consiglio.
Bari Vecchia
If you love European old towns, there’s one area in Bari that will undoubtedly win you over – Bari Vecchia. Picture a maze of medieval narrow streets and squares where the older generation of locals still lives its quiet, slow-paced life.
Not only is it the most delightful district to roam on foot, but also where you’ll find some of the best Apulian restaurants in the city and most of the landmarks I mentioned earlier.
Laid-Back Yet Lively Vibe
There’s something about Mediterranean destinations that makes them so special, and to me, it’s the balance between tranquility and liveliness. Bari is no exception, boasting a relaxed atmosphere while also being full of life.
I especially loved seeing the locals wandering around the Murat district (the “newer” part of Bari), strolling through its shopping streets and having an aperitif with friends, even on weekdays.
Of course, there’s some difference if you visit in the high season or not, but even when it’s more crowded, it feels alive and happy rather than annoyingly touristy 95% of the time.
The Food
Each region I visited in Italy had its fair share of delicious local dishes to offer, Puglia included.
Agriculture, as well as olive oil and wine production, are prominent industries here, and considering the coastal location, it’s not surprising that seafood and vegetables are key ingredients in the local diet. Don’t worry – carbs are also as important.
Some of the top must-tries in Bari include orecchiette with cime di rapa (“little ears” pasta with broccoli rabe), tiella (a baked dish made of rice, potatoes, and mussels), and Spaghetti all’Assassina (spaghetti with spicy tomato sauce, which is prepared in a very unconventional way).
You also must devour baked goods like focaccia Barese, panzerotti, and pasticciotto, which you can find in numerous traditional bakeries in Bari.
Now, I have to say that I’ve heard a few people saying they weren’t too impressed by the food in Puglia, but I think it’s a matter of picking the right places to eat because I enjoyed every single meal.
Restaurants in Bari I personally loved include La Baresana, Mamapulia, Urban Assassineria Urbana, and Ristorante Antò.
The Beaches
Did you know that the region of Puglia has the longest coastline in mainland Italy? That’s right!
And while its most sought-after paradise beaches are located in the Salento and Gargano peninsulas (the Salento coastline is ridiculously turquoise), you can also find crystal-clear waters and serenity in and around Bari.
So if you’re craving some time under the Apulian sun, this city has got you covered. The easiest beach to reach is Pane e Pomodoro (translating to Bread and Tomato) at the end of Bari’s promenade (which I adored), but there are plenty of other strips of sand in the surrounding area.
It’s Quite Budget-Friendly
Whether you’re visiting Bari in the peak or shoulder season, you don’t have to splurge to enjoy the best of it.
You can find highly-rated (8+) central apartments or double B&B rooms for €75-€100 per night, even in August (of course, the shoulder and off season offer even better prices).
You can spend more if you’re seeking something more upscale or spend less if hostels are more up your alley.
Other than that, you can enjoy most activities and attractions for free, and food is also reasonably priced, with many restaurants offering pizza and pasta dishes for €10-€15 while street food and baked goods only cost a few euros.
It’s a Nice Alternative Weekend Break Destination
Bari is not usually among the top cities that come to mind when thinking about an Italian weekend break, which is exactly why it’s a great alternative destination.
I’m all for slow travel, but I think you only need to spend a couple of days in Bari (not including day trips/tours), so if you’re looking for a less-touristy city for your next weekend trip, Puglia’s capital might be the right place for you.
You Don’t Have to Visit in the Summer
Is Bari a nice place to visit throughout the year? Yes!
I know Puglia is a popular summer destination, but it’s definitely not the only season that makes the region worth visiting. If anything, these are the busiest and hottest months, which many travelers would prefer to avoid.
On one occasion, I traveled to Puglia in March (at the end of the month), which was almost perfect in terms of weather, and there were very few crowds, yet the water wasn’t warm enough to take a dip. But if all you crave is a short city break and not full exploration of the region (or at least not its beaches), Bari is great in the shoulder season.
On another trip, I visited Puglia in May, when its hotspots (including some of its beaches) were already getting crowded (but its hidden gems were still quiet) and the weather provided sunny days along some cloudy ones.
I would also love to travel to Bari in December, as it seems like an undiscovered Italian winter destination.
Southern Italy doesn’t necessarily come to mind when brainstorming Christmastime destinations, but many towns are decorated with countless twinkling lights, and it hosts more than enough seasonal events, including Christmas markets in Bari and other cities in Puglia.
Another notable festival I would gladly attend is the Carnival in the town of Putignano, taking place in February.
It’s a Great Base for Exploring the Region of Puglia
Even if you’re not planning on spending a day or two wandering through Bari itself, it’s still a wonderful place to base yourself and explore central Puglia.
You can take a lot of day trips from Bari, many of which only require a short bus/train ride, so you can enjoy the highlights and hidden gems of Puglia without a car (like I did).
These include the infamous Alberobello with its UNESCO-listed trulli houses, the gorgeous coastal town of Polignano a Mare, the Baroque city of Lecce, and the lesser-known port town of Giovinazzo.
Alternatively, you can also plan a Puglia road trip based in Bari (although, if I rented a car, I would probably prefer staying in a small, tranquil coastal town or a traditional farmhouse called masseria somewhere in the region’s countryside).
Reasons Why You Might Not Like Bari, Italy
It’s Not Necessarily Going to Wow You
There’s a lot to like about Bari, and it offers more than enough things to do, but it’s also important to have the right expectations.
It’s a fun place to visit, but if you’re looking for that picturesque, jaw-droppingly beautiful city, you might be a bit disappointed because Bari is more modest than its Italian sisters.
Yes, the old town and the promenades are very lovely, but other neighborhoods might not seem very pretty, though they are home to some beautiful buildings, and they do have other things to offer like shopping streets, places to eat, etc.
Also, the touristic areas aren’t that big, and it’s not packed with landmarks and attractions if that’s what you’re after. A part of its charm is discovered just by roaming around and soaking in the atmosphere, which may or may not be enough for you.
Is Bari Worth a Visit – The Verdict
People might wonder if they should visit northern Italy or southern Italy, but even if they end up choosing the south, this city gets overlooked.
Whether you’re in search of an offbeat care-free weekend break or a base for your Puglia trip, I do think that Bari is worth your time.
Beyond its top sights, you can wander around the beautiful old town, go shopping and enjoy an aperitif in the Murat district, relish the coastal scenery, and eat your way through the city, and sometimes, that’s all you need in a destination, even if it’s not as scenic as you’d like it be.
If you have any questions about Bari or Puglia, write them in the comments below!
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Other Puglia and Italy Travel Guides
Read more about Puglia and Italy:
- Where to stay in Bari
- Hidden gems in Puglia
- Hidden gems in southern Italy
- Best Italian road trips
- Prettiest Italian piazzas
- Italy travel quotes
- Gifts for Italy lovers
- Romantic novels set in Italy
- Things to do in Italy in winter
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