Bari, Italy - travel impressions

BARI, ITALY - PLACES TO VISIT, ACCOMMODATION, DAY TRIPS IN PUGLIA AND OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

When we talk about southern Italy, Bari is certainly a representative city, being one of the most important in this area. But is it worth putting on the list of the places worth visiting, or is it just a starting point to other travel destinations in Puglia?

If you have asked yourself the same question that I did before visiting Bari, then you have come to the right place. Here you will find information related to accommodation, transportation, places to visit, connections to other beautiful places in Puglia and much more, which I am sure will be useful in creating the perfect itinerary.

Located on the Adriatic coast, in a region of olive groves and orchards of all kinds, Bari is one of the cities that preserves that Italian authenticity, which many of the places that have become too touristy have lost.

HOW DO YOU GET TO BARI?

Bari is served by its own airport, with international connections, including from Romania. Currently, flights are operated by Wizzair. From the airport, to the center there are the following options:

• bus; it has a stop at the exit of the terminal. The ride takes approximately 35 minutes to the center;

• taxi; a ride to the center costs approximately 30 euros;

• private transfer, details here.

Also, if you are on a tour of Europe, it is good to know that the port of Bari connects with other countries, such as Albania, Croatia, Montenegro, or Greece.

Another option to get to Bari is by train from other Italian cities. The rail connections are very good, and the prices of train tickets from the southern area are much cheaper than those from the northern area.

WHERE DO YOU STAY IN BARI?

Below are some of the accommodation options that caught my attention and have pretty good ratings on Booking:

• Atipico B&B - accommodation unit with double rooms, located in the city center. It has internet, parking and, upon request, breakfast;

• Room 56 - Le Dimore - accommodation unit with double rooms or suites, located near the center. It has private parking, and upon request, airport transfer and breakfast are offered;

• Loft Le Gemelle - apartment-type accommodation unit, with one bedroom, which can accommodate two people. It is located near the center and the train station, and airport transfer services are offered on request;

• My place - accommodation unit with double rooms, located 15 minutes from the train station. Internet is included in the booking price, and breakfast is offered on request;

• La Tradizione - apartment-type accommodation unit, which can accommodate up to 3 people. It has a double bed and a sofa bed. It is located very close to the old town and is soundproof.

ACTIVITIES AND PLACES TO VISIT IN BARI

The most important place in Bari is definitely the old town (Bari Vecchia) and no trip to this city would be complete without visiting it. The narrow, cobbled streets have a special charm, largely provided by the simple life of the locals and their customs. Laundry hanging on the wires on the balconies, locals out for a "glass of conversation", baroque churches, small squares and the air of dolce far niente are the salt and pepper of this location.

What locations not to miss in the historic center:

The star of the old town is definitely Strada delle Orecchiette, the iconic place for pasta-making tradition, or more precisely orechiette, which are representative of the Puglia region. Here you will see women preparing pasta outside, in full view of tourists.

The Basilica of San Nicola (Basilica of Saint Nicholas) is one of the most important places of prayer in Italy. This basilica houses the relics of Saint Nicholas and is a place of pilgrimage for both Catholics and Orthodox.

The Cathedral of San Sabino is the only building in the old town with a bell tower. It was built at the end of the 12th century on the site of the ruins of a former cathedral, which dated back to the Byzantine period.

Piazza Mercantile is one of the oldest squares in Bari, which in the 16th century was a political center. Nowadays, it is a mix of old buildings with a long history, cafes, terraces, restaurants and shops, preferred by both tourists and locals.

If you are looking for a more complex experience, you can opt for a guided tour of the historic center, or for a culinary tour.

Passing the historic center, we headed towards other locations near by:

Bari Lungomare is a promenade along the Adriatic Sea. With a spectacular view of the sea, the promenade offers to both tourists and locals an ideal place for relaxing walks, jogging, or cycling. I recommend not to miss an evening walk in this area, as it is a wonderful place to admire the sunset.

A stroll along the Lungomare promenade can culminate in a few hours of relaxation at Pane e Pomodoro, one of Bari's most popular beaches. Known for its fine sand and crystal-clear water, this is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and swim. Its name evokes simplicity and Italian culinary traditions, "Bread and Tomatoes," symbolizing an authentic and affordable seaside leisure experience.

Bari Castle (Castello Normanno-Svevo) is an impressive medieval castle located near the historic center. It was originally built in the 12th century by nomads, then rebuilt by Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century. With massive walls and imposing towers, the castle served as a military fortification and royal residence over time. Nowadays, it hosts art and history exhibitions, being one of the most important tourist attractions in the city.

Shopping can be one of the activities you can do in Bari. It is the ideal place both for shopping in international stores, such as Zara, Primark, Bershka, etc., and for shopping in boutiques with local or artisan products. Via Sparano is famous for international brands, while in the old quarter, Bari Vecchia, you can find shops with authentic local and artisan products. There are also several shopping centers, such as Vitto Group Luxury Outlet, or Centro Commerciale La Mongolfiera.

Culinary experiences can also be included in the itinerary. You can choose to enjoy street food, order local food at a restaurant, choose a culinary tour, or take a pasta and tiramisu cooking class. The food in Bari and the entire Puglia region is very different from the rest of Italy, so don't miss out on tasting some of the local dishes. The most popular dishes are based on orecchiette.

DAY TRIPS FROM BARI AND OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN PUGLIA, ITALY

Bari is an important connection point with other locations in Puglia, so below are some of the day trips you can take:

• Alberobello is by far the most interesting place you can visit as a day trip from Bari. I wrote a separate article about this place, in which I provided all the logistical details and more. Read the article about Alberobello;

• Polignano a Mare, a small town located on the Adriatic coast, which charmed me. I wrote a separate article about this place, that was my favorite in the Puglia region. Read the article about Polignano a Mare;

• Matera, one of the oldest cities in Europe. With its rock-cut dwellings, known as the Sassi, it is a unique place where past and present meet, offering an almost surreal experience, as if you were stepping into a museum. You can opt for a guided tour starting from Bari, or just a day trip;

• Monopoli is a small town on the Adriatic coast. For this location, even half a day is enough to explore. It is very easy to reach by train from Bari. To fill a day in this location, besides walking through the historic center, you can also opt for a boat trip;

• Day trip to explore the Castellana caves, details here;

  
  

CONCLUSIONS ABOUT BARI

Although it is not the most touristy place in Italy and not the number 1 recommendation in travel guides when it comes to places not to be missed in the Puglia region, I consider Bari to be a place that should be put on your itinerary if you are in the area. The quiet atmosphere, rich history, culture and local hospitality blend perfectly, offering a dose of Italian authenticity, which in many of the extremely touristy places has been lost.

The best time to visit is from March to the end of May, then October-November. During these periods the weather is perfect for long walks and the city is not extremely crowded. If you want to stay at the beach and swim in the sea, then you can consider the months of June and September.

Read about other locations in Italy, such as Bergamo, the Amalfi Coast, or Verona.

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