18 Things to do in Bari Italy | The little gem of Southern Italy

Bari, the bustling capital of Puglia, is a city where tradition, food, and local life blend seamlessly. There are so many things to do in Bari. We have been back recently and found Bari even more interesting than our first time.

Beyond the classic attractions, recent experiences reveal a deeper, more authentic side of Bari—one that invites you to roll up your sleeves, join the locals, and savour every moment.

Map of things to do in Bari

Get lost around the narrow streets of Bari’s Old Town

We always start our Bari adventures by wandering the tangled alleys of Bari Vecchia. The old town is a living postcard—balconies overflowing with flowers, laundry dancing overhead, and the constant hum of conversation. Each time we visit, we find a new corner, a new story, and often, a local eager to share a bit of Bari’s soul.

I mean, this is the place where you can find the old lady making fresh orecchiette pasta in front of you, but also the area of the great Basilica of San Nicola. We will get deeper through this unique things to do in Bari Vecchia, and how to experience it at the best.

Admire San Nicola Basilica (and Visit the Crypt)

San Nicola Basilica isn’t just a church—it’s the heart of Bari. It’s that bridge between Catholics and Orthodoxy. During our recent visit, there were Orthodox functions in the crypt that made it even more suggestive. We’re always awestruck by its understated beauty and the sense of history inside. This time, we made sure to descend into the crypt, where the relics of Saint Nicholas rest.

The crypt’s quiet, candle-lit atmosphere is unforgettable, especially during a mass, when the centuries seem to fold in on themselves. This isn’t Bari Cathedral, as many have mistaken it. Bari San Nicholas Church is a basilica, which was built between 1087 and 1197.

One interesting fact is that it was initially devoted to San Sabino. Still today, this Basilica is an important pilgrimage destination for Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians from Eastern Europe.

Step inside San Sabino Cathedral

If San Nicola Basilica was impressive, the first thing that I (Alessia) said when I stepped into the Cathedral of San Sabino was:” This is the place where I want to get married.”

The inside of the Cathedral is stunning, and there are no words to describe it, but maybe this picture will give you an idea of what I’m talking about. The light streaming through the rose window and the tranquil crypt below make it a peaceful stop.

Walk along Bari’s promenade | Lungomare Nazario Sauro

Bari’s promenade is the essence of the city. The seafront is beautiful at day and night, which makes it easy to include in any Bari itinerary. Short or long. The walk is very long, so we suggest staying around the Margherita Theatre.

Our favourite area on Bari promenade is “Nterr a Lanz”, which is in front of the Theatre, and you’ll find many locals hanging out. Grab a Peroni (Local beer) from the nearby El Chiringuito (Only 1 Euro), and watch the city drift by. The views of the Adriatic never get old.

Go for a street food tour 

Let’s be brutal, this last trip was all about food! Bari and Puglia are among the best destinations in Italy for food tours.
If you are only visiting Bari, we suggest making a few stops within the old town:
Orecchiette Street (Sign up for a orecchiette-making class)
Panificio Fiore
Santa Rita Bakery

Food in Bari is pretty affordable. You can have a fill-up takeaway lunch for just €5, all included. Eat on the side of the narrow alleys and enjoy the rich flavours of baked bread, mozzarella, burrata, souce and more.

We never skip a street food tour in Bari. It’s the best way to taste the city—puccia, burrata, capocollo, and of course, focaccia. Each bite tells a story, and every guide we’ve met has shared a new secret spot. Book here you spot.

Pasta-Making with Maria in Bari Vecchia

This year, we rolled up our sleeves with Maria, a local legend in Bari Vecchia. In the courtyard of a centuries-old building, we learned to make orecchiette and cavatelli from scratch. It was easier than I thought, and Maria was great and patience to teach.

Maria’s hands moved seemingly with movements and rhythm so smooth. After all, the orecchiette making is an art that is passed down through generations. With a rhythm passed down through generations. We laughed, fumbled, and finally, made pasta that tasted of Bari itself. I took it back home.

If you want to learn how to make pasta, check this cooking class!

Eat focaccia Barese

Eating Pizza outside a bakery in Bari Vecchia (Bari old town) is among my favourite memories of Puglia. The dough was so tasty and the sauce perfectly baked. We are not exaggerating when we state that after having tried focaccia all over Italy, nothing comes close to Panificio Fiore.

Tucked inside an old church, this bakery serves up slices that are crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, and bursting with olive oil and tomatoes. We always queue up, and it’s always worth it.

Try Focaccia at Bakery Santa Rita

Another great place to eat the best focaccia in Bari is Santa Rita Bakery. However, this is super popular. If you see a line winding out of a tiny bakery in Bari Vecchia, chances are it’s Santa Rita. We joined the locals for a slice of their legendary focaccia—hot, salty, and impossibly delicious. Don’t be shy; the wait is part of the experience.

Mingle with locals at Piazza Mercantile

Locals are super lovely, and you will feel so welcome that you might end up making friends while in Puglia. One of the places where locals love to meet is Piazza Mercantile. In this beautiful square, you will find many people hanging out, chatting and having fun. If you are visiting Puglia in summer, you will only see this place whole around dinner time as during the day it would be too hot to stay there. This is the best access to the Bari old wall, along this part, you will find many bars and clubs open all night.

Visit Castello Normanno-Svevo

Bari Castle might be assumed as one of the symbols of Bari, along with the Basilica. Indeed, the Castello Normanno-Svevo is the most popular spot for tourists in Bari.

The castle was built in 1132 and then destroyed. Rebuilt by Frederick II in 1240, who gave the name, it is today used for exhibitions. Considered one of the best attractions in Bari, you can visit the inside of the castle for only €9. Visiting this place will tell you more about its history and how it became part of the Aragon Crown.

Are you curious now? You can book here your tour and discover more about the castle.

Go for shopping in Via Sparano da Bari

It doesn’t matter where you are; it’s always time for some shopping. One of the best places to do it is Via Sparano da Bari. This considerable street starts from Bari Train Station and goes toward the promenade.
You will find the usual shops like Zara or H&M but even local shops selling cute stuff. This street can become busy, so make sure you go at the right time of the day.

5 more unique experiences in Bari | Things to do in Bari

Admire the colourful Teatro Petruzzelli

The beautiful and colourful Petruzzelli Theatre is another thing to see in Bari, which is worth adding to your list. We saw this building from the main street, and we wondered what it was. We never thought that it would be a theatre.
Teatro Petruzzelli is today considered the fourth largest theatre in Italy and is the largest in Bari. It lasted for almost a hundred years before a fire destroyed it. A few years ago, it was reopened in better shape and was hosting international performances and incredible concerts.
Considered the fourth largest theatre in Italy and the largest one in Bari, in 1903, Teatro Petruzzelli opened its gate to the public.

Check your schedule, you might make it on time for a show.

Eat like a local and enjoy a special panini from Zia Maria Food Truck

You might know how we travel, always looking for the right spot, frequented mainly by locals. Especially when we are talking about food, we want to see where the people there go and enjoy a meal. Bari was exceptional in this, heaven for street food lovers. Zia Maria was an incredible and unique spot.

If you are looking for the best things to do in Bari and feel the real essence of the country, you have to buy a panini in this old truck called “Zia Maria”. It was one of the best places we ate in Bari, and you have to try it. You can choose from many things, from a regular burger to the typical roast suckling pig. If you don’t eat meat, don’t worry, they have vegetarian options.

READ ALSO | What to do in Ostuni, Puglia

Bari things to do like a local

Go for a free walking tour | Things to do in Bari

Are you travelling to Puglia on a budget? If so, this is a suitable tour for you. A free walking tour around Bari is the ideal way to get to know the city. Every Monday and Saturday, you can book your spot and enjoy Bari with a local. The tour will guide you through Bari Vecchia (Bari Old Town), here you will discover the pretty and narrow streets around the city centre until arriving at the gorgeous Cathedral of Saint Nicholas.

Book here you spot and enjoy a free tour of Bari!

Drink a beer along El Chiringuito bar

While walking along Bari’s promenade, we found this cute and small chiringuito bar selling beers. The funny thing behind this bar is that locals, after taking their beer (A traditional iced Peroni) from the bar, will sit along the platform enjoying the moment. The Ciringuito on the promenade is a trendy spot in Bari, mainly frequented by locals and not far away from the “Zia Maria” food track. If you are unsure where this place is, ask a local where it is “N’ derr’ a la Lanze” or click the location below.

LOCATION | Chiringuito on Bari Promenade

Explore Bari by bike while eating local food

I mean, this is a must-do everywhere. Food tours can be even more attractive; you can drive your bike and enjoy the beautiful panorama with a long promenade. There is nothing better than enjoying Bari’s narrow streets on a motorcycle while trying some local food. You will meet food and wine producers and experience typical products from southern Italy. 

Don’t miss this opportunity and enjoy this tour with a local expert. So book here your spot and enjoy Bari.

READ ALSO | Where to stay in Puglia, Italy

Enjoy the glimpse of Largo Albicocca

Largo Albicocca is one of the most renowned places in Bari; it’s giving the city a new shape and attracting locals and tourists. The atmosphere is intimate, and the vibes are unique like southern Italy can provide. Largo Bicocca is a square sign of Bari’s new way of living in the city and welcoming tourists. After a renovation sponsored by Ikea, the area now sees a mix of Scandinavian culture into a pot of Southern Traditions. Over 240 meters of led lights are covering the surface, hosting secular olives trees and a few urban gardens.

Grab a drink and enjoy the atmosphere; you will end up hanging out with some locals.

LOCATION | Largo Albicocca, la Piazza degli Innamorati

Pane e Pomodoro Beach of Bari

It might be not one of the best beaches near Bari, but it’s the most enchanting for the local atmosphere. This stretch of sand and sea is close to the city centre. You can walk from Bari’s Old town, 15 minutes toward the south. The Pane e Pomodoro is an accessible beach in Bari, with showers, little bars and changing rooms for free. Enjoy your last day in Puglia, lying on the shore of Bari.

Succorpo della Cattedrale of Bari

This unique spot is our latest tip about what to do in Bari, The Succorpo Della Cattedrale of Bari might say nothing to you, but it’s an incredible place to see in Bari. Entering the Cathedral, go down the stairs on the right of the altar. Next, head toward the crypt; you will discover a beautiful old church just before entering. There is a small metal gate; the fee to enter is 3 euros, but it’s a donation not always needed. The Succorpo are the reconstructed ruins of the old religious site, a fascinating place to discover in Bari. This is a hidden gem in Bari.

READ ALSO | Best day trips from Bari Italy

Day trips from Bari, Italy

While in Bari there are a couple of places that you can’t miss visiting. Located about 30 minutes away by train from Bari, you will have Monopoli and Polignano a Mare. 

Both places are trendy, lovely, and easy to reach from the significant capital. Not only sea villages but also a few nostalgic valleys. In about one hour, you can get to the Unesco World Heritage Site of Alberobello, further away from the Stone city of Matera. If you want to tour around the Valle d’Itria, you can also check out a day trip from Bari to Martina Franca, Ostuni, Locorotondo, or Cisternino. Check our blog posts about Puglia for many other inspiring Day trips in Apulia.

READ MORE | Check out Alberobello itinerary, including all the things to do and see!

From Bari to Polignano a Mare

A day trip to Polignano is a must-do while in Bari. Recently, Polignano a Mare has become famous thanks to Instagram and a popular Italian movie.

You might also know the Italian song Volare by Domenico Modugno, which was inspired by the infinite blue sky of Polignano. Believe it or not, Polignano has a lot to offer, and that’s why we suggest you go there.

There are trains from Bari to Polignano very often, and you can check here the tickets. As far as you can buy tickets last minute to the central train station of Bari, you can also plan your trip and book the ticket online for peace of mind.

 Check ticket prices and timetable

READ ALSO | A guide of all the things to do in Polignano a Mare

Take a day trip to Monopoli from Bari

Monopoli was a wonderful surprise for us. We were not supposed to go there, but glad Alessia suggested giving it a try. Utterly different from Polignano and even better from our point of view, Monopoli will be your next favourite destination in Italy.
The city centre’s narrow streets, sandy beaches, and fantastic landscape give Monopoli the best place to visit near Bari.

Check here the trains and plan your Monopoli day trip from Bari.

Where to stay in Bari, Italy

How to get to Bari Airport

BY TRAIN | Another way to reach the airport is by train. There are two ways: the regular train or the metro. The train (Ferrovia Regionale FR2, grey) will take less than a bus, but sometimes you have to change trains before reaching Bari train station. The same is for the tube (Ferrovia Metropolitana FM2, yellow), and the price is the same for both, €5,00.

BY BUS | If you are travelling to Puglia on a budget, the cheapest way to reach the airport or the city centre is by bus 16. With only €1.00 you can make it to the airport or Bari central station. The travel time is about 50 minutes depending on traffic, but it is one of the cheapest ways to travel from the airport to Bari Centrale.

BY TAXI | If you have many bags and don’t want to stress yourself with public transport, you can book your transfer from the airport to the city centre.

Q&A about things to do in Bari, Italy