Bari in Puglia: 12 must-see places
For me, Bari in Puglia is one of the best choices for those who want to see the historic center, the sea, and beaches, and taste great Southern Italian cuisine during their holiday. It is also the capital of Puglia. The biggest attraction is Bari Vecchia with its winding streets, Romanesque churches, and the scent of fresh orecchiette, but you shouldn’t miss the long coastal promenade, Castello Svevo, or the city beaches either.
Moreover, Bari isn’t just a starting point for trips around Puglia. Look forward to the city itself, which can easily fill one to two full days of your itinerary. Especially if you are in Puglia for the first time.
Castle Apartment
Accommodation in Bari in Puglia
Find accommodation in Bari using the map:
For your first visit, I recommend looking for accommodation either directly in Bari Vecchia, or in the adjacent Murat district. In my opinion, Bari Vecchia has the best atmosphere in the evening, and you’ll be just a few minutes from the main sights. Murat is more convenient for arriving by train, shopping, and restaurants, yet you can easily walk to the old town from there. Corso Vittorio Emanuele II forms the natural border between the historic and newer parts of the city.
My tip for verified accommodation:
Saint NicolHouse
- In the old town – 50 meters from the Basilica and 200 meters from the Cathedral
- The beach was about 2 kilometers away, and we had breakfast in a different spot around the accommodation every day
Saint NicolHouse
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Transport in Bari
Transport in Bari is quite simple, and if you stay in the center, you can easily get by without a car. From Bari Karol Wojtyła airport, the fastest option is the direct Ferrotramviaria train to Bari Centrale station, which takes about 17 minutes; the train station is connected to the arrivals hall by a tunnel roughly 300 meters long.
A cheaper alternative is the AMTAB bus no. 16 between the airport and Piazza Moro by the main station. You can also use the Tempesta airport shuttle, which takes about 25–30 minutes and currently costs €4.15 for a one-way trip.
For me, the best way to explore the center of Bari itself is on foot. Bari Vecchia, Castello Svevo, the Murat shopping district, and the Lungomare are all relatively close to each other. For longer distances, AMTAB buses work well. A standard single ticket costs €1, a 90-minute ticket is €1.20, and a day pass is €2.50.
You can also get to the city beaches without a car. You can head to Pane e Pomodoro from the center via a pleasant walk along the Lungomare or by AMTAB bus; there is also a Park & Ride at the beach, served by line 12.
Torre Quetta lies even further south along the coast, so it’s more practical to use the city bus. At the same time, a pedestrian and cycle link along the coast is gradually being developed between the two beaches. So, if you’re staying in the center of Bari, I recommend renting a car only for trips around Puglia. If you’re just staying in Bari for the first few days (or your whole stay), you don’t need a car in my opinion.
What to see in Bari in Puglia? 12 most beautiful places
1. Bari Vecchia
We’ll start our walk in Bari Vecchia, the historic heart on a peninsula between two harbors. Instead of a precise itinerary, I recommend simply wandering for a while. Narrow streets alternate with small squares, churches, arches, and houses where the everyday life of locals unfolds. In the historic center, you’ll find dozens of churches and over a hundred votive shrines.
2. Basilica di San Nicola
The most important monument in Bari is the Basilica of Saint Nicholas. This Romanesque church houses the remains of Saint Nicholas and is a significant pilgrimage site for both Catholics and Orthodox believers. Be sure to go down into the crypt as well.
Saint NicolHouse
3. Cattedrale di San Sabino
Just a few minutes’ walk from the basilica stands San Sabino Cathedral, another significant example of Puglian Romanesque architecture. It is less famous than San Nicola, so the atmosphere here is often more pleasant. Together with the basilica and the castle, it forms the main historic axis of Bari Vecchia.
4. Castello Normanno-Svevo
On the edge of the old town stands the massive Castello Svevo. The original Norman fortress dates back to the 12th century and was rebuilt in the 13th century under Frederick II. The view of the walls and moat alone is worth a short stop, but for a longer visit, we recommend walking through the interiors and exhibition spaces.
5. Strada Arco Basso / Orecchiette Street
One of the most typical spots in modern-day Bari can be found just a short walk from the castle. In Via Arco Basso, the women who hand-make local orecchiette pasta in front of their homes have become famous. The street is most interesting in the morning. However, treat it as a real residential street, not a tourist attraction created for visitors.
6. Lungomare di Bari
After the historic center, head to the sea. Lungomare di Bari is one of the city’s characteristic symbols and offers a long promenade with views of the Adriatic, historic buildings, and the harbor. For us, it’s most beautiful in the early evening, when locals also head out for a traditional passeggiata.
7. Fortino Sant’Antonio and Via Venezia
You’ll find one of the best viewpoints at Fortino Sant’Antonio on the edge of Bari Vecchia. From the area above the historic fortifications, you can clearly see the sea, the old harbor, and the more modern coastal part of Bari. Continue along Via Venezia along the old walls. It’s a short but very photogenic walk.
8. Teatro Petruzzelli
From Bari Vecchia, head also to the more elegant Murat district to see Teatro Petruzzelli, one of Bari’s main cultural symbols. If you don’t want to attend an opera or concert, the theater also offers guided tours. The official tour lasts about 30 minutes and includes the foyer and the main hall.
9. Pane e Pomodoro Beach
If you want to combine exploring Bari with a swim, the easiest choice is Pane e Pomodoro. It is Bari’s main city beach, which you can reach on foot along the promenade from the center. For us, it was about 2 kilometers from our recommended accommodation. Don’t expect a romantic Puglian cove, but for a few hours of swimming without having to leave the city, it’s a great spot.
10. Torre Quetta
The second option is Torre Quetta, which lies further south along the coast and is also among the beaches directly in Bari. It’s especially suitable if you want to combine swimming with an evening sit-down by the sea.
11. La Uascézze Restaurant
For a traditional dinner, head to La Uascézze right in Bari Vecchia. The restaurant focuses on the typical cuisine of Bari and Puglia. The menu includes burrata, seafood, or traditional tiella made of rice, potatoes, and mussels. The advantage is the pleasant location among the stone streets of the old town.
12. Al Sorso Preferito / spaghetti all’assassina
The second gastronomic tip is for pasta lovers. Al Sorso Preferito is located in the Murat part of the city and is closely linked to the origin of the famous spaghetti all’assassina. These spicy pasta are prepared unusually directly in the pan, where part of the sauce and spaghetti are intentionally fried until crispy. This dish is one of the flavors that, in our opinion, you shouldn’t miss when visiting Bari.
How much time should you set aside for Bari?
One intensive day is enough for the most important sights, but if you want to add the beach, restaurants, and an evening walk along the Lungomare, I recommend at least two nights. Bari is most beautiful early in the morning when Bari Vecchia wakes up, and in the evening when life moves into the alleys, squares, and to the sea. The combination of a historic city, everyday local life, beaches, and distinct gastronomy makes Bari a destination worth getting to know on its own, not just as an airport and starting point for traveling around Puglia.
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