bari

This beautiful coastal city has small alleyways dotted with picturesque houses, where local fishermen set up tables, right on the shore, to sell fresh calamari and oysters. Bari, formerly of the Province of Bari, is the capital of the Puglia region, and a must-visit destination for any adventurous traveler. From the Old Town’s narrow streets and alleyways, where you can see local grandmothers making pasta, to the lovely seafront promenade, also known as Lungomare Nazario Sauro, there is no shortage of cool attractions and activities to keep you entertained in Bari. 

There is nothing wrong with exploring a city as one of the many tourists arriving daily at Bari Airport, but visiting the city as a worldwide local is a much better way to discover the best sites and to make the most out of your stay. To help you decide where to go while vacationing in Bari, our insider’s guide takes you on an unforgettable journey, allowing you to discover Bari through a local’s perspective. 

The Old Town is a great place to start your travel adventure in Bari. It is home to dozens of churches and alleyways with picturesque old houses. Visit the cathedral of San Nicola, explore the 12th century Castel Svevo, or unwind with a refreshing drink at one of the piazza’s bars. 

Worldwide Local Tip: The easiest way to explore the city is on foot. However, to reach other neighborhoods away from the city center, the public bus is the most convenient way to explore. Keep in mind that bus tickets need to be purchased in advance from newspaper stands or tobacco outlets. For travel advice, talk to the manager at any of the hotels in Bari--Italy is too beautiful not to explore.

Ideal for long walks, Lungomare Nazario Sauro is a 1km-long coastal promenade where many locals like to hang out. Along the promenade, you will find Pinacoteca Provinciale, a modern gallery with a nice collection of paintings by Tuscan artists from the 19th century. 

Shopaholics looking for some retail therapy can go for a walk through Via Sparano, a shopping area packed with designer boutiques and popular shopping brands. 

Only locals know the hidden gems of Bari, and the Russian church in the Carrassi District is one of them. Enjoy the nice garden with lemon trees around the church.

Worldwide Local Tip: Locals in Bari love to dance, but their type of dance is something you’ve probably never seen before. It is a traditional folk dance called Pizzica, and it comes from Salento.  

Visitors traveling with kids will be happy to hear that Bari has its own amusement park. There is a large selection of attractions in the park, as well as a couple of cute cafes offering a variety of local sweet treats. 

It would be a shame not to visit the beach while staying in Bari. A short 15-minute walk from the center, Pane e Pomodoro is a nice beach that offers ideal conditions for swimming and other water activities. 

Worldwide Local Tip: There are many amazing festivals in Bari. The Sagra delle Olive festival is dedicated to harvesting olive oil and offers various tastings and workshops. The Mediterranean Music Festival is held every  June, attracting musicians from all over the region. 

Every city in Italy, from Rome to Bari, is famous for its exquisite cuisine. Here, try the local orecchiette alle cime di rapa (pasta with a secret sauce,) or order some of the most popular baked goods, including sgagliozze, tarallini, and focaccia. In every Bari restaurant, you’ll find the signature dish of the region: burrata, a real delicacy, filled with cream and mozzarella curds. And every local will tell you not to leave before trying tiella, a delicious dish made of mussels, rice, and potatoes.

Worldwide Local Tip: Bari boasts a vibrant nightlife. From disco nightclubs such as Reset Club and Storie Del Vecchio Sud to Enoteca Vinomundis and Principe di Piemonte Bar. There are many cool places to go out in the evening and have a good time. 

Bari is a wonderful city, and a must-visit destination while exploring Puglia. There are many ways to see the city, but traveling as a worldwide enables you to discover the city’s top attractions and hidden gems.