Visit Bari: Your Complete Guide to the City

Bari is the vibrant capital of Puglia and one of the region’s most captivating cities. Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, it offers visitors a mix of seaside charm, rich history, and warm southern hospitality. A favorite destination for religious pilgrims, cruise travelers, and curious tourists from all over the world, Bari will steal your heart with its sea breeze, timeless traditions, and delicious cuisine.

How to get to Bari

Bari is well-connected and easy to reach. If you're flying in, you can get to the city center by train, bus, or taxi. Once you're downtown, exploring on foot is a breeze—or hop on one of our guided bike or walking tours for an insider’s experience.

What to See in Bari

Bari Vecchia, The Historic Center

Step into the soul of Bari with a walk through its maze of narrow alleys, quaint churches, artisan boutiques, and buzzing cafés. The must-see here is the Basilica di San Nicola, a magnificent Romanesque church home to the relics of Saint Nicholas, beloved by both Catholics and Orthodox Christians. Just a short walk from the port and the train station, it’s a spiritual and architectural highlight. While you're there, don't miss Via delle Orecchiette, where local women make fresh pasta by hand right outside their homes—a true slice of authentic Bari.

The Seafront Promenade

Grab your sunglasses and smartphone for a walk along one of Italy’s most beautiful seaside promenades. Spanning over 15 kilometers, this stretch of coast is lined with elegant historic buildings on one side and sparkling sea views on the other. Pro tip: pick up a slice of warm focaccia and a cold beer to enjoy by the water—it’s the Bari way.

Murattiano District & Shopping Streets

Bari is not only beautiful but also stylish. In the upscale Murattiano district, just outside the old town, you’ll find top fashion brands, historic jewelry stores, artisanal leather goods, and perfumeries. This is the perfect place to indulge in a shopping spree or enjoy a coffee in one of the elegant cafés nearby. 

Norman-Swabian Castle

This 12th-century fortress stands tall near the port and the Cathedral. Today it hosts exhibitions and cultural events, but its ancient stone walls still whisper tales of medieval Bari. It’s one of the city’s most iconic monuments—well worth a visit.

Petruzzelli Theatre

The pride of Bari, Petruzzelli is Bari's firs Theatre and the fourth-largest theater in Italy. With a rich calendar of operas, concerts, and performances, it’s a cultural landmark. You can also book a daytime visit to admire its ornate interior and learn more about its storied past. 

What to Eat in Bari

One of the best ways to fall in love with Bari is through its food. Baresi cuisine is simple, bold, and full of heart—made with local ingredients and traditional know-how. Here’s what to taste during your stay:

Orecchiette with Cime di Rapa: The most iconic Puglian dish. Handmade pasta with a rough texture, perfect for holding a rich sauce of turnip greens, garlic, olive oil, and chili.

Focaccia Barese: Crispy outside, fluffy inside, and topped with cherry tomatoes, olives, and olive oil. Grab it warm from a bakery and enjoy it while strolling the promenade.

Sgagliozze and Popizze: Traditional street food classics. Sgagliozze are fried squares of polenta, while popizze are golden balls of fried dough. You'll find them in Bari Vecchia, often served straight from a local nonna's kitchen.

Riso, Patate e Cozze: A beloved local bake of rice, potatoes, and mussels. This earthy, flavorful dish brings sea and land together in perfect harmony.

Raw Seafood (Crudo di Mare)For adventurous foodies! Think sea urchins, oysters, raw shrimp, mussels, and thinly sliced cuttlefish—served simply with lemon and olive oil.

Eggplant Parmigiana: Layers of fried eggplant, tomato sauce, basil, and melted cheese. Rich, comforting, and delicious hot or cold.

Taralli: Crunchy, savory snacks perfect at any time of day. Great to take home as a souvenir from Puglia.

Traditional SweetsDon’t miss cartellate (fried pastries with cooked wine syrup) and sporcamuss (puff pastry filled with custard and dusted with powdered sugar).

Where to Eat in Bari

All of central Bari (and beyond) offers a rich, diverse, and high-quality food and wine scene. From street food to elegant restaurants, from focacceria bakeries to bars where you can order aperitivi, Bari lets you eat well just about anywhere. Our tip? Don’t miss the chance to try some of the local specialties like focaccia barese, taralli, rice-potato-and-mussels, parmigiana, and fresh raw seafood. 

La Uascezze – A cozy, rustic spot in Bari Vecchia. Perfect for sampling local dishes like fava beans and chicory, eggplant parmigiana, and traditional bread balls. The house wine and welcoming atmosphere make it feel like dining with family.

Le Sgagliozze di Nonna Carmela – More than a place to eat, it’s a local legend. Nonna Carmela fries sgagliozze and hand-rolls orecchiette right on the street outside her home. Barese street food at its most authentic.

L’Assassineria Urbana – If you’ve never tried pasta all’assassina (Assassins Pasta), this is your moment. Known for its slightly burnt tomato sauce and fiery kick, this pasta is served in traditional and creative versions—from classic to burrata or seafood-infused.

Ai 2 Ghiottoni – A refined, historic restaurant perfect for a romantic dinner near the Petruzzelli Theatre. Be sure to try the raw seafood platter, seafood risotto, and baked sea bass.

La Tana del Polpo – A lively, laid-back spot loved by locals. Fresh fish is the star here—try the grilled octopus, mussels in pepper, and seafood salad.

Antico Panificio Fiore – One of Bari’s oldest bakeries, renowned for its hot, crispy focaccia just dripping in flavor. Expect a line, but it’s worth the wait.

Piccolo Bar – As the name suggests, it’s a tiny bar—but it’s become a go-to social hub for Baresi. Come for cheap drinks, stay for the vibes. It’s the perfect place to start your evening with local chatter and casual energy.