If you are looking to go off the beaten path in Italy, Bari, a seaside city located on the Adriatic Coast of Southern Italy, offers a ton of cool things to do as well as great opportunities for day trips to explore the surrounding beautiful Puglia area.
From the beautiful incredible stone city of Matera and the bewildering trullis of Alberobello to the crisscrossing streets of its Old Town, without further do, here are the 10 best things to do in Bari for solo travelers. Let's get started with Bari Itinerary Map!
- Bari Itinerary Map
- Where to Stay in Bari?
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10 Best Things to Do in Bari
- Stroll Along Lungomare Araldo di Crollalanza
- Walk the Walls of Il Fortino di Sant'Antonio
- Admire the Beauty of Basilica San Nicola
- Check out Basilica Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale San Sabino
- Stroll Around Castello Svevo
- Get Lost in the Streets of Bari's Old Town
- Stroll Along Via Sparano da Bari Shopping Street
- Visit Palazzo Mincuzzi
- A Day Trip to Matera
- A Day Trip to Alberobello
- More Bari Activities
- What to Eat and Drink in Bari?
- Further Reading for Southern Italy
Bari Itinerary Map
10 Best Things to Do in Bari
1. Stroll Along Lungomare Araldo di Crollalanza
Bari is a city known for its rich cultural heritage that dated all the way back to the 9th Century BC, some of the best and most affordable cuisine in the country, and a picturesque coastline, and there is no better place to start exploring than at Lungomare Araldo di Crollalanza.
Lungomare Araldo di Crollalanza is a seaside promenade that runs along the Adriatic coast, offering panoramic views of the sea as well as the city's coastline. The perfect place for a morning/evening stroll.
The area is lined with palm trees, benches, and cozy cafes you can indulge yourself in, which makes for a great place to relax and enjoy that fresh cool breeze of the Adriatic Sea.
- CconfortHotels Host Bari Centrale (Budget)
- Hotel Imago (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- Palazzo Calò (High-End)
- From Bari: Puglia and Matera Sightseeing Tour (1 day)
- Bari: Pasta Experience Walking Tour (2.5 hours)
- Polignano a Mare: Boat Cave Tour with Aperitif (1.5 hours)
Be sure to stroll around here for a bit and continue and make your way up north and check out Teatro Margherita, a beautiful art nouveau building that was once used as a cinema and a theater before it was converted to an exhibition space for a contemporary art exhibition.
Where to Stay in Bari?
2. Walk the Walls of Il Fortino di Sant'Antonio
As you explore the coastline of Bari, you will stumble upon Il Fortino di Sant'Antonio, a formidable historic fortification that was built way back in the 16th Century as a defensive structure to protect the city from invasions and attacks from the sea.
Today, the fortress offers incredible panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area as you walk along the elevated walking path atop its incredibly well-preserved stone walls.
You can explore the fort's ramparts and learn about its history and significance as well as check out the chapel located within the walls. The views of Bari's Old Town from atop the walls are extra beautiful at night so don't forget to check it out while in Bari.
3. Admire the Beauty of Basilica San Nicola
One of the most sacred cathedrals in Bari and one that attracts Eastern Europe Roman Catholic pilgrims since it was built in the 11th Century is Basilica San Nicola, a place you shouldn't miss in Bari.
Other than being one of the most significant religious sites in the city, the basilica is also considered to be one of the greatest examples of Romanesque architecture in the region with its sturdy stone exterior and minimally decorated interior.
Entering the basilica, you will find that the interior is nothing like the other churches you've seen in Italy. It is not lavishly decorated nor does it feature grand artworks or frescoes. It is simply a stone church with bare stone columns, and a few frescoes on the ceiling, and that is it.
Its minimal decoration of Basilica San Nicola is a much-welcomed change from all the over-the-top decorations you see in basilicas in Rome and elsewhere. This place is exactly what I would imagine a church would look like in medieval times.
The church is open from 7:15 AM to 8:30 PM every day except Sunday when it is open from 7:15 AM to 10:30 PM. The admission fee for the place is free!
Tours & Tickets You Might Like
Looking to save some costs on your travel? Why not join a shared group tour from Bari? Here are some activities you might be interested in:
4. Check out Basilica Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale San Sabino
Basilica Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale San Sabino is another cathedral you should check out while you explore Bari's Old Town. It stands right at the center of the Old Town's Square that connects directly to the new town area, so it would be impossible for you to miss it.
The cathedral was built in the 13th Century and is considered to be a masterpiece of Apulian Romanesque architecture and is renowned for its beautiful facade, old-style stone interiors, and well-preserved wooden ceilings.
While you are inside, you will find yourself in a massive hallway, lined with columns and arches that lead to a beautiful altar. Behind you, hovering above, you will find the cathedral's iconic feature, the stunning stained-glass windows and the well-preserved wooden ceiling which is something you don't see much in cathedrals nowadays.
If you are interested in the religious history, architecture, or cultural heritage of Bari and wondering what the heart of Bari's Old Town that holds the community together for centuries is like, this is the place to be. The cathedral is open from 7:30 AM to 12 PM and again from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM every day and the entrance fee is free.
5. Stroll Around Castello Svevo
Castello Svevo or as it is also called Swabian Castle, is a historic castle located just outside of Bari's Old Town, a place you should definitely drop by as you explore Bari.
The castle was built in the 12th Century by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II and served as a military fortification, a royal palace, and a prison for the ruler of the city over the centuries.
At Castello Svevo, you can admire the well-preserved stone walls and its watchtowers as you walk around the castle to see just how massive it truly is. I wouldn't recommend you get in as the entrance fee is 9 EUR but there isn't a whole lot going on inside to justify the price.
What I recommend you do is find a nice restaurant nearby, sit with a glass of wine, and enjoy the view of the castle at sunset. But if you insist on going in, the castle is open from 9 AM to 6 PM every day except Sunday.
6. Get Lost in the Streets of Bari's Old Town
Before leaving the Old Town, be sure to spend some time and get lost in the crisscrossing streets of the Old Town, one of the most charming features of Bari and one of my favorite things to do here.
Along the cobblestone streets of Bari's Old Town, you will find a well-lived-in town with traditional houses and actual people living in the area, unlike old towns in other touristy cities. It is what makes exploring the old town so much more fun than other places.
From a small street food stall selling panzerotti for 1.5 EUR to old people playing chess on the streets with one another, you will find all kinds of hidden gems in between the maze of crisscrossing streets of Bari, so be sure to spend some time and explore the Old Town thoroughly. You can also go on a biking tour around Bari if you want to learn more about the city with a local guide.
7. Stroll Along Via Sparano da Bari Shopping Street
Via Sparano da Bari is the main shopping street of Bari that connects Bari's new town to Bari's old town along its more-than-half-a-kilometer-long strip and it offers a unique blend of historic architecture, local shops, and lively atmosphere.
It is the main artery of the city and is where you will find the locals hanging out the most. Basically, Via Sparano is the living room of Bari and there is no better place to be if you want to go people-watching than here.
At Via Sparano, you will also be able to witness a glimpse into the daily lives of the local residents here. If you are looking for a place to hang out at night, the street offers a wide range of restaurants and bars with a lively atmosphere you can indulge yourself in.
8. Visit Palazzo Mincuzzi
While you are exploring Via Sparano, do not forget to check out Palazzo Mincuzzi, Palazzo Mincuzzi, a historical building located right in the middle of the shopping street, known for its incredible art nouveau architectural style.
The facade of the building is decorated beautifully with elaborate design frescoes and extremely detailed sculptures that were believed to have been built around the 19th Century.
The building now houses the Benetton shop on the ground floor. You can get in and check out the interior but the highlight is definitely its amazing facade that stood out from the rest of the old buildings of Bari. Highly recommend you check out the building at night when the lights are turned on.
9. A Day Trip to Matera
One of the best day trips you can make from Bari is to visit Matera, a city known for its unique cave dwellings, beautiful stone cityscape, and the place where they shot many scenes of the last James Bond movie with Daniel Craig, 007: No Time to Die.
Its unique cave dwellings, also known as the "sassi", were inhabited by the local population for the longest time until the mid-20th century when people were relocated into more modern homes due to intractable poverty, poor sanitation, meager working conditions, and rampant disease.
Today, the place has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the site has been converted into a tourist attraction filled with cafes, hotels, and restaurants we all can enjoy.
Despite the drastic transition, the stone cityscape remains well-preserved and it still retains its unique identity making it one of the best places to visit in Italy.
You can spend the day exploring the stone city's narrow streets and check out all the attractions in the Lower Town like Chiesa di Santa Lucia alle Malve, a beautiful church carved from the small mountain, Casa Grotta nei Sassi di Matera, a small museum that recreated what life was like living in the cave back in the days, and Church of Saint Mary of Idris, another Catholic church built into a rocky hilltop.
In the Upper Town, you can check out Belvedere Piazzetta Pascoli, the best viewpoint over the Lower Town, Basilica Cattedrale di Matera, a monumental 12th Century cathedral that dominates Matera's skyline, and Palombaro lungo, a preserved cistern carved from the rock beneath the main plaza of Matera.
Definitely one of the best things to do in Bari. To get from Bari to Matera, all you have to do is catch a bus from Bari Bus Stop in front of DEA Cafe which will take you to Matera in about 1 hour and cost around 10 EUR. You should be able to catch the 7:30 AM bus from there. You can book the bus from here.
10. A Day Trip to Alberobello
Another great day trip you can make from Bari is to visit Alberobello, another beautiful city known for its unique trulli, a small, conical-roofed home made of stone. The trulli were originally used as temporary shelters for farmers but now it has become the identity of Alberobello and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Puglia.
In the old town, you can stroll along and check out all these coned-shaped trullis, lined up along the narrow streets, admire the wonderful intricate stonework, as well as visit the many shops selling local crafts and products here.
While you are in Alberobello, be sure to check out the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua, a historic church featuring the same trulli architecture that made Alberobello famous, Trullo Sovrano, a unique 18th-century conical hut housing a heritage museum, and Territory Museum "House Pezzolla", a great museum to learn more about the history.
This place is definitely more popular than Matera and gets a ton more tourists and so if you want to have the place to yourself, I highly recommend you visit Alberobello in the morning, as early as you can.
To get from Bari to Alberobello, there are a handful of direct buses from 8 AM to 7:30 PM every day running between the 2 cities. The bus leaves from Bari Bus Stop at Largo Sorrentino just across from Bari Train Station and it should take about 1 hour and costs around 6 EUR. You can book the bus ticket from here.
Once you arrive at Alberobello Train Station, you will then have to walk about 15 minutes to reach the old town area and you will be right in the middle of all the actions.
What to Eat and Drink in Bari?
1. Try the Street Food at L'arte della focaccia 2
One of the best things to do in Bari is to check out its street food scene and one of the best places to do that is L'arte della focaccia 2, a small street stall known for its delicious street food at an affordable price. Like really REALLY affordable!
The place serves 1.2 EUR Mozzarella e Pomodoro pizza, one of the tastiest, aromatic Mozzarella pizzas I have ever tried, and 1.5 EUR panzerotti, a savory turnover that looks like a small calzone, a delicious, and must-try snack while you are here.
I ordered both and they were delicious! The place gets pretty packed throughout the night so be sure to be there early and grab one before the crowds gather.
The street food stall is open from 7 PM to 1 AM except for Mondays. If you want to explore the street food scene even more, check out Bari Street Food Walking Tour
2. Grab the Original Fried Corn Porridge at Maria delle Sgagliozze
Another street food you should try is the famous fried corn porridge from Maria delle Sgagliozze, a popular traditional-style street food that has been selling from this very stall for many years.
You can get 10 pieces of these fried corn porridges for around 2.5 EUR only. They are delicious but can get rather dull after you ate some so be sure to bring someone to share you with.
The stall is open from 5 PM to 9 PM every day. The line can be extremely long and you will likely find other stalls selling copycats but if you have the chance, you gotta try the original one. If you want, you can also go on a street food walking tour since Bari is best known for its variety of street foods.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Southern Italy
I hope you found this Italy travel guide useful. If you want to read more about Italy, here is a selection of articles you might like:
- First time visiting Italy? Here are the 15 Best Places to Visit in Italy.
- Want to see the highlights of Italy in 2 weeks? Be sure to check out our 2-Week Backpacking Italy Itinerary.
- Want to travel around Italy for one month from the Dolomites in the north to Sicily in the south? You are going to love this backpacking itinerary packed with information: One Month Backpacking Italy Itinerary
- Known for its unique cave dwellings and rock-cut architecture, Matera is one of the upcoming places for travelers to visit in Southern Italy. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Matera.
- Alberobello is a small town located in Southern Italy, famous for its unique Trulli, small, conical-roofed stone houses that are unlike anything you've seen before. To travel here, be sure to check out this travel guide: 10 Best Things to Do in Alberobello.
- For a complete 7-day backpacking itinerary in Central Italy that will take you from Rome to Pompeii to the Amalfi Coast, be sure to check out: 7 Days Backpacking Italy Itinerary.
- Rome needs no introduction from me. From well-trodden attractions like the Colosseum to hidden gem spots like the Appian Way, here are the 20 Best Things to Do in Rome you shouldn't miss!
- Wondering what you can do in Rome in 3 days? Check out our 3-day Backpacking Rome Itinerary.
- Looking for a complete itinerary for Northern Italy? Check out: 2 Weeks Backpacking Northern Italy Itinerary.
- Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
- To see all the articles about Italy, visit the Italy Travel Guide page.
- Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
- Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
- Or if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Southern Europe Travel Guide, Western Europe Travel Guide, or Central Europe Travel Guide pages.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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