Bari is a white city that harbors, deep down, the red of passion! As ancient as the world, founded by fleeing Greeks over 2000 years ago, it became a leading city for trade for all the populations that settled in Puglia (Apulia) over the centuries. Today, perhaps, it is one of the least “touristy” cities in this lively region, but it has its own valid treasure of beauty that it offers freely to anyone who comes to explore it. Whether you want to visit its white churches, treasure chests of golden mosaics, or the grand palaces on the seafront, or the beaches or natural areas that surround it … Bari is ready to give you emotions.
Best period to visit Bari
Summer is of course the best season for tourism, but if you have the chance prefer booking your trip to Bari in late spring or in autumn. The so called “middle seasons” are the best to enjoy this shining white city, because the climate is warm and not hot, while some nice sea breeze will blow from the east. Walking through Bari’s monuments in May, June or September is the best choice.
Travel documents
Since Italy is a nation member of the Schengen Agreement Area, Bari – the capital of region Apulia – welcomes all tourists from the same area easily. The nations belonging to Schengen allow their own citizens to travel free from one country to the other, as if they were traveling their own homeland. In this case, ID paper is enough. If you belong to non-Schengen nations, though, you shall show your passport as soon as you arrive at the local airport.
What to pack for your trip to Bari
When packing for Bari, you will definitely pack light clothing, swimsuits, beach and diving equipment, but also comfortable shoes. Walking is the best way to discover and in Bari you walk a lot. Being an elegant and fashionable city, even some evening or concert dresses could be part of your luggage. Hats, sunscreen, cameras and chargers should not be missing. If you go to Bari in autumn, bring a windbreaker or some heavier sweaters, especially for the evening, if you will be in front of the sea.
How to get to Bari
Bari Airport (BRI) is located not far from the center and is very well connected to the entire territory. It serves domestic and international flights and thanks to bus, taxi and train connections it allows you to easily move towards the city and the booked destination.
Bari has a large station, Bari Centrale, which -like the airport- offers every kind of service to travelers. It mainly welcomes the railway lines that run on the Adriatic coast but is also well connected to Naples and Reggio Calabria.
By car, just take the A14 and A16 motorways. Those arriving from Sicily instead will follow the Calabrian roads (Autosole and SS534) to Sibari and then enter the state roads 106 and 100. Cruise ships will arrive at the port of Bari.
How to move through Bari
If you arrive in Bari you may decide which means of transportation best suits your needs. The city offers plenty of choices. You can move through Bari by public buses and taxis, or try a trip by train if your destination is out of the urban area. Most part of Bari Vecchia (old Bari) can be visited and explored on foot, but if you prefer to have a car at your disposal you will hire a shuttle or a chauffeur service, such as Transfeero’s. You also have the chance to rent a car, a motorbike or a bike.
What to see
The historic heart of Bari, known as Bari Vecchia (Old Bari), is a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys where the city’s past comes alive. The stunning Basilica di San Nicola, an important pilgrimage site, houses the relics of Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus) and exemplifies the Romanesque architecture that permeates the region. Close by, the Norman-Swabian Castle stands as a testament to Bari’s strategic significance through the ages.
Bari is a gem in Italy’s Puglia region, seamlessly harmonizing its rich past with a buzzing contemporary lifestyle, and inviting visitors to explore its many layers. You will enjoy places such as the Cathedral of Saint Sabino, a standing testament to Apulian Romanesque architecture, the old walls, the Lungomare promenade by the sea, a lively, picturesque pathway ideal for basking in the beauty of the sea. This white city captures the heart of those who stroll its quaint alleys and expansive seafront and certainly makes great memories!
Not far from Bari, you can also enjoy a visit to Alberobello – with its typical, ancient Trulli Houses – or get to the nearby region Basilicata and visit the “stone city” Matera. Other interesting towns you will love to see are Molfetta, Monopoli, Brindisi, Barletta, Trani and Potenza. You can easily get to Lecce, the capital of Baroque, and also get to Naples. From Bari it takes 3 hours by car, even less by train, to reach the famous big city of the Vesuvius.
What to do and NOT to do in Bari
Come enjoy the beautiful Bari by walking and strolling in discovery. Do not miss the chance to swim in its sea, go shopping along the Lungomare promenade and have the feeling of being lost in the lovely alleys of the old central quarters.
What you must NEVER do, when in Bari, is: walk alone at night, no matter how crowded is the street; take the wrong bus or a fake taxi and find yourself in districts such as Libertà, San Paolo or San Girolamo … not really the best places to be, as a tourist. Do not eat seafruits taken from “anyone” in the street: they may look fresh and good, but you better rely on real restaurants.