Bari is the capital of the Italian region of Puglia. The city is located directly on the sea and is an ideal starting point for wonderful excursions in the region.
The main attraction is Bari’s old town, which lies on a peninsula. Here you can wander for hours through the narrow and winding streets and will always discover something new. In the old town you will also find numerous B&Bs or small holiday flats where you can stay in “typical” Italian style.
The long waterfront promenade is also beautiful and invites you to take a stroll, especially in the evening hours.
Sights in Bari
Bari is by the sea, so a walk by the sea along Bari's seafront promenade is simply part of a stay in the city.
In the north of the city, on a peninsula, lies the old town of Bari. A stroll through the alleys is a must when visiting the city.
Bari's cathedral bears the beautiful name Cattedrale di San Sabino (Cathedral of San Sabino) and is located in the old town. The impressive church is dedicated to Saint Sabinus, who was once bishop of Canosa.
Large and massive, the landmark of the city of Bari, the Castello Normanno-Svevo di Bari, stands on the edge of the old town. You should definitely plan a visit to the Bari fortress during your visit to the city.
Bari has an impressive cemetery in the middle of the city, which is well worth a visit during your stay in the city. Bari's monumental cemetery is almost like a city within a city.
Food & Drink
Eating and drinking keeps body and soul together and gives enough energy for great city explorations in and around Bari.
Tips for excursions in the surrounding region
The small town of Polignano a Mare is located on the Adriatic coast of Apulia. It is not yet overrun with tourists, but it is one of the more popular seaside resorts in Apulia.
A look at the map of Italy showed us a small town very close to Bari, which we really wanted to visit just because of its name. Monopoli! Would there also be a castle avenue here, as in the board game?
To the west of Bari, about 11 kilometres away, is Bitonto. From Bari you can take the train to the town and enjoy the flair and sights in Bitonto.
Travel information about Bari
Arrival
By plane
The city’s international airport is located about 8 kilometres from the city centre. There are many direct flights from Germany.
There are several ways to get to Bari from the airport. The taxi ride is certainly the most expensive option, but it also takes you directly to your accommodation. The cheapest option is the number 16 bus, which takes about 45 minutes to the city’s main railway station. The specially arranged shuttle bus is a little more expensive, but only takes 20 minutes.
We chose the train option. The Ferrotranviaria del Nord Barenese not only connects the airport with Bari, but also goes to other places in the region. The train runs several times an hour and it takes 15 minutes to get to Bari’s main station.
By train
Bari is on the “Adriatica” railway line. This runs from Rimini along the east coast and ends in Lecce.
By car
The A 14 motorway runs in the immediate vicinity of the city.
By boat
Bari has a large ferry port. From there, ships sail to Croatia, Albania, Montenegro and Greece. In addition to the ferry connections, cruise ships also call at the city.
On the way in …
By car
Road traffic in Bari is typically Italian chaotic. The old town area is completely closed to car traffic.
By bus
There are several bus lines within the city centre and to the suburbs.
On foot
The city centre and the old town can be explored very well on foot. The old town is almost completely closed to cars.
Parking
Parking in the vicinity of the old town is subject to a charge, and parking spaces are rare. Outside the centre there are P&R car parks where you can park cheaply for €1 per day. One person can then use the shuttle bus into town for free. Each additional person pays about €0.30 per trip. Shuttle buses run from Monday to Saturday from 5.30 to 23.00.
P&R car parks:
Lungomare Vittorio Veneto (Navetta A) – Corso Vittorio Veneto, 26
Corso Trieste Pane e Pomodoro (Navetta B) – Corso Trieste, 41
Largo 2 Giugno (Navetta C) – Park und Einkaufszentrum
Language
You should understand at least some Italian in Bari. Especially if you are off the beaten track, you will hardly get anywhere with English or German. It is sometimes possible to communicate in English in the tourist attractions.
Siesta
Siesta is part of daily life in Bari. Almost all shops close at midday and the streets empty out. Cafés, restaurants and snack bars are open. Then, from 3/16 p.m., life in the city begins to revive. Then most restaurants close again and do not reopen until 7 pm.