Discover Bari
If you want to experience the vibrant atmosphere of southern Italian life up close, Bari is the place for you. The capital of the Apulia region exudes its very own, unmistakable charm.
The old town is a labyrinth of winding alleyways, picturesque squares and magnificent Romanesque churches. Particular highlights are the Basilica di San Nicola with its magnificent arches and columns and the Norman castle Castello Svevo, which offers a magnificent panoramic view over the Adriatic. 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&B accommodations or small vacation apartments where you can stay in “typical” Italian style.
The town is located directly by the sea and is the perfect starting point for wonderful excursions in the region. The long waterfront promenade is also beautiful and invites you to take a stroll, especially in the evening. But Bari has much more to offer than just architectural treasures.
The city is known for its excellent cuisine. Here, everything revolves around fresh seafood, crunchy vegetables and hearty bread. The “Pescherie”, the covered fish markets where the freshest catches are on sale, are well worth a visit. Those who prefer a more relaxed dining experience can settle down in one of the cozy fish restaurants at the harbour.
Culinary highlights include the two delicacies of the region: burrata, a particularly creamy mozzarella, and the crunchy olives, which are available in a wide variety. Another trademark is the famous pasta from Bari. The small, ear-shaped orecchiette are one of the city’s most popular types of pasta. They are traditionally shaped by hand and go perfectly with strong sauces made from tomatoes and ricotta. A gourmet paradise for all connoisseurs!
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.
Book accommodation in Bari
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 Bari
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
Best time to visit Bari
The best time to visit Bari is from April to October, when temperatures range from warm to hot and it is relatively dry. Summer is very hot, while spring and fall offer more pleasant temperatures.
Spring (April – May)
- Average temperatures: 16-22°C
- Rainy days: 5-7 per month
- Pleasant temperatures, little rain
Summer (June – August)
- Average temperatures: 24-29°C
- Rainy days: 2-3 per month
- Highest temperatures in July with highs of up to 44°C
- Many hours of sunshine (up to 12.97 hours per day in June)
Fall (September – October)
- Average temperatures: 22-26°C
- Rainy days: 5-6 per month
- October is the rainiest month with 6 rainy days
Winter (November – March)
- Average temperatures: 9-15°C
- Rainy days: 6-10 per month
- Coldest month is February with lows down to -5°C
- Less sunshine
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.
Shopping
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.