Discover the charming Bari, the vibrant capital of Italy’s Puglia region, where true Italian life welcomes you. From picturesque streets to delicious food and sunshine all year round – Bari is the ultimate vacation paradise.
Explore the city in a unique and fun way with our bike tours! Not only will you enjoy the southern sun and the beautiful Bari attractions, but you’ll also get an authentic feel for life in this city.
Forget the question “what to do in Bari”. We have compiled an exciting list of the best attractions for you. These must-see highlights will make your city trip to Bari absolutely unforgettable. So hop on that bike and let Bari’s vibrant culture enchant you!
Which Bari attractions should you not miss?
- The old town
- The Basilica of Saint Nicholas and the San Sabino Cathedral
- Pescherie
- Museo Nicolaiano
- Fortino di Sant’Antonio
- The Normanno-Svevo Castle
- Petruzzelli Theatre
- The Costa dei Trulli
- Porto Vecchia
- Via delle Orecchiette
- Cycling in Bari
The old town of Bari
The oldest part of Bari is the district Bari Vecchia, also known as San Nicola, located on the peninsula just above the heel of Italy. Here, you will find authentic streets where you can leisurely stroll through, with a typical Italian square here and there. In the historic center of Bari, there are plenty of attractions to visit. The Basilica of Saint Nicholas and the San Sabino Cathedral are architectural masterpieces here.
The Basilica of Saint Nicholas & San Sabino Cathedral
The Basilica of Saint Nicholas, or in Italian the Basilica di San Nicola, is a white basilica built in Romanesque style. Whether Saint Nicholas really comes from Spain is still a question, as the remains of St. Nicholas of Myra are here. For the Dutch, this man is better known as the good saint Sinterklaas. After his death, he was brought from Turkey to Bari. This saint is also immortalized in bronze on the square. Inside, it is a rather austere basilica in terms of decoration and (lack of) frills. It is precisely this simplicity that exudes tranquility.
The San Sabino Cathedral, or Duomo di Bari, resembles the Basilica of Saint Nicholas a bit, as it is built in the same style. However, the cathedral does have something extra, namely a beautiful rose window. Certainly a Bari attraction worth visiting!
The Basilica of Saint Nicholas & San Sabino Cathedral
Pescherie
Additionally, in the old town, which lies between the old and new harbor, there is, of course, an abundance of fresh fish available. At the so-called Pescherie, you can buy your fresh fish or choose to taste it at one of the many restaurants. What you also often encounter there is shell pasta. In Italian, this is called “little ears,” with the name Orecchiette.
While making pasta with a local resident of Bari, I felt truly connected to the city and its culture. Tip: try the sea urchin at the Pescherie, a true delicacy.
During one of my walks through the narrow streets, where laundry hung between the old buildings, I came across an elderly woman sitting in front of her house. In front of her on a wooden table, she was making fresh orecchiette, the typical ‘ear-shaped pasta’ from Puglia. It was a fascinating spectacle. With ease and speed, she transformed a piece of dough into a small, perfectly shaped orecchiette.
She explained the technique to me and encouraged me to try it myself. It was harder than it looked, but after a few attempts, I finally made a respectable-looking orecchiette. She laughed and gave me an approving nod :)
Museo Nicolaiano
This museum houses a collection of artistic works all related to the ancient history of the Basilica of San Nicola. In total, you’ll find three exhibition rooms in the museum, named the Angelo Docente Room, the Ruggero II Room, and the Diavolo Wooden Room. There’s also a room where various temporary exhibitions are held. If you’re keen to learn more about these intriguing works and their history from Bari, this is definitely a must-visit!
Fortino di Sant’Antonio
In 1440, this fort was built for defensive purposes on the remains of a tower from 1359. The fort was established by Giovanni Antonio del Balzo Orsini, the Prince of Taranto. Over time, the fort has been destroyed and neglected multiple times. Today, it is owned by the municipality and has been fully restored. The spaces are currently used for cultural events. It’s a beautiful attraction that is certainly worth visiting when you’re in Bari.
The Normanno-Svevo Castle
The Castello Normanno-Svevo, also known as the Swabian Castle, is located on the edge of the old part of the Apulian capital. The fort has a rich history and has even been used as a prison. Originally built by order of King Roger II, it was destroyed in 1156 by the King of Sicily, William I, and rebuilt in 1233 by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II.
Want to know more about what happened here? Then book your spot for the Bari Highlights Bike Tour.
Discover the best attractions of Bari and cycle through the city with a local. As a local, the guide knows everything about their city and will even share the secret tips that the average tourist doesn’t know. Choose a complete activity on the bike, so you know exactly what else you can do in Bari during the rest of your stay!
Petruzzelli Theater
In terms of size, the Teatro Petruzzelli is the fourth largest theater in Italy. The opera house boasts a stunning interior, and it’s definitely worth attending a performance. It’s also possible to take a tour, but to truly soak up the atmosphere, it’s much more enjoyable to join the locals and enjoy a good show.
A nice bonus is that the tickets are affordable. Even from the outside, the red building, which was recently restored, is a beautiful piece of architecture that fits perfectly in the streets of Bari.
The Costa dei Trulli
Bari is located on the Adriatic Sea where you can enjoy a delightful climate. Especially in the summer, it’s nice to cool off by the water. The Costa dei Trulli offers various spots where you can relax and take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear blue water.
The real hotspot of Bari is Ponte di Lama Monachile (Polignano a Mare). This is the most photogenic spot in the city.
Lama Monachile Beach is nestled between rocks, and the blue water pops in your photos. The rock with white houses contrasts beautifully here. Keep in mind that the beach is not large and often overcrowded, especially in the summer, but it’s definitely worth a visit. A stunning Bari attraction indeed!
Porto Vecchia
In Porto Vecchia, or the old port of Bari, local fishermen set out to sea in their blue boats to catch fish. You can see these boats in various places in Puglia. Walking through the port is enjoyable in itself. You hear and see the local fishermen at work, providing an authentic Italian experience.
Via delle Orecchiette
In the historic center of Bari, specifically in Arco Basso, you can see women hand-rolling pasta on the street (Via delle Orecchiette) from 8 AM. Restaurants here prepare meals in the same way as they did hundreds of years ago. It’s fun to walk by, and you might even learn something!
Tip: Want to know more and enjoy Italian cuisine? You can also take a cooking class in Bari!
Cycling in Bari
Do you want to discover the city in an informative and active way? During the Bari Highlights Bike Tour, you can cycle past all the city’s highlights in just a few hours. You’ll pass by the basilica, the cathedral, and many other beautiful spots. Prefer to explore the city on your own? You can also rent bikes in Bari yourself.
Now you know what there is to see in this delightful coastal city. Thanks to these Bari attractions, your holiday to Italy is bound to be a success, and you’ll know exactly what to do in Bari!
Map overview of all Bari attractions
With this handy map of Bari, you can see at a glance where all the must-do activities are located. By clicking on the map, you can go directly to Google Maps and find all the details you need.