What to see in Bari in 1 or 3 days on your own? Where to go in the vicinity of the Italian city and visit interesting places? We have selected the main attractions of Bari with photos and descriptions, which we advise you to see first. We found out ticket prices, opening hours, how to get there on our own by car, what excursions in Russian are better to choose for a complete immersion in history and architecture.
Founded by the Greeks and then under Roman rule from the 3rd century BC, the Italian city has a lot to offer. Bari in southeastern Italy has long played an important strategic role in the Adriatic Sea. Today it is the capital of the Italian region of Apulia, renowned for its historic hill towns, beautiful coastline and fine regional cuisine.
Public transport is available, from the airport to the center of Bari you can take the Amtab bus (line 16) or by train to the central train station. Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals area, otherwise a private transfer from Bari airport to the port or city center can be booked in advance using Shuttle Direct. We recommend that you first of all familiarize yourself with the useful information in order to know what to see in Bari in 1 day on your own, or find excursions around Bari in Russian for yourself.
The main attractions of Bari
On the peninsula, located between two modern harbors in the north of the city, is Old city (La Città Vecchia), which is a cluster of narrow streets on which most of Bari's main attractions are located, we set aside one day for this trip.
The Old Town is not just a tourist area, but rather a vibrant community where you can watch the locals go about their daily lives. Here you can enjoy typical local street food sold by local vendors as well as delicious snacks in traditional bakeries.
The best sights to visit in Bari:
- Basilica of San Nicola, founded in the 11th century to store the relics of St. Nicholas, is the main tourist attraction of the city. As a Roman Catholic and Orthodox Christian church, it is an important site for pilgrims, many of whom come from Eastern Europe. Address: Largo Abate Eliya 13. Official website: www.basilicasannicola.it
- Another main religious building in the heart of the old city - Catedral di San Sabinowhich was built in the 11th century before being destroyed by William Evil. The current structure was completed in 1292 in the classic Romanesque style. Address: Piazza dell'Odegitria 1.
- On the west side of the old town is Castello (Castle), originally a Byzantine-Romanesque building, reconstructed by Frederick II in 1233 in the Norman-Swabian style. The building now houses an interesting museum with copies of Apulian-Norman sculptures and temporary art exhibitions. Address: Piazza Federico Di Svesia 2.
- Port... The main activity of the busy port of Bari is the work with a large number of international ferry services that leave for Croatia, Montenegro, Greece and Albania. Cruise ship arrivals dock a short distance north of the historic city center where the modern cruise terminal was built.
- For shopping lovers, it will be a great experience a walk through elite boutiques on Via Sparano... Italian designer clothes are definitely what fashionistas can see in Bari.
- Elegant Piazza del Ferrarese at the entrance to the old town is a great place to have lunch. On the square is a section of the original Roman road - the Via Appia.
- Urban art Bari gallery Is the provincial Pinacoteca Corrado Giaquinto, located on the waterfront at Lungomare Nazario Sauro, 27. It displays paintings and sculptures from the 11th to the 19th century, including works by Luca Giordano and Giovanni Bellini. Address: Via Spalato 19, I-70100.
- About halfway through Piazza della Liberta is Municipal Theater and prefectural palace 19th century rococo style. Near the far end is the Venetian-Gothic Fizzarotti palace.
- On the pedestrianized Via Sparano, a fashionable shopping street, there is an Art Nouveau palace (known in Italy as the Liberty style), Minkuzzi palace and Church of San Ferdinando.
- On the outskirts of Borgo Vecchio there is a pleasant Piazza Mercantile, whose numerous cafes and restaurants are popular meeting places. Piazza Mercantil merges at one end with Piazza del Ferrarese, home to the triple apse of the Vallis Romanesque church, one of the oldest in the city.
- Grotte di Castellana (Caves of Castellana). This series of grottoes (40 kilometers southeast of Bari) are the largest in Italy. They are 3 kilometers long and 71 meters deep and include long underground passages and deep caves covered with hundreds of stalactites and stalagmites, formed over millennia as a result of water erosion of limestone rock.
- Ortho Botanico (Botanical Garden). The garden was founded in 1955 and contains a greenhouse and a herbarium with about 40,000 specimens.
- Funny water park for the whole family will delight you with an excellent and hospitable staff. There are three pools: one for younger children, one with a wave generator and a large pool with various types of slides. There are seating areas with chairs around. Just what to do in Bari with children. All information on the official website www.acquapark.net.
You should definitely find a cozy place to try the local food: rice, pate and goat (rice, potatoes and mussels). We think that when tourists get acquainted with the information received, it becomes clear that you can see many bright and memorable locations in Bari in Italy. You can spend 1-2 days of trips to all interesting places. Further, we advise you to go to the sights of the surrounding area.
What to see in the vicinity of Bari?
Known for its narrow streets, old town, historic sites and sophisticated architecture, Bari is a charming Italian city worth visiting. But there are wonderful places close to it, so we recommend that you see in advance where to go from Bari on excursions or on your own in a rented car. By the way, when visiting the capital of Puglia, it is a good idea to refresh your wardrobe with stylish Italian designer clothes, especially if there is a sale in one of the stores.
What to visit in Bari:
- 70 km southeast of the port is a charming city of Alberobello, which is famous for its dry stone structures with conical roofs, known as "trulli". These iconic buildings of the Puglia region date back to the 16th century and were commonly used as shelters or storage facilities. Nowadays, many of them have been converted into holiday homes that are popular with foreign visitors. Tripster offers several guided tours of this southern town, lasting from 1.5 to 4 hours. The tour price will be 82-150 € (group of 1-5 people).
- Another major excursion from Bari is the charming Trani beach resort, which is located 45 km. along the coast to the northwest. Its 13th century fortress is a reminder of the importance of this sleepy city in the Middle Ages, when it was a maritime trading port.
- You can also organize relaxation on the beaches in Torre Canne, which are located about an hour's drive south of the city.
- History lovers can visit ancient Materawhere they can wander the labyrinths of streets and see the cave houses.The history of the city is 7000 years old. This is one of the most ancient settlements on Earth. An excursion lasting 2 hours can be obtained for € 82. You will have to get there from Bari on your own.
- South of Bari, there is a small city of Leccewhich is also full of fine baroque architecture and is very beautiful.
- Adriatic coast in the south also beckons with its opportunity to enjoy aesthetics and get complete relaxation. During the excursion, tourists will be able to see the grottoes and caves, swim and create many vivid photographs. A three-hour excursion for 1-4 people will cost € 600.
- Ancient Enazia city, southeast of Bari, dates back to the 13th century BC. The walls built by the original settlers are still here, as are the remains of ancient Greek and late Roman civilizations. Parts of the Trajan road, an amphitheater, a forum and two Christian basilicas are from the Roman era. Address: Strada Provinziale Savelletri Capitolo.
Roman ruins in Canosa di Puglia and Venetian trading post Monopoli... Bari is a large coastal city with a thriving port, historical and modern center. It is the capital of the Puglia region in southern Italy, and tourists should stop by for at least 3 days.
Bari attractions map
How to inexpensively travel to Italy?
We recommend using the tried and tested advice that our readers use most often. In order to find great deals on accommodation, tickets and other items when planning your vacation:
- We advise you to economically insure your health and life while traveling through Tripinsurance, the service works only with trusted large insurance companies, which already inspires confidence. You just have to choose the most profitable option, but it's better not to save on health.
- Flights? We advise you to use Aviasales empirically.
- We advise you to install the RumGuru application on your smartphone, so you can choose any living space even upon arrival in the city, it is very convenient on a business trip or during an unplanned vacation in real time to find a free apartment, hotel or hostel.
- You may also find our selection of useful tourist apps useful.
