There are wonderful people to meet in Bari
Bari was settled more then two thousand years ago – part of Magna Graecia, and an independent emirate at one time. As a major port, the city has had many cultural influences- and the immigrants over the centuries have added to the vibrancy of the city.
Bari Vecchia, the old town is a walled labyrinth of medieval lanes designed to confuse invaders- but today it adds to the magic! Cozy cafes, beautiful churches, archways and cobblestone streets – it offers countless events, shows, performances, exhibits, music,
It has an energized, authentic feel. Life is lived on the streets here. Doors are open, kids play on the street, friends are meeting and talking about futbol. You can hear families cooking, talking and laughing.
Bari is a connected city- a major transport hub in southern Italy with an international airport, major train station, and ferry port. Low cost airlines like RyanAir, and ITA fly from Rome to Bari. You can often save money by flying a low-cost flight to Rome, and switching.
25 Amazing things to do in Bari
The Bari Bucket list
1. Take a tour of Bari Vecchia
We started with a walking tour of the city from Velo. They offer different types of tours, and many ways to get around- including bike, rickshaw, e-scooter, segway. Our guide Simona, spoke about the changes in Bari since he 90’s. The city has cleaned up, and is able to showcase its ancient charm and romance -becoming a hot tourist destination.
2. Visit Basilica of St. Nicholas
The church where the body of Saint Nicholas (yes… Santa!) is buried attracts thousands of people from all over the world, especially from Greek Orthodox countries.
Who was St. Nicholas?
Saint Nicholas was an early Christian Bishop of the ancient Greek city of Myra (modern-day Turkey). During his life he gained the reputation for his acts of charity andprotecting the vulnerable. His reputation grew as a great miracle worker. Nicholas had the heart of a servant as he gave coins to girls without a dowry, and gold to those in poverty.
On December 6th (the Feast of St. Nicholas), in many countries today, children wake up to find coins (a remembrance of the coins he gave to girls), and oranges (representing the gold he gave to the poor) in their shoes. The tradition of these legends of generosity led to the Santa Claus celebrated on Christmas day today.
What is the connection of St. Nicholas and Bari Italy?
It is said that he never traveled outside of the Middle East, and never to Italy. After Nicholas’ death, sometime between 333 and 343, his Demre, Myra(Turkey) tomb became an international destination for Christian pilgrims.
How & Why did St. Nicholas’ remains end up in Bari, Italy?
The town of Bari was struggling- it needed a miracle. Italian merchants sent an expedition of three ships in 1087. In fact, Venetian soldiers had also set sail to steel the relics- but by the time the Venetians arrived, the Bari sailors had already stolen the the major bones-* The gig was up.
The 62 sailors from Bari, Italy, came ashore, broke into the tomb and hastily removed the major bones. They took them on board their ship and delivered them to Bari on May 9. These early tomb raiders were considered heroes and received concessions from the church.
- A chair in the Basilica for the sailor and his wife;
- A grave around the outside wall of the Basilica;
- A percentage from the income of the church at the Feast of the Translation;
- Help from the Basilica if the sailor fell into extreme poverty;
- Possible entrance into clerical life without payment;
- If accepted into clerical life, the St Nicholas clergy should give him a “benefice” (a guaranteed payment in exchange for fixed prayers).
Many of the epitaphs memorializing the sailor’s graves can still be seen on the churches outside walls.
*10 years later the Venetians broke in to the original tomb in Myra and stole the remaining bones of St. Nicholas
Did Bari get a St. Nicholas miracle?
Yes they did. Two years after the arrival of the relics, Pope Urban officially inaugurated the Basilica di San Nicola, and the town of Bari started welcoming throngs of religious pilgrims, raising the stature and the revenue of the city.
In 2017, Bari loaned some St. Nicholas relics to Russia. More than a million people waited in line to see the relics in Moscow, with lines stretching up to five miles .
More of the 25 Things to do in Bari
3. Tour San Sabino Church
This is the city’s cathedral built in the 13th century. During the Equinox, you can see the sunlight entering through the main rose glass window and lighting up a mosaic on the floor, which has a mirror image of the window.
4. See Castello Svevo di Bari
Puglia has an extraordinary number of castles. Castello Svevo di Bari was originally built by Norman King Roger II in 1132 and destroyed a few decades later before being rebuilt by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II in 1233. It’s surrounded by a moat except on the side that borders the sea. There’s a small museum inside with changing exhibitions.
5. Enjoy Wonderful Musicians around every corner
6. Go see the Pasta Nonnas- making Orecchiette in the streets
Stallone daughters helped bring this area to fame with their Dolce and Gabana ad in 2017- followed by a NY Times article in 2019- Now these Pasta Nonnas, who make hand-made pasta outside their apartments in Bari, are being sent around the world. Go to Strada Arco Basso aka ‘Strada della Orecchiette’
7. Enjoy a Puppet Show in Bari
Street performances in Bari are something to enjoy. The piazzas and main streets in Bari Vecchia and the shopping district are pedestrian friendly and full of entertaining surprises. This puppeteer gave a great show with his marionettes.
8. Try the Focaccia Panificio Santa Rita
Remember the ‘Soup Nazi’ from Seinfeld- Well don’t screw up when you are waiting in line..and like the sign says- ‘Dont ask anything to Rino’! Known for the best Focaccia in Bari, this place draws crowds. Open 8:50am- 2:15pm, and 6:15pm -9:15am. Go when it first opens and get those amazing smells of bread fresh out of the oven!
Str. dei Dottula, 8 , 70122, Bari, Italy
9. Pamper yourself at a Spa
Enjoy some self-care, especially if you want to wind down after some long travel. Emerge from your Spa experience refreshed and ready for the next Bari adventure.
10. Enjoy the Beach
With its soft sands and crystalline waters, the Bari Public Beach is a great spot to frolic in the Adriatic Sea. Pack a picnic and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
12. Charter a fishing experience- Catch some octopus
Embark on an authentic Apulian gozzo, characterized by the typical blue and red colors of Bari’s seafaring industry. The fishing experience covers all levels, giving the opportunity to learn the technique of bolentino fishing or “polparola” fishing for octopus
13. Try Killer Pasta
Try a pasta dish that is boiled in a spicy red sauce, and then fried or ‘burnt’ and then served with the spicy sauce- delicious and memorable. While the pasta did have some heat- it was not over the top, interesting texture and a pleasure to eat. You will find this dish at several restaurants in Bari but we enjoyed Pasta Assassina at the Matiti Pasta Bistrot- Yum!
14. Visit the Column of Justice in Piazza Mercantile
If you didn’t pay your taxes in the day- they would tie you up to this pole for up to 3 days- Naked or semi-naked. You can still see the marks from the ropes on the stone. This town humiliation would encourage timely payment by the rest of the citizens. Petting the lion, however, is supposed to bring you good fortune.
15. Shop on Via Sparano (Shopping heaven)
While we love Bari Vecchia (Old town), try shopping in Via Sparano – the main street of the Murat district. The street network was created during the reign of Joachim Murat – King of Naples during the era of Napoleon.
This pedestrian shopping streets features a mix of trendy boutiques, designer names (Prada, Louis Vuitton) and more affordable brands, as well as bustling cafes spilling out from Art Nouveau palaces. The safe pedestrian-friendly streets, and variety of musical entertainers makes shopping fun. Note the hours the shops are open- Many close for siesta time
16. Visit the Libreria Laterza
You’ll find it at the corner of Via Sparano and Via Dante. It’s one of Italy’s oldest bookshops, and has been in operation for 110 years. Here you can browse in the ever-present intellectual footsteps of Benedetto Croce, Pier Paolo Pasolini, and Renato Guttuso.
17. See a Concert or Opera
They are so much more reasonable in Italy- and so interesting and entertaining. Bari is the cultural center of Puglia and there are interesting events happening throughout the year. Look for an Opera or Ballet, concert, or art exhibitions – especially in the area of Piazza del Ferrarese -Check out the beautiful Teatro Petruzzelli
18. Schedule a wine tasting
Fabulous wineries surround Bari! Learn more about Wine Tastings in Puglia
19. Try an Octopus Sandwich
Octopus is very popular in Bari: Here are three good options
20. Experience an authentic Italian festival
Putignano Carnival (35 minutes from Bari) Italy’s Oldest and Longest Carnival/ Mardi Gras celebration. The Putignano Carnival dates back to 1394, and is renown for elaborate papier-mâché floats in lively parades, traditional music, and rich folklore.
Bari International Film Festival The 2027 Bari International Film & TV Festival takes place from April 10-17th
Festa di San Nicola – Bari (May 7-9)
The city of Bari honors its patron saint, San Nicola, with a grand three-day celebration highlighting the 62 sailors that brought St. Nicholas’ relics to Bari- and the miracle that became for the city . Witness the historical reenactments, processions on land and sea, and awe-inspiring fireworks. The festival combines religious traditions with a lively atmosphere, offering an authentic experience into the culture and heritage of Bari.
Click here for more festivals in Puglia
21. Go to San Nicola Stadium to watch a soccer game
SSC Bari, the city’s soccer team, plays in Serie B, the second tier of Italy’s professional soccer league. They are by no means the best team in the world, but the atmosphere at the stadium is great, so if a game day happens to coincide with your visit, you should absolutely try to go.
22. Bike or stroll down the Lungomare e Murat- The Bari Promenade
Bari’s, lungomare or seaside promenade, is 15k long. You can leisurely bike or walk along the shore, chat with friends, or simply enjoy beautiful views. It is especially beautiful at sunset.
23. Explore a massive cave (44 km) Grotte di Castellana
The “Caves of Castellana” is a vast underground system located approx. 1,5km outside the town of Castellana Grotte, is one of the most beautiful and spectacular cave systems in Italy. The caves extend for 3.348 meters total and reach a maximum depth of 122m below street level. Inside the cave system the temperature stays constantly around 16,5°C.- a great activity for a rainy old cold day.
24. See great towns near Bari
There are many towns that are a day trip away from Bari
Matera (66 km) Visit Matera – A Gem of Southern Italy
Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history that dates back over 10,000 years. This ancient city is located in the region of Basilicata in southern Italy and is known for its unique ancient cave dwellings, known as “Sassi”, which are carved into the limestone cliffs of the Gravina Gorge.
Alberobello (55 km) For a taste of traditional Puglian culture, take a day trip to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique trulli houses. Wander the streets lined with these cone-shaped buildings and visit the Trullo Sovrano, a larger two-story trullo that is now a museum.
Polignano a Mare (41 km) The word to the song ‘Volare’, hangs in the air of the streets of Polignano A Mare because it’s famous singer song writer was born there. The meaning of Volare is ‘to fly, and Cantare is ‘to sing’- The song recounts a dream, a feeling of happiness that you see throughout this beautiful sea-side town. Perched on beautiful cliffs, Polignano a Mare is a spectacular destination on the coast of the Adriatic sea. The Cento Storico, or historic old town, is a tangle of narrow streets with shops, crafts, music, and beautiful restaurants. Get lost and enjoy the vitality of the town- all roads end up at the incredible vistas.
Easy Day Trips from Bari
Make Bari your home base for fun day trips
- Trani – An elegant seaside town 30 minutes north on the train.
- D’ Itria Valley– Beautiful wine making valley 1 hour from Bari. Make reservations ahead
- Monopoli – A pretty seaside town just south of Polignano.
- Castel del Monte– UNESCO World heritage site 1 hour from Bari
25. Catch a train or ferry and take a side trip
Bari is a great town for trains and ferries. Trains can make for a great adventure to other great towns in Italy, or across Europe.
The ferries from Bari go to great destinations like Greece, Albania, or Croatia. Availability may be seasonal.
Great Restaurants to try in Bari
Al Pescatore‘To the Fisherman’ -Expect rich Apulian flavors, aromas, traditions and experiences- a little piece of history of the Bari area. Since it is near the castle it gets a large flow of customers- Make a reservation.
Matiti Pasta BistrotTry the Spaghetti Assassina (Killer Spaghetti). This Spaghetti is fried boiled in a spicy sauce- and fried- Winner!
FAQs on Bari
1. Why is Saint Nicholas buried in Bari?
In 1087, 62 sailors from Bari sailed to Myra (in modern-day Turkey), broke into St. Nicholas’ tomb, and carried his bones home — beating a rival Venetian expedition by days. Two years later, Pope Urban II inaugurated the Basilica di San Nicola, and pilgrims have been flocking to Bari ever since. A struggling city found a miracle in the remains of St. Nicholas.
2. Where can you see women making orecchiette in Bari?
On Strada Arco Basso — better known as the Strada delle Orecchiette — in Bari Vecchia. The “pasta nonnas” make fresh orecchiette by hand outside their apartments, a tradition made world-famous by a Dolce & Gabbana ad in 2017 and a New York Times feature in 2019.
3. What is pasta assassina?
“Killer pasta” — Bari’s signature dish. The spaghetti is boiled in a spicy red sauce, then fried until slightly charred (“burnt”), and served in that same spicy sauce. It’s got heat, crunch, and incredible flavor. We loved it at Matiti Pasta Bistrot.
4. Where is the best focaccia in Bari?
Panificio Santa Rita (Str. dei Dottula 8) — legendary, with lines to prove it. Go right when it opens (8:50am–2:15pm, 6:15–9:15pm) for bread straight from the oven. And heed the sign: “Don’t ask anything to Rino!”
5. What are the best day trips from Bari?
Matera (66 km, the cave-city Sassi), Alberobello (55 km, the UNESCO trulli village), Polignano a Mare (41 km, cliffs and Volare), the Grotte di Castellana caves (44 km), and Putignano — 35 minutes away, home to Italy’s oldest carnival.
6. What is the Festa di San Nicola?
Bari’s biggest celebration, held May 7–9 in honor of its patron saint. Expect historical reenactments of the 62 sailors bringing the relics home, processions on land and sea, and spectacular fireworks — an unforgettable window into Bari’s soul.
7. Is Bari a good base for exploring Puglia?
One of the best. Bari is southern Italy’s major transport hub — international airport, main train station, and ferry port. Budget airlines like Ryanair and ITA fly in from Rome, and most of Puglia’s highlights are an easy day trip away.
8. Where can you eat octopus in Bari?
Octopus is practically a religion here. Try La Tana del Polpo, Lo Sfizio del Borgo Antico, or Mastro Ciccio — or grab a polpo sandwich on the go. Feeling adventurous? Charter a traditional gozzo boat and learn “polparola” octopus fishing for yourself.
Enjoy Italy at home
Lemon Mutha Pucker, Limoncello – Such a beautiful Italian tradition. Many will enjoy it as an after-dinner- but it is a treat at any time- especially on a warm and sunny day- Delizioso!