Best Things To Do in Bari

If you're thinking of exploring Italy beyond Rome, Bari is an option not to be overlooked. This port city, known for its rich history, is notable for its cultural diversity and architecture, which combines the ancient monuments of Bari Vecchia with sophisticated modern buildings.

Some of the best things to do in Bari include visiting the Basilica of St. Nicholas, exploring the caves of Polignano a Mare and seeing the Swabian Castle, a Norman-Swabian building that gives you a glimpse into the city's medieval past. Without a doubt, Bari offers a rich cultural and natural experience that makes it a must-see destination in southern Italy.

The Basilica of St. Nicholas of Bari is one of the most popular Christian churches. Built in the 11th century, this basilica was built to house the relics of St Nicholas and has been a place of pilgrimage ever since , attracting thousands of worshippers from all over the world, reaffirming Bari's reputation as a European epicentre .

The attraction of the Basilica of St. Nicholas is not only religious, but also architectural and cultural. This building is a clear example of the Romanesque style, with its white stone façade and the sturdy pillars that support it. Its interior is just as impressive, with a design that mixes Gothic and Byzantine elements and bears witness to the multicultural influence that characterises the local history.

The site also holds great symbolism for the Orthodox faith, making it a symbol of spiritual unity. Every year on December 6 and May 9, festivities are held in honour of St Nicholas, bringing together thousands of worshippers and tourists seeking to experience the religious fervour that emerges from the basilica.

Located in the heart of the old city, it is easily accessible and you can visit it on your own or if you decide to book a Segway tour of Bari, which includes this site in its itinerary.

If you want to visit one of the most popular buildings in Bari, I encourage you to visit the Swabian Castle, which is a medieval fortress built in the 12th century that provided the city with a defensive ring to keep out invasions.

The structure of Swabia Castle is surrounded by massive walls and a deep moat that emphasises its defensive nature. Inside you can admire several rooms and galleries, which once housed members of the nobility and served as centres of government and military defence. The design of its central courtyard, as well as the surrounding towers and bastions, show a unique combination of Norman, Swabian and Renaissance styles.

Swabia Castle, which now hosts cultural events, is one of the symbols of Bari's medieval heritage and its importance lies not only in its antiquity, but also in its role as a bridge between cultures, as Frederick II used it as a meeting place for scholars and ambassadors from different parts of Europe and the East. Moreover, its strategic location on a hill allows a panoramic view of the city and the Adriatic Sea.

One of the best alternatives to visit this site is to book a guided tour of Bari, which usually includes a visit to this castle and also to other main sites, such as the Cathedral of Bari and the Petruzzelli Theatre.

The Old Town of Bari is the historic heart of this coastal city. Located on a peninsula jutting into the Adriatic Sea, Bari Vecchia is a maze of narrow streets, ancient squares and historic buildings that will take you on a journey back in time to the Middle Ages.

Highlights include the Basilica of St. Nicholas, one of Italy's most important pilgrimage sites, but also worth a visit are the Cathedral of San Sabino, a jewel of Pugliese Romanesque style, and the Norman-Swabian Castle, which offers an insight into medieval defensive architecture.

In addition to its wealth of history, the Old Town of Bari is famous for its daily life and traditions. It is common to see local women sitting on their doorsteps making orecchiette, the typical Apulian pasta sold fresh in the streets. There are also plenty of small shops and markets where you can find local produce and fresh products from the Adriatic Sea.

You can visit Bari Vecchia on your own or take part in one of the experiences offered by the city, such as booking the Bari bike tour, which passes through Bari.

Tasting Italian cuisine in Bari is an unmissable experience for visitors to this port city in the Apulia region, as the local cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients, which bring out the Mediterranean flavours in every dish. From pasta to seafood, Bari's gastronomy offers a wide variety of authentic flavours that represent the best of the Italian diet.

One of the most emblematic dishes you can't miss in Bari is orecchiette, an artisanal pasta in the shape of small ears, typical of the Apulia region. This type of pasta is usually served with broccoli rabe or with tomato sauce and strong ricotta, a local cheese with an intense flavour . Focaccias are also popular, especially focaccia barese, which is made with olives, cherry tomatoes and olive oil.

For these typical dishes, the city offers a variety of restaurants and trattorias where you can discover the authentic spirit of the local cuisine, especially in the old town . However, you can also opt to book a gastronomic tour of Bari, which will allow you to explore every corner of this destination accompanied by experts.

Bari Cathedral is officially known as the Cathedral of San Sabino and, although it does not enjoy the fame of the Basilica of St. Nicholas of Bari, it is one of the oldest religious buildings in the city. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, the cathedral was built on the site of an ancient Byzantine church destroyed by William I of Sicily and its construction represents the Pugliese Romanesque style, characterised by its sober but majestic lines.

The cathedral's simple but solemn white stone façade welcomes visitors as they walk through the narrow streets of Bari Vecchia, the old town. The cathedral is also famous for its crypt, which contains the relics of the martyr Saint Sabinus. This underground space is decorated with ancient frescoes and columns of different styles, creating a mystical atmosphere that captivates visitors.

The interior of the cathedral is equally striking, with its large arches and high ceilings reflecting the Romanesque style typical of the Apulian region. Its main altar features a ciborium, a marble carved structure dating back to the 12th century, and a rose window on the main façade that allows light to pass through, creating a play of shadows and colours inside.

You can get to the cathedral on your own or on one of the many transport experiences offered by this destination, such as the Bari bike taxi tour, which runs through the old town and stops at the cathedral.

The Pinacoteca Metropolitana of Bari is one of the most important and renowned art museums in Apulia. Founded in 1928, the art gallery is currently housed in the Palazzo della Provincia, a historic building on Bari's seafront, from where it offers spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea.

This museum houses a collection of works of art spanning from the 11th to the 19th century, making it a must-see for art and culture lovers visiting Bari. Highlights include paintings by renowned artists of the Venetian and Neapolitan school, such as Giovanni Bellini, Tintoretto and Paolo Veronese.

In addition to its permanent collections, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions that highlight contemporary art and explore themes of current relevance. The art gallery also has a room dedicated to the art of the Apulia region, where you can discover paintings and sculptures by local artists that capture the spirit and daily life of this unique Mediterranean region that served as a port city during the Middle Ages.

The Grotte di Castellana, located just a few kilometres from Bari, is one of Italy's most impressive natural wonders and a must-see for visitors to Apulia. This complex of underground caves is famous for its stalactite and stalagmite formations, which have developed over millions of years, and where you can immerse yourself in a mystical landscape of columns, crystals and rock formations.

Discovered in 1938 by the speleologist Franco Anelli, the Grotte di Castellana revealed a vast system of caves and caverns stretching for approximately three kilometres. These caves were formed by the action of water on limestone rock, which drop by drop sculpted this subterranean landscape over millennia. Among the most outstanding spaces are the White Grotto and the Precipice Cavern, which stands out for its size.

If you decide to book a tour of the Grotte di Castellana you can explore a tour of approximately four hours that will take you to discover the different chambers and rooms, each with its own unique characteristics. From towering stalagmites to natural columns and delicate crystalline formations, every corner of these caves hides a geological history dating back millions of years.

If Grotte di Castellana is not enough for you, you can also visit the caves of Polignano a Mare, which are popular in Apulia for their cliffs and crystal clear waters, as well as for hosting a series of sea caves that have been formed over the centuries by the action of the sea on the limestone rock .

These natural formations offer a spectacle not to be missed, as the caves open out into the sea below the picturesque old town, creating a unique contrast between the blue sea and the white cliff walls.

If you decide to book a tour to the caves of Polignano a Mare from Bari, you will join a boat tour that will allow you to explore the beauty of these natural cavities up close. During these tours you will be able to see some of the most famous caves, such as the Grotta Palazzese, known for its restaurant carved into the rock, and the Grotta Ardito, which fascinates visitors with its rock formations and the play of light inside.

Besides exploring the caves, Polignano a Mare offers several activities for those looking for a more adventurous experience. The waters off the coast are perfect for snorkelling or scuba diving, allowing you to discover the rich marine life of the area and get a close-up view of the rock formations from beneath the surface.

Alberobello and Matera, two jewels of the Puglia and Basilicata region, offer a unique experience for those visiting southern Italy from the nearby city of Bari. Alberobello is famous for its "trulli", which are conical white stone constructions considered a World Heritage Site. These picturesque 14th century buildings create an enchanting landscape that is unique in the world.

Matera, on the other hand, is known for its ancient "sassi", houses and structures carved into the rock that form one of the oldest inhabited settlements of mankind. The ancient town, divided into the neighbourhoods of Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, allows visitors to explore cave houses, frescoed cave churches and ancient water cisterns.

In Alberobello, you can also stroll through the narrow streets and discover neighbourhoods such as Rione Monti and Aia Piccola, where the "trulli" are grouped together in a maze of charming structures.

Each trullo has a history of its own, and many have been transformed into craft shops, galleries and cafés, following a family tradition that stretches back generations and is hundreds of years old.

One of the best ways to discover Alberobello and Matera is to book a full-day guided tour from Bari. These excursions have the benefit of expert guides who will tell you the stories and traditions of both places, revealing fascinating details that might otherwise go unnoticed.

One of the best things to do in Bari is to discover the nearby beaches. Among them, the Porta Vecchia Cove is one of the most charming you can find. Located in the picturesque town of Monopoli, just a few kilometres from the city centre, this coastal spot, with its crystal-clear waters and fine sand, is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the tranquillity of the Adriatic Sea.

Surrounded by ancient walls and historic buildings, the cove offers a magical setting where the medieval charm of Monopoli merges with the natural beauty of the coast, giving visitors a unique atmosphere, especially at sunset, making it one of the great treasures of Puglia.

In Cala Porta Vecchia you can enjoy a swim in its shallow waters, ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Its transparency allows you to see all the way to the bottom, making this beach an excellent place to snorkel and discover the local marine life.

Also, being so close to the historic centre of Monopoli, the cove has numerous services and options for a full day out, including bars, ice cream parlours and restaurants where you can enjoy typical Italian dishes overlooking the sea.