Ultimate Guide to Bari, Italy

Taste the local foods:

In Bari, indulging in the local cuisine is an essential experience that captures the essence of Apulian culinary traditions. From the fried delights of Sgagliozze and Popizze to the addictive crunch of Taralli, every bite tells a story of centuries-old recipes passed down through generations. Venture into the street markets to savor raw seafood delicacies or watch the older ladies make handmade Orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe on the street. Sample the beloved Focaccia Barese, or dare to try the infamous "assassin's pasta" for a unique pasta dish invented in the heart of the South.

Going hand in hand with tasting the local cuisine, you absolutely cannot leave Bari without strolling through "Arco Basso" AKA The Orecchiette Pasta Street. Arguably the most famous street in Bari, Arco Basso is lined with older ladies who hand make orecchiette pasta, and here you'll be able to see up close just how this special pasta form is made!

I hope you're still hungry after that! The Porto Vecchio Fish Market, located next to the iconic Teatro Margherita, is the most famous fish market in the city. Early in the mornings, you can find fishermen selling fresh-caught fish or playing cards and having a beer in the afternoon. In the evenings, you'll find young people gathered here to have a drink by the sea at El Chiringuito.

Once you're there, you've already made it halfway across the "lungomare" or seaside promenade. One of the most characteristic areas of the city and among the longest in Europe, I recommend walking the entirety of it, taking in the clear turquoise water of the city and the characteristic street lamps.

Towards the end of the lungomare, you'll be greeted by "bread and tomato beach" aka Spiaggia Pane e Pomodoro (yes, we are obsessed with food here). This is one of my favorite places no matter the time of year, and I recommend grabbing a focaccia and going for a picnic or taking a dip in the shallow waters.

In the main city center, you certainly won't miss Teatro Petruzzelli, which is the largest theater in Bari, and the fourth largest Italian theater overall. Here, there are plenty of interesting and international shows. Conveniently located right next door is my absolute favorite pastry shop in the city, Salvatore Petriella.

Along the main streets of the city is where you can do the best shopping. All of the most well-known stores are along Via Sparano, Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Corso Cavour, as well as all of the streets within this area.

Heading into the old town of Bari Vecchia, you'll be greeted by the Swabian Castle "Castello Svevo" of Bari. It's a very scenic spot with a shady park located right next to it, and a museum with a €10 entrance fee.

Nestled next to the San Sabino Cathedral is the "Museo del Succorpo della Cattedrale di Bari," a secret room decorated with frescoes and mosaics and is home to the mummy of Santa Columba.

Lastly, no visit to Bari is complete without a stroll and a snack from Piazza Largo Albicocca. Arguably the most famous piazza in Bari and nick-named "the Piazza of Lovers," in the evenings you'll find locals eating outside having a beer, and enjoying some freshly cooked orecchiette pasta and sgagliozze at Le Sgagliozze di Donna Carmela, an outdoor street-food restaurant.

Day Trips:

Polignano a Mare: An incredibly scenic and quaint seaside town nestled on the cliffs, located south of Bari. Polignano a Mare is best reached by train, with direct trains from Bari Centrale every 30 to 60 minutes. The train ride is 30 minutes and costs €3 one way. I suggest spending half a day here (preferably staying until the evening for sunset) if you don't plan to spend the day at the beach in town, and pair this with a visit to Monopoli!

Monopoli: Another gorgeous seaside town located south of Bari, Monopoli is the next train stop after Polignano a Mare and makes a great destination for a morning stroll and seaside aperitif. Monopoli is a 38-minute train ride directly from Bari Centrale, and tickets cost €3.80 one way.

Trani: Located a little further north of Giovinazzo, Trani is a beautiful seaside town with many water-front restaurants and bars to enjoy. Trani is located three train stops after Giovinazzo, and takes 38 minutes to arrive directly from Bari Centrale, with a one-way ticket from Bari Centrale costing €3.80.

Ostuni: Known as the "white city" for its iconic white buildings, Ostuni makes for a great in-land day trip from Bari. You can take a train from Bari Centrale, which takes 48 minutes and costs €6.80 one way.

Alberobello: Alberobello is a unique fairytale-like town unlike any other you've seen, and a must-see in my opinion. It is known for its "Trulli" which are the unique miniature buildings and roofs that make up the village. I recommend spending half of a day here since the town is quite small and there's not much to do beyond the main streets. The best way to reach Alberobello is by bus, which takes around one hour.

Castellana Grotte: Arguably the most iconic natural spot in Puglia, the Castellana Grotte is a system of unique and scenic caves. I suggest booking a tour to visit the caves. You can get here by bus from Bari Centrale, which takes one hour and 20 minutes, and one-way tickets are €4.

Matera: One of my absolute favorite places, Matera is a must-see when visiting Bari. Matera is one of the oldest cities in the whole world and is made of ancient rocks and caves. Although technically located in the region of Basilicata (and not Puglia), it is still very easily accessible from Bari. You can get to Matera from Bari Centrale in two ways. By bus, which takes 65 minutes and costs €8 one way, or by train which takes one hour and 45 minutes and costs €6 one way.

Lecce: Known as the "Baroque Capital of Italy" Lecce is another one of my favorite cities and a must-see in Puglia. The best way to get to Lecce from Bari is by train, which takes about one hour and 45 minutes and costs €13 one way.

Aperitivo:

La Ciclatera Sotto Il Mare: My personal favorite and one of the only bars "on" the sea, this spot has lots of cozy outdoor seating. You can expect to find a line of people waiting to get in at any time of day.

Mercantile Nove: Another favorite of mine, this bar is located in the main plaza of the old town, has great outdoor seating, and delicious aperitivo snacks.

Wine Bars:

Mostofiore: An elegant wine bar with a cozy and refined ambiance, and some outdoor seating.

Madò: A very local wine bar, this place is incredibly cozy (and has about 3 tables inside).

Dinner:

La Baresana Trattoria: My favorite spot for a typical Barese style pizza that offers a large outdoor dining terrace.

Piccini 28: A great spot for delicious elevated local dishes. Make sure to order the Pasta all'Assassina!

Ristorante del Centro: Freshly caught fish, this restaurant doesn't usually have a set menu, but instead offers plates of the day based on the fish they have on hand.

ADAGIO di Riva: Another upscale restaurant with outdoor seating directly next to the Petruzzelli Theater.

Authentic Local Cuisine:

Le Sgagliozze di Nonna Carmela: An outdoor "fast-food" style restaurant that serves freshly cooked orecchiette pasta with either cime di rapa sauce or a meat sauce. I recommend it for a taste of local flavors as well as a local experience dining in Piazza Largo Albicocca!

La Uascezze: A cozy and intimate restaurant in Bari Vecchia with indoor and outdoor seating. "La Uascezze" is a saying in Barese dialect, which indirectly translates as a feast, a reunion between friends and a happy state of being.

Antico Panificio Fiore: One of the oldest bakeries in the city known for Focaccia, and for sure one of the most famous, be prepared to wait in line here.

Pastries:

Salvatore Petriella: My absolute favorite spot for just about everything- from coffee to pastries, to an outdoor aperitivo. This is one of the best pastry shops in Bari and has scenic outdoor seating next to the Petruzzelli Theater.

Gelateria Gentile: Founded in 1880, this is one of the oldest ice cream shops in town, with artisanal and unique ice cream flavors and a view of the castle.