Should You Start a Blog in 2025?

This isn’t an article I wanted to write… but here it goes. Blogging as a business model isn’t just dying—it’s already dead. In recent months, we’ve seen major blogs shut down, course creators abandon ship, and even people who made millions from SEO declare it game over. But here’s what no one is saying… This … Read more

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The capital of the southeastern Puglia region of Italy, Bari, is a vibrant port city on the Adriatic Sea. Known for its atmospheric Old Town, medieval churches, stunning beaches, and delicious food and wine, there are so many incredible things to do in Bari.

I spent time in Bari last month and really loved the city. It receives far fewer tourists than other Italian cities like Rome, Florence, and Naples, it’s much cheaper and has a really authentic and laidback vibe.

In this post, I’ll describe some of the top things to see and places to visit in Bari. Some of these are free, others you have to pay for, but all are great and definitely worthwhile.

Best Things to Do in Bari

However long you have to spend sightseeing in Bari, I recommend checking out at least some of the following.

1. Explore the Citta Vecchia

Many of the top places to visit in Bari are located in its Old Town – a maze of narrow, winding streets and back alleys that lies just south of the modern port area. It’s a fascinating place, with more than 2,000 years of history.

The majority of the historic buildings in Citta Vecchia are intact, and the whole district has a wonderfully unique feel. It’s easy to get lost wandering through the backstreets, but this is part of the fun.

Every corner you turn you’ll see something new. Women sit at wooden tables in the street making handmade orecchiette pasta, picturesque little squares are decorated with flowers, and locals sit together chatting over a coffee or glasses of wine.

The whole place feels like a time warp, and you get the sense that life hasn’t changed much here in hundreds of years. It’s an amazing place to while away a few hours and exploring it is one of the best activities in Bari. Click here for a highly-rated guided tour of the old town.

2. Visit the Basilica Di San Nicola

Dating back to the 12th century, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas was built on the site of a church that was destroyed by an earthquake in 1089.

The exterior of the basilica is incredibly ornate, with two large towers and a stunning façade. The interior is just as impressive, with beautiful mosaics and paintings adorning the walls and ceilings.

It’s dedicated to Saint Nicholas (AKA Saint Nick, or Santa Claus, of Christmas Eve fame), who was born in Patara, in modern-day Turkey, and later became the Bishop of Myra.

The remains of Saint Nicholas are actually buried in the crypt of the basilica, and it’s a place of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians from all over the world. This rickshaw tour of the old town actually takes in the Basilica of Saint Nicholas.

Address: Largo Abate Elia, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy

3. Check Out Bari Cathedral

Another church in Bari that’s worth visiting is the Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale San Sabino (or Bari Cathedralfor short), which dates back to the 11th century.

The cathedral is located in the heart of Citta Vecchia and is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture. Inside, the cathedral’s treasury (Tesoro) contains a series of precious relics and other historical artifacts, as well as a museum.

Underneath the cathedral lies a series of archaeological excavations, showing the remains of an ancient Roman road from the 2nd century and a Byzantine church from the 9th century. There are also the remains of a beautifully ornate mosaic.

Address: Piazza dell’Odegitria, 70122, Bari BA, Italy

4. Take a Historical Walking Tour of Bari

One of the best ways to learn about the rich and fascinating history of this amazing city is to take part in a historical walking tour of Bari.

There are several different tours to choose from, but I recommend this one. Your passionate local guide will show you around the city’s most important and iconic sights, and teach you about the history, culture, and lifestyle of the people of Bari.

I thought I knew a lot about what to do in Bari, but after taking this walking tour, I realized there’s so much more to the city. If it’s really hot outside, or if you have mobility issues…or, if you’re just feeling lazy…this rickshaw tour is a great way to get around the old town!

5. Chill Out at the Beach

Puglia is home to some of the best beaches in Italy. Many of these are located a short distance from Bari and make a perfect day trip (or half-day trip) away from the city.

Perhaps the most famous beach near Bari is Lama Monachile (also known as Cala Porto), in the pretty little town of Polignano a Mare. This small white pebble beach is at the end of a steep-sided rocky canyon framed by vertical cliffs and has gorgeous turquoise water.

Other great beaches near Bari include Cala Paura (also in Polignano a Mare) and Cala Porta Vecchia (in romantic Monopoli). These are all easy to reach with public transport (train or bus) from Bari.

However, if you don’t have time to leave the city, you can still enjoy some beach time. Check out Pane e Pomodoro Beach, a sandy beach 3 kilometers southeast of the city center. The name translates as “Bread and Tomato” (don’t ask me why).

6. Go on a Street Food Tour

Bari is famous for its delicious street food, so be sure to try as much of it as possible while you’re in town. One of the best ways to sample some of Bari’s best street food is to go on a street food tour.

This is an excellent option and will introduce you to some of the city’s most famous dishes. You’ll visit popular local places, and immerse yourself in Bari’s rich culinary culture.

Some of my favorite local Puglia specialties include:

• Orecchiette pasta with sautéed broccoli rabe (also known as rapini).
• Tiella – a hearty traditional dish made with rice, potatoes, and mussels (think of it as a Puglian paella).
• Focaccia Barese – probably the best focaccia you will ever eat, topped with ripe tomatoes, olives, olive oil, and oregano.
• Polpette – cheesy fried dumplings made using stale bread (and sometimes fish, meat, or vegetables), either served crispy by themselves, or in a rich sauce.

7. Explore Castello Svevo (One of My Favorite Places to Visit in Bari)

Castello Svevo di Bari is a Norman castle that was built, destroyed, and then rebuilt in the 12th and 13th centuries. It’s an imposing structure right next to the sea, and with its thick walls and moat, it’s easy to imagine how this castle served as one of the old city’s main points of defense throughout the centuries.

The castle has been through a lot historically and has been damaged by earthquakes on several occasions. Despite this, the whole structure is amazingly well intact.

Today, the castle is used as an exhibition center and a museum dedicated to the history of the castle, as well as the city of Bari more widely. Exploring the giant rooms and extensive grounds is extremely evocative and is definitely one of the best places to see in Bari.

8. Stroll Along the Seafront Promenade

Bari has a beautiful long promenade (called Lungomare Nazario Sauro) that runs along the seafront. It’s a great place to take a stroll, relax, and take in the views. There are also several cafes and restaurants along the promenade, so you can stop for a coffee or a bite to eat if you like.

You can also extend the walk all the way to the Molo Sant’Antonio lighthouse, which is located at the end of the sea wall marking the entrance to the sailing and pleasure boat harbor. This used to be the city’s main harbor, until the construction of the larger commercial Port of Bari in 1850.

Here you’re likely to see people fishing and hanging out with friends, painting boats, or taking sailing lessons in the sheltered marina. I love to sit and watch all this go on while enjoying the fresh sea air.

In the evening, the promenade comes alive with locals and tourists alike, and people come to watch the spectacular sunset. This is one of my favorite things to do in Bari at night – there’s just a really lovely atmosphere here.

9. Take a Traditional Puglian Cooking Class

Puglian food tends to be fairly simple and showcases the