Best Things to Do in Bari Italy:  Uncover the City

Bari, the lively capital of southern Italy’s Puglia region, is where history, sea breeze, and Mediterranean flavor come together effortlessly. Between the labyrinthine streets of Bari Vecchia, the hum of the port, and the scent of freshly baked focaccia, this coastal gem offers an irresistible glimpse of authentic Italian life. Here, Romanesque churches meet vibrant markets, and evenings unfold with aperitivo by the sea. Beyond its historic charm, Bari is also a gateway to Puglia wineries, where you can taste the region’s signature reds and crisp coastal whites surrounded by sun-soaked vineyards.

What are the best things to do in Bari?

Wander through Bari Vecchia

Bari Vecchia, the beating heart of the city, is where every corner tells a story, and exploring it is easily one of the most authentic things to do in Bari. Lose yourself in its maze of narrow alleys where grandmothers hand-roll orecchiette pasta right on their doorsteps, and the scent of tomato sauce fills the air. Around each turn, you’ll stumble upon lively piazzas, ancient churches, and market stalls buzzing with local chatter. Be sure to step inside the Basilica di San Nicola, Bari’s most iconic Romanesque landmark, where the relics of Saint Nicholas rest.

Visit the Basilica di San Nicola

The Basilica di San Nicola stands as one of Bari’s most iconic treasures, a monument that beautifully captures the spirit of southern Italy. Built in the 11th century, this Romanesque masterpiece rises with quiet majesty above the old town. Step inside to find golden mosaics shimmering in soft light and descend into the crypt where the relics of Saint Nicholas are kept, a place still visited by pilgrims from around the world. Outside, the square hums with life, blending the sacred and the everyday in a way that makes Bari so effortlessly captivating.

Discover the Castello Normanno-Svevo

The Castello Normanno-Svevo stands as a formidable symbol of Bari’s rich history, tracing its origins back to the 12th century. This impressive fortress was built by the Normans and later expanded by the Swabians, giving it a unique architectural blend. As you approach, you’ll be captivated by its robust towers and sturdy walls that once protected the city from invasions. Inside, the castle hosts fascinating exhibitions that delve into Bari’s medieval past and the castle’s own storied history.

Savor the Bari fish market

The Bari Fish Market is a sensory experience that plunges you into the vibrant culinary culture of the city. Located near the waterfront, this lively market is the perfect place to watch local fishermen unload fresh catches from their colorful boats. Here, you can buy an array of seafood just pulled from the sea, from octopus and mussels to shrimp and various fish.

Ammirare il Porto Vecchio

Bari’s Old Port is one of the most atmospheric things to do in Bari, especially if you want a taste of authentic local life. Along the docks, brightly painted fishing boats sway on calm waters as the scent of the sea drifts through the air. Stop to chat with fishermen mending their nets or sample the freshest seafood straight from their morning catch. It’s a postcard-perfect corner of the city where Bari’s maritime past and present meet, offering both tranquility and a glimpse into its hardworking soul.

Discover the ruins of Egnazia

Exploring the Ruins of Egnazia offers a fascinating journey into the ancient world of the Apulian coast. Located near Bari, this archaeological site was once a thriving Roman port town. As you wander through the well-preserved ruins, you’ll encounter remnants of city walls, roads, and public buildings that paint a vivid picture of life over two millennia ago. Highlights include the amphitheater, where ancient spectacles were held, and the intriguing necropolis, with its tombs and grave goods.

Enjoy a food tour or a walking tour

Joining a food or walking tour is easily one of the tastiest things to do in Bari, the kind of experience that turns sightseeing into pure indulgence. Picture yourself wandering the city’s lively streets as the scent of fresh focaccia and simmering tomato sauce fills the air. Local guides lead you through hidden trattorias and bustling markets, where you can sample handmade orecchiette, creamy burrata, and just-caught seafood.

Explore Piazza del Ferrarese and Piazza Mercantile

Exploring Piazza del Ferrarese and Piazza Mercantile is one of the liveliest things to do in Bari. These neighboring squares are where the city comes alive, locals chatting over espresso, markets buzzing, and street performers filling the air with energy. Grab a seat at a café to watch Bari’s daily rhythm unfold, then wander over to Piazza Mercantile to see historic gems like the Palazzo del Sedile and the medieval column of justice. By day or night, this is where Bari’s heart beats loudest.

Stroll along the lungomare promenade

A stroll along Bari’s Lungomare Promenade is the perfect way to soak up the city’s seaside charm. Stretching along the Adriatic, it’s a palm-lined walkway where the sea breeze, sound of waves, and skyline views create pure calm. Stop for a gelato, grab a seat on a bench, and watch locals cycle or chat as the sun sets over the water. By evening, street performers and musicians bring the promenade to life, making it one of those effortlessly beautiful Bari moments you’ll wish could last a little longer.

Visit the Petruzzelli Theatre

The Petruzzelli Theatre is Bari’s pride and one of its most beautiful landmarks. Italy’s fourth-largest theatre, it blends grandeur and grace in every detail, from its ornate façade and sculpted arches to the gilded interior that glows under a magnificent ceiling fresco. Step inside for a guided visit or catch a performance to feel the magic come alive. It’s not just a theatre, it’s a symbol of Bari’s passion for art, music, and elegance.

Discover the Monastery of San Benedetto

The Monastery of San Benedetto is one of Bari’s most peaceful hidden gems, a quiet corner where time seems to slow. Dating back to the 11th century, it combines simple elegance with deep spiritual heritage. Wander through its sunlit cloisters, admire faded frescoes inside the church, and enjoy the calm that fills every stone corridor. Occasionally, art exhibits and cultural events bring a modern touch to this historic space, blending past and present beautifully. It’s the perfect spot to pause, breathe, and experience a gentler side of Bari.

What are the best things to do around Bari?

Take a day trip to Polignano a Mare

A day trip to Polignano a Mare, just a 35-minute drive from Bari, promises pure coastal magic. Perched dramatically above the Adriatic, this postcard-perfect town dazzles with whitewashed houses, turquoise coves, and terraces made for sunset gazing. Wander through its narrow lanes filled with artisan shops and cozy cafés, or stop at one of the cliffside viewpoints for that unforgettable sea breeze moment.

From scenic strolls to lazy lunches with a view, exploring the things to do in Polignano a Mare is the perfect escape from Bari’s city buzz.

Explore Monopoli

Just 45 minutes from Bari, Monopoli is a seaside treasure that perfectly captures the charm of Puglia’s Adriatic coast. Its old town, a maze of whitewashed homes and cobblestone alleys, opens onto hidden courtyards and sea-view terraces where life moves at an easy pace. Wander the waterfront, stop for a seafood lunch in the old port, or relax on a sun-drenched beach just steps from the city walls. With its mix of history, coastal beauty, and local flavor, discovering the things to do in Monopoli Italy is one of the most rewarding experiences near Bari.

Visit the Castellana Caves

The Castellana Caves, about a 40-minute drive from Bari, are one of Italy’s most spectacular natural wonders and a highlight of any trip through Puglia. Descend into a world sculpted by time, where stalactites and stalagmites shimmer under soft light, turning stone into art. The guided route stretches nearly two miles, winding past awe-inspiring chambers and culminating in the dazzling White Cave, famous for its almost ethereal glow. It’s an unforgettable adventure that reveals a breathtaking side of Puglia hidden beneath the earth.

Take a day trip to Matera

A day trip to Matera from Bari is like stepping into another world, one carved from stone and steeped in history. Just a 55-minute drive away, this UNESCO-listed city is famous for its ancient Sassi di Matera, a maze of cave dwellings, rock-hewn churches, and winding alleys that seem frozen in time. Wander through this breathtaking landscape, visit fresco-filled sanctuaries like Santa Maria de Idris, and stop by artisan studios that bring new life to centuries-old traditions. After exploring, enjoy a glass of wine at one of the Matera wineries overlooking the ravine, the perfect reward for a day of discovery. With its blend of mystery, beauty, and soul, few experiences rival the magic of a visit to Sassi di Matera.

Discover the Itria Valley

The Itria Valley, just a short trip from Bari, is a dreamy stretch of countryside that captures the true essence of Puglia. Dotted with whitewashed villages like Alberobello, Locorotondo, Ostuni, and Martina Franca, it’s a landscape of olive groves, trulli houses, and rolling hills bathed in golden light. Spend the day exploring quiet lanes, tasting local wines, or simply soaking in the peaceful rhythm of rural life. From scenic drives to charming hilltop views, a visit to the Itria Valley is the perfect way to experience the timeless beauty of southern Italy.

Good to know before visiting Bari