Bari, Italy: First-Timer’s Travel Guide
Visited: September 2025Welcome to Bari, the capital of Puglia in southern Italy. If you’re a fan of great food, historic old towns, and stunning coastlines, there’s no doubt you’ll love it here.
If you’re looking to add a quick stop to a busy Italian itinerary, Bari isn’t that. While Bari is accessible by public transport, the routes aren’t very direct and most of Italy’s other famous stops aren’t nearby. For context, from our place on the Amalfi Coast, getting to Bari took about four and a half hours by bus. Trains took even longer. And if you’re coming from Rome, travel times are pretty similar.
That said, if you have the time, it’s perfect for those looking to explore more of Southern Italy, with plenty of small-town day trips nearby.
Bari feels lived in. You’ll see kids kicking a football around, men playing card games at tables in the streets, nonnas drying pasta on their balconies, fishermen showing off their catch of the day in the port, and a general slower pace of life. Especially in the Old Town. Meanwhile, the Murat Quarter is lively in a more modern city kind of way. But no matter which part you are in, the energy is palpable.
Port near Bari’s Old Town
Old Town
Bari’s City Wall
Originally used as city defense, the portion of the walls that exist today are the perfect place to stroll along while taking in the beautiful views of both the historic Old Town and the blues of the Adriatic Sea.
Piazza Mercantile
In the centre of the Old Town is Piazza Mercantile. The square is a true social hub: children playing, locals chatting and visitors taking photos. Lined with a 16th century clock tower and tons of restaurants and bars — perfect if you’re after aperitivi and people watching!
Off to the side of the square you might notice a pillar standing a top some circular steps, the is known as the Column of Justice or the Column of Shame. The 13th century piece can be identified by the stone lion. Originally used to punish people who didn’t pay their taxes, the condemned would have to sit on the lion — sometimes while partially nude — with their hands tied for a day or two for retribution.
Basilica of St Nicholas (san Nicola)
Is it even possible to visit an Italian town without stopping into at least one church? The Basilica of St Nicholas is the must-see one in Bari!
The space is unique as the building is shared by two different faiths. The main floor is the catholic church, with high vaulted, and beautiful ceilings. Meanwhile, down a staircase you will find a more intimate space, where Orthodox Christians practice. Entry is free, so head inside and take in the impressive ceilings and the tomb of St Nicholas downstairs.
Bari Cathedral*
Also known as the Cathedral of Saint Sabinus, the Bari Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop. Unlike the Basilica, there is an entry fee of around €7, we opted to skip going inside, but if you’re already exploring the area, walking by to see the exterior, identified by its rose window, is an easy stop to make!
Largo Albicocca (Square of Lovers)
Tucked in amongst the winding alleyways, you’ll find Largo Albicocca, named after the apricot trees planted in the square. Lined with small restaurants, the small square has an undeniable charm. The Square of Lovers is lit with overhanging lights in the evening, creating a beautiful atmosphere for a dinner of spritz in the historic space.
Arco Basso
Literally translating to “short arch”, the stone archway lives up to that title. Walking through the archway will lead you to Strada Arco Basso, which is also known unofficially as Strada delle Orecchiette.
If you’ve heard about the street where nonnas make pasta by hand, this is the one. They specifically make orecchiette pasta, which originated in Bari and was named “little ears” for their shape.
In my opinion, there’s places to buy it with better prices, but the novelty is a good enough reason to grab a couple servings if you want!
Learning some of Bari’s history on a walking tour
Swabian Castle*
On the other side of Arco Basso, it’s nearly impossible to miss Swabian Castle with its dominating presence across the street. After centuries housing important figures and undergoing countless redesigns, the space has been opened to the public (for an entry fee) with museum exhibits filling the historical space in the past decade.
Sign up for a Walking Tour
If you’ve read my other guides, you probably know by now that I’m a huge fan of signing up for free walking tours. They’re a great way to see the most notable stops in the city and get some extra info and anecdotes, but my favourite part? A lot of the guides have spent years living in the city you’re visiting, and if you ask them for some less touristy suggestions at the end of the tour, they almost always come through.
The Bari Free Walking Tour we took was no different — taking us through the old town, sharing insight into the Bari ways of life, traditions and history.
And as always, a gentle reminder that “free” really means “pay what you can” so remember to bring along some cash as payment for your guide!
Boats docked in the sea
Beyond Old Town
Via Sparano da Bari
Via Sparano da Bari, a pedestrian friendly street known for its shopping, stretches through the Murat Quarter. If you’re looking to find a few items to fill your bags with, this is the place to do it.
Explore the Vintage Shops
Near Via Sparano, there are tons of vintage and second-hand shops. We didn’t have space in our bags to get anything, but there were quite a few cool shops that we explored.
Walk Along the Lungomare
Enjoy the sea air with a stroll along one of Italy’s longest seafront promenades. Take in the views of the boats anchored at port, the fishermen with their daily catch, and the city standing proud against the Adriatic.
Where & What to Eat
One of my favourite things about Italy is how much food changes by region. Sure, pasta can be found pretty much everywhere — but when you order based on the traditional dishes of the area you’re in? That’s when you’ll find the best food Italy has to offer.
So what do you need to try while you’re in Bari? These three items are a must:
Panzerotti
If you’ve had a calzone, the panzerotti is the Pugliese version. Typically smaller and filled with a mix of tomato, mozzarella and basil, while calzones are usually filled with a ricotta based mix. Choose either baked or fried, there is no wrong answer… though I’m partial to the baked version. We tried some in the old town, right off of Piazza Mercantile at La Puccia.
Panino con Polpo
The name leaves no mystery if you speak Italian, and if your Italian is a little rusty, the dish literally translates to “sandwich with octopus” and — shockingly enough — that is exactly what it is! Grilled octopus on a bun. I’m a sucker for fresh seafood, and this was no different. we tried the one at La Tana del Polpo in the old town.
Orecchiette Pasta
If you’re craving pasta, forget the (extremely North American) chicken alfredo, and try orecchiette instead. Because its the regional shape, you’re pretty much guaranteed to get an incredibly fresh dish. If you’re wondering ‘why orecchiette?’, the ear-like shape for which it’s named holds more sauce, and therefore, more flavour.
One last recommendation, have dinner in Old Town while you’re in Bari. There is a magic found in the dimly lit cobbled streets, with good food and good company.
We chose La Uascezze (oo-ah-SHETT-seh) and delicious is an understatement. We opted to try the preset tasting menu (not available for solo diners), which varies daily based on the chef’s choices. I love getting recommendations and am far from a picky eater, so this was the perfect choice for me. Not only was the food terrific, the atmosphere was perfect. Picture: a soundtrack of joyful voices echoing off the buildings, soft outdoor lighting illuminating the space, tables spilling out into the street, and the scent of well seasoned food wafting out from the kitchen.
If you want to visit La Uascezze, make a reservation or arrive at least 30 minutes before they open for the evening. Things fill up quickly!
