Bari: Tips & Highlights in the Capital of Apulia

Less polished than other cities in Italy, but full of authentic charm, the capital of Apulia welcomes you. There are countless sights and neighborhoods full of contrasts to discover in Bari. Among them is an entire street dedicated to a type of pasta, and the city beach invites you to relax during your strolls along the Adriatic.

The city center of Bari is quite compact, and the main attractions are close to each other, so you can explore them conveniently on foot.

Vespas whiz through the narrow streets of the old town, where awnings stretch like whipped cream over balconies. Bari Vecchia is the oldest part of the city. Its history dates back to antiquity, and various influences can be felt at numerous corners. The historic center is filled with historical squares, baroque churches, and winding streets. The best way to get to know the capital of Apulia is simply to wander through the labyrinth of alleys and see where it leads you.

Bari Vecchia seamlessly transitions into the Murat district. Instead of narrow alleys, wide streets and boulevards define the cityscape here. The main thoroughfare is Via Sparano. Built during the reign of the former King of Naples, Joachim Murat, Via Sparano is now Bari's shopping street. If you're not in the mood for window shopping, there are also elegant city palaces to admire. If you look closely, you can even find elements of Art Nouveau.

Like an imposing fortress, the Basilica of San Nicola towers in the heart of the historic old town. Simple, made of light limestone, without excessive splendor and ornamentation, the church was built in the 11th century. Inside, the view upward is particularly captivating. Marble columns rise toward the carved and gilded wooden ceiling, and under the arches, you can discover Romanesque capitals. A visit to the crypt, adorned with a mosaic floor, is also worthwhile. The relics of Saint Nicholas are found here. This is the same Nicholas that inspired the legend of Santa Claus.

No visit to Bari is complete without passing through the legendary street known as Strada delle Orecchiette, aptly named for the region's characteristic pasta, orecchiette, which resembles small ears. Wooden tables line the fronts of the houses, where locals, the people of Bari, skillfully shape the pasta dough into orecchiette. Naturally, you can also equip yourself with delicious souvenirs to take home. In addition to the pasta, you will find a charming fruit and vegetable shop in Strada Arco Basso. Gather some tomatoes and herbs, and you'll have all the ingredients for your next pasta dinner.

The central meeting point in Bari Vecchia and one of the most beautiful squares in the city is Piazza Mercantile. This is where real Apulian life takes place. So be sure to take your time, sit on the steps of the Colonna infame, once the pillory of the city, and watch the colorful hustle and bustle.

Just being by the sea makes Teatro Margherita one of the most beautiful sights of Bari. The building was constructed between 1912 and 1914 and has an interesting history, including a rivalry with Teatro Petruzzelli. As you can imagine, the Petruzzelli family was not pleased about a competing theater. Until 1979, Teatro Margherita hosted theater and cinema performances. After that, it was closed to the public for years. Following renovations, the building now houses a museum with changing exhibitions.

At Piazza dell'Odegitria, you will find the Cathedral of San Sabino, a significant example of Romanesque architecture in Apulia. With its tower rising between the old town alleys, the cathedral can be seen from afar. It was built in the 12th century from the remains of an older church. The building now houses a museum in its basement.

Like in most Italian coastal towns, there is a promenade along the Mediterranean in Bari. Just near the Museo Archeologico di Santa Scolastica and the remains of the old city walls, the Lungomare Imperatore Augusto begins, which then transitions into Lungomare Nazario Sauro. Over a total of about 2.7 kilometers, the waterfront promenade leads to Bari's city beach, Spiaggia Pane e Pomodoro. Furthermore, several beaches line the coast further south, with Pane e Pomodoro being considered the most beautiful. The enchanting scent of sunscreen and saltwater fills the air, and the clear waters of the Adriatic entice you for a refreshing dip. In the fine sandy cove, the locals especially enjoy being close to the sea on hot summer days and work on their sun-kissed tan. Tourists are sparse even in high season. If you want to take a break by the sea between city strolls, be prepared for little shade. Therefore, it's best to dive into the swimming fun in the morning or afternoon and make a stop at Bianca Cafè in the Murat district on the way back.

A variety of Italian delicacies can be enjoyed in the heart of Apulia, including:

To taste the famous orecchiette, you should head to the Orecchietteria San Nicola in Bari Vecchia. Paired with arugula, roasted tomatoes, and Cacioricotta cheese, this pasta dish creates a perfect symbiosis. To finish, treat yourself to a creamy pistachio semifreddo - simply melt-in-your-mouth good!

For a quick snack, you should stop by El Focacciaro, near the majestic Palazzo dell'Acquedotto Pugliese - be sure to take a look inside - the bakery, which appears unassuming compared to the palace, is a real gem, and the stuffed pastries called panzerotti are known beyond the city limits. In addition to the classic filled with tomato and mozzarella, you can also enjoy regional variations such as ricotta or turnip tops. The latter sounds much tastier in Italian, of course. Choose a nearby spot along the promenade with a view of Teatro Margherita and the sparkling Adriatic for your cima di rapa panzerotto - buon appetito!

How do I get to Bari? The quickest way to reach Apulia is by airplane. Bari's international airport is located about eight kilometers northwest of the city and is directly connected to Munich with a flight time of 1 hour and 40 minutes.

What is the best time to visit Bari? The best time to visit Bari varies depending on preferences and activities. Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing as the temperatures are pleasantly warm and fewer tourists visit Bari than in summer. July and August are peak season in the region, and beach time reaches its height. Generally, pleasant water temperatures can be expected along the southern Adriatic coast up to mid-September.

Can you enjoy a beach holiday in Bari? The port city on the Adriatic coast is not considered a typical destination for a pure beach holiday. However, for those who wish to combine culture with a dip in the sea, Bari offers a lovely city beach as well as numerous bathing coves nearby.

Where is the most beautiful spot in Bari? One of the most beautiful places is Bari Vecchia, with its narrow alleys, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere. Additionally, the Lungomare Nazario Sauro promenade is inviting for strolls along the Adriatic coast. Highlights also include Piazza Mercantile and the new town of Bari, the Murat district, with its magnificent Art Nouveau buildings.

Where is the best place to stay in Bari? If you want to stay in the bustling heart of Bari, Flavì on the edge of the old town or Palazzo Gatto Bianco in the Murat district is just right. For those who prefer a quieter, more secluded stay, I can recommend Villa Mediterranea Apartments, with a pool and some with sea views, on the outskirts. From there, you can easily take a train or bus into the city.