Bari Travel Guide
Towns and cities in Puglia
Bari, the regional capital of Puglia, is often overlooked by visitors in favour of more well-known Italian destinations. Yet this lively coastal city, where the past and present intertwine beautifully, is well worth exploring. From ancient architecture and historic landmarks to bustling markets and scenic promenades, Bari offers an authentic slice of Italian life on the Adriatic coast.
About the area
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Bari has been a key commercial and trading hub in Puglia for millennia. First rising to prominence under the Romans, over the centuries Bari flourished under Byzantine and Norman rule, becoming a departure point for the Crusades and a significant cultural and economic centre. Today, Bari remains a vital port city, with regular ferry connections to Greece and the Balkans, and it hosts the prestigious Fiera del Levante trade fair every year.
Bari is a city that seamlessly blends the old with the new. Bari Vecchia, the old town, is a labyrinth of narrow streets filled with historic churches, cozy cafes, and vibrant piazzas. Just a stone's throw away, the modern Murat district features wide, tree-lined boulevards, elegant shops, and the famous Teatro Petruzzelli, Italy’s fourth-largest opera house.
Things to do in Bari
- Visit Bari’s architectural attractions: Discover the Romanesque architecture of Bari’s most important church, the Basilica di San Nicola, home to the relics of Saint Nicholas and a popular pilgrimage site. Another example of stunning Norman Romanesque architecture can be found at the 12th-century Cattedrale di San Sabino cathedral, just a short walk from the Basilica di San Nicola.
- Explore the old and new: Wander through the narrow streets of Bari Vecchia, the old town, full of history, charm, and character, with plenty of cafes, bars, and local eateries. Discover Bari’s modern side in the Murat district, known for its stylish boutiques, designer stores, and lively atmosphere. The city’s long seafront promenade, which stretches from Bari Vecchia to the modern shopping area, offers a picturesque place to stroll, unwind, and enjoy the views of the Adriatic Sea.
- Tour the Castello Svevo: Visit Emperor Frederick II's fortress, a massive structure with medieval origins that has stood the test of time and now hosts exhibitions and cultural events.
- Attend a performance at Teatro Petruzzelli: For opera lovers, a trip to Bari should include a night at one of Italy’s most beautiful opera houses. The Teatro Petruzzelli is the fourth largest opera house in Italy, after the Teatro Massimo in Palermo, La Scala in Milan and the San Carlo in Naples. Originally built in the mid-19th century, it was almost completely destroyed in 1991 by a fire that broke out after a performance of Bellini's Norma. After years of restoration it was reopened in 2009.
- Take a ferry to Greece or the Balkans: Make the most of Bari's position as a major passenger port with a ferry trip to destinations like Greece, Albania, or Croatia.
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