10 Things to Do in Bari

If you are thinking of exploring Italy beyond Rome, Bari is an option you should not overlook. This port city, known for its rich history, stands out for its cultural diversity and architecture, which combines the ancient monuments of Bari Vecchia with sophisticated modern buildings.

Among the best activities you can do in Bari are visiting the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, exploring the caves of Polignano a Mare, and visiting the Castle of Swabia, a Norman-Swabian building that will allow you to appreciate the city's medieval past. Without a doubt, Bari offers a rich cultural and natural experience that makes it an unmissable destination in southern Italy.

The Basilica of Saint Nicholas of Bari is one of the most popular Christian churches. Built in the 11th century, this basilica was constructed to house the relics of Saint Nicholas and, since then, has been a place of pilgrimage that has attracted thousands of faithful from all over the world, reaffirming Bari's fame as a European epicentre.

The appeal of the Basilica of Saint Nicholas is not only religious, but also architectural and cultural. This building is a clear example of the Romanesque style, with its white stone façade and sturdy pillars supporting it. Its interior is equally impressive, with a design that blends Gothic and Byzantine elements, bearing witness to the multicultural influence that characterises local history.

This site also has great symbolism for the Orthodox faith, making it a symbol of spiritual union. Every year, on 6 December and 9 May, festivities are held in honour of Saint Nicholas, bringing together thousands of worshippers and tourists seeking to experience the religious fervour that emanates from the basilica.

Located in the heart of the old town, it is very easy to access and you can visit it on your own or book a Segway tour of Bari, which includes this site in its itinerary.

If you want to visit one of the most popular buildings in Bari, I encourage you to visit the Swabian Castle, a medieval fortress built in the 12th century that provided the city with a defensive ring to prevent invasions.

The structure of the Swabian Castle is surrounded by solid walls and a deep moat that highlights its defensive nature. Inside, you can admire several rooms and galleries, which once housed members of the nobility and served as centres of government and military defence. The design of its central courtyard, as well as the towers and bastions that surround it, show a unique combination of Norman, Swabian and Renaissance styles.

The Swabian Castle, which currently hosts cultural events, is one of the symbols of Bari's medieval heritage. Its importance lies not only in its age but also in its role as a bridge between cultures, as Frederick II used it as a meeting place for scholars and ambassadors from different parts of Europe and the East. In addition, its strategic location on a hill allows for a panoramic view of the city and the Adriatic Sea.

One of the best ways to visit this site is to book a guided tour of Bari, which usually includes a visit to this castle and other main attractions, such as Bari Cathedral and the Petruzzelli Theatre.

The Old Town of Bari is the historic heart of this coastal city. Located on a peninsula jutting out into the Adriatic Sea, Bari Vecchia is a labyrinth of narrow streets, ancient squares and historic buildings that will take you on a journey back in time to the Middle Ages.

Among the most notable sites of interest is the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, one of Italy's most important pilgrimage sites, although the Cathedral of Saint Sabinus, a jewel of Apulian Romanesque style, and the Norman-Swabian Castle, which offers a glimpse of medieval defensive architecture, are also worth visiting.

In addition to its rich history, the Old Town of Bari is famous for its everyday life and traditions. It is common to see local women sitting at the doors of their houses making orecchiette, the typical pasta of the Apulia region, which is sold fresh in the streets. There are also small shops and markets where you can find local products and fresh produce from the Adriatic Sea.

You can visit Bari Vecchia on your own or take part in one of the experiences offered by the city, such as booking a bike tour of Bari, which passes through this area.

Trying Italian cuisine in Bari is an unmissable experience for those visiting this port city in the Apulia region, as the local cuisine is renowned for its fresh ingredients, which highlight the Mediterranean flavours in every dish. From pasta to fish and seafood, Bari's cuisine offers a wide variety of authentic flavours that represent the best of the Italian diet.

One of the most iconic dishes you must try in Bari is orecchiette, a handmade pasta shaped like small ears, typical of the Apulia region. This type of pasta is usually served with broccoli rabe or tomato sauce and strong ricotta, a local cheese with an intense flavour. Focaccia is also a highlight, especially focaccia barese, which is made with olives, cherry tomatoes and olive oil.

To sample these typical dishes, the city offers a variety of restaurants and trattorias where you can discover the authentic spirit of local cuisine, especially in the old town. However, you can also choose to book a food tour of Bari, which will allow you to explore every corner of this destination accompanied by experts.

Bari Cathedral is officially known as the Cathedral of San Sabino and, although it is not as famous as the Basilica of San Nicola di Bari, it is one of the oldest religious buildings in the city. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, the cathedral was constructed on the site of an ancient Byzantine church destroyed by William I of Sicily, and its construction represents the Apulian Romanesque style, characterised by its sober yet majestic lines.

The cathedral's simple yet solemn white stone façade welcomes visitors walking through the narrow streets of Bari Vecchia, the old town. This temple is also famous for its crypt, which houses the relics of the martyr Saint Sabinus. This underground space is decorated with ancient frescoes and columns of different styles, creating a mystical atmosphere that captivates visitors.

The interior of the cathedral is equally striking, with its large arches and high ceilings reflecting the Romanesque style typical of the Apulia region. On its high altar is a ciborium, a structure carved in marble dating from the 12th century, and a rose window on the main façade that allows light to pass through, creating a play of shadows and colours inside.

You can reach the cathedral on your own or by taking advantage of one of the transport experiences offered by this destination, such as the bike taxi tour of Bari, which takes you through the old town and stops at this temple.

The Metropolitan Art Gallery of Bari is one of the most important and renowned art museums in Apulia. Founded in 1928, the art gallery is currently located in the Provincial Palace, a historic building on the Bari seafront, offering spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea.

This museum houses a collection of artworks dating from the 11th to the 19th century, making it a must-see for art and culture lovers visiting Bari. Among the most notable works are paintings by renowned artists from the Venetian and Neapolitan schools, such as Giovanni Bellini, Tintoretto and Paolo Veronese.

In addition to its permanent collections, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions that highlight contemporary art and explore topics of current relevance. The art gallery also has a room dedicated to the art of the Apulia region, where you can discover paintings and sculptures by local artists that capture the spirit and daily life of this unique Mediterranean region that served as a port city during the Middle Ages.

The Grotte di Castellana, located just a few kilometres from Bari, are one of Italy's most impressive natural wonders and a must-see for anyone visiting Apulia. This complex of underground caves is famous for its stalactite and stalagmite formations, which have developed over millions of years, and where you can immerse yourself in a mystical landscape of columns, crystals and rock formations.

Discovered in 1938 by speleologist Franco Anelli, the Grotte di Castellana revealed a vast system of caves and caverns stretching for approximately three kilometres. These caves were formed by the action of water on limestone, which drop by drop sculpted this underground landscape over millennia. Among the most notable spaces are the White Grotto and the Precipice Cave, which stands out for its size.

If you decide to book a tour of the Grotte di Castellana, you can explore a route of approximately four hours that will take you to discover the different chambers and rooms, each with its own unique characteristics. From stalagmites that rise like towers to natural columns and delicate crystalline formations, every corner of these caves hides a geological history spanning millions of years.

If Grotte di Castellana isn't enough for you, you can also visit the caves of Polignano a Mare, which are popular in Apulia for their cliffs and crystal-clear waters, as well as for hosting a series of sea caves that have been formed over the centuries by the action of the sea on the limestone rock.

These natural formations offer an unmissable spectacle, as the caves open onto the sea beneath the picturesque old town, creating a unique contrast between the blue sea and the white cliff walls.

If you decide to book a tour of the caves of Polignano a Mare from Bari, you will join a boat trip that will allow you to explore the beauty of these natural cavities up close. During these trips, you will see some of the most famous caves, such as the Grotta Palazzese, known for its restaurant carved into the rock, and the Grotta Ardito, which fascinates visitors with its rock formations and the play of light inside.

In addition to exploring the caves, Polignano a Mare offers several activities for those seeking a more adventurous experience. The coastal waters are perfect for snorkelling or diving, allowing you to discover the area's rich marine life and observe the rock formations up close from below the surface.

Alberobello and Matera, two gems of the Apulia and Basilicata regions, offer a unique experience for those visiting southern Italy from the nearby city of Bari. Alberobello is famous for its "trulli", which are conical white stone buildings considered a World Heritage Site. These picturesque 14th-century buildings create an enchanting landscape that is unique in the world.

Matera, on the other hand, is known for its ancient "sassi", houses and structures carved into the rock that make up one of the oldest inhabited settlements in human history. The old town, divided into the districts of Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, allows visitors to explore cave houses, rock churches decorated with frescoes and ancient water cisterns.

In Alberobello, you can also stroll through the narrow streets and discover neighbourhoods such as Rione Monti and Aia Piccola, where the trulli are grouped together in a labyrinth of charming structures.

Each trullo has its own history, and many of them have been transformed into craft shops, galleries and cafés, following a family tradition that spans generations and goes back hundreds of years.

One of the best ways to discover Alberobello and Matera is to book a full-day guided tour from Bari. These tours have the benefit of expert guides who will tell you the stories and traditions of both places, revealing fascinating details that might otherwise go unnoticed.

One of the best things to do in Bari is to explore the nearby beaches. Among them, Cala Porta Vecchia is one of the most charming you will find. Located in the picturesque town of Monopoli, a few kilometres from the city centre, this coastal spot, with its crystal-clear waters and fine sand, is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the tranquillity of the Adriatic Sea.

Surrounded by ancient walls and historic buildings, the cove offers a magical setting where the medieval charm of Monopoli blends with the natural beauty of the coast, providing visitors with a unique atmosphere, especially at sunset, which is why it is considered one of Apulia's great treasures.

At Cala Porta Vecchia, you can enjoy a swim in its shallow waters, ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Its transparency allows you to see right to the bottom, making this beach an excellent place to snorkel and discover the local marine life.

In addition, being so close to the historic centre of Monopoli, the cove has numerous services and options for enjoying a full day, including bars, ice cream parlours and restaurants where you can sample typical Italian dishes with sea views.