Bari

Travel Guide
Bari Harbor showing a bay or harbor
Organising a holiday in Bari is like entering an ancient southern city guarding a rich collection of art and architecture from its millennia of history. The monuments run the gamut from Romanesque constructions to medieval churches, from Frederick's castle to Venetian and Baroque, Liberty and Art Deco style buildings. Saracen, Byzantine and Norman influences also contributed throughout the centuries to shape the ancient city known as Barium in Latin, today's Bari. Thanks to the holiday offers in Bari, you can experience the unique charm that only such a cultural mixing pot can provide.

The old city, a maze of narrow winding streets, is the perfect place to begin a tour of Bari. Its political and business heart lies in two squares: Piazza del Ferrarese and Piazza Mercantile, overflowing with people and pubs at all hours of the day. On the Piazza Mercantile, one can see the so-called Seat of Nobles, the ancient Town Hall, and the Column of Justice, to which debtors and thieves used to be bound and left to face the public's rage. Nearby you can also visit Niccolò Piccinni's house, an eighteenth century composer, and the city's conservatory bears his name. San Nicola's Basilica is in the same square, a symbol of the city and considered an Apulian-Romanesque masterpiece.

Discovering the old city continues with a visit to the Church of San Marco, erected by Venetian merchants living in the area at the end of the 11th century. A few steps further on lies the early-Christian basilica of San Sabino, an interesting example of multiple styles intermixed. On the left is the Trulla, a round building believed by many to be the ancient baptistery, which today houses the sacristy.

Behind San Sabino rises the imposing Frederick's Castle, a fortress strongly desired by Frederick II in his time, and subsequently extended by the Aragons. From the outside you can clearly see the medieval influence, above all thanks to the Gothic style mullioned window. Crossing the bridge that spans the moat, you will notice the sixteenth century influence once you get inside. For those who wish to journey even deeper into Bari's art history, the Civic History Museum is a must-see. Other clear examples of cultural stratification and intermingling can be found at Santa Scolastica and on the lovely Piazza Santa Maria del Buonconsiglio.

Bari's nineteenth century buildings include the Palazzo Mincuzzi, evoking the large French department stores in Liberty style, the famous Petruzzelli Theatre and the Pinacotecta Provinciale, gallery, with its splendid halls dominating the medieval city. Together with the old Port, they offer a clearer vision of the city's artistic beauty.

After strolling through Bari's alleys and discovering its art and culture, you can let yourself be tempted by the aromas of traditional Apulian cuisine. You simply must try the "orecchiette" pasta - called "chiancarelle" in dialect - with turnip greens, and also "strascenate" and "cavatijdde" topped with pork ragu sauce and stuffed with cheese, parsley and lard. As is typical in southern regions, Bari offers a wealth of seafood, from mussels to sea urchins, baby octopus, oysters and anchovies. And of course, everything is dressed with excellent Apulian extra-virgin olive oil. One of the best places to try these delicacies is La Pignata. If you prefer snacking, make the most of happy hour at one of the many pubs in the city centre on Via Cavour. Afterwards, you can spend the evening at the Piccinni Theatre, with its historic stage dedicated to prose, offering the best national plays, year upon year. Your holiday will framed by sun, sea and hospitality hard to come by elsewhere. The Apulian Murghe region awaits you with reasonably priced last minute holidays in Bari.

Where to stay in Bari

Bari Harbor which includes a bay or harbor

Bari City Centre

Discover Bari City Centre, memorable for its historic sites. Popular attractions in Bari City Centre include Bari Harbor and Norman-Hohenstaufen Castle, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at Quintino Sella Station.

Bari City Centre
Piazza del Ferrarese which includes heritage architecture

Old Town Bari

Unique features of Old Town Bari include the historic sites and waterfront views. Make a stop by Bari Cathedral or Basilica of San Nicola while you're exploring the area.

Old Town Bari
Basilica of San Nicola showing religious aspects, a church or cathedral and interior views

Municipio 1

Historic sites and waterfront views are highlights of Municipio 1. Make a stop by Bari Harbor or Pane e Pomodoro Beach while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Quintino Sella Station to get around town.

Municipio 1
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Municipio 2

Historic sites, gardens, and bars are some highlights of Municipio 2. Make a stop by Trullo Antichi Sapori or Criminal Court of Bari while you're exploring.

Municipio 2

Municipio 3

Travelers like the beaches in Municipio 3, and Bari Harbor is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Municipio 3
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Municipio 5

Municipio 5 is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Panetteria Pan per Focaccia and Planetarium of Bari.

Municipio 5
The Nicolaus Hotel
The Nicolaus Hotel
4 out of 5
Via Cardinale A. Ciasca, 27, Bari, BA
The price is P8,617 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
P8,617
per night
8 Jul - 9 Jul
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Bari. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (540 reviews)
"Greta staff"

Reviewed on Jun 12, 2024

The Nicolaus Hotel
Mercure Villa Romanazzi Carducci Bari
Mercure Villa Romanazzi Carducci Bari
4 out of 5
Via Capruzzi 326, Bari, BA
The price is P9,016 per night from 23 Jun to 24 Jun
P9,016
per night
23 Jun - 24 Jun
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Bari. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the spacious rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (752 reviews)
"Fine"

Reviewed on Jun 5, 2024

Mercure Villa Romanazzi Carducci Bari
Parco dei Principi Hotel Congress & Spa
Parco dei Principi Hotel Congress & Spa
4 out of 5
Prolungamento Viale Europa 6, Bari, Bari
The price is P11,741 per night from 21 Jun to 22 Jun
P11,741
per night
21 Jun - 22 Jun
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Bari. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (509 reviews)
"Good dining options for breakfast & dinner. Really comfortable beds. Parking was available which we appreciated. Bathrooms were very modern & clean. Pool facilities looked nice."

Reviewed on Jun 3, 2024

Parco dei Principi Hotel Congress & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Corte Nicolaiana Apts by Wonderful Italy
Corte Nicolaiana Apts by Wonderful Italy
Corso Benedetto Croce 217, Bari, Città Metropolitana di Bari
Stay at this apartment in Bari. Enjoy free WiFi. Popular attractions Bari Harbor and Trullo Antichi Sapori are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Spacious and clean. Comfortable stay.
"Spacious and clean. Very comfortable stay in a somewhat quiet neighborhood away from the shopping area and tourist traps. Close to the university and have some good cafes around the area."

Reviewed on Apr 30, 2024

Corte Nicolaiana Apts by Wonderful Italy
Visa Residence
Visa Residence
3 out of 5
Via Dante Alighieri, 461/a, Bari, BA
Stay at this 3-star residence in Bari. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Bari Harbor and Piazza Giuseppe ...
9/10 Wonderful! (40 reviews)
Home away from home
"The staff was friendly, knowledgeable and helpful with places to eat and buy groceries. The apartment was spacious, clean and well equipped. We immediately felt at home. We would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on Dec 17, 2023

Visa Residence
Appartamento a Palazzo Zizzi by Wonderful Italy
Appartamento a Palazzo Zizzi by Wonderful Italy
Bari
Stay at this apartment in Bari. Popular attractions Bari Harbor and Basilica of San Nicola are located nearby.
Appartamento a Palazzo Zizzi by Wonderful Italy
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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