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The capital of the southeastern Puglia region of Italy, Bari, is a vibrant port city on the Adriatic Sea. Known for its atmospheric Old Town, medieval churches, stunning beaches, and delicious food and wine, there are so many incredible things to do in Bari. I spent time in Bari last month and really loved the … Read more

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The capital of the southeastern Puglia region of Italy, Bari, is a vibrant port city on the Adriatic Sea. Known for its atmospheric Old Town, medieval churches, stunning beaches, and delicious food and wine, there are so many incredible things to do in Bari.

I spent time in Bari last month and really loved the city. It receives far fewer tourists than other Italian cities like Rome, Florence, and Naples, it’s much cheaper and has a really authentic and laidback vibe.

In this post, I’ll describe some of the top things to see and places to visit in Bari. Some of these are free, others you have to pay for, but all are great and definitely worthwhile.

Best Things to Do in Bari

However long you have to spend sightseeing in Bari, I recommend checking out at least some of the following.

1. Explore the Citta Vecchia

Many of the top places to visit in Bari are located in its Old Town – a maze of narrow, winding streets and back alleys that lies just south of the modern port area. It’s a fascinating place, with more than 2,000 years of history.

The majority of the historic buildings in Citta Vecchia are intact, and the whole district has a wonderfully unique feel. It’s easy to get lost wandering through the backstreets, but this is part of the fun.

Every corner you turn you’ll see something new. Women sit at wooden tables in the street making handmade orecchiette pasta, picturesque little squares are decorated with flowers, and locals sit together chatting over a coffee or glasses of wine.

The whole place feels like a time warp, and you get the sense that life hasn’t changed much here in hundreds of years. It’s an amazing place to while away a few hours and exploring it is one of the best activities in Bari. Click here for a highly-rated guided tour of the old town.

2. Visit the Basilica Di San Nicola

Dating back to the 12th century, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas was built on the site of a church that was destroyed by an earthquake in 1089.

The exterior of the basilica is incredibly ornate, with two large towers and a stunning façade. The interior is just as impressive, with beautiful mosaics and paintings adorning the walls and ceilings.

It’s dedicated to Saint Nicholas (AKA Saint Nick, or Santa Claus, of Christmas Eve fame), who was born in Patara, in modern-day Turkey, and later became the Bishop of Myra.

The remains of Saint Nicholas are actually buried in the crypt of the basilica, and it’s a place of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians from all over the world. This rickshaw tour of the old town actually takes in the Basilica of Saint Nicholas.

Address: Largo Abate Elia, 13, 70122, Bari BA, Italy

3. Check Out Bari Cathedral

Another church in Bari that’s worth visiting is the Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale San Sabino (or Bari Cathedralfor short), which dates back to the 11th century.

The cathedral is located in the heart of Citta Vecchia and is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture. Inside, the cathedral’s treasury (Tesoro) contains a series of precious relics and other historical artifacts, as well as a museum.

Underneath the cathedral lies a series of archaeological excavations, showing the remains of an ancient Roman road from the 2nd century and a Byzantine church from the 9th century. There are also the remains of a beautifully ornate mosaic.

Address: Piazza dell’Odegitria, 70122, Bari BA, Italy

4. Take a Historical Walking Tour of Bari