Is Bari Worth Visiting? – A Travel Guide to the Capital of Apulia Region in Italy
Bari is the capital of Apulia Region in southern Italy and one of the oldest city in the country. It is a port city that is rich in history and culture, and a definitely worth visiting destination in the Mediterranean. In this guide, we will go over why Bari is worth visiting and answer other frequently asked questions about the city.
Why Should You Visit Bari?
Bari is a city rooted in history, culture and architecture. Plus, it has a gorgeous coastline and promising landscapes. Therefore, it’s no surprise that Bari is one of the top tourist destinations in Italy.The city offers a unique vibe that makes it stand out from other Italian cities. Its 1000-year-old history and its vibrant culture is what makes Bari so interesting and worth visiting. The mix of Roman, Byzantine and Venetian influences can be seen throughout the city. This makes Bari a delightful place to go and explore.Talking about its culture, Bari is a rendezvous spot for different religions and traditions. Its important churches, synagogues and mosques make it a perfect destination for any traveler who wants to experience different faiths within the same city.Apart from its culture and architecture, Bari also boasts some of the best beaches in Italy. From secluded sandy coves to more vibrant beaches lined with bars and restaurants, Bari has something for all kinds of beach lovers.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Bari?
The best time to visit Bari depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. The summer months, from June to August, is warm and sunny. Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen, and of course, visit the beaches during this time. However, if you want a quieter experience, the shoulder months like May, September and October are better. The temperatures are still mild during this period so you can still enjoy Bari’s outdoor activities without too much heat or crowds.
What Is the Weather Like in Bari?
Bari’s climate is considered Mediterranean. Summers are sunny and warm while winters tend to be mild. During summers, temperatures reach an average high of 30° Celsius (86° Fahrenheit). Bari’s winter months rarely dip below 8° Celsius (46° Fahrenheit).
What Are the Top Sights to See in Bari?
Here are the top sights – both man-made and natural – that you should definitely check out during your time in Bari:
- The Basilica of Saint Nicholas: Built in 1087, this basilica is one of the most important religious sights in all of southern Italy. Here, you can find relics from Saint Nicholas – one of Christianity’s most iconic figures.
- Castello Svevo: This formidable castle was built by Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century to protect Bari from invading forces. You can explore its grounds and admire its architectural grandeur.
- Petruzzelli Theatre: Built in 1903, Petruzzelli Theatre is one of the most iconic neo-aristocratic buildings in the country.
- Coppedè Area: It’s an area filled with plenty of villas and residential neighborhoods featuring different eclectic architectural feats dating back to the 1920s.
- Beaches: From secluded sandy coves to vibrant beaches lined with bars and restaurants, there are plenty of beach options that you can enjoy during your time in Bari.
- Monte Sant’Angelo: Located an hour from Bari, this area offers stunning views over Gargano Peninsula and great outdoor activities like swimming, hiking or mountain biking.
What Are the Top Authentic Dishes to Try in Bari?
Bari is part of Apulia region which is known for its delicious gastronomy. Here are some of the signature dishes you should try while in each part of the region:
| Food | Description | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Orecchiette | Little ear-shaped pasta pieces commonly associated with Apulia. | Apulia |
| Rapini | A bitter vegetable also known as “broccoli rabe” that is popular throughout Puglia. | Puglia |
| Burrata | A soft and creamy cheese made from cow’s milk. | Turin |
| Polpo grigliato | Grilled octopus usually served with potatoes, parsley, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. | Mediterranean |
| Crocchette di patate | Fried potato balls filled with mozzarella cheese and spices. | Southern Italy |
| Scapece | A fried fish marinated with vinegar before being fried again. | Campania |
| Cavatello | Type of dipper made from durum wheat like orecchiette but smaller in size. | Abruzzo |
| Panzerotto | Small round pizza filled with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce. | Puglia |
What Are Good Nightlife Options in Bari?
Nightlife in Bari is mostly centered around the old town area along Corso Cavour and the Murat Quarter. A number of bars, clubs and pubs can be found here that stay open till late at night offering different music scenes depending on your preference ranging from jazz clubs to rock bars. Here are few options that could be explored while looking for an active night life in Bari:- La Musa della Cina e L’inotte : Popularly known as “”La Musa’’; this bar café has been serving cocktails since 1993 which one can enjoy accompanied by live music performances.
- Caffè Névé Vénetó : This café bar started its journey in 1976 and over time have become one of the favorite hangouts for locals as well as tourists. Due to its frequent live music performances it gained its popularity faster.
- Bar Barbara Bistrot : A cozy café filled with vintage decorations adds old world charm to this place which serves some of the best wines accompanied by delicious light snacks.
- Doppio Zero Brewery : This craft brewery offers more than 200 different varieties of beer where each is freshly brewed on location using only pure malt and hops.
- Arancina Indiavolata : This venue promises its customers a unique night life experience filled with drinks, food and live performances.
Table of Contents
