Bari, the capital of Apulia on Italy's Adriatic coast, is the perfect starting point for a tour of the region. This lively university city combines Italian coastal charm with a modern flair. With a rich history dating back to antiquity, Bari offers historical treasures such as the Basilika San Nicola , the Norman-Swabian Castle , and the picturesque old town, Bari Vecchia. The city also captivates visitors with its picturesque harbor, excellent cuisine, and beautiful beaches along the Adriatic Sea.

Top Highlights of Bari

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Travel Information

How long should you stay?

That depends on your plans. Most visitors use Bari as a starting point for their road trip around Apulia and stay in Bari only for a day or two before continuing. It is doable to visit Bari Vecchia and the Basilica of San Nicola in a day, as well as enjoy a delicious meal. Nevertheless, we think it's more relaxed to stay for one night.

If you don't have a car, Bari is great as a home base to explore the nearby region by train and bus. In this case you can easily stay for 5 - 7 days.

Best time to visit Bari

The best time to visit Bari is in May, June, and September. The weather is warm but not too hot, with temperatures ranging from 20-28°C (68-82°F). It's perfect for exploring the city and doing outdoor activities without the summer tourist crowds. Autumn is also harvest time, and you can visit wineries and olive oil producers.

July and August are the peak season. It's the hottest time, the beaches are crowded, and there are numerous festivals. However, it's also the most crowded and expensive time, with temperatures over 30°C (86°F).

Low season is from October to April. The temperatures are cooler (10-18°C or 50-64°F) and there are fewer tourists. This is a good time to explore the city in peace and experience a more authentic side of Bari. Some attractions and accommodations might be closed, but the quieter atmosphere and lower prices make it a pleasant time to visit.

How to get to Bari?

By Plane

Bari has an international airport, Aeroporto di Bari-Karol Wojtyła, with good connections to many European cities. There are flights to Bari from cities such as Vienna, Munich, London, and Paris. Airlines like Ryanair, Alitalia, and Lufthansa offer regular flights to Bari. The airport is about 8 km northwest of the city center, and you can easily reach the city center by train, bus, or taxi. The train takes about 40 minutes to Bari Centrale station.

By Train

Bari is well connected to the Italian rail network, with regular high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Italo) from Rome, Milan, and Naples, arriving in Bari in about 4-5 hours. You can buy tickets online on the Trenitalia website or at the ticket counters in the station. The main train station (Stazione Centrale di Bari) is located right in the city center.

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Day Trips

Bari is quite conveniently located for a range of day trips. You could even stay in Bari for an entire week and visit the region from here. Two of the must-see cities are definitely Alberobello and Matera, but also Castel del Monte and Trani are worth a day trip.

Alberobello

Alberobello is famous for its unique trulli houses, which are whitewashed, conical-roofed structures that create a fairytale-like atmosphere. These distinctive buildings, some of which have been converted into restaurants and shops, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can reach Alberobello in about an hour by car or by bus.

Matera

Matera , one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is renowned for its Sassi, a network of ancient cave dwellings carved into the cliffs. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is truly special and is best explored on foot. Matera is about an hour's drive or 2 - 2.5 hours by train or bus.

Castel del Monte & Trani

Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Castel del Monte , a 13th-century castle renowned for its unique octagonal shape and impressive architectural design. Located about an hour from Bari, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. You can explore the castle's various rooms and take great photos.

In the early afternoon, head to the coastal town of Trani , known for its beautiful seafront and historic charm. Just a 30-minute drive from Castel del Monte, you can have a small lunch here, before exploring the charming town. The Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Nicholas , which sits majestically by the sea, is just beautiful. Wander through the narrow streets of the old town, visit the medieval castle , and explore the Jewish quarter with its historical Scolanova-Synagoge . Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the harbor, where you can relax at a waterfront café and savor fresh seafood while watching the boats come and go.

Polignano a Mare

Located just 40 minutes south of Bari, Polignano a Mare is a picturesque coastal town famous for its dramatic cliffs and clear blue waters. Visitors can explore its charming historic center, enjoy views from Lama Monachile beach, and dine in unique restaurants set within sea caves. From Bari Centrale you can reach the city in 50 minutes with the regional train.

Monopoli, beach town

Monopoli , another coastal gem, is known for its stunning beaches , historic old town, and lively harbor. It's a great place for a beach day. Historical highlights include the Castello Charles V , Monopoli Cathedral , and the scenic Porto Antico. It’s easily reachable from Bari Centrale by train in about 30-40 minutes.

Ostuni

Known as the White City due to its whitewashed buildings, Ostuni is a charming town perched on a hill. You can wander through its narrow streets, visit the beautiful Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Ostuni is about an easy hour's drive or 1 - 1.5 hours train ride from Bari.

History

Bari has a rich and varied history dating back to ancient times. Originally known as Barium, it was an important harbor for the Iapygian Peuceti and later integrated into the Roman Empire around the 3rd century BC. Its strategic location made it a key point for eastward trade and a central fishery hub.

In the early Medieval Ages, Bari was a contested site, ruled by the Byzantines, Lombards, and Saracens at different times. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476, it was controlled by the Ostrogoths and then the Byzantines, who turned it into a crucial stronghold. Bari became the center of the Emirate of Bari from 847 to 871, when it was captured by the Frankish Emperor Louis II.

A significant event in Bari's history was its conquest by the Normans. The siege, led by Robert Guiscard, began in 1068, and culminated in 1071, ending over five centuries of Byzantine rule in southern Italy. This conquest was a pivotal moment in the Norman expansion in Italy and significantly influenced the region's culture and architecture.

During the Crusades, Bari was a prominent departure point for soldiers heading to the Holy Land, further cementing its strategic and economic importance. The Basilica di San Nicola, built in 1089, became an essential pilgrimage site, housing the relics of Saint Nicholas, which had been brought from Myra (modern-day Turkey).

During the Renaissance, Bari was conquered by the Venetians and continued to be an important trading center. Bari continued to develop into modern times, surviving periods of turmoil such as the plague in the 17th century and the Allied bombing in World War II. Today, it is known for its vibrant old town, historical architecture, and bustling port.