Bari holidays

How to reach Bari

Flight time:

• Flights to Bari from London take about 2 hours 50 minutes.

• Flights from Edinburgh last approximately 3 hours 15 minutes.

• From elsewhere in the UK, travelling to Bari involves a connecting flight.

Transfer time:

• Once you’ve landed at Bari’s Karol Wojtyła Airport, you can reach the city centre in about 30–40 minutes.

• The most common way is by train, which runs every 30 minutes.

• The airport shuttle bus also offers regular services throughout the day.

• Or catch a taxi for a quicker and more convenient start to your trip.

Price:

• The train ride costs around €5 one-way.

• The shuttle bus is slightly cheaper at €4 per person.

• A taxi will set you back about €25, depending on traffic.

Best time to visit Bari

The best time for holidays to Bari depends on what you’re after: a peaceful seaside retreat or a bustling city break. Here’s a seasonal guide to help you plan:

• April to June is an ideal period if you want to avoid the heat and crowds. Springtime temperatures range from 16°C to 24°C, and you’ll enjoy around 8–10 hours of sunshine per day. Rainfall is minimal, so it’s perfect for wandering Bari’s streets or heading to its beaches.

• July to August is Bari’s high season, with long hours of sunshine and temperatures of 30°C or more. It’s prime time for beachgoers – but be prepared for crowds and higher prices.

• September to November brings cooler weather and fewer tourists. It’s a great time for those who prefer sightseeing over sunbathing. The temperatures drop to between 18°C and 24°C, and although rainfall increases, you’ll still enjoy around 6–8 hours of daily sunshine.

• December to March are Bari’s quietest months, with temperatures hovering between 10°C and 15°C. This is when you can experience the city at a slower pace, making it ideal for exploring the popular sights and indulging in Bari’s rich culinary scene.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Italian is the official language in Bari, but you’ll find that many people can speak basic English. However, being able to speak a few basic Italian phrases is much appreciated by the locals.

• Local habits and customs: Like all Italians, Bari locals embrace a relaxed pace of life. Shops often close during the afternoon for a few hours and evening meals tend to start late, often after 8 pm.

• Currency: Italy uses the Euro. ATMs are widely available in Bari, and most shops, restaurants and hotels accept credit cards. However, having some cash is handy for smaller establishments and local markets.

• Getting around: Bari is easy to navigate on foot, but there’s also a reliable public transport system if you want to give your legs a rest. Bus fares cost around €1.20, and let you hop on and off the city’s buses for 90 minutes. Buy your ticket at kiosks, tobacco shops or via the MyCicero app.

• Electricity and plug types: Bari operates on a 230V supply. UK travellers will need to pack a standard European two-pin plug adaptor.

• Time zone: Bari is in Central European Time (CET), which is one hour ahead of GMT.

Best things to do in Bari

Located in Italy’s southern Puglia region, Bari is a port city overlooking the glistening waters of the Adriatic Sea. Bari holidays combine rich history, seaside relaxation and vibrant local culture. Here’s a guide to some of the best things to do in Bari:

The best districts

• Bari Vecchia (Old Town): This is the heart of the city, where you can spend hours exploring its charming cobbled alleys and picturesque squares. The old town is packed with history, from the Basilica of Saint Nicholas to the impressive Castello Svevo (Swabian Castle). It’s an area best explored on foot, which takes on a magical atmosphere come evening.

• Murattiano District: For a more modern feel, head to Bari’s Murattiano district, which promises chic 19th-century boulevards and a cosmopolitan vibe. Via Sparano is great for shopping, with a variety of both international brands and stylish boutiques on offer. Pause your browsing for a coffee or aperitivo at one of its trendy cafés.

Historical monuments

• Basilica of Saint Nicholas: This Romanesque church dedicated to St. Nicholas is one of Bari’s most famous landmarks. The religious relics housed here make it a significant site for pilgrimages, although it’s well worth visiting for its architectural splendour alone.

• Swabian Castle: Known to the locals as Castello Svevo, this impressive fortress dates back to the 12th century. Delve into Bari’s past while wandering its ancient corridors and courtyards, then climb the towers for views over the city.

• Teatro Petruzzelli (Petruzzelli Theatre): Bari’s grand opera house is one of Italy’s most important theatres and hosts a world-class repertoire of opera, ballet and orchestral performances.

Day trips in the area

• Alberobello: Situated approximately an hour’s drive from Bari, visiting the nearby town of Alberobello is like stepping into a fairytale. This unique UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its trulli – round, whitewashed huts with conical roofs.

• Polignano a Mare: Polignano a Mare is a gorgeous seaside town perched on dramatic cliffs about 30 minutes south of Bari. Spend a few hours exploring its narrow streets, then finish off with a dip in the crystal-clear Adriatic waters.

• Matera: Located slightly further afield, Matera makes for a fascinating day trip. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s known for its ancient cave dwellings called “sassi”.

Activities for families in Bari

Bari is a fantastic holiday destination for families, with plenty of activities to keep both kids and adults entertained.

• Beaches: Bari’s Pane e Pomodoro beach is a great family-friendly spot that combines child-friendly shallow waters with plenty of space to relax.

  • Zoos and Aquariums: A short drive from Bari, Zoosafari in Fasano is one of the largest zoos in Italy. Not only can children see exotic animals up close, but there’s also an amusement park for more family fun.

• Parco 2 Giugno: Bari’s largest green space is perfect for a family picnic. The popular park also has playgrounds, open spaces and shaded paths, making it a lovely spot to unwind.

• Interactive Museums: The Nicolaiano Museum is a great place for children and adults seeking a spot of culture. Its interactive exhibits bring Bari’s history to life, with a particular focus on St. Nicholas.

Free things to do in Bari

You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy Bari. The city has plenty of free and low-cost activities that let you soak up its atmosphere without spending a cent.

• Free Events: Bari hosts free cultural events throughout the year. Most notable is the Feast of St. Nicholas in early May – an impressive and vibrant showcase of processions, fireworks and street performances.

• Free Museums: Some of Bari’s museums, like the Nicolaiano Museum, offer free entry on certain days or times. Look out for these chances to explore Bari’s culture and history at no cost.

• Seafront Promenade: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Lungomare Nazario Sauro, Bari’s seafront promenade. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists, with a lively atmosphere and stunning seaside views.

• Free Guided Tours: Keep an eye out for walking tours that operate on a tips-only basis. These tours give a fascinating – and often entertaining – insight into Bari’s history and culture.

Food and drink in Bari

Holidays to Bari are a wonderful opportunity to savour authentic Pugliese cuisine. Bari is known for its simple, fresh ingredients, with seafood featuring heavily. Dine at one of the city’s cosy trattorias or sample its vibrant food markets to discover some of the best local dishes.

Some typical dishes

• Orecchiette alle Cime di Rapa: Bari’s signature dish of orecchiette pasta served with a sauce made from turnip greens, garlic, chilli and anchovies. It’s simple but packed with flavour.

• Focaccia Barese: Bari’s take on focaccia is fluffier, with a crispy base, and comes topped with tomatoes and olives, plus a drizzle of olive oil. Find this quick and filling snack at one of the city’s many bakeries.

• Panzerotti: Think of these as mini calzones, stuffed with mozzarella and tomato, then deep-fried. Great for eating on the go, you’ll find them at street stalls and pizzerias all over Bari.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Cozze Ripiene: Stuffed mussels are a local delicacy, and Bari’s are typically filled with a mix of breadcrumbs, cheese, garlic and parsley. Order some at a seafood restaurant, where they’ll arrive served in a rich tomato sauce.

• Polpo alla Griglia: Grilled octopus is another popular dish, freshly caught and often simply served with olive oil, lemon and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Street food

• Sgagliozze: This Bari classic is made with fried slices of polenta that are crispy on the outside and soft inside. You’ll mostly find street vendors selling them in the old town.

• Bari’s raw fish: Bari locals love their raw fish. Look out for stalls by the harbour where fresh catches of prawns, octopus and sea urchins are sold to eat raw.

Sweets and desserts

• Sporcamuss: These little puff pastries are filled with custard cream and dusted with powdered sugar. They’re called “sporcamuss”, meaning “dirty your face”, because they’re so messy to eat, but they’re also wonderfully light and delicious.

• Cartellate: A traditional Christmas pastry made from thin dough spirals soaked in honey or vin cotto (cooked wine). These sweet, crunchy bites are the perfect end to a meal.

Local drinks

• Primitivo: This hugely popular local red wine is known for its full-bodied, fruity flavour. Pair it with rich pasta dishes or grilled meats.

  • Limoncello: Finish a meal with a glass of this refreshing lemon liqueur, made from the zest of local lemons.