The 7 Best Things to Do in Bari Italy + 1 Thing I’d Skip In 2026

My favorite city in Italy that some would consider a “hidden gem” is Bari, which is a port city on the Adriatic sea in the region of Puglia. I honestly consider Bari to be one of the best cities to visit in Italy once you’ve enjoyed the “Big Three” (i.e. Rome, Venice and Florence). The architecture, food and natural resources are the main reasons for Bari’s growing popularity to become a “Must See” city in southern Italy.

Despite having taken several trips to Bari, I still get very excited every time I come to the city. Bari is just packed with gorgeous architecture in Bari Vecchia, impressive parks, a beautiful waterfront and a long history. And don’t get me started on the Barese food, because that is my personal weakness.

I’ve been to Bari for work and for vacation a few times now, both in the summer and around Christmas time and I’ve included in this guide pretty much all the major things that I love doing, from visiting the Basilica of Saint Nicholas to exploring the beautiful Lungomare.

Things To Do In Bari – My Experiences

Over the last 3 years, I’ve been to Bari quite a few times now. Living in Italy has given me more opportunities to visit the city than a typical tourist would have. I first came to Bari on my wife’s business trip, but since then I’ve visited both in summer and during the Christmas season not for work, but for the amazing fun that I can have in Bari.

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My Top Things To Do In Bari

1. Walking Tour Of Bari

The highlight of a trip to Bari, for me, is definitely taking a walking tour around the city, including Bari Vecchia. While you can try it on your own, a guided tour will be considerably more informative, as well as making sure that you don’t get lost in the neighborhood full of alleys and hidden corners.

We preferred a walking tour with an English-speaking guide who is super passionate about Bari, the old town as well as the Puglia region. It was fascinating to learn the history of the region, the work done to clean up Bari Vecchia and future plans for the city.

Now that I’ve taken an enjoyable tour of Bari, if I would do it again, I would maybe opt for more of a food tour, but for the very first time booking a guided tour without bikes is your best bet.

Click Here: Walking Tour Of Bari

2. Beach of Pane e Pomodoro (Bread and Tomato)  

If you are in Bari in the summer, one of my family’s favorite activities is probably the most relaxing one. We love relaxing on the beach of Pane e Pomodoro, which translates to Bread and Tomato.

In addition to the beach, there are outdoor gym facilities, a public bath and refreshments available. This is a popular summer activity that combines well with a long walk along the coast.

3. A Tuk-Tuk Tour Of The Bari Coast

If you love an Ape like I do, an English language tour in an Ape Calessino is nothing short of amazing. You will tour the amazing Bari waterfront in comfort, but also with great visibility. Also, this is not an open tour, meaning you and your second will be the only people in these Tuk-Tuks. I prefer the private tours with a dedicated driver, like this one, which is why this is a favorite of mine.

On this hour-long tour, you’ll get a chance to enjoy the coast, as well as the fish market, parks, beaches and theaters from the comfort of the Tuk-Tuk at a leisurely pace. I live for a relaxed tour because fast, or rushed tours aren’t relaxing to me and they can even get distracting.

Click Here: A Tuk-Tuk Tour Of The Bari Coast

4. Walking Tour & Orecchiette Making Class 

5. The Ultimate Bari Street Food Tour

On this walking tour, you will be able to dive deep into Bari Vecchia. You will discover the local version of focaccia, taste some wines and even watch the grannies make their orecchiette pasta right there on the street.

More than just a food tour, you dive deeper into the local culture and other true gems of the Barese cuisine. For my money, I would love to dive as deeply as possible into the food of Bari, with anything else being simply a bonus!

Click Here: The Ultimate Bari Street Food Tour

6. Walking Along The Coast

I love taking my time and being on my own schedule, so taking a self-guided walk along the coast of Bari is my favorite activity, morning or night.

When you wake up and head to the coast, the marina, fishermen and restaurants are greeting you before the city actually gets rolling. This is my favorite time of day and correctly sets my internal clock for an enjoyable day. The evening can be nice for all the restaurants available to check out, but for me, not seeing the water would leave me wanting!

Along the pedestrian walkway there are ample places to stop and rest, get a coffee or beer (depending on the time) and if you walk far enough, there is a beach that will help with that summer heat.

7. The Basilica Of Saint Nicholas

One of the most interesting sites in Bari, to me, is the Basilica of Saint Nicholas. While it certainly is a beautiful basilica and has a historical significance, the history of Saint Nicholas and his relationship to the American version of Santa Claus is fascinating. Saint Nicholas (a.k.a. Santa Claus) is the one saint who enjoys the most widespread cult of personality in the life of the Catholic Church, after that of the Virgin Mary.

For me, tying the various Christmas traditions around the world with the very tangible burial site of Saint Nicholas is an experience not to be missed. I love the history of St. Nick as told by some Northern European countries and how it relates to the real saint.

The church is also the centerpiece of the feast day of Saint Nicholas, who is the patron saint of Bari and the reason for a huge celebration.

1 Thing I Would Skip In Bari

FAQs About What To Do In Bari

What are unique things to do in Bari?

For me, the first things that come to mind are the fishing port, the seasonal ferris wheel, experiencing their love of octopus first hand, and the “burnt” pasta dish known as Spaghetti al’Assassina.

What are the best free things to do in Bari?

Some of my favorite experiences in Bari have been just wandering around the Old Town. That and the new areas, the lungomare and the Murat make for a full day(s) that you will definitely love as much as we do.

What are the best things to do in Bari for kids?

I would recommend going to the Pane e Pomodoro beach, with its related activities. You can definitely make a day of it during the summer!

Is Bari worth visiting?

I hope my recommendations above lead to the obvious answer that yes, Bari is worth visiting for an amazing weekend away, or as a base for further investigations into the Puglia region.