Bari
Bari is that kind of city that catches you by surprise. Located on the Adriatic coast in southern Italy, it’s the capital of the Puglia region and home to around 320,000 people. It’s got that perfect mix of seaside charm and urban energy, and it feels alive without being overwhelming.
The weather here is a big win. With an average annual temperature of about 17°C, you’ll get plenty of sunny days to explore its streets, enjoy the sea breeze, and eat outdoors most of the year. Not a bad deal, right?
Each year, Bari welcomes over 2 million visitors, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a place that mixes history, food, and local life in a really authentic way. If you’re planning your trip, aim for spring or early autumn—when the temperatures are just right and the vibe is more relaxed. That’s when Bari shows its best face.
Cathedral of Saint Sabinus
Ravioli di Bari
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Arriving to Bari
Bari is one of those places in southern Italy that feels real, raw, and full of character. It’s right on the Adriatic coast, and getting there is easier than you’d think. You can fly straight into Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport from lots of European cities, or take a train if you’re coming from other parts of Italy—it’s well connected with Rome, Naples, and even the north. If you’re more the road trip type, the drive along the coast is a total win. And for the adventurous ones, ferries from Greece, Croatia, or Albania dock right in Bari’s port, so you can literally arrive by sea.
If you’re thinking about where to stay, the area you pick can totally shape your trip. Bari Vecchia, the old town, is a maze of narrow streets with a ton of charm—it’s perfect if you want to feel like you’re part of the local life. For something a bit more modern and central, Murat is a solid choice, full of shops and cafés. And if you’re into a laid-back, seaside vibe, check out Madonnella or San Girolamo. They’re not super touristy, but they’ve got that cozy, local energy that makes you feel like you belong.
Getting around Bari is pretty chill. You can easily explore the city on foot, especially the old town—it’s made for wandering. There are local buses if you need to get around faster or want to reach beaches and suburbs. Renting a bike or scooter is also a good call, especially if you want to explore the coastline. And taxis or rideshares are there when your feet just say “nope.”
Now, let’s talk food—because in Bari, it’s everything. This is the land of orecchiette pasta, fresh seafood, focaccia barese (you’ll never look at regular focaccia the same way), and panzerotti filled with molten cheese. The food here is simple, local, and ridiculously good. Street food is a big deal, and sitting by the sea with something delicious in your hand feels totally right.
There’s a lot to see too. Bari has castles, old churches, coastal views, and cool museums, but it’s also about what you do. Wander Bari Vecchia, talk to locals making pasta in the street, chill by the water, or hop on a boat. It’s the kind of city that lets you slow down and enjoy the moment—Italian style.
Accomodation
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Currency: The official currency of Bari is the Euro (EUR). 1 € is equivalent to 1.09 USD.
Keep in mind before travelling to Bari
Bari has that southern Italian charm that’s hard to resist. Sitting right on the Adriatic Sea, it’s the kind of city where old meets new in the best way possible. Walk through the narrow streets of Bari Vecchia and you’ll see locals chatting outside their doors, kids playing in the piazzas, and pasta being made by hand like it’s no big deal. It’s a place full of life, flavor, and stories.
What really gives Bari its personality are its traditional festivals. Every year, the Festa di San Nicola in May takes over the city with religious processions, fireworks, and boats carrying the saint’s relics. There’s also the Carnevale di Bari, with colorful parades and music, and the Sagra della Focaccia, where you can eat your weight in the city’s signature dish. Add the Bari International Film Festival, Festa della Madonna del Carmine, the Corteo Storico di San Nicola, and Natale a Bari (Bari’s Christmas fest), and you’ve got a calendar packed with reasons to celebrate.
If you’re up for a day trip, you’re in luck. Bari’s got awesome spots nearby: Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, Matera, Monopoli, Castel del Monte, and Locorotondo are all close and totally worth the ride.
Tips to visit Bari
Bari is the kind of place where you instantly feel the southern Italian soul. People from Bari are called baresi, and they’re super warm and expressive. Don’t be surprised if you’re greeted with a loud “Ciao!” or a friendly “Ué!”, which is super local. A handshake works for first meetings, but among friends and family, cheek kisses are the norm.
Italian is the main language, but in Bari you might hear dialetto barese, a strong local dialect that sounds like music to the locals’ ears. People usually eat lunch around 1–2 PM and dinner after 8 PM, and meals are always taken seriously. Businesses usually open from 9 AM to 1 PM, then again from 4 PM to 8 PM.
Tipping isn’t a big deal—if you want, leave 5–10% in restaurants. The health system is public (SSN), and quite accessible. Dress code? Stylish but relaxed. Locals often say “mo’” (now) or “che stai dicenn’?” (what are you saying?).
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