Bari, Italy - Travel Guide

Bari offers a captivating blend of ancient history, beautiful Adriatic coastline, and vibrant local culture. Explore its charming Old Town, indulge in delicious Puglian cuisine, and enjoy the relaxed southern Italian atmosphere.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$75/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$300/day

Known For

BariItalyApuliaPugliaAdriatic SeaSouthern ItalyFiera del LevanteBasilica di San Nicola

🇮🇹 Country Information: Italy

CapitalRome

CurrencyEuro (€)

LanguageItalian , German, French, Slovene, Ladin, Albanian, Greek, Sardinian, Catalan

Phone Code+39

Electricity230V (Type C, F, L)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated for good service; 5
10% in restaurants for good service; rounding up taxi fares; 1
2 euros per bag for porters; 1
2 euros per night for hotel housekeepers

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in cities
Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas and larger establishments; cash is still common for smaller purchases and local markets
It is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller towns and certain local vendors
There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress respectfully when visiting religious sites
"Fare la bella figura" (making a good impression) is important, so dress neatly
Meals are social events and can be lengthy; wait to be seated in restaurants
Italians often greet each other with a kiss on both cheeks among friends and family

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Italy recognizes civil unions for same-sex couples, but not marriage. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited in employment.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, even for small amounts; penalties include heavy fines and imprisonment

Special Laws

It is mandatory to carry identification at all times
Driving in ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones) without a permit can result in fines
Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas

Common Phrases

NoNo (noh) No

YesSì (see) Sì

HelloCiao (chah-oh) Ciao

PleasePer favore (pehr fah-voh-reh) Per favore

Excuse meMi scusi (mee skoo-zee) Mi scusi

Thank youGrazie (grah-tsee-eh) Grazie

Climate

Climate Zone: Mediterranean

Best Time to Visit

Hot Season: Jul
Aug
Cold Season: Dec
Feb

Getting There

Fly into Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI)
connect from major European cities
Train services connect Bari to other Italian cities like Rome, Naples, and Lecce
Buses are available for intercity travel

Getting Around

Local public transportation includes AMTAB buses
Taxis are available
Ride
sharing apps like Free Now and Uber are present but less common than taxis

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations recommended
No specific altitude sickness or malaria concerns
Probiotics can be useful for digestive health while traveling

Staying Connected

eSIMs available
Major Italian providers like TIM, Vodafone, and WindTre support eSIMs
Airalo and Holafly eSIMs work well

Local Cuisine

Orecchiette con le cime di rapa regional_speciality

These 'little ear' shaped pasta are the quintessential symbol of Bari cuisine. The dish pairs the pasta with tender turnip greens (cime di rapa), oliv

Focaccia barese street_food

This iconic savory bread is a staple street food in Bari. It features a simple dough topped typically with fresh tomatoes, olives, and often onions, d

Tiella di riso, patate e cozze (Riso, patate e cozze) must_try

A comforting, layered casserole cooked in a single pot (the tiella). This signature dish combines rice, potatoes, and mussels, often with tomatoes and

Spaghetti all'Assassina regional_speciality

A fiery and unique pasta dish where the spaghetti is cooked directly in a rich tomato sauce in an iron pan, resulting in crunchy, slightly burnt edges

Panzerotti street_food

These are fried turnovers similar to small calzones, bursting with a simple filling of mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce. They are one of the most po

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Accommodation in Bari Vecchia (Old Town) Accommodation

Book 2 to 6 months in advance

The best-rated accommodations, especially boutique hotels and B&Bs in the historic center, have limited capacity and book up quickly during peak season.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Trulli Tour in Alberobello tour_or_activity

Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance

Popular tours, especially those including transport from Bari to the UNESCO site of Alberobello, can sell out, particularly on weekends and during high season.

High-speed train from Bari to other major Italian cities (e.g., Rome, Naples) Transport

Book 3 weeks to 3 months in advance

Booking early secures the cheapest fares (Super Economy) which have limited availability and are highly sought after, especially for direct routes.

Dining at highly-rated traditional Puglian restaurants (e.g., refined seafood or osterias) Dining

Book 1 week to 1 month in advance

The most sought-after restaurants, especially those featured in guides, have limited tables, particularly for weekend dinner services.

Fun Facts

1. Bari boasts Europe's longest seafront promenade, offering expansive views of the Adriatic Sea.
2. The Basilica di San Nicola in Bari is considered the final resting place of the real Saint Nicholas, the inspiration for Santa Claus.
3. Bari has its own underground city, revealing hidden historical layers beneath the modern streets.
4. The local dialect in Bari is so distinct that even other Italian speakers often struggle to understand it.

Ready to explore Bari?

Create a personalized day-by-day itinerary with AI

Start Planning Your Trip