Bari is a port and university city in the Puglia region on the Adriatic Sea, it is also considered to be the capital of Puglia. Most probably, if you are traveling to Puglia, you will fly to Bari.

Bari and other Pugliese towns have maze-like old towns with beautiful churches and narrow streets. In Bari, you will be able to find ports, basilicas, 19th-century architecture buildings, pedestrianized shopping areas as well as a sandy beach close by.

Let’s explore what we can do and see in Bari.

The Basilica of San Nicola was built between 1087 and 1197. Noticed, that the church is in a square appearance, rather than other traditional churches. The interior has a nave and two aisles, divided by granite columns and pilasters. The Basilica houses one of the most noteworthy Romanesque sculptural works of southern Italy, also not to mention the beautiful roof details!

The Castello Svevo is a castle in the Apulian city of Bari, Italy. Built around 1132 by Norman King Roger II, it is currently used for various historical and archeological exhibitions. It is a large complex just outside the historical center.

Piazza Mercantile is one of the important squares and commercial centers since the 14th century in Bari. Today, it still serves as the hub for city life packed with dining places and cultural events hosted on this square. It is also the headquarter for Bari’s council of Nobles and the Colonna della Giustizia, a place where debtors were once tied and whipped.

Even though the cathedral of Bari is less famous than the basilica of San Nicola, this is actually Bari cathedral. Built over the original Byzantine church in the 12th and 13th centuries, it is technically the most important church in Bari. Even though it might not be as impressive and decorated as the other one, don’t miss a visit to Bari cathedral while strolling around the city center.

Do you know that not far from Bari center you can relax and get a tan on Pane e Pomodoro beach? It is one of the sandy beaches in Puglia actually, even though it may not be the prettiest one. It is about a 15 min walk from Bari city center, you can take the seaside promenade walk to admire the beautiful views of the Adriatic sea.

Just outside the Bari city center and not far from the commercial center, you can admire the beautiful Margherita theater building, which is one of the historic theaters of Bari that was opened in 1910. The Teatro Margherita was used as a theatre and cinema until 1979, today, the place is converted into a museum of contemporary art.

Another sandy beach further out from Bari city center is this one – San Francesco lido. Maybe a better place for those who are driving, but also easy to get to by local buses and trains. If you are staying in Bari for longer and got bored of the Pane e Pomodoro beach, then try out this lido.

Being in Italy in general, you should just not miss eating some amazing Italian cuisine, sipping Italian wine, or tasting delicious gelatos. However, there are some specific dishes unique to the Puglia region. Such as these orecchiette pastas. Their name comes from the shape, which resembles a small ear. As with any true Italian pasta, they are handmade and orecchiette is typically served with meat such as pork, capers, and a glass of crisp white wine.

Other Puglian products you should not miss, are burrata, olive oil, or various wines made in South Italy.

What is unique in these Pugliese towns, is that each one of them has a pedestrian old quarter. Don’t be afraid to get lost in these narrow and picturesque streets packed with local shops and restaurants. You never know where those pretty streets may lead you. In fact, there is no way to get lost there, as once you will get out of the old city, you will notice how the streets and buildings are different. Moreover, all streets in the old quarter will somehow lead to the main squares or main points in the old city.

Ristorante Giampaolo may be a seafood restaurant, but it doesn’t miss any of the main Italian dishes, like risotto or even the orecchiette. Tacked down from the main street, this easily missed restaurant is set in a beautiful stoned and high-ceiling room. Located just outside the city center, and nearby the castle, don’t forget to pin down this place for your nice meal out in Bari.