Bari Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
🏛️ Sightseeing & Top Attractions
Is the Old Town worth it? Absolutely. Bari Vecchia is a maze of medieval streets and the heart of the city’s authenticity.
What is “Pasta Street”? It’s Arco Basso, where local women sit outside making fresh orecchiette by hand.
What is the most famous church? The Basilica di San Nicola, which houses the relics of Saint Nicholas (the real Santa Claus).
Is there a second cathedral? Yes, the Cathedral of San Sabino, known for its beautiful rose window and crypt.
What is the “Lungomare”? It is Bari’s seaside promenade, one of the longest in Europe, perfect for a sunset walk (passeggiata).
Can I visit a castle? Yes, the Castello Svevo (Norman-Swabian Castle) is a massive fortress right on the edge of the Old Town.
What is the Margherita Theater? A stunning red building built on stilts over the water, now used as an art gallery.
Is there an underground Bari? Yes, you can take “Bari Sotterranea” tours to see Roman and Byzantine remains beneath the castle and cathedral.
Where is the best people-watching? Piazza Mercantile and Piazza Ferrarese in the Old Town.
Is Bari good for shopping? Yes, Via Sparano is the main high-end shopping street in the newer Murat district.
🍕 Food & Drink
What is the “must-try” food? Focaccia Barese (oily, salty, and topped with tomatoes and olives).
What is Panzerotto? A deep-fried dough pocket filled with tomato and mozzarella—a local street food staple.
Where is the best focaccia? Panificio Santa Rita and El Focacciaro are the most legendary spots.
What is Spaghetti all’Assassina? A “burnt” spicy pasta dish unique to Bari where the pasta is fried in the pan.
Where was Spaghetti all’Assassina invented? Most locals point to Al Sorso Preferito.
What are Sgagliozze? Squares of deep-fried polenta sold by street vendors in the Old Town.
What are Popizze? Small balls of fried pizza dough, often sold alongside sgagliozze.
Is raw seafood safe here? Yes, it’s a local delicacy (Crudo Barese), but only eat it at reputable restaurants like Ristorante Al Pescatore.
What is “Riso, Patate e Cozze”? A traditional baked dish of rice, potatoes, and mussels.
Can I get a cappuccino after lunch? Italians generally don’t, but in tourist areas, they won’t refuse you—just expect a side-eye!
Is tipping required? Not really. A “coperto” (service charge) is usually added to the bill. Small change is appreciated but not expected.
What is Peroni Bari? It’s the local beer. Locals are fiercely loyal to it; look for the specific Bari-branded bottles.
Are there good vegan options? Many local dishes like Fave e Cicoria (broad bean puree and chicory) are naturally vegan.
Where can I find cheap eats? Street food in the Old Town is incredibly affordable (slices of focaccia for €1–2).
Do I need dinner reservations? On weekends, yes. Locals eat late, usually starting around 8:30 or 9:00 PM.
🚆 Logistics & Transport
How do I get from the airport to the city? The easiest way is the yellow FM2 train (20 mins, approx. €5.30).
Is there an airport bus? Yes, the AMTAB #16 bus is the cheapest but slowest, while the Tempesta shuttle is faster.
Does Bari have Uber? Not really. Uber is restricted to licensed “NCC” drivers and is very expensive. Use local taxis or apps like IT Taxi.
Is Bari walkable? Very. You can walk from the central station to the Old Town in about 15–20 minutes.
Should I rent a car? Only if you plan to visit rural Puglia. For Bari city, a car is a nightmare due to parking.
Is parking difficult? Yes. Much of the center is a ZTL (Restricted Traffic Zone). Use the “Park & Ride” lots on the outskirts.
How are the trains for day trips? Excellent. Trenitalia and Ferrovie del Sud Est connect Bari to most major towns.
Can I use my credit card on buses? It’s better to use the MUVT or MooneyGo apps to buy tickets.
Is Bari a good base for Puglia? It is the best base if you are using public transport.
Are there ferries? Yes, Bari is a major port for ferries to Greece (Patras/Igoumenitsa), Albania, and Croatia.
🏖️ Beaches & Day Trips
Does Bari have a beach? Yes, “Pane e Pomodoro” is the city beach. It’s walkable but can get crowded.
Where are the better beaches? Head south to Polignano a Mare or Monopoli for clearer water and rocky coves.
How far is Polignano a Mare? About 30 minutes by train.
Is Polignano a Mare worth it? Yes, it’s home to the famous Lama Monachile beach (the one in all the photos).
How far is Monopoli? About 45 minutes by train.
What is Matera? A city of ancient cave dwellings (Sassi) about 1 hour away. It’s a “must-see” from Bari.
How do I get to Matera? Use the private Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) train line (note: it’s a separate station next to Bari Centrale).
What is Alberobello? The town famous for “Trulli” (conical stone houses).
How do I get to Alberobello? By bus or train (Ferrovie del Sud Est).
Can I visit Ostuni? Yes, the “White City” is about 1 hour away by train.
Is Trani worth visiting? Yes, it has a beautiful cathedral right on the harbor and is much quieter than Polignano.
Can I see Castel del Monte? Yes, but it’s harder without a car. It’s a unique octagonal castle and a UNESCO site.
What are the Castellana Caves? Huge underground caves about 40 minutes from Bari.
Which is better: Monopoli or Polignano? Polignano is more “iconic,” but Monopoli is often preferred for its food and local vibe.
Can I visit Lecce from Bari? Yes, it’s about 1.5 to 2 hours by train. It’s known as the “Florence of the South.”
🛡️ Safety & Local Life
Is Bari safe? Generally, yes. It has a “gritty” reputation from the past, but it is much safer now.
Are there areas to avoid? Some parts of the Libertà district can feel uneasy at night, but they aren’t necessarily dangerous.
Should I worry about pickpockets? Use standard city caution, especially in crowded markets or the train station.
Is it safe for solo female travelers? Yes, it is widely considered safe, though you may get some unwanted attention (whistling/staring).
When is the best time to visit? May, June, or September. July and August are “hot as hell” and very crowded.
Does the city shut down for “Siesta”? Yes. Many shops and restaurants close between 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM.
Do people speak English? In hotels and tourist spots, yes. In the Old Town or local markets, less so.
Is Bari expensive? It is much cheaper than Rome, Florence, or Venice.
What is the local dialect? Barese. It’s very distinct from standard Italian—don’t be surprised if you can’t understand it!
Is water from the fountains drinkable? Yes, the cast iron fountains (called nasone) provide free, cold, drinkable water.
🏨 Accommodation & Practicalities
Where should I stay? The Murat district (between the station and the Old Town) is the most convenient.
Should I stay in the Old Town? It’s atmospheric but can be noisy and hard to reach with luggage.
Is Bari noisy? Yes, it’s a lively Mediterranean city. Bring earplugs if you’re a sensitive sleeper.
Are there many hostels? Not many, but “The Olive Tree” is highly recommended by solo travelers.
Do I need to carry cash? Yes, for small cafes, street food, and markets.
What is the “Weekly thread” on Reddit? The r/bari sub has a recurring thread for visitors to ask quick questions.
How many days do I need for Bari? 1–2 days for the city itself, but 5–7 days if using it as a base for day trips.
Is Bari “too touristy”? Compared to Venice? No. It still feels like a real, working city.
What should I wear? Smart-casual. Dress up a bit for dinner to blend in with the locals.
Are there public toilets? Rare. It’s better to buy a coffee at a bar and use theirs.
🎒 Extra Tips & Hidden Gems
What is the “San Nicola” festival? Held in May, it’s a massive celebration with a boat parade and fireworks.
Can I swim in the harbor? No, please don’t. Go to the designated beaches.
Where can I see a football match? At the Stadio San Nicola, home to SSC Bari.
What is the local Sunday tradition? Having a long lunch with family, often starting with orecchiette.
Are the old ladies in Pasta Street a tourist trap? No, they really sell the pasta they make. It’s their livelihood.
How do I buy the pasta? Just ask for a bag (usually €5 per kilo). It’s dried and can be taken home.
Is there a good view of the city? The city walls (Via Venezia) offer the best views of the sea and harbor.
What is “Aperitivo” like here? Great. Order a drink (Spritz/Beer) and you’ll usually get a plate of taralli, olives, and focaccia.
What are Taralli? Small, crunchy, circular crackers—addictive and usually flavored with fennel or black pepper.
Where can I find the best gelato? Gelateria Gentile near the castle is a local favorite.
Can I visit the Petruzzelli Theatre? Yes, you can book a tour or, better yet, see an opera. It’s one of the largest in Italy.
Is there a market? Yes, the Mercato delle Erbe for fresh produce.
What is the “Fish Market” like? Near the N’derre la Lanze pier, you can see fishermen selling fresh catch and even eating raw octopus on the spot.
Should I learn some Italian? A few words go a long way. “Grazie” and “Buongiorno” are essential.
Is the wifi good? Generally yes, in hotels and cafes.
Are there many mosquitoes? In the summer, yes. Bring repellent.
What is the local wine? Look for Primitivo di Manduria or Negroamaro—both are excellent Puglia reds.
Can I drink the tap water in my hotel? Yes, it is safe.
What is a “Sasso”? It refers to the cave houses in Matera (often asked by Bari visitors).
Is there a luggage storage? Yes, there are several near Bari Centrale station.
What is the weather like in winter? Mild but windy and rainy. It rarely snows.
Are there electric scooters? Yes, apps like Bit and Lime operate in the city.
Is Bari “gritty”? Some people find the graffiti and old buildings gritty; others find it “authentic.”
What is the best way to see the Old Town? Get lost. Put your phone away and just walk.
Are there many museums? The Pinacoteca Provinciale is great for art lovers.
Is it easy to get to the Gargano Peninsula? It’s about 2–3 hours north; a car is highly recommended for that area.
Can I go to the “Maldives of Salento”? That’s much further south (near Gallipoli). Better to stay in Lecce for that.
Is the bread good? Puglia is famous for its bread, specifically Pane di Altamura.
What is the “Dick Factory”? A cheeky waffle shop in Bari that often gets mentioned on Reddit for its… unique shapes.
Will I regret visiting Bari? Most Redditors say they were pleasantly surprised by how much they loved it.