Itineraries for Your Trip to Bari
2 Days in Bari for First Timers
As the largest city and cruise port in Puglia, Bari has long been considered primarily a transportation hub for those passing through by air, land, or sea. I had bypassed the city’s old town for years, zipping straight to Bari airport, train station, or port, without giving a second thought to the city itself. It took a delayed departure to introduce me to the charms of Bari Vecchia (the old town) and the lively waterfront promenade—known as the Lungomare. Since then, I have always dedicated a few extra days to the city before heading further afield. Here’s how to make the most of two days in Bari, whether this southern city is your ultimate destination or just a stop on your itinerary.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a street food tour to sample the local cuisine.
Bari sizzles in summer, so a hat, sunscreen, and light clothing are essential.
Check off the must-see attractions in Bari on your first morning in the city to get an overview of its historic sights. Most old town walking tours take in the Swabian Castle, the main Piazza del Ferrarese, and the St. Nicholas Basilica—as well as the popular Strada delle Orecchiette, where you can watch neighborhood women making orecchiette pasta.
Puglia is known for its excellent cuisine, so it’s no surprise that food tours top the list of how to spend two days in Bari. Join a street food tour in the afternoon to feast on focaccia and other local delights as you stroll through the old town, picking up tips and recommendations from your insider foodie guide about the best spots in Bari to dine on your own.
Hop on a train (or join a tour that includes transportation) and head to [Polignano a Mare]https://www.viator.com/Puglia-attractions/Centro-Storico-di-Polignano-a-Mare/d5538-a100818(https://www.viator.com/Puglia-attractions/Centro-Storico-di-Polignano-a-Mare/d5538-a100818), a delightful coastal town just 30 minutes south of Bari by car or public transportation. Once you reach the city, stroll through the whitewashed old town and hop on a sunset boat tour to check out the picturesque caves that dot the rocky coastline.
Now that you’ve covered the best things to do in Bari for first timers, spend your second day exploring farther afield. In the morning, set your sights on nearby Castel del Monte and visit this UNESCO–listed fortress with a guided tour. Learn about its impressive 13th-century design, so famous that it graces Italy’s 1-cent euro coin.
In the afternoon, return to the coast to spend a few hours in Trani, an atmospheric village worth visiting just north of Bari. Enjoy a walking tour through the old town to take in the Norman cathedral, medieval castle, and historic Jewish quarter. After exploring, head to the charming harbor to relax with an aperitivo.
Cap off your two days in Bari by returning to the city for a cooking class to delve into the local cuisine. Roll up your sleeves and get to work preparing traditional orecchiette pasta and other beloved Barese recipes from scratch. Test your skills in the kitchen, then sample what you’ve prepared over dinner, served with wines from Puglia.
