Bari itinerary — 3 days
Day 1 — Bari
8 stops · ≈ 6 h 37 minGrand former palace featuring historical artwork & ornate architecture, with tours by appointment.
Discover the charm of Teatro Piccinni, a historic performing arts theatre in Bari, showcasing a vibrant variety of cultural performances and rich Italian heritage.
A tiny osteria steps from Bari's Old Town, beloved for the freshest raw seafood: octopus several ways, oysters, shrimp and tuna sashimi, plus plates of local cheeses and salumi with regional wine. The room is small — a counter and a handful of tables — so evenings without a reservation can be a squeeze. A perfect light lunch between wandering Bari Vecchia and the seafront promenade by the fortress.
Charming plaza offering eateries, shops, bars, events & a section of an ancient Roman road.
Overlooking the Old Port of Bari, Teatro Margherita is a Belle Époque masterpiece built between 1912 and 1914 in striking Liberty style. Ingeniously constructed on concrete stilts directly over the sea water, it bypassed a historic municipal covenant forbidding rival theaters on land to protect Teatro Petruzzelli. Today, the restored landmark serves as an evocative contemporary art museum hosting world-class exhibitions and photo galleries.
Teatro Petruzzelli is the largest theatre in Bari and the fourth largest in Italy, opened in 1903 by the Petruzzelli family. A fire almost destroyed the building in 1991, and restoration took 18 years: the theatre reopened in 2009 with Puccini's Turandot. Enrico Caruso and Frank Sinatra performed on this stage; today it hosts opera seasons, ballet and concerts.
The Corrado Giaquinto Art Gallery (Pinacoteca Metropolitana di Bari) sits on the fourth floor of the grand Palazzo della Provincia along the seafront. Founded in 1928 and named after the renowned Rococo master born in nearby Molfetta, the museum spans Apulian and Italian art from the 11th to the 20th century, highlighting medieval icons, regional sculptures, and fine paintings by Tintoretto and Veronese.
Pane e Pomodoro is Bari's most popular public city beach, marking the southern terminus of the famous Lungomare seaside promenade. Its mouthwatering name ('Bread and Tomato') pays tribute to the beloved local custom of picnicking on crusty Pugliese bread with ripe tomatoes and olive oil. Visitors enjoy a free sandy shoreline, shallow swimming waters, boardwalks, and coastal vistas.
Reserve
5If you have time left — worth it too.
Via Gioacchino Murat is a bustling street in the heart of Milan, Italy. It's known for its charming shops, trendy boutiques, and stylish cafes. The street is lined with beautiful architecture and offers a great atmosphere for leisurely strolls and people-watching.
Bari is actually located on the coast, so the beach is not far at all. Bari has several urban beaches (Lido San Francesco, Spiaggia Torre Quetta, Pane e Pomodoro) that you can easily get to. Bari is also very close to plenty of beautiful beaches along the Adriatic coast, if you want to get away to a place that is a bit less "urban". Bari is a great city to get lost in and wander around endlessly — especially in Bari Vecchia. However, if you have limited time in the city, you may want to take a guided tour to make the most of your time and enjoy everything there is to do in Bari. The following options are all valid:
A favorite spot among locals, this stop is also great for those traveling through Bari. Since stars are often hard to see in cities, this will offer visitors a comprehensive view of what's happening in the sky. With rotating exhibits and a responsive staff, it's a fun place to expand your scientific knowledge and learn more about local astronomy.
The Palaghiaccio ice skating rink, located at Makumba Tribe Village on Via Caldarola, offers lively and enjoyable gatherings. Additionally, the Nordwind club nearby provides public entertainment, pubs, a pizzeria, live performances and a disco. The Nordwind boasts two air-conditioned rooms and is renowned for hosting local and tribute band concerts as well as international artists who entertain the crowd on Saturdays through karaoke and dancing.
Situated on the southern outskirts of Bari, this popular open-air water park offers refreshing relief from the Mediterranean summer heat. The landscaped grounds feature thrilling kamikaze slides, multi-lane racers, winding toboggans, a wave pool, and hydro-massage lagoons. Younger children enjoy dedicated shallow splash zones with interactive water games, while adults can relax on sun loungers shaded by pine trees and umbrellas.
- Try local seafood dishes, especially in the old town.
- Visit the Basilica di San Nicola early in the morning to avoid crowds.
- Use public transport or walk to explore the city, as parking can be challenging.