A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antalya vs. Bari for Food, Beaches, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Antalya or Bari?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Antalya or Bari? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Antalya

Antalya is a high energy, relaxing, and luxurious vacation spot. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Bari

Bari is a cultural, authentic, and local port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Antalya and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antalya or Bari?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Antalya than Bari. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Antalya is very popular for its music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bari attracts visitors for its food and big city activities. Antalya is more touristy than Bari and is known for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. It is also well known for Hadrian's Gate. Bari is famous for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic.

How is Antalya different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bari and Antalya. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Antalya or Bari?

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Bari and Antalya.

Antalya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

Many visitors head to Bari specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

Is the Food Better in Antalya or Bari? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bari is an amazing port city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Bari is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Antalya makes for a great culinary experience. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

Is Antalya or Bari Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Antalya and Bari.

Antalya has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

Bari is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

Is Antalya or Bari Better for Music?

Antalya is a good destination for its music scene. However, Bari is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Antalya. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Bari is not a live music destination.

Is Antalya or Bari Better for Resorts?

Antalya is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Bari is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Antalya for its luxury resorts. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

Bari is not a resort destination.

Is Antalya or Bari Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Bari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antalya or Bari Better for Beaches?

Antalya is terrific for the beach. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its beaches.

Antalya offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

Bari is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Is Antalya or Bari Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the superb old towns in both Antalya and Bari.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Antalya. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Is Antalya or Bari Better for Hiking?

Antalya is a great vacation spot for hiking. However, Bari is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Antalya for the hiking trails. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

Bari is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Bari?

Antalya is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many people travel to Antalya specifically to go shopping. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

Bari is a great destination for shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Antalya or Bari Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Antalya or Bari.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Antalya. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

Bari is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

Is Antalya or Bari Better for Couples?

Antalya is a great vacation spot for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Antalya is a great vacation spot if you're traveling as a couple. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Antalya or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antalya and Bari are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Antalya. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

Is Antalya or Bari Better for Students?

Bari is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Antalya is not popular with students.

Bari is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

Antalya is not popular with students.

Is Antalya or Bari Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Antalya is a great vacation spot for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Antalya. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

Bari has a few public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Antalya or Bari a more walkable city?

Bari is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Bari is a very walkable destination. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

Antalya is somewhat walkable. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Antalya Worth Visiting? and Is Bari Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bari or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Antalya and Bari. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Antalya than in Bari. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Antalya, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bari.

Families should spend more time in Antalya than Bari. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Antalya, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Antalya than Bari. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Antalya that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Antalya than Bari if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Antalya.

One day in Antalya or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Antalya. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Bari, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Antalya or Bari?

Antalya is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Bari, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bari has to offer.

Five days in Antalya or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the luxurious destination of Antalya. This vacation spot offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Bari is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Antalya or Bari?

The historic vacation spot of Antalya offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bari. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bari. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Turkey, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Turkey, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antalya and Bari, we can see that Antalya is more expensive. And not only is Bari much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bari would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bari and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Antalya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antalya than you might in Bari.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Antalya Expensive? and Is Bari Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Antalya or Bari?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bari. When comparing the sizes of Antalya and Bari, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Antalya or Bari?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Antalya or Bari in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Bari. Most visitors come to Antalya for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Bari because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Antalya is a little warmer than Bari in the summer. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari this time of the year. In Antalya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Bari during summer. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Antalya usually receives less rain than Bari. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Antalya or Bari in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Bari. The autumn months attract visitors to Antalya because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

In the autumn, Antalya is a little warmer than Bari. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Antalya in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Bari averages at about 18°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya this time of the year. In the autumn, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Bari. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bari. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Bari in the Winter?

Both Bari and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Antalya this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Antalya is generally a little warmer than Bari. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 11°C (51°F), and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Bari during winter. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Antalya. In January, Antalya usually receives more rain than Bari. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Antalya or Bari in the Spring?

Both Bari and Antalya during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Antalya for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bari in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Antalya is a little warmer than Bari in the spring. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 16°C (62°F) in April, and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Antalya. In the spring, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Bari. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets more rain in April than Bari. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bari and Antalya