A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Bergamo vs. Bari for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Bergamo or Bari?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Bergamo or Bari, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Bergamo

Bergamo is a beautiful, under-rated, and historical city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bari

Bari is a local, cultural, and authentic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bergamo and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bergamo or Bari?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bari than Bergamo, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bari is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and big city activities, while Bergamo is known for its impressive beauty. Bergamo is more touristy than Bari and is popular for its historical buildings and beautiful squares. Bari is popular for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. It is also home to San Nicola.

How is Bergamo different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bari is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bari can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bergamo. There are historical buildings as well as fascinating museums that are worth checking out. Highlights include the Basilica of St. Mary Major, Colleoni Chapel, the Accademia Carrara, and the Cathedral of Sant'Alessandro.

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

Bari is an amazing port city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bari is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Bergamo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find traditional restaurants around town that serve the local specialties, many of which have their roots in peasant dishes. The flavors are humble but high quality and the food is fresh and masterfully prepared.

Is Bergamo or Bari Better for Nightlife?

Bari is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Bari has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bergamo. Despite not being high on the itinerary of many travelers, the city has a great nightlife scene that includes many local bars and clubs. You can enjoy a local brew or sip some Italian wine while you enjoy the atmosphere of the old town.

Is Bergamo or Bari Better for Beaches?

Bari is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Bergamo is not a beach destination.

Bari has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Bergamo is not a beach destination.

Is Bergamo or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Bari is notable for its old town. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors go to Bari to see the historical old town. 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.

Bergamo has an old town worth visiting. Since the old town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town has become more popular with visitors. Still, you can enjoy the authentic and less touristy vibe of this beautiful city.

Is the Shopping Better in Bergamo or Bari?

Both Bergamo and Bari are good shopping destinations.

Bergamo offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of shopping areas around town including shopping malls and shopping streets. You'll find most of the major brands as well as some interesting boutique shops.

Bari has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Bergamo or Bari Better for Families?

Bari is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Bergamo is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Bari is a very kid-friendly port city. 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.

Bergamo is not always a place people visit with their families. It's a beautiful city that is filled with history, and for kids there are pedestrian streets to explore and great Italian food. There's also the Museo di Scienze Naturali, which is worth checking out.

Is Bergamo or Bari Better for Couples?

Bergamo and Bari are both good to visit as a couple.

Bergamo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will appreciate the beautiful architecture and impressive squares. There are also great restaurants and pedestrian streets that are fun to wander through.

Bari is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Bergamo or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari is notable for backpackers. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bari is a great port city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Bergamo is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's not the most popular backpacker city in Italy, it does have a couple of hostels and guesthouses that offer affordable rates and a young vibe.

Is Bergamo or Bari Better for Students?

Bari is notable for students. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Bari is a great port city to visit as a student. 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.

Plenty of students visit Bergamo. The university attracts international students and the city makes a great base for learning and exploring.

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

Both Bergamo and Bari offer good public transit options.

Bergamo has a few public transit options. There are buses around town as well as two funiculars, one connecting Città Bassa with the Città Alta and the other connecting Città Alta to San Vigilio.

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

Is Bergamo or Bari a more walkable city?

Bergamo and Bari both are great when exploring on foot.

Bergamo is a very walkable city. There are many pedestrian streets and the best way to explore the city is on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Bergamo?

How long in Bergamo or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bergamo and Bari. In our opinion, Bari has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bari than Bergamo. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bergamo, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bari.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bari than Bergamo 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 Bari.

One day in Bergamo or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bergamo. 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 Bergamo or Bari?

Bergamo is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 Bergamo or Bari?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fascinating destination of Bergamo. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 Bergamo or Bari?

The beautiful city of Bergamo offers nightlife and food. 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 2-Week Tours from Rome, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bergamo and Bari, we can see that Bergamo 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 Bergamo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bergamo 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 Bergamo Expensive? and Is Bari Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bergamo or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bergamo. When comparing the sizes of Bergamo 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 Bergamo or Bari?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bergamo or Bari in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bergamo as well as Bari. Many travelers come to Bergamo for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bari in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bergamo is around the same temperature as Bari. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bergamo in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Bari averages at about 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bari. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bergamo this time of the year. In the summer, Bergamo often gets less sunshine than Bari. Bergamo gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun.

Bergamo usually gets more rain in July than Bari. Bergamo gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bergamo or Bari in the Autumn?

Both Bari and Bergamo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bergamo in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Bergamo is generally cooler than Bari. Daily temperatures in Bergamo average around 14°C (57°F), and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Bergamo usually receives less sunshine than Bari during autumn. Bergamo gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Bergamo. In October, Bergamo usually receives more rain than Bari. Bergamo gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bergamo or Bari in the Winter?

Both Bari and Bergamo during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bergamo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Bari because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bergamo can be very cold during winter. Bergamo is much colder than Bari in the winter. The daily temperature in Bergamo averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the winter, Bergamo often gets less sunshine than Bari. Bergamo gets 98 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun.

Bergamo usually gets more rain in January than Bari. Bergamo gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bergamo or Bari in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bergamo and Bari. The spring months attract visitors to Bergamo because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

In the spring, Bergamo is cooler than Bari. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bergamo in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Bari averages at about 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari this time of the year. Bergamo usually receives less sunshine than Bari during spring. Bergamo gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bergamo usually receives more rain than Bari. Bergamo gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bari and Bergamo