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

Should you visit Biarritz or Bari?

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

Should I visit Biarritz 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.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a cultural, relaxing, and quirky seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the shopping, 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. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Biarritz or Bari?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bari. Although Biarritz and Bari are both popular with visitors, Bari has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bari is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and big city activities, while Biarritz is known for its resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm. Biarritz is more touristy than Bari and is known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. 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 Biarritz different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bari is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Bari offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

Bari is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Biarritz 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.

Dining out in Biarritz is an experience not to be missed. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Is Biarritz or Bari Better for Nightlife?

Both Biarritz and Bari have superb vibes after the sun sets.

Biarritz has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

The people in Bari know how to have a good time. 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 Biarritz or Bari Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is a great seaside town for its luxury resorts. However, Bari is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Biarritz to choose from. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Bari is not a resort destination.

Is Biarritz or Bari Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is a great seaside town for the beach. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its beaches.

Many people visit Biarritz for it's beautiful beaches. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

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 Biarritz or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Bari is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Biarritz or Bari?

Biarritz is a great seaside town for its shopping areas. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Biarritz. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

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 Biarritz or Bari Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Biarritz or Bari.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Biarritz is very family-friendly. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Bari is known to be 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 Biarritz or Bari Better for Couples?

Biarritz is a great seaside town for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Biarritz is a great seaside town if you're traveling as a couple. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

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 Biarritz or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz and Bari are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Bari is a very popular seaside town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Biarritz or Bari Better for Students?

Bari is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Biarritz 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.

Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Biarritz and Bari.

Biarritz has some public transit options. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

You'll find some public transit in Bari, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Biarritz or Bari a more walkable city?

Biarritz and Bari are superb when it comes to walkability.

Biarritz is a very walkable seaside town. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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 Biarritz Worth Visiting? and Is Bari Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bari or Biarritz?

How long in Biarritz or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Biarritz and Bari. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Bari. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Biarritz, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bari.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bari than Biarritz 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 Biarritz or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Biarritz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The port city of Bari offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Biarritz or Bari?

Biarritz is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bari is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bari, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Biarritz or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Biarritz. This seaside town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Bari is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Biarritz or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the cultural seaside town of Biarritz. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Bari is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Biarritz and Bari, we can see that Biarritz is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Biarritz or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Biarritz 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 Biarritz 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 Biarritz or Bari in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Biarritz and Bari. Most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bari because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Biarritz is cooler than Bari. Typically, the summer temperatures in Biarritz in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Bari averages at about 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari this time of the year. In Biarritz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Bari during summer. Biarritz gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Bari. Biarritz gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Biarritz or Bari in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Biarritz as well as Bari. The autumn months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

In October, Biarritz is generally cooler than Bari. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 16°C (60°F), and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Bari. Biarritz gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Biarritz usually gets more rain in October than Bari. Biarritz gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Bari in the Winter?

Both Bari and Biarritz 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 Biarritz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Biarritz is cooler than Bari in the winter. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Bari during winter. Biarritz gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. In January, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Bari. Biarritz gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Biarritz or Bari in the Spring?

Both Bari and Biarritz during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bari in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Biarritz is cooler than Bari. Typically, the spring temperatures in Biarritz in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Bari averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Bari. Biarritz gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. Biarritz usually gets more rain in April than Bari. Biarritz gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bari and Biarritz