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

Should you visit Cambridge or Bari?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cambridge and Bari. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a scholarly, charming, and historic university town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bari

Bari is a authentic, local, and cultural port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Cambridge and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cambridge or Bari?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bari than Cambridge. Bari is bigger than Cambridge, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bari is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and big city activities, while Cambridge is more popular for its shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cambridge is more touristy than Bari and is known for its iconic university and the many colleges associated with it. Bari is well known for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. Also, Bari is famous for San Nicola.

How is Cambridge different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Cambridge or Bari.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Cambridge. The history is rich and impressive in this university town. There are countless museums and architectural sights that you should check out. High on the list are the Cambridge University buildings, The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Bridge of Sighs, The Round Church, and many more.

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.

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

Bari is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Bari, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Cambridge. You'll find college pubs, local eateries, and fine dining, all in one charming town. Enjoy afternoon tea or fish chips at one of the many local restaurants around town.

Is Cambridge or Bari Better for Nightlife?

Bari is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Bari has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Cambridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is centered around the student culture and you'll find many university pubs, some lively clubs, theaters, and wine bars around town. Whether you're looking for a chill night with friends or a more wild experience, there are options in Cambridge.

Is Cambridge or Bari Better for Beaches?

Bari is a good destination for its beaches. However, Cambridge is not a beach destination.

Bari offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Cambridge is not a beach destination.

Is Cambridge or Bari Better for its Old Town?

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

There are many historical things to see 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.

Cambridge does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cambridge or Bari?

Cambridge is a great university 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 Cambridge. The town offers independent boutique shops, local brands, and a 7 day a week market. The three main shopping areas in town are The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade.

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 Cambridge or Bari Better for Families?

Bari is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Bari is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cambridge. Kids will enjoy following the Treasure Trail, or climbing to the top of the Great St Mary’s Tower. Punting is another iconic experience. On a rainy day, head to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Zoology, or the Cambridge Science Centre.

Is Cambridge or Bari Better for Couples?

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

Cambridge is a great university town if you're traveling as a couple. The quaint town is fun to explore as a couple. Try your hand at punting or take a tour of one of the colleges. You can also enjoy a picnic in the botanical gardens or have tea at the Orchard Tea Garden.

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 Cambridge or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Bari is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cambridge. With a handful of hostels and a vibrant student population, the town makes for a fun stop on your backpacking trip.

Is Cambridge or Bari Better for Students?

Cambridge is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for students.

Cambridge is a very popular place to visit for students. The town is home to more than 25,000 students who come from 140 different countries. This is one of the most iconic university towns in the world, and there's really no better place for students to visit or reside.

Bari is a very popular university town 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.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Cambridge and Bari.

Cambridge has some public transit options. There is a regional bus service that operates through town.

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 Cambridge or Bari a more walkable city?

Cambridge is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its walkability.

Cambridge is a very easy university town to get around on foot. Walking is the best way to explore the town.

Bari is very walkable. 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 Cambridge Worth Visiting? and Is Bari Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bari or Cambridge?

How long in Cambridge or Bari?

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Cambridge. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the port city of Bari. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bari has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Cambridge or Bari?

Cambridge 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the local destination of Bari. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Cambridge or Bari?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the local port city of Bari. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cambridge or Bari?

The historic university town of Cambridge 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.

Bari is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Cambridge or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cambridge. When comparing the sizes of Cambridge 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.