A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Faro vs. Bari for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Faro or Bari?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro 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.

Faro

Faro is a active, popular, and busy resort town. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Faro and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Faro or Bari?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bari than Faro, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bari is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and big city activities, while Faro is more popular for its resorts and scuba diving & snorkeling. Faro is more touristy than Bari and is known for its historical sights and rich culture. 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 Faro different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bari is great for its historical sights. However, Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bari is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Faro is not a good destination for its local cuisine and 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Faro. It has become a major tourist town, so you have to get a bit creative to find a more traditional restaurant. Look for fresh seafood like cod, monkfish, or shellfish if you want some local flavors.

Is Faro or Bari Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is great in both Faro and Bari.

Many people head to Faro for the nightlife scene. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

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.

Is Faro or Bari Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers flock to Faro for its luxury resorts. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Bari is not a resort destination.

Is Faro or Bari Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro 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 Faro. There are both snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in the area. It's possible to snorkel off of several beaches or arrange a scuba diving excursion with a local dive shop.

Bari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or Bari Better for Beaches?

Both Faro and Bari have notable beaches worth visiting.

Faro has a beach worth visiting. The most popular beach in the area is Faro Beach. It can get crowded during the summer months but if you walk a bit you can often get away from the crowds. To reach the beach you'll need a car or you can take the bus as the beach is about 10 km away.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Bari. 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 Faro or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Bari is great for its historic old town. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its old town.

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.

Many people head to Faro to see the old town. You'll find historic buildings and cobblestone streets in the old town. It's a nice place to explore, grab a bite to eat, and do a little shopping.

Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Bari?

If you're looking to go shopping, Faro and Bari both offer plenty of notable spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Faro. The town isn't as big as some others, so it's shopping scene isn't as comprehensive, but you will find the major brands as well as souvenir shops to peruse when you need a break from the beach.

Bari offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Faro or Bari Better for Families?

Bari is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Faro is not a good destination 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.

Faro is not the most family-friendly destination. There are some nice nature reserves in the area so kids who love wildlife will enjoy a visit.

Is Faro or Bari Better for Couples?

Faro and Bari are both notable to visit as a couple.

Faro is a nice destination for couples. With the beautiful natural areas and historic old town, this seaport makes a nice couples vacation.

Bari makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Faro or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town 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.

Faro is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. The are some good hostels in the area, but it's a bit tricky to get around without a car.

Is Faro or Bari Better for Students?

Bari is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Faro is not popular with students.

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.

Faro is not popular with students.

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

Faro and Bari both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Faro offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that connect the city to the beach, the airport, and other outlying areas.

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

Is Faro or Bari a more walkable city?

Bari is great for its walkability. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its high level of walkability.

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.

Faro is a somewhat walkable place. The city's old town is particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Faro?

How long in Faro or Bari?

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

Families should spend more time in Bari than Faro. 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 Faro. 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 Faro 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 Faro or Bari?

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bari. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Faro or Bari?

Faro 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.

Bari is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Five days in Faro or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the active destination of Faro. This resort town offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Bari. This port city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Faro or Bari?

The active resort town of Faro offers shopping and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

The cultural port city of Bari offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Faro or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro 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 Faro 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 Faro or Bari in the Summer?

Both Bari and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Faro for the beaches, snorkeling, and 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 July, Faro is generally around the same temperature as Bari. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 25°C (78°F), and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Bari. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Bari during summer. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Faro usually receives less rain than Bari. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Faro or Bari in the Autumn?

Both Bari and Faro during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Faro in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Faro is around the same temperature as Bari in the autumn. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Faro. In the autumn, Faro often gets more sunshine than Bari. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bari. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Faro or Bari in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Bari. Most visitors come to Faro for 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.

In the winter, Faro is a little warmer than Bari. Typically, the winter temperatures in Faro in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Bari averages at about 10°C (49°F).

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

In January, Faro usually receives more rain than Bari. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Faro or Bari in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Faro as well as Bari. The spring months attract visitors to Faro because of the beaches. Additionally, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

In April, Faro is generally a little warmer than Bari. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 17°C (62°F), and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bari. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. In the spring, Faro often gets more sunshine than Bari. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets more rain in April than Bari. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bari and Faro