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

Should you visit Granada or Bari?

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

Should I visit Granada 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.

Granada

Granada is a cultural, historic, and beautiful city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

Granada and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Bari?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bari than Granada. Bari is bigger than Granada, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bari is better known for its food, beaches, and big city activities, while Granada is more popular for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Granada is more touristy than Bari and is known for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. 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 Granada different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Granada is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Granada has many famous sights for visitors. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

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 Granada or Bari? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bari is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Granada 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Is Granada or Bari Better for Nightlife?

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

Granada has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

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 Granada or Bari Better for Beaches?

Bari is a popular place for its beaches. However, Granada is not a beach destination.

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.

Granada is not a beach destination.

Is Granada or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Granada is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its historic old town.

Granada has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

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.

Is Granada or Bari Better for Hiking?

Granada is a great city for hiking. However, Bari is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Granada for the hiking trails. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Bari is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Bari?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Granada and Bari.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Granada. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

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 Granada or Bari Better for Families?

Bari is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Granada 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 Granada. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

Is Granada or Bari Better for Couples?

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

Granada is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

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 Granada or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada and Bari are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Granada is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

Bari is a great 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.

Is Granada or Bari Better for Students?

Both Granada and Bari are superb destinations for students.

Granada is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

Bari is very popular with students. 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 Granada or Bari Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Granada has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

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 Granada or Bari a more walkable city?

Granada and Bari are superb when it comes to walkability.

Granada is very walkable. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

Bari is a very walkable city. 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 Granada Worth Visiting? and Is Bari Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bari or Granada?

How long in Granada or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Granada and Bari. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Granada than in Bari. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Granada, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bari.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Granada 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 Granada.

One day in Granada or Bari?

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

Granada is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. 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.

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 Granada or Bari?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Granada. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Granada or Bari?

The cultural city of Granada offers nightlife and food. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Granada and Bari, we can see that Granada 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 Granada Expensive? and Is Bari Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Granada or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Granada. When comparing the sizes of Granada 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 Granada 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 Granada or Bari in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Bari. Most visitors come to Granada for the hiking 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 July, Granada is generally around the same temperature as Bari. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 25°C (77°F), and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari this time of the year. In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bari during summer. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Granada usually receives less rain than Bari. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Granada or Bari in the Autumn?

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

Granada is around the same temperature as Bari in the autumn. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In the autumn, Granada often gets more sunshine than Bari. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in October than Bari. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Bari in the Winter?

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

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

Granada usually receives more sunshine than Bari during winter. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Granada usually receives more rain than Bari. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Granada or Bari in the Spring?

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

In April, Granada is generally a little warmer than Bari. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 16°C (60°F), and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Granada. In the spring, Granada often gets more sunshine than Bari. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets more rain in April than Bari. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bari and Granada