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

Should you visit Limerick or Bari?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Limerick and Bari can help you decide which place is right for you.

Limerick

Limerick is a fun-filled, historic, and outdoorsy city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bari

Bari is a cultural, authentic, and local port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Limerick and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Limerick or Bari?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bari than Limerick. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bari is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and big city activities, while Limerick attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Limerick is more touristy than Bari and is known for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities. Bari is famous for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. It is also well known for San Nicola.

How is Limerick different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Bari specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Limerick is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town is famous for King John's Castle as well as St. Mary's Cathedral, and St. John's Square and Cathedral.

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

Bari is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Bari has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Limerick offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of traditional Irish restaurants and more modern international cuisine. Local specialties to try include Limerick Ham, Cahill's Whiskey Cheese, and Walnut Cheddar.

Is Limerick or Bari Better for Nightlife?

Bari is a great port city for its evening party scene. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Bari has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Limerick. It's a student town so much of the nightlife scene centers around the student population. There are lively pubs and clubs around town so it's not hard to have a fun night out.

Is Limerick or Bari Better for Beaches?

Bari is very good for the beach. However, Limerick is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Bari to enjoy the beach. 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.

Limerick is not a beach destination.

Is Limerick or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Bari is a great port city for its historic old town charm. However, Limerick does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Limerick does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Limerick or Bari?

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

Limerick has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a mix of brand name chains and independent boutiques in the city center. There are several major shopping streets in town including O'Connell Street, and the pedestrian streets of Bedford Row and Cruises Street.

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 Limerick or Bari Better for Families?

Bari is a great port city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bari. 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.

Limerick is a family-friendly place to visit. Families will enjoy visiting King John's Castle but for kids who need a break from the sightseeing, there are kid-friendly activities around town like Curraghchase Forest Park and the Peoples Park. Families should also check out the Dreamland Fun Center. Museums like Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum are also fun for the whole family.

Is Limerick or Bari Better for Couples?

Both Limerick and Bari are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Limerick is a good city for couples to visit. There are river cruises, kayaking, and nature to explore. Head to the Curraghchase Forest Park or any of the many beautiful parks around town. Couples can combine history with nature and enjoy a nice, romantic trip through Limerick.

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 Limerick or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari is a great port city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Limerick is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Bari. 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.

Limerick is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in the area so it can be hard to find other likeminded travelers.

Is Limerick or Bari Better for Students?

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

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.

Limerick is a good city to visit for students. The city has a nice student scene with plenty of areas to explore.

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

Limerick and Bari both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Limerick offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a city bus service that travels around town.

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

Is Limerick or Bari a more walkable city?

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

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.

Limerick is somewhat walkable. There are compact and walkable parts to the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Limerick?

How long in Limerick or Bari?

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

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

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

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 Limerick or Bari?

Limerick 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.

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 Limerick or Bari?

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

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 Limerick or Bari?

The fun-filled city of Limerick 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 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 2-Week Tours from Dublin, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Limerick or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Limerick. When comparing the sizes of Limerick 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 Limerick 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 Limerick or Bari in the Summer?

Both Bari and Limerick are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Limerick in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Limerick is much colder than Bari in the summer. The daily temperature in Limerick averages around 16°C (60°F) in July, and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Bari. Limerick usually receives less sunshine than Bari during summer. Limerick gets 142 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Limerick usually receives more rain than Bari. Limerick gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Limerick or Bari in the Autumn?

Both Bari and Limerick during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Limerick for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bari because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Limerick is much colder than Bari. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Limerick in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Bari averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Limerick often gets less sunshine than Bari. Limerick gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun.

Limerick usually gets more rain in October than Bari. Limerick gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Limerick or Bari in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Limerick and Bari. The winter months attract visitors to Limerick because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

In January, Limerick is generally much colder than Bari. Daily temperatures in Limerick average around 6°C (42°F), and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Limerick usually receives less sunshine than Bari during winter. Limerick gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Limerick usually receives more rain than Bari. Limerick gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Limerick or Bari in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Limerick as well as Bari. The natural beauty are the main draw to Limerick this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bari for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Limerick is much colder than Bari in the spring. The daily temperature in Limerick averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bari. In the spring, Limerick often gets less sunshine than Bari. Limerick gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun.

Limerick usually gets more rain in April than Bari. Limerick gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bari and Limerick