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

Should you visit Manchester 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 Manchester and Bari can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant, dynamic, and diverse city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the live music, food, 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Manchester and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Bari?

You'll generally find more things to do in Manchester than Bari. Manchester is bigger than Bari, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Manchester is better known for its music, shopping, and big city activities, while Bari is more popular for its food, beaches, and historical sights. Manchester is more touristy than Bari and is known for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. Also, Manchester is famous for The National Football Museum. Bari is well known for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic.

How is Manchester different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Manchester or Bari.

Many visitors head to Manchester specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

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.

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

Bari is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Manchester 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

Is Manchester or Bari Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is high quality in both Manchester and Bari.

Many people head to Manchester for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

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 Manchester or Bari Better for Music?

Manchester is a great city for its music scene. However, Bari is not a live music destination.

Manchester has a thriving music scene. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Bari is not a live music destination.

Is Manchester or Bari Better for Beaches?

Bari is very good for its beaches. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester is not a beach destination.

Is Manchester or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Bari is great for its historic old town. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Bari?

Manchester is a great city 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 Manchester. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best 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 Manchester or Bari Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Manchester or Bari.

Manchester is a very family-friendly destination. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

Bari is a very kid-friendly city. 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 Manchester or Bari Better for Couples?

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

Manchester is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

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 Manchester or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

Is Manchester or Bari Better for Students?

For students, both Manchester and Bari are high quality places to visit.

Manchester is very popular with students. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

Bari is a great 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.

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

Manchester is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Manchester. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

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

Is Manchester or Bari a more walkable city?

Bari is great for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Bari?

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

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

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

Manchester is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With museums and nightlife around the cultural port city of Bari, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bari, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Manchester or Bari?

Manchester 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Bari, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

Five days in Manchester or Bari?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant big city of Manchester. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bari, a popular port city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or Bari?

The cultural city of Manchester offers shopping and museums. 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Bari?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Bari. When comparing the sizes of Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester or Bari in the Summer?

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

In July, Manchester is generally cooler than Bari. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 16°C (62°F), and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Bari. Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Bari during summer. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Manchester usually receives more rain than Bari. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Manchester or Bari in the Autumn?

Both Bari and Manchester during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Manchester for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bari because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Manchester is much colder than Bari in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Bari. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets more rain in October than Bari. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Bari in the Winter?

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

The weather in Manchester can be very cold. In the winter, Manchester is much colder than Bari. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manchester in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Bari averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Bari during winter. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Manchester usually receives more rain than Bari. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Manchester or Bari in the Spring?

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

In April, Manchester is generally much colder than Bari. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 8°C (46°F), and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bari. In the spring, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Bari. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets more rain in April than Bari. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bari and Manchester