A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nice vs. Bari for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit Nice or Bari?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nice and Bari can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nice

Nice is a glamourous, beautiful, and opulent seaside destination. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Bari

Bari is a local, cultural, and authentic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Nice and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nice or Bari?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bari. Although Nice and Bari are both popular with visitors, Bari has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bari is more popular for its museums and big city activities, while Nice is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Nice is more touristy than Bari and is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Bari is popular for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. It is also home to San Nicola.

How is Nice different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bari is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bari. 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at fantastic restaurants in both Nice and Bari.

Many restaurants in Nice have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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.

Is Nice or Bari Better for Nightlife?

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

Nice is a must-see party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

Bari offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Nice or Bari Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers flock to Nice for its luxury resorts. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Bari is not a resort destination.

Is Nice or Bari Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice 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 Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Bari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nice or Bari Better for Beaches?

Nice is a great seaside destination for the beach. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its beaches.

Many people visit Nice for it's beautiful beaches. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

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.

Is Nice or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Both Nice and Bari have very good historic old towns worth visiting.

Nice is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Nice or Bari?

Nice is a great seaside destination 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 Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

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 Nice or Bari Better for Families?

Bari is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Bari is a very kid-friendly port 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.

Nice is a family-friendly seaside destination. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Nice or Bari Better for Couples?

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

Nice is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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 Nice or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bari is a great port 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Is Nice or Bari Better for Students?

Bari is a well-known place for students. However, Nice is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Bari. 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.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Nice is a great seaside destination 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 Nice. There are both buses and trams.

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

Is Nice or Bari a more walkable city?

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

Nice is a very easy seaside destination to get around on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Worth Visiting? and Is Bari Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bari or Nice?

How long in Nice or Bari?

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

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

One day in Nice or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Nice. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Nice or Bari?

Nice is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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 Nice or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the glamourous destination of Nice. This seaside destination offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Nice or Bari?

The chic seaside destination of Nice 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.

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 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Nice or Bari?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Bari. When comparing the sizes of Nice 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 Nice or Bari?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Nice or Bari in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nice as well as Bari. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nice this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nice is around the same temperature as Bari. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nice in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Bari averages at about 25°C (76°F).

Nice usually gets more rain in July than Bari. Nice gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nice or Bari in the Autumn?

Both Bari and Nice are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bari in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Nice is generally around the same temperature as Bari. Daily temperatures in Nice average around 17°C (63°F), and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

It's quite rainy in Nice. In October, Nice usually receives more rain than Bari. Nice gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nice or Bari in the Winter?

Both Bari and Nice during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nice in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nice is around the same temperature as Bari in the winter. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Nice usually gets more rain in January than Bari. Nice gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nice or Bari in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nice and Bari. Most visitors come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bari because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Nice is around the same temperature as Bari. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nice in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Bari averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In April, Nice usually receives more rain than Bari. Nice gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bari and Nice