A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Pisa vs. Bari for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Pisa or Bari?

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

Should I visit Pisa 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.

Pisa

Pisa is a world-famous, classic, and charming city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

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. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Pisa and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pisa or Bari?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bari than Pisa, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bari is more popular for its food and big city activities, while Pisa is known for its shopping and impressive beauty. Pisa is more touristy than Bari and is known for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. 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 Pisa different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Pisa and Bari.

Pisa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

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.

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

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

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.

Dining out in Pisa is an experience not to be missed. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

Is Pisa or Bari Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Pisa and Bari.

The nightlife in Pisa has something for everybody. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

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 Pisa or Bari Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Pisa and Bari are good choices.

Pisa is a good option for a beach vacation. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

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.

Is Pisa or Bari Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the superb old towns in both Pisa and Bari.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Pisa or Bari?

Pisa 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 Pisa. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

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 Pisa or Bari Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Bari is very family-friendly. 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.

Pisa is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Pisa or Bari Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Pisa and Bari make for a good place to visit.

Pisa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Bari is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Pisa or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Pisa and Bari are superb places to visit.

Many backpackers visit Pisa. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

Bari is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Pisa or Bari Better for Students?

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

Pisa is a very popular place to visit for students. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

Bari is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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 Pisa or Bari Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pisa and Bari both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Pisa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

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

Is Pisa or Bari a more walkable city?

Pisa and Bari are superb when it comes to walkability.

Pisa is a very walkable city. The city is a great place to explore on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Pisa?

How long in Pisa or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Pisa and Bari. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Bari than Pisa. 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.

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

One day in Pisa or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Pisa. 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.

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 Pisa or Bari?

Pisa is a fun place to experience. 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.

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 Pisa or Bari?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Pisa. This 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic 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 Pisa or Bari?

The world-famous city of Pisa 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 local 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 Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Pisa or Bari?

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

Both Bari and Pisa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Pisa for the beaches 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 the summer, Pisa is around the same temperature as Bari. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pisa in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Bari averages at about 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Bari. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pisa. Pisa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bari during summer. Pisa gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pisa usually receives more rain than Bari. Pisa gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pisa or Bari in the Autumn?

Both Bari and Pisa during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Pisa because of 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.

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

In the autumn, Pisa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. Pisa gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pisa. Pisa usually gets more rain in October than Bari. Pisa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pisa or Bari in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pisa and Bari. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pisa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Pisa is cooler than Bari in the winter. The daily temperature in Pisa averages around 7°C (45°F) in January, and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Pisa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bari during winter. Pisa gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Pisa usually receives more rain than Bari. Pisa gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pisa or Bari in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pisa as well as Bari. Many travelers come to Pisa for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bari in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Pisa is around the same temperature as Bari. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pisa in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Bari averages at about 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bari. In the spring, Pisa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. Pisa gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun.

Pisa receives a lot of rain in the spring. Pisa usually gets more rain in April than Bari. Pisa gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bari and Pisa