A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint-Tropez vs. Bari for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint-Tropez or Bari?

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

Should I visit Saint-Tropez 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.

Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is a luxurious, glamourous, and opulent resort town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. 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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

Saint-Tropez and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Tropez or Bari?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bari. Although Saint-Tropez and Bari are both popular with visitors, Bari has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bari is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and big city activities, while Saint-Tropez is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Saint-Tropez is more touristy than Bari and is popular for its trendy beach clubs around the Bay of Pampelonne, as well as its popularity with celebrities and the extravagantly wealthy. 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 Saint-Tropez different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint-Tropez or Bari?

Bari is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Saint-Tropez or Bari? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bari is an amazing port city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint-Tropez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Saint-Tropez is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food is all about the local flavors. You'll find plenty of local seafood as well as local organic meats, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, garlic, and truffles. Cheese is a common ingredient as well. There are many different soups and stews, and bouillabaisse is a common fish soup found in the restaurants around town. Daube is another popular stew that is made with beef. Ratatouille is a vegetable casserole that has made a name for itself both inside and outside of France. And, of course, you have to try the local salads and pastries. Because it's such a touristy area, there are many restaurants geared specifically to the tourists, many of which are overpriced.

Is Saint-Tropez or Bari Better for Nightlife?

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

Saint-Tropez is a must-see party destination. It is a place to see and be seen, so if you're looking for A-list celebrities, glamourous yacht parties, and ritzy dance clubs, then this is your place. While the nightlife scene is filled with extravagance, there are still laid back clubs where you can sip a cocktail in style. The best season to come and party is during the summer months, but you'll still find plenty to do throughout the year.

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 Saint-Tropez or Bari Better for Resorts?

Saint-Tropez is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Bari is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Saint-Tropez for its luxury resorts. Luxury and extravagance is what this resort town is all about. If you have the money to spend, you'll have no trouble finding a glamourous villa or luxury hotel where you can relax, party, or soak up the French Riviera sun.

Bari is not a resort destination.

Is Saint-Tropez or Bari Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Saint-Tropez is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Saint-Tropez. The Gulf of Saint Tropez is one of the best places to snorkel and scuba dive along the French Riviera. There are wreck dives including the most famous, The Rubis, a submarine that is surrounded by marine life. Although you're not allowed to enter the vessel, there is still plenty to see. There are also plenty of dive spots that feature rock formations, schools of fish, and lobsters.

Bari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint-Tropez or Bari Better for Beaches?

Saint-Tropez is a great resort town for the beach. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its beaches.

Many people visit Saint-Tropez for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are frequented by celebrities, so you'll find plenty of glitz and glamour by the water. For some of the best beaches, you'll want to head a little out of town. The most famous beach in the area is Pampelonne Beach which is popular with Hollywood celebrities during the summer months. Bouillabaisse Beach is the place to go if you want to look at the yachts, but for a more natural setting head to Graniers Beach.

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 Saint-Tropez or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Bari is a great destination for its old town. However, Saint-Tropez does not have a historic old town.

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.

Saint-Tropez does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Tropez or Bari?

Saint-Tropez is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many people travel to Saint-Tropez specifically to go shopping. Surrounded by luxury, shopping is a must in this glamourous resort town. There are international luxury brands as well as local designer boutiques. Whether you're looking for yachting clothes, cigars, jewelry, or perfume, this is one of the best shopping destinations along the Cote d'Azur. Art is a particularly popular item to purchase while you're in town.

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 Saint-Tropez or Bari Better for Families?

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

With a huge array of activities for kids, Saint-Tropez is very family-friendly. With great beaches, several amusement parks, waterparks, and even Marineland, there are an endless supply of activities for kids. There's also a zoo and nature reserve for wildlife enthusiasts. For adventure lovers, there are a number of different watersports to try and if the weather isn't cooperating, there are a few good museums and other indoor activities as well.

Bari is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Saint-Tropez or Bari Better for Couples?

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

Saint-Tropez is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Whether you're honeymooning or taking a short getaway to the French Riviera, this is a great option for couples. You can take a stroll at sunset, relax on one of the beautiful beaches, dine on local seafood, and soak up the rich local culture. The romance and beauty of this French Riviera city make it a world class romantic destination.

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 Saint-Tropez or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Saint-Tropez is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Saint-Tropez is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. For many backpackers it may seem cost prohibitive to visit the French Riviera, but for those with the money, it is well worth the splurge. You can save some money by staying outside of town or finding a vacation rental where you can cook meals. There are also hostels and rooms in local homes that come at a more reasonable price.

Is Saint-Tropez or Bari Better for Students?

Bari is a great destination for students. However, Saint-Tropez is not popular with students.

Bari is a very popular port 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.

Saint-Tropez is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint-Tropez and Bari.

You'll find some public transit in Saint-Tropez, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system that connects many parts of the area.

While Bari offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Saint-Tropez or Bari a more walkable city?

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

Saint-Tropez is a very easy resort town to get around on foot. It's easy to explore many places on foot, passing by beautiful beaches, stunning views, impressive yachts, and glamourous villas.

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 Saint-Tropez Worth Visiting? and Is Bari Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bari or Saint-Tropez?

How long in Saint-Tropez or Bari?

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

Families should spend more time in Saint-Tropez than Bari. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Saint-Tropez, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bari than Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Saint-Tropez. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this authentic port city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

A weekend in Saint-Tropez or Bari?

Saint-Tropez is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the food. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint-Tropez or Bari?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the ritzy destination of Saint-Tropez. This resort town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Saint-Tropez or Bari?

The luxurious resort town of Saint-Tropez offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint-Tropez or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Saint-Tropez. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez or Bari in the Summer?

Both Bari and Saint-Tropez during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint-Tropez for the beaches, snorkeling, 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, Saint-Tropez is around the same temperature as Bari. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint-Tropez in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Bari averages at about 25°C (76°F).

In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint-Tropez. In the summer, Saint-Tropez often gets more sunshine than Bari. Saint-Tropez gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun.

Saint-Tropez usually gets more rain in July than Bari. Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez or Bari in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Tropez and Bari. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint-Tropez 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, Saint-Tropez is generally around the same temperature as Bari. Daily temperatures in Saint-Tropez average around 17°C (63°F), and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In Saint-Tropez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint-Tropez usually receives more sunshine than Bari during autumn. Saint-Tropez gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Saint-Tropez gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Saint-Tropez usually receives more rain than Bari. Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez or Bari in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint-Tropez as well as Bari. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint-Tropez this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Saint-Tropez often gets more sunshine than Bari. Saint-Tropez gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun.

Saint-Tropez usually gets more rain in January than Bari. Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez or Bari in the Spring?

Both Bari and Saint-Tropez are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint-Tropez 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, Saint-Tropez is around the same temperature as Bari. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint-Tropez in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Bari averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Bari. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Tropez. Saint-Tropez usually receives more sunshine than Bari during spring. Saint-Tropez gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint-Tropez usually receives more rain than Bari. Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez