A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Taormina vs. Bari for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Taormina 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 Taormina 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.

Taormina

Taormina is a beautiful, exclusive, and opulent town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

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 nightlife, food, and beaches.

Taormina and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Taormina or Bari?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bari. Although Taormina and Bari are popular destinations, Bari has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bari is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and big city activities, while Taormina attracts visitors for its resorts, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Taormina is more touristy than Bari and is known for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. 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 Taormina different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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.

Taormina is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.

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

Bari is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Bari have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Taormina makes for a great culinary experience. The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.

Is Taormina or Bari Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both Taormina and Bari.

The nightlife in Taormina has something for everybody. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs around town.

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 Taormina or Bari Better for Resorts?

Taormina is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Bari is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Taormina to choose from. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Bari is not a resort destination.

Is Taormina or Bari Better for Beaches?

Both Taormina and Bari are considered to be nice beach destinations.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Taormina. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Bari offers a nice beach destination. 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 Taormina or Bari Better for its Old Town?

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

Bari is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Bari?

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

Taormina has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.

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 Taormina or Bari Better for Families?

Bari is a great port city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known 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.

Taormina is not the most family-friendly destination. Kids may not appreciate everything that the adults enjoy about this town, but they will likely have fun taking a ride on the cable car and visiting the Greek Theater. There are also wonderful desserts that kids will enjoy.

Is Taormina or Bari Better for Couples?

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

Taormina is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a truly beautiful town with impressive views and a great atmosphere. It makes a wonderful stop off for couples or honeymooners who want to soak up the region's beauty.

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 Taormina or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari is a great port city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina 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.

Taormina is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't many hostels around town and you won't find a large backpacker crowd here. The town has the feel of an exclusive resort community with high end resorts more common than anything else.

Is Taormina or Bari Better for Students?

Bari is a great port city for its student-friendly activities. However, Taormina 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.

Taormina is not popular with students.

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

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

While Taormina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

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

Is Taormina or Bari a more walkable city?

Taormina and Bari are very good when it comes to walkability.

Taormina is a very walkable destination. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the town.

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 Taormina Worth Visiting? and Is Bari Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bari or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Bari?

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

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

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

Taormina is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Taormina or Bari?

Taormina 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 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 Taormina or Bari?

Taormina is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Taormina or Bari?

Because Taormina is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Taormina 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 Taormina Expensive? and Is Bari Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Taormina or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Taormina 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 Taormina 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 Taormina or Bari in the Summer?

Both Bari and Taormina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Taormina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Taormina is around the same temperature as Bari in the summer. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Bari. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Taormina. Taormina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bari during summer. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Taormina usually receives less rain than Bari. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Taormina or Bari in the Autumn?

Both Bari and Taormina during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Taormina for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, 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 the autumn, Taormina is a little warmer than Bari. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Taormina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Bari averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Taormina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. Taormina gets 189 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 Taormina. Taormina usually gets more rain in October than Bari. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Taormina or Bari in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Bari. Many visitors come to Taormina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Taormina is generally a little warmer than Bari. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 13°C (55°F), and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Taormina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bari during winter. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Taormina usually receives more rain than Bari. Taormina 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 Taormina or Bari in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Taormina as well as Bari. Most visitors come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, 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.

Taormina is a little warmer than Bari in the spring. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bari. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Taormina this time of the year. In the spring, Taormina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets more rain in April than Bari. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bari and Taormina