A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers York vs. Bari for Food, Old Town, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit York or Bari?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a fanciful, historic, and medieval city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bari

Bari is a authentic, local, and cultural port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

York and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Bari?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bari than York. Bari is bigger than York, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bari is better known for its beaches and big city activities, while York is more popular for its historical sights. York is more touristy than Bari and is popular for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. Bari is well known for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. Also, Bari is famous for San Nicola.

How is York different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both York and Bari have superb landmarks and museums for visitors.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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 York or Bari? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both York and Bari both to be amazing destinations.

For foodies, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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.

Is York or Bari Better for Nightlife?

Both York and Bari are superb when it comes to partying.

York offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

Bari has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 York or Bari Better for Beaches?

Bari is a popular place for its beaches. However, York is not a beach destination.

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.

York is not a beach destination.

Is York or Bari Better for its Old Town?

York is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its historic old town.

York has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Bari?

Both York and Bari are notable shopping destinations.

York is a great destination for shopping. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bari. 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 York or Bari Better for Families?

York 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, York is very family-friendly. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Bari Better for Couples?

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

York is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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 York or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both York and Bari are superb destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Many 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.

Is York or Bari Better for Students?

Bari is a well-known place for students. However, York 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.

York is not popular with students.

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

Both York and Bari offer notable public transit options.

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

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

Is York or Bari a more walkable city?

Bari is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or York?

How long in York or Bari?

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

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of York. 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 York or Bari?

York 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.

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 York or Bari?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of York. 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 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 York or Bari?

The historic city of York 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 authentic 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 from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Bari in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to York as well as Bari. Most visitors come to York for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Bari because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bari. In the summer, York often gets less sunshine than Bari. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun.

York usually gets more rain in July than Bari. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Bari in the Autumn?

Both Bari and York are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to York because of the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

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

York usually receives less sunshine than Bari during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, York usually receives less rain than Bari. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit York or Bari in the Winter?

Both Bari and York during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to York this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in York in the winter. In the winter, York is much colder than Bari. Typically, the winter temperatures in York in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Bari averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In the winter, York often gets less sunshine than Bari. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in January than Bari. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Bari in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Bari. Also, many visitors come to Bari in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari this time of the year. York usually receives less sunshine than Bari during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives more rain than Bari. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bari and York