Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Bari?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Bari?
Many travelers spend one to three days in Bari during their visit. After all, the authentic port city has plenty to explore such as the restaurant scene, the famous sights and museums, and the historic old town.
Bari is located in the Puglia region of Southern Italy. It's a port city that is popular with travelers who are catching ferries on to Greece or other Adriatic destinations. It's also a fascinating city in and of itself, with a great old town and many authentic local restaurants.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Bari? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Bari?
With three days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Bari has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Bari as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the restaurant scene, the famous sights and museums, and the historic old town at your own pace, as this medium sized city offers a variety of fun activities for families, backpackers, and students. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend 3 days in Bari
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Bari, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Guided tour and tasting at La Cantina Frrud - Wine Museum ($38)
- Bari Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour ($7)
- Short tour with dragees tasting in Museum Mucci and walking around the historic center ($109)
The culinary scene in Bari is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this port city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Guided tour and tasting at La Cantina Frrud - Wine Museum ($38)
- Street Food Tour in Bari old town - Do Eat Better Experience ($78)
- Bari Street Food Tour by Rickshaw ($82)
Bari is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the port city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Street Food Tour in Bari old town - Do Eat Better Experience ($78)
- Bari Walking tour in small group ($33)
- Walking tour of Bari *private tour* ($98)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. 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.
The public transit in Bari is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the port city quite easily and affordably. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.
The beautiful beaches await you in Bari, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Boat excursion to Polignano a Mare between caves and coves ($38)
- Polignano a Mare: Boat Tour of the Caves - Small Group ($38)
- Boat trip to the Polignano a Mare caves ($38)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Bari.
Is 4 days enough time in Bari?
Four days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Bari, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. The restaurant scene, the famous sights and museums, the historic old town, and the nightlife scene on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Bari as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding areas.
Bari, Italy
How to spend 4 days in Bari
With 4 days in Bari, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the port city has to offer.
Bari is large enough to spend at least a full day exploring the local neighborhoods, attractions, and activities found around town. It's the third largest city in Southern Italy and offers a combination of quaint charm, beaches, nearby small towns, and historical attractions.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Boat excursion to Polignano a Mare between caves and coves ($38)
- Polignano a Mare: Boat Tour of the Caves - Small Group ($38)
- Boat trip to the Polignano a Mare caves ($38)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 5 days enough time in Bari?
Five days is more than enough time to see everything that Bari has to offer. After all, it's not such a huge city. Many visitors prefer to spend one to three days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the restaurant scene, the famous sights and museums, the historic old town, and the nightlife scene at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
How to spend 5 days in Bari
If you have more than 5 days in Bari, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the port city has to offer.
Shopping in Bari is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. 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.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Bari.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Bari, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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