Bari, Italy: The Hidden Gem of the Adriatic

Tucked away on the sun-drenched heel of Italy’s boot lies Bari, a coastal city where ancient tradition meets modern life in the most captivating way. Often overlooked in favour of Rome, Venice, or Florence, Bari is a secret worth sharing — a city where you can wander cobbled alleyways, feast on fresh seafood, and soak in the salty breeze of the Adriatic Sea.

Why Visit Bari?

Bari is the capital of the Puglia region, and it wears its heritage with pride. Its charm doesn’t lie in flashy landmarks but in its lived-in authenticity. Here, you’ll find locals making orecchiette pasta by hand right on the street, fishermen selling their morning catch by the harbour, and golden-hour light bouncing off white limestone buildings.

It’s a place where the pace slows, the food is soul-satisfying, and the streets hum with history.

Top Things to Do in Bari

Explore Bari Vecchia (Old Town)

This labyrinth of narrow streets is the beating heart of the city. Here, you’ll discover Basilica di San Nicola, a pilgrimage site and one of the most important religious buildings in southern Italy. Lose yourself among the arches, shrines, and stone staircases — and be sure to stop for a gelato as you explore.

Watch the Pasta Grannies of Via Arco Basso

In Bari Vecchia, especially on Via Arco Basso, you’ll witness one of the city’s most heartwarming scenes: local women making pasta by hand on their doorsteps. They roll and shape orecchiette with lightning speed and a warm smile — many are happy to chat or even sell you a bag to take home.

We asked where we could eat homemade food and one of the ladies took us to a home that had been transformed into a trattoria. the food was all home cooked and delicious!

Puglia has the best food in Italy, in my opinion! If you‘re a foodie like me, you will love it.

Local Cuisine to Try

Orecchiette con le cime di rapa – ear-shaped pasta with broccoli rabe... but only when in season, otherwise it‘s great with a meat sauce.

Focaccia Barese – thicker than Ligurian focaccia, with cherry tomatoes and olives

Sgagliozze – fried squares of polenta, often served as street food

Raw seafood – not for the faint of heart, but fresh and beloved by locals

Pair it all with a crisp glass of Locorotondo or Primitivo wine.

Stroll the Lungomare

The promenade stretches along the coast and is perfect for a sunset walk. The sea breeze, the locals chatting on benches, the fishermen hauling in their nets — it’s classic Bari, equal parts romantic and real.

Love Shopping?

There is no shortage of shops here, from Prada to Calzedonia, something for everyone, and the prices are great. Pop into the unknown boutiques and bag a bargain. Remember to make room in your case.

Hit the Beaches

Bari is a coastal city, and while it’s not known for glamorous resorts, you can still enjoy a refreshing dip at Pane e Pomodoro Beach — a local favourite — or take a short drive to Polignano a Mare or Monopoli for cliffside views and crystal-clear waters.

Trains also run to most places from Bari, if you have time, but if you only have a day free, try and visit Polignano a Mare and eat in the cave restaurant.

Bari makes a great base to explore Puglia:

Alberobello – famous for its fairytale-like trulli houses

Matera – a UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient cave dwellings- is worth staying overnight in a cave hotel

Lecce – often called the “Florence of the South” for its Baroque beauty

Ostuni, the white village

Polignano a Mare, as mentioned before one of my favourites

Bari is ideal for a short break with direct flights from London or for a base to explore some of the beautiful region.

However long you go for, I guarantee you won‘t be disappointed.