Bari, the Heart of Puglia

Things to do in Bari Puglia

When you think of Puglia, the first images that come to mind might be whitewashed hill towns, centuries-old olive trees, turquoise seas, and meals that seem to stretch blissfully into the afternoon. But the true heart of the region is Bari—a vibrant, living city that perfectly embodies Puglia’s soul.

In this week’s Flavor of Italy podcast, I’m taking you to Bari: the capital of Puglia, a city of fishermen and pasta makers, sea breezes and stone streets, faith and food. And with United Airlines’ exciting announcement of a new direct flight from Newark to Bari starting May 1, 2026 (https://www.united.com/en/us/newsroom/announcements/cision-125413), it’s never been easier for travelers from the U.S. to dive straight into the region’s rich culture and cuisine.

Things to do in Bari Puglia - Making orecchiette in Bari Vecchia — Making orecchiette in Bari Vecchia

Why Bari Should Be Your Next Italian Destination - Things to do in Bari Puglia

Bari sits on Italy’s Adriatic coast, about four hours south of Rome by high-speed train and just over an hour west of Matera by car or bus. The city is a perfect blend of old and new—historic Bari Vecchia on one side and modern, lively neighborhoods on the other.

One of the most enchanting things to do in Bari Puglia is to wander through the narrow alleys of Bari Vecchia. Life happens outdoors here: doors are open, neighbors chat across balconies, and the scent of baking focaccia mingles with the sea breeze. On Strada Arco Basso, you’ll see one of the city’s most beloved traditions in action—local women making orecchiette pasta by hand, rolling and flicking small rounds of dough into perfect ear-shaped pieces. Their rhythm is mesmerizing, a daily ritual that connects generations.

In the blog version of this story, you can watch a short video I filmed of these women working their pasta magic right in the heart of Bari Vecchia. It’s a glimpse into the city’s beating heart—where food, family, and culture are one and the same.

And if you’d like to make pasta yourself, try my step-by-step YouTube video on how to make cavatelli at home (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZShF1RVY7q4). Cavatelli are another traditional Pugliese pasta made from simple semolina dough, and they’re perfect for pairing with tomato or seafood sauces.

The Soul of Bari Vecchia - Things to do in Bari Puglia

The old city is full of treasures: the Basilica di San Nicola, which holds the relics of Saint Nicholas; the Cattedrale di San Sabino with its luminous Romanesque façade; and the Castello Svevo, the 12th-century fortress built by the Normans. Bari’s seaside promenade, the Lungomare Nazario Sauro, stretches for miles, lined with palm trees and elegant street lamps that glow golden at dusk. A stroll here is one of the simplest and most beautiful things to do in Bari Puglia.

Things to do in Bari Puglia - the passeggiata

But Bari’s soul lies in its food. Stop by Panificio Fiore (https://www.facebook.com/panificiofiorebari) for a slice of focaccia barese—soft, golden, and topped with cherry tomatoes and oregano—or grab a paper cone of fried panzerotti, crispy pockets of dough stuffed with mozzarella and tomato. At the fish market, locals eat raw seafood drizzled with lemon juice, right off the dock.

For a real meal, head to Biancofiore (https://www.ristorantebiancofiore.it/en-gb) at Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 13, one of Bari’s most elegant seafood restaurants, known for its fresh crudo and refined local dishes. Another local favorite is La Tana del Polpo (https://www.latanadelpolpo.com) in Bari Vecchia, where the octopus and mussels are unforgettable. For a casual but delicious bite, Mastro Ciccio (https://www.mastrociccio.it) offers gourmet sandwiches and fried seafood cones that perfectly capture the essence of Bari street food.

Things to do in Bari Puglia - visit Teatro Petruzzelli — Teatro Petruzzelli, Bari

Where to Stay in Bari

There’s no shortage of wonderful places to stay in Bari, whether you want sleek design or seaside glamour. Vis Urban Suites & Spa (https://www.visurbansuites.com) is a modern boutique hotel praised for its beautiful interiors and relaxing spa. For something grander, Grande Albergo delle Nazioni (https://jr-hotels.com/en/collection/jr-hotels-grande-albergo-delle-nazioni-bari) sits right on the seafront with a rooftop pool overlooking the Adriatic. Palazzo Calò (https://www.palazzocalo.com), near Bari Vecchia, offers stylish apartment-style suites perfect for travelers who want to bring back market ingredients and cook at home.

All three are centrally located, making it easy to explore the city on foot. Simply wandering Bari’s old streets, stopping for espresso, and chatting with locals are some of the best things to do in Bari Puglia.

Exploring Beyond Bari - Things to do in Bari Puglia and Beyond

Bari is the perfect base for discovering the wider Puglia region, where every town has its own charm and flavor.

Polignano a Mare is just a 30-minute train ride south—a dazzling white town perched on limestone cliffs above the Adriatic. Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lama Monachile, or have lunch at Grotta Palazzese (https://www.grottapalazzese.it), a restaurant built inside a seaside cave. For a relaxed seafood lunch, Pescaria (https://www.pescaria.it) offers inventive sandwiches and beautifully prepared crudo.

Continue south to Monopoli, a working fishing town with cobblestone streets, colorful boats, and a laid-back pace. It’s quieter than Polignano but equally charming—another must among things to do in Bari Puglia.

Inland lies Alberobello, famous for its trulli—cone-shaped white stone houses that look like something out of a fairytale. Nearby, Locorotondo and Martina Franca make for wonderful detours with their circular streets, flower boxes, and Baroque palaces.

If you have more time, head west to Matera, in the neighboring region of Basilicata. This ancient city of stone is one of the most extraordinary places in Italy. Its cave dwellings, known as the Sassi, were once abandoned but are now beautifully restored. Walk through the alleys, visit the frescoed cave churches, and stay overnight in one of Matera’s boutique cave hotels like Corte San Pietro (https://www.cortesanpietro.it). For dinner, Baccanti (https://www.baccantiristorante.it) offers local Basilicata wines and regional specialties in a stunning cave setting.

If Baroque architecture and cooking classes appeal to you, travel south to Lecce, known as the Florence of the South. Lecce’s golden stone glows in the sunlight, and its narrow streets are filled with artisans making cartapesta—papier-mâché religious figures. The Awaiting Table cooking school (https://www.awaitingtable.com) is an exceptional place to learn about southern Italian cuisine. For dinner, Bros’ (https://www.brosrestaurant.it), the city’s Michelin-starred restaurant, is redefining Puglian food with creativity and flair.

The Flavors of Puglia

Puglia’s cuisine reflects its land and sea: simple, flavorful, and grounded in tradition. Olive oil is the backbone of every dish here, and the region produces nearly half of Italy’s total olive oil. The Coratina olive gives the oil from Bari and Andria its signature peppery finish. Visiting a frantoio (olive mill) during harvest and tasting the first green oil poured over bread is one of the most authentic things to do in Bari Puglia and beyond.

For travelers who prefer to move slowly, Puglia’s countryside roads are perfect for cycling or driving from village to village. Companies like A’QTO Cycling (https://www.aqtocycling.com) offer guided gourmet tours that combine outdoor adventure with great food and wine.

A Perfect Itinerary - Things to do in Bari Puglia

If you’re planning a trip, start with two nights in Bari to explore the old town, visit the Basilica di San Nicola, and eat your way through its trattorie. Then spend a day in Polignano and Monopoli, another in Alberobello, and a night in Matera’s cave dwellings. End in Lecce for Baroque architecture, great wine, and a cooking class before heading home. It’s a journey through time, flavor, and the welcoming warmth of southern Italy.

My husband enjoying the luscious seafood in Polignano a Mare

With United’s new Newark-to-Bari route, the city is now one of Italy’s most accessible destinations for American travelers. Bari is no longer just a gateway to Puglia—it’s a destination that deserves to be savored.

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