Best places to stay in Bari
iH Grande Albergo Delle Nazioni
Lungomare Nazario Sauro 7, Bari, 70121
For stunning seafront views of the Adriatic, five-star luxury, gorgeous gourmet food and stylish, contemporary rooms, look no further. Located just a short walk from the palatial museum Pinacoteca metropolitano di Bari and Teatro Petruzzelli theatre.
Parco dei Principi Hotel Congress & Spa
Via Vito Vasile, Extension of Vitale Europa 6, Bari, 70121
Less than a mile from Bari Airport, Parco dei Principi is ideal if you’re needing to rest your head after a long flight. Wake up in a modern, four-star hotel and chill around the outdoor pool, or in the spa and wellness centre.
Hi Hotel Bari
Via Don Guanella 15, Bari, 70124
A hip, urban four-star hotel to the south side of the city centre, perfect for exploring Bari and the Puglia region, or just a romantic weekend city break. Enjoy traditional dishes prepared with fresh local produce and relax in the wellness centre or by the pretty outdoor pool.
Best places to eat in Bari
Paglionico Vini e Cucina
Strada Valissa 23, Bari, 70122
Favoured with locals and tourists alike, this authentic restaurant in the old town, Bari Vecchia, is the place to go to experience Pugliese cuisine. With seafood front and centre, try the riso, patate e cozze, oven-baked rice, potatoes and mussels. Either sit in or take a table outside and watch the world go by.
Piccinni 28
Via Niccolò Piccinni 28, Bari, 70122
Super-friendly staff welcome you to Piccinni 28, and that’s just the start of a highly recommended dining experience. Time stops in the quiet shaded interior garden while you savour unique pizzas and pasta dishes with a glass of first-rate wine.
La Locando di Federico
Piazza Mercantile Square 63, Bari, 70122
Soak up the traditional authentic atmosphere of La Locando di Federico in the heart of the old city. One glance around at the archways and domed ceilings and you feel you’re experiencing the real Italy. The food only backs this up further with dishes such as orecchiette pasta, swordfish and octopus, as well as tasty meats.
Best things to do in and around Bari
Basilica di San Nicola
Largo Abate Elia, 13, Bari, 70122
An awe-inspiring sight, this 12th-century Norman church was one of the first to be built in the region. Inside a shrine within the crypt are the bones of St Nicholas. The remains of Santa Claus are said to emanate special powers. Whether true or not, it’s a must-see when in Bari.
Teatro Margherita
Piazza IV Novembre, Bari, 70122
This former theatre was first completed in 1914 and was also used as a cinema before it closed in 1979. It was restored and reopened in 2018 as an arts centre featuring fascinating travelling exhibitions showcasing art and photos by Italian figures including Vincent van Gogh.
Castello Svevo
Piazza Federico Il di Svevia, 4, Bari, 70122
Dating back to the 12th Century, this imposing fortress near the port was destroyed and rebuilt a century later. It now houses an intriguing collection of clay tiles and ceramic pots from on-site archaeological digs.