Parking in Bari

• Parcheggio di Porto (70123) has 366 spaces and is just to the east of Victory Stadium. Situated by the port, it’s open 24hrs.
• Garage Tiemme Bari Centro (70122) is close to University of Bari Aldo Moro and many of the city shops, as well as the Multicinema Galleria.
• Parcheggio Libero (70124) is a free car park, open 24hrs and close to the Basilica Parroccia Santa Fara and Parco Don Tonino Bello.

Key roads in Bari

• The SS16 is a state road connecting Padua to Otranto. It runs south along the Adriatic coast until reaching Bari city centre, where it curves around the south side of the city.
• The SP73 leads eastwards from Bari Airport into Bari itself, where it merges into Via Bruno Buozzi.
• The SP80 roadexits the south of the city and heads down to the town of Valenzano, Apulia, home to several centres of scientific research.

How to get from Bari to Lecce

It takes an hour and 45 minutes to drive the 167km from Bari Airport to Lecce.

1. Take Via Calderola and head onto the SS16.
2. Take the SS379, then merge back onto the SS16.
3. Head onto the Viale Michele de Pietro.
4. Take the Viale Felice Cavallotti.
5. At the roundabout, take the first exit onto Via G Marconi.

How to get from Bari to Naples

Naples is just over three hours’ drive, and 275km, west from Bari.

1. Take the SP156 from the airport, then turn right onto the SP218.
2. Then take the SP88 to join the A14, then the A16 to the A1.
3. Take the A1 south then join the A£ towards the centre of Naples.

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 12^th-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 12^th 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.