At once confident and quaint, this port city becomes more enchanting with every turn. Whether you’re searching for romance, history or a pinch of urban excitement, driving through Bari is wonder on wheels.
From the scintillating city to the sun kissed coves of the great Italian coast, there’s plenty to see in this magical part of Europe.
Historical pilgrimage
An ancient coastal port, Bari has collected architectural souvenirs from every key era in its history.
The Basilica di San Nicola is the star of the show. Popular among religious pilgrims from Eastern Europe, this 11th-century religious structure is located in the heart of Bari’s fortified citadel. Strada Palazzo di Città has led worshippers to this sacred building for many centuries.
This Norman church has points of interest for secular travellers, too: in the 12th century, the building was constructed to honour the relics of St Nicholas, the original Santa Claus. These remains are said to bless the sacred crypt with special powers. Museo Nicolaino houses artifacts from the church including parchments, paintings and holy chalices.
Extend your historical tour by visiting the beautiful Castello Svevo. This castle tells the story of the Norman conquest and boasts medieval battle towers.
The glorious white facade of the Cathedral of San Sabino is also well worth seeing. Step inside to find more Apulian Romanesque wonder and relics of the original mosaics.
The heart of local romance: Bari city walls
Walk through the romantic side of local architecture when you explore the rugged city walls. These defensive coastal barriers give the city its distinctive medieval look and are a great place to snap up views of the ocean and the towering old town.
Here, an ensemble of historical buildings creates a winding and jagged cityscape filled with historical delights. From the markets of Bari Vecchia to the beautiful clifftop churches, you’ll be left with the impression of a city unchanged for centuries.
Try local street food staples like orecchiette from vendors whose recipes have passed through generations. Sgagliozze is the quintessential fried delicacy: rustic and effortlessly traditional, these deep-fried polenta cubes should be on your menu in Bari.
Seafood and speakeasies in the old port
The Italian coast is one of the best places on earth to try delicious seafood. There are many traditional taverns tucked along Lungomare Nazario Sauro.
The adventurous can try Il Crudo Barese – raw fish dishes that date back centuries. Octopus, sea urchins and local catches are seasoned with fragrant spices and served with freshly made bread.
For more tradition, leave the rental car behind and drop into one of the intimate wine bars that line the old town. The most exclusive are themed around American speakeasies and notoriously difficult to find – but well worth the effort, if you’ve hung up your rental car keys for the day.
Tour the Puglia coast
Little Italy is a sepia world of small towns and vineyards, with quaint coves and golden beaches that beckon every traveller.
Take to the road to explore the paradise coastline on Italy’s Mediterranean ‘heel’. Polignano a Mare is one of the most special spots for miles: a sloping ravine where buildings seem to rise from the caves. This is one of Puglia’s important ancient settlements and a great place to soak up the sunshine and see crashing waves.
Take a tour of the local coffee shops or ride the waves to see beauty from a fishing boat. The opportunities are endless when you rent a car in Bari.
