A Weekend in Bari: Adriatic Pearls and Apulian Flavors

Bari, the capital of Puglia, is a city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and gastronomy. Its location on the Adriatic coast makes it an ideal destination for a weekend of discovery and relaxation. The city is easily accessible thanks to its international airport, Karol Wojtyla, which connects Bari with numerous Italian and European cities. From the airport, the city center is a short distance away, easily reachable by shuttle or taxi.

For those who prefer to travel by train, Bari's central station is well connected to major Italian cities, making it a perfect starting point for exploring the region.

Once you arrive, choosing accommodation is essential to fully experience the barese atmosphere. Bari Vecchia, the historic center, is the ideal place to stay. Here you can find cozy B&Bs and small hotels that offer an authentic experience. The more modern Murattiano area is another valid option, with quality accommodations and a convenient location for exploring the city.

The first day is dedicated to discovering Bari Vecchia. Start your adventure by getting lost in the narrow and picturesque alleys, where local women prepare the famous homemade orecchiette. Don’t forget to visit the Basilica of San Nicola, a masterpiece of Apulian Romanesque architecture, which houses the relics of Saint Nicholas, revered by both Catholics and Orthodox. Continue to the Cathedral of San Sabino, another splendid example of Romanesque architecture that is worth a visit.

For lunch, you cannot miss the focaccia barese, a delicious dish that is both crunchy and soft, topped with cherry tomatoes and olives. In the afternoon, visit the Swabian Castle, a majestic fortress built in the 12th century. From here, enjoy a stroll along the Nazario Sauro waterfront, one of the most beautiful in Italy, where the scent of the sea and the panoramic view will leave you speechless.

Dinner is the perfect opportunity to savor rice, potatoes, and mussels, a typical dish of barese tradition that will win you over. The second day is dedicated to culture and the sea. Start the morning with a visit to the Petruzzelli Theatre, one of the most important theaters in Italy, recently rebuilt after a devastating fire in the 1990s. Not far away is the Palazzo dell'Acquedotto Pugliese, a masterpiece in Liberty style to admire from the outside.

For lunch, try a sandwich with octopus, a local specialty that you will find in many places in the center. In the afternoon, if the weather permits, treat yourself to some relaxation on Pane e Pomodoro beach, easily reachable from the city center. Although it is not an unspoiled beach, it is perfect for a refreshing swim.

Alternatively, visit the Archaeological Museum of Santa Scolastica, which houses artifacts from Bari's ancient history. In the evening, don’t miss the chance to stroll through the lively area of Piazza Mercantile and Piazza del Ferrarese, the heart of barese nightlife, where you can enjoy a local aperitif before dinner.

Barese cuisine is rich in flavors and traditions. In addition to the dishes already mentioned, don’t forget to taste orecchiette with turnip tops, seafood crudo, especially sea urchins in season, fried panzerotti filled with mozzarella and tomato, and sgagliozze, fried polenta typical of barese street food.

Bari is a compact city, easily explored on foot. For longer distances, you can use public transport or bike-sharing services. The Mediterranean climate makes Bari an ideal destination almost year-round. The locals are known for their hospitality, and although the local dialect may seem incomprehensible, most people speak Italian. A weekend in Bari will allow you to savor the essence of this charming Apulian city, leaving you with a desire to return.