Bari Vecchia is a labyrinth of alleys where life happens outdoors. Women roll fresh pasta on tables outside their homes, children play among hanging laundry. From Bari you can reach Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, Matera and the Salento in under 2 hours.
📅 Best time to visit
April-June and September-October. Summer is hot but the sea compensates. Winter is mild.
🏛️ Why visit Bari
🍽️ Local cuisine
Orecchiette with turnip tops, Bari-style focaccia, rice potatoes and mussels, fried panzerotto, sgagliozze (fried polenta), Andria burrata and raw fish.
🗺️ Neighbourhoods to explore
Bari Vecchia for the old town. Lungomare for walks. Polignano a Mare (30 min) for cliffs. Alberobello (1h) for trulli.
✈️ How to get there
Karol Wojtyla Airport (BRI) is 10 km from the centre with shuttle buses. Bari Centrale has trains to all Puglia and Rome/Milan.
💡 Practical tips
- Rent a car to explore Puglia: trulli, beaches and farmhouses are off bus routes.
- Eat fried panzerotto in Bari Vecchia — €2 and incredible.
- Ferries depart from Bari to Greece, Croatia and Montenegro.