Start by the sea
Start at Piazza del Ferrarese and the old harbour, facing Teatro Margherita. Built on pillars in the water, it was Bari’s first reinforced-concrete building and now hosts exhibitions and cultural events. Its waterfront façade is one of the city’s distinctive sights.
Follow Corso Cavour to Teatro Petruzzelli, Bari’s main theatre and one of Italy’s great theatres. A live performance offers a lovely introduction to the city’s artistic life; check the official programme for shows and tours. Then return towards Piazza del Ferrarese to enter Bari Vecchia.
Find the rhythm of Bari Vecchia
From the sea, return to the old town. The route is never straight: small squares, arches and streets invite constant detours. Keep a map handy, without turning it into a checklist.
The old town occupies the peninsula between Bari’s two harbours. Notice buildings from different periods and little devotional shrines. Pause for the details, make room for residents and workers, and enjoy a living neighbourhood as well as a place to photograph.
Two churches to discover
Visit the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, one of Bari’s most distinctive landmarks. It holds the saint’s relics; even a short visit helps explain the city’s connection with this place of worship.
Continue to the Cathedral of San Sabino. Seeing both churches on one walk is a simple introduction to Puglian Romanesque architecture. Check the day’s official access and tour information; during services, give space to worshippers.
The castle and streets of tradition
Reach the Norman-Swabian Castle on the edge of the old town. The landscape changes from intimate lanes to a fortress showing another side of Bari. Admire the exterior or spend time in the museum.
Near the castle, find Strada Arco Basso, the famous “orecchiette street”. You may see pasta makers shaping the pasta by hand and spreading it on wooden boards to dry. Nunzia is among its best-known faces: watching these traditional gestures is part of the old town’s charm. Ask before taking photographs and check storage instructions if you buy pasta to take home.
A break that tastes of Bari
Try tomato-and-olive focaccia barese for a snack. Panificio Santa Rita near San Sabino Cathedral and Panificio Fiore a few steps from San Nicola Basilica are two places to remember. Each bakery has its own recipe: tasting both is a small journey through Bari’s flavours.
Continue to Largo Albicocca, a little square with olive trees and strings of lights that comes alive in the evening. Stop at Di Cosimo for a panzerotto, with classic tomato and mozzarella or other available fillings. For a sit-down lunch, look for orecchiette with meat-roll sauce and tiella of rice, potatoes and mussels; sgagliozze are worth a taste too. You can return to this square in the evening after completing the waterfront walk.
A detour through the new town
For another side of Bari, enter the Murattiano district. The walk changes: regular streets, interesting façades and shop windows make wandering enjoyable even without planned stops.
Walk along Via Sparano, the pedestrian shopping street, and pause to admire Palazzo Mincuzzi. Its shop windows and elegant façades reveal modern Bari; then head back to the waterfront to finish your walk facing the Adriatic.
End the day by the Adriatic
Return to Lungomare Araldo di Crollalanza and, if you wish, continue along Lungomare Nazario Sauro. After the old town, the view opens up: follow the water and slow down.
There is no compulsory stopping point. Choose a bench, take photographs or walk back towards Piazza del Ferrarese. With time to spare, return to the old town for a final stroll: end where you began, with the sea nearby.
BEFORE YOU GO
Your day, your way.
First travel from Oceanomare to central Bari by your preferred means, then begin walking. This itinerary covers the centre and does not include the journey from the apartment.
For a shorter day, choose the old town, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas and the waterfront. Allow more time for monument interiors and check access and opening hours on official websites.
Bring comfortable shoes, water and sun protection on hot days. Ask Antonio for advice on a break or on reaching the centre.
AT THE TABLE IN BARI
Where to eat in central Bari
A break between visits or dinner to end the day: here are some addresses to explore the city’s cooking.
Traditional cooking and more
Le Arpie
An intimate, welcoming osteria in the old town. The menu follows local traditions, with dishes such as broad beans and chicory and orecchiette with ragù. Booking is advisable, especially for a particular evening.
Find the venue on MapsTerranima
Puglian cooking in a setting with the warmth of home. A place to try traditional recipes, sometimes reinterpreted and carefully presented.
Find the venue on MapsTiella
Traditional cooking near Teatro Petruzzelli and the waterfront. A lively place for a meal; consider trying its pucce sandwiches.
Find the venue on MapsAl Sorso Preferito
A stop for spaghetti all’assassina, one of Bari’s most recognisable specialities.
Find the venue on MapsLa Locanda di Federico
A restaurant on Piazza Mercantile, rooted in the centre’s history, serving traditional cooking with a contemporary touch.
Find the venue on MapsRiva Restaurant
Near Teatro Petruzzelli, a menu with meat and seafood dishes. Consider it for a dinner with more refined cooking and careful presentation.
Find the venue on MapsLa Staffa
A wine bar combining Puglian traditions with influences from Florentine cooking and a selection of natural wines. A relaxed evening with a glass and something to eat.
Find the venue on MapsSeafood cooking
Al Pescatore
An address for Bari’s seafood traditions, including raw seafood dishes. A choice for local flavours of the sea in a setting tied to the city.
Find the venue on MapsBiancofiore
An elegant option for carefully prepared seafood, with attention to pairings and presentation.
Find the venue on MapsStay by the sea in Bari
Oceanomare Beach Home is a sea view apartment in San Girolamo, 50 metres from a public pebble beach. Two separate double bedrooms, a furnished sea-view veranda and private covered parking accommodate up to five guests. Bari Old Town is approximately 6 km away.
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