Bari turned out to be better than I could have ever imagined and exactly what I was looking for in a trip. It is an easy city to settle into with the water right there and a really calm atmosphere. My first day was mostly walking along the sea taking photos and getting a feel for the place.
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Food I Loved And What Bari Is Know For
Food in Bari is honestly the main event. I ate a ton and everything was incredible. Raw seafood is a main highlight of Bari as it is located right on the sea.
I tried fresh octopus from the fishermen by the harbor which was a new experience for me. The seafood pasta with “Aragosta” I had was unreal and one of my favorite meals of the trip. I also grabbed focaccia while walking around and it was the kind of simple snack that somehow ends up being memorable.
Also you just can’t beat the pizza, no one does it like Italy!
Exploring the City
Most of my days were spent wandering just around. Bari has big open views along the water. I walked through different parts of the city checking out random street shops and spots that looked interesting. There was always something happening whether it was people sitting outside chatting, scooters passing by, or someone setting up for the day. I stopped at several cafes during the day for an espresso which ends up being one of those simple experiences that sticks with you from the trip.
A Trip to Alberobello
I took a quick trip to Alberobello one day which was completely different from Bari. The small white houses (called trulli) with stone roofs made the whole place look like a village from a storybook. Even with cloudy weather it was worth the visit and a nice change of scenery. Alberobello provides a lot of shopping with local art, snacks, etc. It is also a popular place for locals to stay and reserve a Trulli for the weekend and enjoy.
Polignano a Mare
Probably the most amazing stop was Polignano a Mare. It is really close to Bari so getting there was simple by car. The town sits right on top of cliffs with the water below and it makes for some really incredible views. I walked around the small streets grabbed the famous SuperMago del Gelo. It is a specific, coffee-based gelato topped with cream specific to the area. But I spent most of the time by the lookout points. It is one of those places where you do not need a plan. You just show up walk around and it is already worth the trip.
Last Day in the Old City (Bari Vecchia)
On my last day I went into the old city (Bari Vecchia) and visited the Basilica of Saint Nicholas. It was a calm way to end the trip. The narrow walkways, plants, scooters, and small corners made it feel real and local. The church is one of the main places people talk about in Bari and it was nice to see it in person after spending days wandering the area around it. The inside had a peaceful feel and it made the last day
feel complete.
Final Thoughts
Bari ended up being a place that surprised me. Nothing about the trip was overly planned. I just walked, ate, relaxed, explored, and it all added up to one of my favorite places. If you want a part of Italy that feels real and not overcrowded Bari is a great pick.
