Bari, Italy: The Perfect City for a Budget Break

Bari is a stunning coastal city located in the southern part of Italy’s Apulia region, known for its picturesque Old Town, stunning beaches, and delicious Italian cuisine.

Although it may be one of Italy’s lesser-known cities, Bari is a central hub for shipping around the southern region of Puglia, Italy. With routes across to Greece, as well as north to Croatia, Bari is on the rise for tourism.

Like many popular tourist destinations, visiting Bari can quickly become expensive, especially if you don’t know how to navigate the city’s prices.

If you are looking to plan a weekend in Bari, Italy, we will share with you some tips and tricks for visiting Bari on a budget, without sacrificing any of the city’s charm or beauty. From finding affordable accommodations to eating delicious local food without breaking the bank.

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Bari Italy: The Perfect City for a Budget Break

Bari is a charming port city located in the southern region of Italy. It is a popular destination among tourists due to its rich history, beautiful architecture, and delicious cuisine. However, visiting Bari can be expensive, especially if you don’t plan your trip carefully. In this article, we will provide you with tips on how to visit Bari on a budget without compromising on the experience. In this article, we go into more detail on the following points.

Where to Stay in Bari
Is Bari Worth Visiting?
Is Bari Expensive?
When to Visit Bari, Italy?
Accommodation in Bari
Restaurants in Bari
How to get around Bari
Visit free attractions in Bari
Free Tours in Bari
Day trips from Bari
Before you leave for Bari

Where to Stay in Bari

There is a wide range of accommodations available in Bari, so you will not be short on options. Here are our top suggestions for the best places to stay in Bari for any budget.

The spacious apartment comprises 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with garden views. The apartment also features a balcony that can be utilised as an outdoor dining area. Furthermore, there is a dressing room available for guests to use.

A coffee shop and mini market are conveniently located nearby.

Sparano Top Class also offers a bicycle rental service.

Popular attractions close to the accommodation include Bari Central Train Station, Basilica San Nicola, and Petruzzelli Theatre. The nearest airport is Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport, situated 6.2 miles from Sparano Top Class.

Book your stay at Sparano Top Class here.

Mid-Range –

Casa Almika Sparano, located in the heart of Bari, provides guests with free WiFi and stunning city views. The property is conveniently situated just 650 yards away from Teatro Margherita and Bari Cathedral, and is also just 1.2 miles from Pane e Pomodoro Beach. The guest house has a lift and offers family rooms.

The units at Casa Almika Sparano include a balcony, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a bidet and slippers. In addition, each unit is equipped with a minibar, coffee machine, and kettle. Bed linen and towels are provided in every unit.

The guest house also offers a car rental service.

Popular nearby attractions include Basilica San Nicola, Bari Central Train Station, and Petruzzelli Theatre. Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport is the nearest airport, located 6.2 miles away from the accommodation.

Book your stay at Casa Almika Sparano here.

Budget – Gatto Bianco le Dimore, located in Bari, provides free WiFi and features both air-conditioned rooms and apartments. The property is situated within a 15-minute walk from Bari Central Train Station and a 10-minute walk from Bari Cathedral.

The rooms and apartments at Gatto Bianco le Dimore are equipped with a private bathroom that includes toiletries, a hairdryer, and a shower. Additionally, the studios come with a kitchenette, and some are spread out over two levels.

Located just 450 yards away, the Petruzzelli Theatre is easily accessible from the property, while the Fiera del Levante exhibition center is 1.9 miles away. Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport is located 6.2 miles from the accommodation.

Book your stay at Gato Bianco le Dimore here.

Is Bari Worth Visiting

Bari, located in the southern region of Puglia in Italy, is a city that boasts a rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful coastline. The city is steeped in history, and it offers visitors an opportunity to experience the authentic Italian lifestyle. Here are some reasons why a Bari city break is worth your time and money.

Firstly, Bari is home to many historical sites that showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage. The Basilica di San Nicola, for example, is an iconic religious site that dates back to the 11th century and houses the relics of Saint Nicholas. The Castello Svevo, a fortress that was built in the 12th century, is another must-visit site that provides visitors with a glimpse into the city’s history.

Secondly, Bari is known for its stunning architecture. The old town, also known as the Bari Vecchia, is a maze of narrow alleys and ancient buildings that have stood for centuries. The Norman-Swabian Castle is a prime example of the city’s architectural beauty, with its impressive walls and towers.

Lastly, Bari’s location on the Adriatic Sea provides visitors with access to beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. The Lungomare Nazario Sauro, a scenic promenade that stretches along the coastline, is a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the sea breeze.

Is Bari Expensive?

The cost of visiting Bari in Italy can vary depending on your travel style, preferences, and the time of year you visit. However, overall, Bari is not considered to be one of the most expensive cities in Italy and you can definitely visit Bari cheap.

Accommodation prices in Bari can range from budget hostels to high-end hotels, and the cost will depend on the type of accommodation you choose and its location. In general, staying in the historic centre of the city can be more expensive than staying in the suburbs or outskirts.
Food and drink prices in Bari can also vary depending on where you eat and drink. Eating at local markets or street food vendors can be more affordable than dining at fancy restaurants. However, keep in mind that Italy is known for its excellent cuisine, and you may want to splurge on some of the local specialties.
Transportation costs in Bari are relatively low, and you can easily get around the city using public transportation or by walking.

The cost of a Bari city break can be considered moderate, especially compared to other Italian cities such as Rome or Florence. However, it is always a good idea to plan and budget accordingly to make sure you can enjoy your trip without breaking the bank.

When to Visit Bari, Italy?

One of the best ways to save money is to go for a Bari weekend break during the off-peak season. The peak tourist season in Bari is from June to August, and during this time, everything from flights to accommodations and even food prices can be significantly higher. If you can, try to plan your trip during the shoulder season, which is from March to May or September to November. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also avoid the crowds.

Accommodation in Bari

Bari has a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. If you’re looking to save money, consider staying in a hostel or a budget hotel. Hostels in Bari are a great option for solo travelers or those on a tight budget. Some popular hostels in Bari include the Bari Central Hostel, the Ostello Bari, and the Bari Youth Hostel. Budget hotels in Bari are also a great option for those looking for more privacy. Some popular budget hotels in Bari include the Hotel Costa, Hotel Adria, and Hotel Boston.

Another way to save money on accommodation is to book your stay in advance. Many hotels offer early bird discounts, which can save you up to 30% on your stay. You can also try booking your accommodation through a travel aggregator site like Booking.com or Expedia. These sites often offer deals on hotel stays, and you may be able to save even more by bundling your flights and hotel.

Restaurants in Bari

Italian cuisine is famous all over the world, and Bari is no exception. However, eating out in Bari can be expensive, especially if you’re dining in tourist areas. To save money, try eating like a local. Head to the markets and buy fresh produce and ingredients to cook your own meals. You can also try street food, which is cheap and delicious. Some popular street foods in Bari include panzerotti, focaccia barese, and orecchiette.

If you do decide to eat out, try to avoid tourist traps and head to local restaurants. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also get to experience authentic Italian cuisine. Some popular local restaurants in Bari include the Trattoria La Tana del Polpo, Osteria del Borgo Antico, and La Cecchina.

Our favourite part of Bari, Italy is obviously the fantastic food choices available. This makes the price and availability of such one of the more important parts of any city experience to us. Luckily, we were very impressed by the range of choices and the prices available around the city.

There is plenty of higher class, more expensive restaurants to choose from, around both the old and the new towns. However, there is also an incredible number of cheap eats and delicious restaurants hidden around too! Some of the best places to eat in Bari are the back alley, local restaurants, sitting around the old town. Some particular favourites of ours were the Castle Bar and Café Italiano.

How to get around Bari

Public transportation in Bari is cheap and efficient. Buses and trains are the main modes of transportation in the city, and you can easily get around without breaking the bank. If you plan on using public transportation, consider buying a BariCard. This card gives you access to all buses and trains in the city for a set fee, and you can save up to 30% on transportation costs.

Another way to save money on transportation is to walk or cycle. Bari is a walkable city, and you can easily explore its historic streets on foot. You can also rent a bike for a day and explore the city on two wheels. There are bike rental options available, from just €15 a day, you can rent a bike of your own and explore the entire city at your own free will.

One of the most impressive things we found about Bari, is just how bike-friendly drivers tend to be. Italy has a reputation for having wild drivers and manic traffic junctions. However, as an outsider I can’t deny some of the traffic in cities I visited are absolute mayhem, it seems to be controlled mayhem. There are rarely ever any bumps and it seems to just work!

As a cyclist, pedalling through this madness can be a terrifying experience! However, you will soon realise most drivers seem to bend over backwards to accommodate for you. There were even times when cars stopped in the middle of a roundabout to let us on!

In Bari, there are plenty of opportunities to rent bikes for short or extended periods of time. There are even cycling guided tours around the old town! We highly recommend getting a bike for your stay, as it makes getting around the city so much easier!

The Bari city hub itself is split into two sections, the old town and the new town. The new town is incredibly easy to navigate as a cyclist, with the entire area split into perfect blocks and grids. This makes finding your way around very simple! It’s worth noting that I said as a cyclist, as pretty much the entire new town is a one-way system. This makes driving around the city centre a nightmare!

Luckily as cyclists, we didn’t have to worry about this too much.

However, the same can’t be said for the old town. It is mostly built in a circular shape, with tiny, winding roads through the middle. All of these roads are built around the ancient Bari Castle (which is also worth a visit!). The stark contrast between these two towns are reason enough to visit; they are both completely stunning in their own way.

With all of these highlights combined, Bari makes for an incredible city break that is easily done on a budget. Our favourite part of this beautiful city is how undiscovered it continues to be. This gives visitors a chance to see a more authentic side of Italy than the main tourist traps further north. If you are wanting to visit an authentic part of Italy, then a Bari weekend break is perfect for you!

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Free Attractions in Bari

If you are planning a weekend break in Bari, Italy, you won’t be short on things to do. History on every corner, friendly and welcoming locals, and even beautiful beaches ALL FREE! During our 4-day visit to Bari, we didn’t spend a penny on any sightseeing or activities and we still maximised our time in the city.

The old town is large enough to take a day to walk around, admiring the small streets, beautiful colours and quirky locals as they go about their daily lives. The walk back around the seaside is then so beautiful, you could sit and admire it for an entire day.

There are many great things to do in Bari ranging from historic landmarks to beautiful beaches. However, visiting all these attractions can add up quickly. To save money, consider visiting free attractions in Bari. Some popular free attractions in Bari include the Basilica di San Nicola, the Castello Svevo, the Piazza del Ferrarese, and the Lungomare Nazario Sauro.

The Basilica di San Nicola is a must-visit attraction in Bari, and it’s free to enter. This beautiful church is dedicated to Saint Nicholas and is an important pilgrimage site for Christians. The Castello Svevo, also known as the Swabian Castle, is another popular attraction in Bari. The castle dates back to the 12th century and is a great place to explore for history buffs. The Piazza del Ferrarese is a bustling square in the heart of Bari, and it’s a great place to people-watch and soak up the local culture. Finally, the Lungomare Nazario Sauro is a beautiful waterfront promenade that offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.

Free Tours in Bari

Bari has a variety of free walking tours that are a great way to explore the city and learn about its history and culture. Free tours are a great way to save money while still experiencing the best of Bari. Some popular free walking tours in Bari include the Bari Free Walking Tour and the Bari Street Food Tour.

The Bari Free Walking Tour is a three-hour tour that takes you through the historic center of Bari. You’ll get to see landmarks like the Basilica di San Nicola and the Castello Svevo, and learn about the city’s fascinating history. The Bari Street Food Tour is a great way to experience the local cuisine. You’ll get to try local specialties like panzerotti and focaccia, and learn about the history and culture of Bari’s food scene.

Day Trips from Bari

Bari is located in the heart of the Apulia region, which is known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque towns, and delicious food. Taking day trips from Bari is a great way to explore the surrounding area without breaking the bank. Some popular day trips from Bari include:

Polignano a Mare: This beautiful seaside town is located just 20 minutes from Bari and is famous for its stunning cliffs and crystal-clear waters. You can spend the day sunbathing on the beach, exploring the historic center, and enjoying the local cuisine.
Alberobello: This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its unique trulli houses, which are traditional Apulian dwellings made of limestone. Alberobello is located about an hour from Bari and is a great place to explore the local culture and history.
Matera: Matera is a beautiful city located in the neighboring region of Basilicata. The city is famous for its Sassi, which are ancient cave dwellings carved into the rock. Matera is about an hour and a half from Bari, but it’s well worth the trip.

Facilities in Bari

The most impressive thing we found in Bari is the incredible facilities it has to offer all over the city, which are completely free! There is a wireless network available at key tourist spots, such as the old town square and the beach, which is free and offers a reliable connection.

Along the beach, you will find free toilets and showers, all of which are well kept and clean. Drinking water taps are also readily available at the beach and spread throughout the city, allowing you to top up your reusable water bottles and stay hydrated!

Before You Leave for Bari

Before you set off on your way to Edinburgh, there are a number of things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. These include what to pack, where to stay and what is the best insurance for your trip to Scotland. All of this is discussed in detail below.