Welcome to Bari – The Hidden Gem of Southern Italy

Think you’ve seen everything Italy has to offer?

Wait until you meet Bari.Set on the Adriatic coast, this port city is the beating heart of the Puglia region. Its atmosphere is unlike Rome, Venice, or Tuscany—more raw, more real, more soul.

🏛 The Old Town – Where Time Stands Still

Bari Vecchia (Old Bari) feels like an open-air museum—with no glass in sight.

Get lost in its narrow cobblestone streets, wander under lines of drying laundry and smile back at the grandmas making orecchiette pasta right on the sidewalk.

• 🕍 Visit the Basilica of Saint Nicholas(for tickets click here) – his remains have rested here since 1087.The Basilica of Saint Nicholasin Bari is one of the most important Christian churches in Europe. It was built in the 11th century to house the relics of Saint Nicholas, brought from Myra (in present-day Turkey) in 1087.The church is a magnificent example of Apulian Romanesque architecture – with massive stone walls, an imposing façade, and a quiet, mystical atmosphere inside. It is a place of pilgrimage for both Catholics and Orthodox Christians, who come each year to venerate the saint.In short: the Basilica of Saint Nicholas is not only the spiritual heart of Bari, but also a symbol of unity between Eastern and Western Christianity.
• 🏰 Explore the Castello Svevo, standing proudly by the sea.
• ☕ Sip espresso in alleyways where life flows slowly—with taste, rhythm and heart.
• 🕍 Palazzo Simi in Bari(for tickets click here) is one of the most fascinating historic buildings in the old town. Built in the 16th century by the noble Simi family, it is a fine example of elegant Renaissance architecture.Today it houses an archaeological museum, where you can see artifacts from Roman times, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance. The palace is particularly impressive because beneath it archaeologists have uncovered layers from different eras – literally history built one upon another.In short: Palazzo Simi is not only a beautiful palace, but also a place where you can feel the deep roots of Bari – from antiquity to the present day.

🍕 Focaccia, Pasta… and Seafood for Breakfast?!

Yes—in Bari, your morning might begin with raw octopus.Locals buy fresh seafood directly from fishermen at the port.

Not your thing? No worries. Grab a slice of focaccia barese, warm and soaked in olive oil—fresh from the oven.

• 🍝 Don’t miss orecchiette with turnip greens (rapa) – a true local dish.
• 🐟 Try a paper cone of fried seafood – Bari’s idea of “fast food.”
• 🍨 End your day with almond or fig gelato under the stars.

🌊 The Sea Is Always Near

Bari boasts Italy’s longest seafront promenade – the Lungomare.

Perfect for sunset walks, scooters, or enjoying a gelato with a sea view.📍 Just 30 minutes away by train, you'll find:

• Polignano a Mare – birthplace of Domenico Modugno, with its iconic sea cliffs.
• Monopoli – a whitewashed harbor town that looks like a postcard.
• Alberobello – home to fairytale-like trulli houses.

🍔🐙 Street Food Star: Octopus Burger

In Bari, people don’t just admire the sea—they eat it.

And they do it in style.One of the city’s most delicious and Instagram-worthy street food stars is:

👉 Panino con Polpo

(aka: The Octopus Sandwich)

🤤 What’s in it?

• A freshly baked bun – crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.
• A juicy, lightly charred grilled octopus tentacle.
• Drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, lemon, sometimes topped with arugula, tomato or zesty mayo.
• Some places go full “burger-style” with spicy sauce or crispy chips inside.

🐙 Best Places to Try the Famous Octopus Burger in Bari, Italy

If you're heading to Bari and want to taste one of its most iconic street foods — the panino con polpo (octopus sandwich) — here are the top places where locals and travelers alike say it's a must-try:

1. La Tana del Polpo (Old Town – Via Vallisa 50–51)

• Widely considered the #1 place in Bari for octopus panini.
• Highly rated on both TripAdvisor and Sluurpy.

2. Lo Sfizio del Borgo Antico (Also on Via Vallisa, just next door)

• A local favorite with slightly lower prices and equally high quality.

3. MastroCiccio (Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 17)

• Known for its gourmet-style take on the octopus burger:
  ‘U Pulp’ features octopus with garlic, cherry tomatoes, curry, burrata, arugula and sun-dried tomatoes — all on a fresh bun.
• Ideal for those who want a creative, modern twist.

4. Osteria del Porto (Torre a Mare, just outside Bari)

• Famous for its grilled octopus sandwiches — tender, flavorful and straight from the sea.

📊 Comparison Table

✅ Final Tip

If you want the most authentic and highly-rated experience, go with La Tana del Polpo.

For a budget-friendly alternative, try Lo Sfizio del Borgo Antico just next door.

Want a modern, creative take? Go to MastroCiccio.

And if you're up for a little adventure, Osteria del Porto in Torre a Mare is worth the short trip.

✈️ JetLagFun Travel Tips

• 🚆 Use Trenitalia trains – fast, scenic and budget-friendly
• 👟 Bring comfy shoes – you’ll want to get lost in Bari Vecchia

📸 Final Words

Bari doesn’t shout. It whispers.

It doesn’t show off. It lets you discover.And when you leave, you’ll already want to return—for more pasta, more smiles and more sea.

🛬 How to Get from Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) to Bari City Center

🚆 By Train (Fastest and Most Convenient)

• Trains run on the FR2 / FM2 line operated by Ferrotramviaria, connecting the airport to Bari Centrale (~11 km).
• Journey time: 15–21 minutes (some sources say 20–30 min).
• The airport station is a short 250 m walk via an underground passage directly connected to the terminal—clearly signposted.
• Frequency: Every 13 to 50 minutes, operating from approx. 5:00 AM to 11:30 PM (varies on weekends).

Best for: Travelers with light luggage looking for speed and convenience.

🚌 By City Bus (AMTAB Line 16)

• Departs from outside the terminal and goes to Piazza Garibaldi / Piazza Moro, near Bari Centrale and the Old Town (Murat district).
• Journey time: 40–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Frequency: Every 30–60 minutes, operates until around 10:00–10:10 PM, including weekends.

Best for: Budget travelers who don't mind a longer ride and want to reach the center on foot.

🚍 By Private Shuttle Bus (Tempesta / Terravision / Pugliairbus)

• Comfortable airport-city shuttle to Bari Centrale, takes around 30 minutes.
• Departure times: Approx. 07:30 AM to 12:10 AM, with departures every 50–60 minutes.

Best for: Travelers with luggage or arriving at off-peak public transport hours.

🚖 By Taxi-click here

• Journey time: Around 25 minutes.
• Always check that the meter is on or confirm the fixed fare beforehand.
• For other options:
• 1-Click here
• 2-Click here
• 3-Click here

Best for: Families, those with heavy luggage, or traveling late at night.

🚖 By Rental Car-click here

For other options:

• 1-Click here
• 2-Click here
• 3-Click here
• 4-Click here

🚖 For renting motorcycle,scooter or bicycle-click here

WHERE TO STAY?

Palace Hotel Bari-click here

An elegant city landmark with refined interiors, fine dining, and a rooftop terrace that whispers old Bari’s charm – ideal for travelers who seek sophistication with history.

For more hotels and flights click below:

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