Bari: Guided Tour of the Old Town with Street Food

Bari , Italy

Bari: Guided Tour of the Old Town with Street Food

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About this experience

Join a guided walking tour of Bari Vecchia and uncover the hidden treasures of the San Nicola District. This medieval neighborhood, set on a peninsula, features 29 historic churches and countless stories waiting to be discovered.

Starting at Piazza Ferrarese, we’ll explore the vibrant Piazza Mercantile and visit the Basilica of San Nicola, a revered pilgrimage site and a symbol of unity among Christian faiths.

Discover the Catedral of San Sabino and the imposing Svevo Castle. Step into the Marnarid shop, a living relic from 1866, to experience Bari’s culinary heritage.

On Arco Basso Street, meet the women crafting fresh orecchiette pasta by hand—a tradition so iconic it’s celebrated by global brands like Dolce & Gabbana.

End your tour with Bari’s famous focaccia or artisanal gelato, a delicious conclusion to an unforgettable experience.

Available options

Join in tour Italian

Private tour Italian

Tour with an exclusive guide

Join in tour English

Private tour English

Tour with an exclusive guide

What's included

Traditional "focaccia" or homemade gelato at the end of the tour

Specialized Tour guide

Detailed itinerary

Meet your guide and group fellows at our headquarters in Strada Vallisa 81 in Bari Vecchia.

Stop 2

Start your guided tour from the square at the border of the medieval district and one of the Bari ports. From here, you will walk up to Piazza Mercantile.

Once in the heart of Bari's "dolce vita", you will enter the Nicolaian district, where the majestic Basilica of San Nicola stands.

Stop 4

Enjoy the visit to the marvelous Basilic of San Nicola - an important pilgrimage site, especially following the fall of communist regimes.

Our next stop is the monumental Cathedral of San Sabino, where you can admire the highest bell tower in Bari. The historic "Marnarid" grocery store - active since 1866 - is another pit stop near the Cathedral that will let you step back in time.

Stop 6

Afterward, the walk takes you to the impressive Norman-Swabian Castle, a medieval fortress that offers a fascinating look into history, for a panoramic visit.

Just in front of the Castle, crossing the arch named "Strada Arco Basso", you will enter the most well-known streets in Bari. Here, you will observe the authentic life bustling through the alleys, while the smiling and experienced women are creating homemade traditional pasta named "orecchiette".

Treat yourself to the traditional "focaccia" that will be offered to you at the end of the tour. If the focaccia is not available for any reason, you will be pampered with the homemade gelato.

What's not included

Tips

Entry ticket to Norman Castle

Entry ticket to the Cathedral

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.8

22 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.3

20 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Shared tour. This experience will be shared with other guests

Meeting point

Meeting point Strada Vallisa 81 a Bari Vecchia

About Bari

Bari, the capital of Puglia, is a vibrant coastal city with a rich history and stunning architecture. Known for its Baroque buildings, lively markets, and delicious cuisine, Bari offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern energy. The city's historic center, Bari Vecchia, is a maze of narrow streets, ancient churches, and hidden squares, while the modern part of the city boasts a beautiful waterfront promenade and bustling commercial areas.

Top Attractions

Basilica di San Nicola

This 11th-century basilica is one of the most important religious sites in Bari. It houses the relics of Saint Nicholas and is a major pilgrimage destination.

Religious 1-2 hours Free

Castello Svevo

This 13th-century castle was built by Emperor Frederick II and has been used as a prison, military barracks, and now a museum. It is a key historical landmark in Bari.

Historical 1-2 hours €4 for the museum

Bari Vecchia

The old town of Bari is a maze of narrow streets, ancient churches, and hidden squares. It is a charming area with a rich history and unique atmosphere.

Historical Several hours Free to explore

Lungomare Nazario Sauro

This beautiful waterfront promenade offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and is perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride.

Scenic 1-2 hours Free

Teatro Petruzzelli

This is one of the largest and most prestigious theaters in Italy, known for its stunning architecture and world-class performances.

Cultural 2-3 hours for a performance Varies depending on the performance

Must-Try Local Dishes

Orecchiette con le Cime di Rapa

A traditional Puglian dish made with homemade orecchiette pasta and turnip greens, cooked with garlic, olive oil, and chili pepper.

Main Dish Vegetarian

Focaccia Barese

A delicious flatbread topped with olive oil, salt, and sometimes herbs. It is a staple of Puglian cuisine and a must-try in Bari.

Snack Vegetarian

Bomba di Bari

A traditional dessert made with almonds, sugar, and egg whites, shaped into a small ball and coated in sugar.

Dessert Vegetarian

Friselle

A twice-baked bread that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, typically served with tomatoes, olive oil, and oregano.

Snack Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Cave exploration in Castellana Grotte Hiking in the surrounding countryside Beach days in Polignano a Mare Leisurely walks along the Lungomare Nazario Sauro Exploring the historic center of Bari Vecchia Visiting the Basilica di San Nicola Swimming and sunbathing at the beaches in Polignano a Mare Boat tours along the Adriatic coast

Best Time to Visit

May to September

The peak season in Bari is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for beach activities and exploring the city. This is the busiest time of year, with festivals, events, and a lively atmosphere.

20°C to 35°C 68°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, Spanish
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas

Bari is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, it is important to exercise caution in certain areas, especially at night, and to be aware of common scams and pickpocketing.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation
• Use licensed taxis or app-based services to avoid scams
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit or isolated areas

Getting there

By air

Karol Wojtyla Airport • 10 km from city center

By train

Bari Centrale

By bus

Bari Centrale Bus Station, Bari Polignano Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

AMTAB operates an extensive network of buses covering the city and its suburbs. The buses are efficient and affordable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Bari Vecchia Murattiano San Nicola Madonnella

Day trips

Alberobello

60 km from Bari • Full day

Alberobello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique trulli houses, which are cone-shaped dwellings with a rich history.

Polignano a Mare

40 km from Bari • Half day

This charming coastal town is known for its stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and its beautiful beaches.

Matera

100 km from Bari • Full day

Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient cave dwellings, known as Sassi, and its rich history.

Festivals

Fiera del Levante • September Bari International Film Festival • October Sagra del Polpo • August

Pro tips

Visit the Basilica di San Nicola early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Explore the historic center of Bari Vecchia on foot to discover hidden gems and local life.
Try the local specialties, such as orecchiette pasta and focaccia barese, at local restaurants and street food vendors.
Take a day trip to Alberobello to see the unique trulli houses and learn about the city's rich history.
Visit the Castello Svevo for cultural events and concerts, especially during the summer months.