Bari Travel Guide: Basilica of San Nicola, the Seafront Promenade, the Norman-Swabian Castle and Weather by Month

Bari is a city in Puglia, in southeast Italy, facing the Adriatic Sea. It is the capital of both the province of Bari and the region, and it suits travelers who like to explore on foot: the Pinacoteca sits about 0.6 miles (1 km) from the Bari Centrale train stations.

An electronic ZTL gate is now active at piazza Federico II di Svevia.

At a glance

• Region: Puglia, southeast Italy, on the Adriatic Sea
• Status: capital of the province of Bari and of the region
• Main sights: Basilica of San Nicola, Norman-Swabian Castle, Cathedral of San Sabino
• Walk along the water: Lungomare Nazario Sauro
• Local bus ticket: €1.00 for a single ride
• Entry for U.S. citizens: up to 90 days without a tourist visa

Where is Bari and what is it like?

Bari lies in Puglia, in the southeast of Italy, on the Adriatic coast. It is the capital of the province that carries its name and of the whole region.

The city mixes churches, a castle, museums and a waterfront. The Lungomare Nazario Sauro is a favorite spot for jogging, cycling, skating and walking, and Pane e Pomodoro Beach is part of the same sea-facing landscape.

History is close at hand. The castle was built by the Normans in the 12th century and enlarged by Frederick II of Swabia in the 13th.

What is there to do in Bari?

Basilica of San Nicola and the Cathedral of San Sabino

The Cathedral of San Sabino is a Romanesque church that dates back to the 12th century. It suits anyone interested in the city’s medieval past.

In the area around the gate, access is allowed only to authorized vehicles for loading and unloading on weekdays, 9 to 11 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Leave the car outside and walk in.

Norman-Swabian Castle

It shows two layers of the city’s history in a single building, which makes it a good stop for anyone who likes architecture.

Pair it with the basilica and cathedral for a half-day on foot. The electronic ZTL gate at piazza Federico II di Svevia, at the corner with piazza Massari, is another reason to come without a car.

Lungomare Nazario Sauro and Pane e Pomodoro Beach

The Lungomare is the seafront promenade, popular for jogging, cycling, skating and walking. It is the easiest way to spend time by the Adriatic without planning anything.

Pane e Pomodoro Beach is the city’s beach stop. Sea temperatures near Bari average 64°F in May, 71°F in June and 78°F in August, so swimming is more comfortable from June to September.

The promenade works well for families and active travelers, and it costs nothing. Pack a hat in summer, when afternoon highs reach 87°F (31°C).

Museums and the Teatro Petruzzelli

The Pinacoteca Metropolitana di Bari, named for Corrado Giaquinto, is on the fourth floor of the Palazzo della Provincia. Audioguides in Italian and English cost €2 on top of the ticket. The Santa Scolastica Archaeological Museum occupies the medieval Benedictine monastery of the same name.

The Civic Museum, at Strada Sagges 13, opened on January 26, 1919, and has been in a former palace there since 1977. Guided visits are by reservation and cost €30.00, so book ahead.

The Teatro Petruzzelli opened in 1903, was nearly destroyed by fire in 1991 and reopened in 2009. It offers guided tours of the backstage, the stage and the artists’ areas. Museums and the theater suit travelers who like indoor visits and rainy days. Travelers who prefer the outdoors will find more to do on the seafront.

When should you go to Bari?

May, June and September are the easiest months. Afternoons reach 75°F (24°C) in May and 83°F (28°C) in June, and September stays warm at 79°F (26°C). Rain is light, with 3 to 5 rainy days a month.

July and August are the hottest, with highs near 87°F (31°C), and the sea is at its warmest then. That suits beach days. Anyone who prefers cooler sightseeing should choose spring or early fall.

Winter is mild but wetter. November and January each see 7 rainy days, with January highs of 55°F (13°C). The sea is 57°F in January.

What to know before visiting Bari

According to the U.S. State Department, U.S. citizens can stay in Italy for 90 days without a tourist or business visa.

• Passports must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area. A 6-month validity is recommended, and passports must have 2 blank pages for the entry stamp.
• You will need proof of sufficient funds and a return plane ticket. Italy sets a 10,000 euro currency limit on entry and on exit, or equivalent.
• The U.S. travel advisory for Italy is Level 2, exercise increased caution due to terrorism. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate.
• The State Department highly recommends that you buy insurance before you travel. There are no vaccination requirements.
• On city buses, a single ride costs €1.00 (€1.50 on board), a 90-minute ticket €1.20, a daily ticket €2.50 and ten single rides €9.00. Tickets must be validated on board.