While everyone’s fawning over Rome, Florence and the Amalfi Coast, Bari is quietly doing its thing, and honestly, I’m shocked it doesn’t get more attention. Nestled in the stunning Puglia region, this coastal city gives you the best of both worlds: authentic Italian city life and easy access to the region’s glamourous whitewashed villages, all just a short train ride away.
The city itself is compact and manageable, but don’t let the size fool you. Bari packs a punch with distinct neighbourhoods that each offer something different. Want to sunbathe? There’s a beach for that. Into wandering medieval alleyways? Sorted. Need a shopping fix? It’s great for that too. Plus, the food scene is incredible. I may have eaten my body weight in spaghetti all’assassina, but I have no regrets.
Choosing the best place to stay in Bari is crucial to your experience. The best area to stay in Bari depends on whether you prioritise history, beaches or convenience, so I’ve broken down each neighbourhood with all the pros and cons to help you find your perfect base. Plus I’ve shortlisted some great hotels for each budget.
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Bari Essentials
Travel Insurance: I recommend True Traveller for EU/UK citizens and World Nomads for anyone outside of here.
Car Rental: DiscoverCars for the best prices.
Omio is the easiest way to book any buses and trains around Europe. It’s also super handy to have your tickets on your phone.
Best Tours: Bari Vecchia walking tour, Bari to Matera, Bari street food tour
Where To Stay In Bari Map
- Bari Vecchia – best for first timers, couples and families
- Murat – best for convenience, day trips, and shopping
- Madonella – best for families
- Lido San Francesco – best for couples and those wanting to relax
In A Hurry? Best Hotels In Bari
Budget | Viasparano B&B (⭐ 8.5/10)
Mid-range | Arco Meraviglia House (⭐ 9.6/10)
Luxury | Bra Hotel (⭐ 9.6/10)
Where To Stay In Bari
Here’s my complete guide to where to stay in Bari with pros and cons along with the best hotels in each area.
Bari Vecchia
Bari Vecchia is the best place to stay in Bari for tourists. The old town is where the majority of Bari’s attractions are located such as the pasta ladies, basilicas and old town walls. There’s always a great ambiance with busy cafes and lively piazzas.
What makes Bari Vecchia special is that it’s not just a tourist zone. Real families still live here, hanging laundry between buildings and chatting from their balconies. You’ll see nonnas making orecchiette pasta by hand in doorways. It feels authentic in a way many European old towns don’t.
As with all tourist destinations, prices are higher in old town than anywhere else in Bari, this includes eating out. The old town is noisy, you’ll hear people chatting from the early morning until well into the night, so if you are a light sleeper this may be a nuisance. The streets are cobblestoned which can be difficult for those with accessibility issues, there is also limited parking.
Each neighbourhood offers something unique, but overall the best area to stay in Bari for most visitors is Bari Vecchia.
Related: 21 Best Things To Do In Bari, Italy
Things to do in Bari Vecchia
- Visit the pasta ladies for fresh Orecchiette
- Walk Bari’s old walls
- Pasta & Tiramisu Class at a family-owned restaurant
- Basilica di San Nicola
- Basilica San Sabino
- Street food tour with a local
Where to eat + drink in Bari Vecchia
- La Puccia [€] – authentic panzarotti
- Martinelli Bari [€€] – delicious fresh fish sandwiches, so much seafood. The mercantil with tuna, stracciatella and pistachio cream is divine
- Panificio Fiore Bari [€] – historic focacceria, needless to say it’s extraordinarily good. The smell alone is enough to draw you in.
- La Ciclatera Sotto Il Mare [€€] – cocktails along the old walls
Average cost of hotel in Bari Vecchia per night: €140 per night
Best Hotels In Old Town
$$$
B&B Palazzo
San Michele
Rooms are modern and spacious, featuring a balcony or terrace with city views. Hotel facilities include a shared kitchen, mini market, cafe and hot tub. Breakfast is included.
$$
Arco Meraviglia House
1300’s stone house in old town beside the romantic Arco Meraviglia. Perfect for couples and families wanting to
experience
authentic Bari.
Budget-friendly guesthouse close to the train station. Breakfast is provided and rooms are equipped with a hot tub. Just a 10 minute walk to old town. Breakfast is included.
Madonnella
Madonnella is a quieter residential neighbourhood right beside the promenade, perfect for couples and families who want easy beach access without the hustle of the old town. You’re close enough to walk to Bari Vecchia (20 minutes) but far enough to get a good night’s sleep.
The main draw here is the location. You can walk to the beach in minutes, and the promenade is ideal for morning jogs or evening strolls. There are a handful of good local restaurants where you’ll pay less than in the old town, though your dining options are more limited.
You’ll have fewer restaurant options compared to Bari Vecchia, so you might find yourself walking back to the old town for dinner. The main attractions are a 20-minute walk away, which is fine for some but not ideal if you’re planning multiple trips back and forth each day. Madonnella can get busy and noisy at night, especially during summer weekends when locals flood the promenade. Finally, it lacks the charming, historic atmosphere of the old town.
Things to do in Madonnella
- Ride the 50 metre tall Ferris Wheel
- Walk the 3 kilometre Lungomare Promenade
- Visit Pane e Pomodoro or Spiaggia Torre Quetta
Where to eat + drink in Madonnella
- Al Sorso Preferito [€€€] – where spaghetti all’assassina was invented
- PerBacco [€€€] – intimate restaurant where you must ring a bell to be let in, reservations are needed. The grilled octopus is highly rated.
- Il Caffettaio [€] – cute cafe with delicious croissants
- Luau Tiki Bar [€] – artisan cocktails in a laidback bar
Average cost of hotel per night: €160 per night
Best Hotels In Madonnella
$$$
Grande Albergo Delle Nazioni
Upscale waterfront hotel with sea views and a rooftop pool. Best for
those wanting luxury and close proximity to
beach.
Breakfast is included in the rate.
$$
Biscardi
Hotel
Newly renovated 4-star hotel featuring a gym, romantic sun terrace bar and airport shuttle bus. Rooms are cosy with work desk, minibar and city views. Breakfast is included in the rate.
Aparthotel rooms a few minutes walk from the promenade. Facilities include a gym and two restaurants. Rooms are comfy with a desk, flat-screen TV and soundproof walls. Breakfast is extra.
Murat
Murat is Bari’s modern new town, a complete contrast to the medieval streets of Bari Vecchia. This is where you’ll find chain stores, contemporary cafes and grid-pattern streets lined with shops. It’s perfect for budget travellers who want convenience without paying old town prices.
While not the most charming, Murat offers the best location in Bari for convenience. You’re just a few minutes walk from Bari Vecchia and about 10 minutes from the train station, making it super convenient for day trips or if you’re arriving late. The neighbourhood has a more local, everyday feel with plenty of affordable restaurants and supermarkets.
Murat lacks the charm and character of the old town, so if you’re looking for that romantic Italian atmosphere, you won’t find it here. The streets are busier with traffic compared to the pedestrian-friendly old town. You’ll also have fewer traditional restaurants and more generic dining options. Finally, while it’s convenient, there’s not much to actually see or do in Murat itself, it’s more of a base for exploring elsewhere.
Things to do in Murat
- Palazzo Mincuzzi – 1928 art nouveau on Bari’s main shopping street. Although today it just houses a United Colors of Benetton it’s worth it to look at the exterior.
- Teatro Petruzzelli – beautiful opera house with a lavish interior. Tickets are €5.
- Parco Piazza Umberto I – long palm tree lined park which makes for a relaxing stroll, there are often musicians.
- Palazzo Fizzarotti – 1900’s former Gothic-Venetian palace. Can only enter as part of a guided tour, worth a visit even just to see the exterior.
Where to eat + drink in Murat
- Radicale Restaurant [€€€] – delicious truffle pasta, interesting menu and nice ambiance
- La Baresana [€€]– the best Spaghetti all’Assassina I had in Bari, the pizza is also super tasty. Relaxing outdoor seating, gets busy so allow time to queue.
- Gelateria Piccinni [€] – the best gelato I had in Bari, not too sweet and very creamy
Average cost of hotel per night: €110 per night
Best Hotels In Murat
$$$
Bra
Hotel
Ultra luxury, high tech 5-star hotel. Rooms are elegantly decorated and feature a working fireplace and city views. Facilities include an outdoor pool and spa. Perfect hotel for a romantic break.
Breakfast is included.
$$
Palazzo Gatto Bianco
Located very close to Old Town but far away enough to experience some quietness. Rooms are spacious, clean and modern, some have a balcony and a
hot tub. Breakfast is
included.
Compact and cosy rooms for a decent price. Located within walking distance from shops, restaurants and old town. This 3-star hotel also has an onsite bar. Airport bus stop is just 50 metres away. Breakfast is included.
Lido San Francesco
The area around Lido San Francesco is a quieter, residential beachside neighbourhood about 2 miles from central Bari. This is where locals go to swim and relax, away from the tourist crowds of Bari Vecchia. It’s perfect for travellers who want a beach holiday but still want to explore the city.
You’re right on the sandy beach with shallow, calm waters that are great for families with kids. The lido has a restaurant and bar where you can grab food and drinks throughout the day. The neighborhood itself is residential with limited dining options, so you’ll likely head back into town for dinner.
The beach gets extremely crowded on weekends and during peak summer, making it less relaxing than you might expect. You’re about 2 miles from the old town and main attractions, so you’ll need to rely on buses or long walks to see the sights. The neighbourhood has very few restaurants or shops, so it’s not walkable for everyday needs. Beach facilities like sunbeds and umbrellas cost extra (around €20-35 for two beds and an umbrella). Finally, the water quality can vary, especially close to shore.
Things to do in Lido San Francesco
- Lido San Francesco – rent a sun lounger and just relax for the day
- Faro di San Cataldo – picturesque lighthouse, great sunset spot. Not always accessible but there is a number on a plaque on the gate you can call and you might just be taken inside.
- Fiera del Levante – large exhibition centre hosting many events throughout the year. Planetario di Bari is particularly impressive. Check here for events during your visit.
- Capannina Sul Lungomare – pier with sun huts made from washed up wood. Nice views and atmosphere
Where to eat + drink in Lido San Francesco
- Ristorante Le Terrazze del Santa Lucia [€€]– seafront terrace with a wide selection of seafood. Reservations are recommended.
- Bar Lido Adria 3.0 [€] – casual cafe overlooking the sea. Nice place for coffee and a croissant.
- I Tre Angeli Panetteria [€] – tasty focaccias and panzerotti
- Pizzeria D’asporto Provoletta [€]– wood fire thin crust pizza made to order.
Average cost of hotel per night: €120 per night
Best Hotels Near Lido San Francesco
$$$
Il Gelsomino
Suites
Best hotel for relaxing as you will have direct access to the beach. Rooms are spacious and feature a kitchenette, hot tub and terrace. Breakfast is included.
$$
B21 Lifestyle Hotel
Stunning 4-star hotel with and outdoor pool and pool bar. Rooms are modern and large with desks, coffee machine and cosy seating. Some rooms have a sea view.
Located a 3 minute walk from the beach, this b&b offers a private beach area, garden and terrace. Rooms are a good size with desks and coffee machine, some have a balcony.
Getting Around Bari
Bus: AMTAB operates Bari’s public bus system with 33 routes running 5 AM–11 PM. Buses reach all major sites including Bari Vecchia and coastal areas. Fares: €1 single (€1.50 onboard), €1.20 for 90 minutes, €2.50 day pass. Download the MUVT app for easiest way to purchase a ticket.
Train: While unnecessary for within Bari, trains are ideal for exploring nearby Puglia destinations. Book via OMIO for mobile tickets and skip the ticket office queues.
Car: Walking is sufficient for getting around Bari itself. However, renting a car gives you flexibility for day trips throughout the Apulia region. You can check DiscoverCars for the best car rental prices.
Where To Stay In Bari FAQ
How many days in Bari?
You only need 1-2 days to see the attractions in Bari, but I recommend 4-5 days so you can visit the surrounding Puglia region. Bari is an excellent base, it’s one of the most affordable places to stay on this side of Italy, has incredible food and lively nightlife.
Is Bari a walkable city?
Bari is not only walkable but it’s highly enjoyable to walk around. The diverse areas create an interesting landscape of sea view, old town and the edgier new town. The paths are wide and there are many pedestrian crossings.
What’s the best place to stay in Bari for first-time visitors?
Bari Vecchia offers the best location in Bari, walkable to attractions, authentic atmosphere, and great restaurants. You are also close enough to the train station to make day trip to other area of Puglia doable.
What are the best day trips from Bari?
Bari is an excellent base for day trips, there are so many you can take. The best are the beach towns of Polignano a Mare + Monopoli, the UNESCO town of Alberobello to the Trulli Village, the ancient town of Matera which is carved into limestone cliffs and the city of Lecce.
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