Italy, the coast, what comes to mind? The Amalfi Coastline? Naples? These are both highly recommended destinations in Italy. But let me tell you about the east coast of Italy! Bari, Italy, is perfectly suitable for a weekend holiday break. This post will give you an overview of the east coast, and specifically two places perfect for day trips from Bari, Italy. Welcome to the Puglia region of Italy, you are going to love it!
What you can expect from the lower east coastal side of Italy is more authenticity. Don’t get me wrong; there are places in the Almfi coast that offer some traditional Italian stereotypes. Though, from my experience, the Amalfi Coast is more for the tourists than the locals. Puglia is where all the magic is.
The east coast of Italy, specifically Bari, Italy, is less traveled and filled with far fewer tourists. I visited what would be high season, the summer. At the end of August, the beginning of September, you can count on it be hot as hell. My advice is to be SURE to find a place to stay that has air conditioning.
Bari is a great spot to spend a mini-break for several reasons. For the solo traveling lady, I must share, I felt very safe, even at night. I stayed right in the center of the historic old town Bari. The evenings are when the streets would come alive with the locals. A typical Italian tradition is for mature ladies to take their chairs out on the pavement and chat with their neighbors. I would witness this every night and seeing it made me feel as if I was visiting the “real” Italy.
What is the Puglia Region of Italy?
The Puglia region consists of several coastal towns in the heel of the “boot,” and the most popular are Bari, Polignano A Mare, and Monopoli. Each of these coastal destinations is easy to reach via Bari by train.
Must-See Sites of Bari, Italy
Basilica, Basilica, Basilica. This means church in Italian. Bari has so many idyllic churches to check out. Here are a few of the most visited:
Basilica San Nicola
Construction started in 1087 and completed in 1197. This impressive church has a rich history that you should read about online.
Cathedral of San Sabino (Bari Cathedral)
This Romanesque style basilica was constructed in the late 12th to late 13th centuries.
Most notably and interesting about this church is the underground crypt. Entrance fee is 1 euro.
Bari Castle (Castello Normanno-Svevo)
If you are a castle lover like I am, you will want to check out this enormous castle which is said to have been built in the 1100s by King Roger II. You can walk the interiors and marvel at the sheer size and age of this castle.
Exploring Italy’s East Coast Old Town of Bari
Lose yourself in the small winding streets of the old town of Bari.
Authentic little Italian markets and shops can be found all through this area. Enjoy an espresso or my fav, an Aperol Spritz!
Lungomare Nazario Sauro (the promenade)
This is the perfect place to enjoy a sunset or a stroll along the water on this eastern Italian coast.
The promenade is about 1000 meters long, packed with beautiful scenery of whitewashed architecture. Here is another opportunity to enjoy a coffee or cocktail with a view.
Piazza Mercantile
Here is the heart of the old town of Bari.
This Piazza is located close to the harbour and is most lively after sunset. Many of the most popular restaurants in the old town can be found here.
Find yourself someplace to sit, and watch the world go by.
Beach Time at Lido San Francesco
Did you come to Italy to relax? No better place to chill than the beach! Bring your book and some sunscreen and enjoy the crystal blue waters.
There are several museums and other sites to be seen in Bari. For your weekend break in Bari, you can also consider: Art Gallery Provincial Bari
(Disclaimer: Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning if you click on the link and make a purchase, I receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and you may even receive a small discount. See disclosure for more information.)
Best of Where to Stay in Bari, Italy
When choosing your accommodations as a solo female traveler, you want to consider its safety and close proximity to transit.
I chose to stay in the old town of Bari, which offers an abundance of Airbnb. For a truly authentic and magical stay in old town Bari, I recommend this Airbnb.
This spacious 2 level, 1.5 baths Airbnb surpassed my expectations! On the first level, you have the living room (with sleeper sofa), a fully equipped kitchen, and half bath. Level 2 has the master bedroom, full bathroom, and den area with another sleeper sofa.
You can see from the photos this place is unique and one of a kind. This particular Airbnb has air conditioning, wifi, and a wonderful communicative host.
Photos are by Airbnb Host -
Bedroom
Other hotels that are highly reviewed on public sites are:
Best Restaurants in Bari, Italy
If you are a single woman traveling like myself, looking to stuff your face with a load of Italian food, keep reading.
The food of the Puglia region is rich with seafood! The most famous dish of Italy’s eastern coast is “Riso al Forno Alla Barese”. It consists of rice, potato, mussels, and so many spices.
Osteria Vini e Cucina
The reviews online on this place are mixed. There is some truth to the service, and I would say the ambiance is not very cozy. The food was delicious. This is where I had the famous “Riso al Forno alla barese,” consists of rice, potato, mussels.
L’Osteria Del Borgo Antico
The best pizza I had in Bar was here at L’Osteria Del Borgo Antico. Usually, I avoid any restaurant sitting in the “tourist area,” but I am glad I made the exceptions. It was the best pizza I’ve had…ever.
B-5
This is a lovely bistro-style restaurant serving delicious food as well as wine, beer, and spirits. I really enjoyed a lovely salad to start the night and a glass of Prosecco. The menu is not your typical Italian fare, so when looking for something different, give this place a try!
La Cantina Dello Zio
I am a sucker for a spicy arrabbiata sauce, and this place doesn’t disappoint. The pasta was so good; I ate here three times!! I also had their version of Riso al Forno alla barese, and I can highly recommend it.
Must-Visit Cafes of Bari, Italy
Veronero Caffè
Does the idea of eating a chocolate croissant make your mouth water? Yes? Visit this modern and swanky style cafe serving the world’s best croissants! The delicious croissants are available in 2 sizes, large and small. It is also worth mentioning that they serve soy milk, which can be very hard to find at other cafes.
Caffe Vergnano 1882
If you are looking for more than just a great espresso, this is the place. Perfect for breakfast or lunch, but it does get busy, so be advised.
Frulez
If you are looking for a healthy option for when you can no longer zip up the jeans, check out this place. Cafe Frulez has a variety of juices, teas, and coffee. Satisfy your craving for fresh vegetables, salads, and sandwiches here. If you are looking for the place with the most options for vegans, you have found it.
Transit Info From Airport to Old Town Bari
When arriving at Bari international airport you have the following choices of transit to the old town of Bari:
Taxi – If you want to take a taxi from the airport to Old Town Bari, it should cost approx. 20 euros. However, websites warn that all taxis cannot be trusted to give you an honest price. My advice is to confirm with the driver the cost before getting in.
Train– Taking the train from the airport is what I did, and I can recommend it. From the airport, you will follow the signs for the train that lead you underground. There was an attendant at the desk at the entrance to the train selling tickets. Also, you could use the machines to get a ticket.
The train was clean and efficient and felt safe for a single woman traveling. Taking the train to Bari is a journey of about 25 mins, and ticket costs were approx. 7 euros.
After arriving at the central train station, the walk to the old town is 20 mins. If the weather is beautiful and you don’t have a lot of luggage, I would highly recommend it.
Day Trips From Bari, Italy
Bari to Polignano a Mare & Monopoli
What I loved most about staying in Bari was it that was so close to the most beautiful coastal towns, without the costal price. A very simple day trip will take you to an Italian paradise along the sea. If you are looking to see more of Puglia on your east coast Italy trip from Bari, I have some suggestions!
Take the train from the Bari central station to both Polignano a Mare and Monopoli. The first stop is Polignano a Mare, the next stop is Monolopi.
The journey from Bari takes only about 30 mins and costs less than 4 euro. A Solo Woman Traveling tip. Download the app from Trenitalia. Get your tickets ahead of time.
If you buy them at the station, give yourself an extra 20 mins to wait in line. I have never seen a machine take longer to produce a ticket than these. Even someone who knows exactly what they are doing could grow old waiting for the machine to spit it out. Save yourself the time and frustration by having it ready to go before you get there.
Once you have arrived at either station, it is a quick walk to the old towns. Most amazing views from both these seaside towns!
Day Trips From Bari, Italy | Quick Tips
- Be conscious of your arrival time. Many shops and restaurants close up between 2 pm-6 pm. As a result, you should plan your time accordingly.
- If you plan to visit both places on the same day, plan to get to Polignano a mare early.
- Make reservations for lunch & and dinner in for wherever you will be at the time.
- Bring cash, just to be safe.
The Highlight of Polignano a Mare
If you can only choose one place to visit, I would choose Polignano a Mare over Monopoli. The cliffside views and beaches are magical. I got lost in the streets of this idyllic village just 20 miles south of Bari.
Polignano a Mare is not super touristy, in fact, most of the tourists appeared to be Italians. So you can count on a more authentic experience. A local did tell that with each passing year, tourism is increasing. Get there now before it’s totally found out!
If you decide to make is more than just a day trip from Bari, here are hotel recommendations.
The Highlight of Monopoli
Adding to the day trips from Bari, Italy is Monopoli The most iconic site in Monopoli is the Porta Vecchia. Here you find the traditional blue and red fishing boats. These boats are used today by fishermen in shallow waters looking for octopus and other fish.
Spend the rest of your time in Monopoli, strolling around the streets of the old town. There are a few local churches especially impressive to photograph. My favorite was the Monopoli cathedral.
A noteworthy stop when you are hungry for a snack is Sottocoperto Pub. I enjoyed a quick bite and cocktail when my feet got too tired from walking. They have a lovely outdoor patio that I hope to someday return.
Some of the best accommodations in Monopolio are:
More Than Just Day Trips From Bari, Italy
In Italy, there are just countless places to visit! Each region has different traditions and ways of life. If you are looking for more than just day trips from Bari, check out Verona!
Verona is amazing and perfect for a solo female traveling, you should go if you have time to explore! Here is my guide to visiting Verona in style: Boutique Traveler Guide to Verona
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Helga says
Wow. This is a great article about Bari. 🙂 I’ve been in 17 different towns/cities in Italy, but not yet to Bari. Your article gave me some inspo. Thanks <3
madhu sharma says
Wow ..awesome post. Italy is in top of my bucket list .hope to make it soon
Tina Krey says
Oh wow I love your cohesive photos & text, very comfortable to read. Bari sounds and looks amazing. Would love to go back to Italy right now..
Emma says
What a beautiful looking place, and it seems like it’s so quiet, you almost have the place to yourself. Love the small streets and architecture, my favourite thing about Europe is just walking
Bliss Eatts says
I was just in Italy last weekend and I miss the food so much. The south of Italy is so pretty.
Meghan Emcee says
I’d never heard of Bari before but now it’s definitely added to my bucket list 🙂
Lauren says
This is a great post! I love Italy and now I want to explore Bari! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Ophelie says
Eve though I have heard about Bari, this is the first time I get so much info about it. Your photos show a beautiful city and you gave so many information about the things to do in the area – even day trips – that you convinced me to visit it!
Melissa Byron says
It’s so great because it’s really affordable and far fewer tourists than in famous cities!
Tina says
Melissa, you make me crave Italian food & wine so bad!! Love this post, will definitely check out some of these places next time I go to Italy. Bari looks incredible!
Maya says
This is such a great post! You did a wonderful job of capturing the atmosphere. I love the fact you included accommodation and day trips! Saving this to my next Italy trip!
Jiayi Wang says
You’re making me miss Italy so so much. I grew up there but still have so much of it to see! Need to go to Polignano a Mare asap 🙂 Thanks for sharing this!
Taylor says
This is an amazing article! I cannot wait to travel to this part of Italy. I feel like it is underrated. Your photos are beautiful and I will be keeping this post handy. 🙂
Anuradha Srinath says
I have always wished to travel through Puglia region in Italy. This is such a detailed post that will come handy when I travel. Pinning it for my future use.
ANUKRATI DOSI says
Such lovely pictures! I am already in love with Italy 🙂