Where to stay in Bari: best areas and neighborhoods

Third city in the South, seat of important trade fairs and first port of the Adriatic for passengers, Bari radiates the essence of Puglia. Although it has always been a crossroads between East and West, tourism has arrived in more recent times thanks to the redevelopment works in many of the city's districts. And if it is true that people prefer to stay in other Apulian locations, Bari now has many accommodation suitable for tourists who come here for weekend breaks and choose it as a base when visiting the surroundings areas.

Here is your guide to staying in Bari: tips and the best places to stay!

Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay in Bari

Not recommended areas: Libertà, San Girolamo and San Paolo are neighbourhoods not recommended for your stay because they are not central and do not have any notable attractions. In addition, it is not advisable to go out alone in the evening.

When looking for accommodation in Bari, prices vary according to the area and the type of accommodation. Usually, the places closest to the port and the centre are the most expensive, as well as the places where you can really breathe the soul of the city. For this reason, if you are looking for an authentic experience, we recommend staying in Bari Vecchia, which extends from Corso Vittorio Emanuele to the port..

The Murattiano district, known more simply as Murat, close to the centre, is the area that extends between the seafront and the railway, convenient for getting around and known for its vibrant nightlife.The residential area of Carrassi is a valid alternative for staying in Bari without spending too much and is a recommended area, full of clubs and restaurants. Finally, if you arrive by plane and want to get around the surrounding areas, Palese is a district 8 km from the centre and near the Karol Wojtyla airport served by various modes of public transport.

Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&B's and hostels in Bari. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking

In a hurry? Here's our favorite Bari Hotels

Bari Vecchia/San Nicola, the best for first-timers

• Pros: Delicious local food, iconic landmarks
• Cons: Pricey, tourist-heavy in some spots
• Main attractions: Cathedral, Basilica of San Nicola, Norman Castle
• Average prices: from €80,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Until a few years ago the Bari Vecchia district was run-down and infamous but since the 90s it has undergone a redevelopment and today it is one of the most evocative and best areas of the city. Here you can find the main attractions of Bari, such as the Cathedral of San Sabino, the Basilica of San Nicola, the Civic Museum of Bari, the Nicolaiano Museum, the Norman Castle and several other historic buildings, as well as, the Imperatore Augusto promenade, Piazza San Nicola and Largo Papa Urbano II.

Full of clubs, restaurants and attractions to visit, it is certainly the best place to stay, thanks to the many hotels, B&B's and holiday homes. Staying here, it is easy to get around on foot, fully taking in the city's atmosphere!

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €80,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Murat, good for everyone

• Pros: Central and modern vibe, great shopping streets
• Cons: Some areas lack a "local" vibe
• Main attractions: Teatro Petruzzelli, Corso Cavour
• Average prices: from €80,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Just outside Bari Vecchia, the Murat district, whose main streets are Corso Cavour, Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via Sparano, is a buzz with by stylish shops and trendy clubs that fill up with people in the evening.

Here numerous concerts and shows take place, thanks to the presence of important theatres like Teatro Petruzzelli and Teatro Margherita.

A convenient area for those arriving by train, and very safe because it operates all day and all night. It is an area for everyone, for families but also for those looking for nightlife, as numerous clubs overlook Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Furthermore, by staying here you can mainly move around the city on foot.

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €80,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Madonnella, perfect for families

• Pros: Local and authentic vibe, great value for accommodation and food
• Cons: Fewer big attractions
• Main attractions: beach Pane e Pomodoro, Corrado Giaquinto Art Gallery
• Average prices: from €70,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

To the east of Murat, there is another neighbourhood which we recommend staying in if you're travelling as a family. We are talking about the Madonnella district, which includes the whole area close to the Lungomare di Crollalanza up to the Nazario Sauro seafront.

At the end of this promenade there is a beach, Pane e Pomodoro (bread and tomotato), named after the eating habits of the citizens. The area is full of green space and other important attractions, such as the Palazzo dell'Aeronautica and the Corrado Giaquinto Art Gallery. From here, you can reach the centre by walking along the seafront, especially wonderful at sunset, or by bus. From the beach you can also reach the centre by train, from the Bari Parco Sud station to the central Bari station (5 min).

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €70,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended Accommodation

Carrassi, for business trips

• Pros: Affordable accommodation, great for a more local experience
• Cons: Few tourist landmarks
• Main attractions: Parco 2 Giugno
• Average prices: from €70,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

The Carrassi district is in the south of the city and is a quieter area with modern but cheaper accommodation than the centre. This area is mainly between Via Camillo Rosalba (the main street of the neighbourhood), Via Salvatore Matarrese, Via Antonio Lucarelli and Via Giulio Petroni.

It is the ideal area for business trips, infact is only a few minutes away from the city centre and the motorway too. Also, for those who are looking for a bit of nightlife, there are several bars, pubs and clubs to enjoy until the small hours. The Polytechnic of Bari is also located here and it is a relatively new area.

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €70,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended Accommodation

Bari-Palese, to stay on a budget

• Pros: Quiet and affordable
• Cons: Farther from main attractions, limited nightlife
• Main attractions: Church of the Annunziata
• Average prices: from €65,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

In the western part of the city, the Bari Palese district is a convenient location for those who want to be outside the centre and don't mind driving. The area develops between Via Capitaneo, Via Modugno and Via Napoli and on the border between Palese and Bitonto. There is also the rural Church of the Annunziata, dating back to the 14th century, in Apulian Romanesque style.

Furthermore, in this district, in the first or second week of August, celebrations in honour of the patron saint San Michele Arcangelo take place.

Bari Palese has several comfortable, quiet and affordable accommodation, ideal for travelling to and from the airport. This neighbourhood is recommended for those who want a bit of tranquility and are not interested in nightlife. If you have a car, it can also be convenient for families. Furthermore, you can reach the centre by train, from Bari Palese station to Bari Central station (11 min).

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €65,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended Accommodation

Places to stay near Bari

Foto di wheresleep. The surrounding areas of Bari range from wonderful seaside resorts to towns with centres characterised by fairytale palaces and churches surrounded by hills and expanses of centuries-old olive trees. Often those who come to Apulia and want to visit Bari prefer to stay outside the city in one of these villages:

• Polignano a mare (34 km / 30 min): good if you want to enjoy a particular atmosphere, especially out of season, when the masses of tourists have left. Certainly not a cheap location but it really deserves at least 1 night. Connected to Bari by direct regional train (Trenitalia, 45 min - compare accommodation on Booking.com
• Bitonto (22 Km / 18 min): between the sea and the Murge plateau, known as the "city of olives". Bitonto, in the past a bitter enemy of Bari, can be the ideal base for visiting the surrounding areas of Bari and the interior of the region. Connected to Bari by direct regional train (Trenitalia, 32 min) - compare accommodation on Booking.com
• Ruvo di Puglia (40 km / 40 min): halfway between Andria and Bitonto and not far from Bari, immersed in a plain surrounded by olive trees, Ruvo is a quiet village with millennia of history, ideal for those seeking relaxation and silence but want a base for visiting the area. Connected to Bari by direct train (Ferrovie nord Barese, 50 min) - compare accommodation on Booking.com
• Conversano (34 Km, 35 min): if the people of Bari and Monopoli choose this location to escape to in the summer, it must be good! With a beautiful old town and lots of greenery around, Conversano is ideal if you are looking for accommodation to rest in between one visit and another. Connected to Bari by direct train (Ferrovie del sud est, 40 min) - compare accommodation on Booking.com

If you are in Bari for business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on Booking.com

Bari accommodation price map

Booking.com

Cool things to do in Bari

• Visit the Basilica di San Nicola: an important pilgrimage destination, and admire its stunning architecture and historical significance.
• Explore the narrow streets of Bari Old Town (Bari Vecchia): you'll find charming squares, historic buildings, and a vibrant atmosphere. Don't miss the Basilica di San Sabino.
• Discover the Swabian Castle: a medieval fortress located near the sea. It offers panoramic views of the city and the Adriatic Sea.
• Take a stroll along the seafront promenade: enjoy the sea breeze, and stop at one of the cafes for a relaxing break.
• Pasta Making Class: Immerse yourself in the local culture by taking a pasta-making class. Learn to make traditional Italian pasta from scratch.
• Bari Street Food Tour: Indulge in the local cuisine by taking a street food tour. Try regional specialties like orecchiette pasta and panzerotti.

Travel tips

1. First time? Free tour: For an initial approach to the city and its neighborhoods, book a free walking tour, perfect for getting acquainted and identifying landmarks.
2. Language: While Italian is the official language, English is not commonly spoken even in tourist areas. It's helpful to learn a few basic Italian phrases, which locals often appreciate.
3. Transports: unless you aim to visit surroundings, just walk. For excursions and surroundings, you'll need a car.
4. Payments: The currency used is the Euro (€). Ensure you have some cash on hand for small purchases, as not all places may accept cards.
5. Dining Tips: Check for local trattorias and osterias for authentic meals. Note that dinner time tends to be later in Italy, with many restaurants opening around 7:30 or 8:00 PM.