The third largest city in southern Italy, home to important trade fairs and the first port in the Adriatic by passengers, Bari encapsulates the essence of Puglia. Although it has always been a crossroads between East and West, tourism has arrived in more recent times also thanks to the redevelopment of many city districts. And while it is true that many prefer to stay in other Apulian localities, Bari now has many facilities suitable for tourists who come here for short weekends or who choose it as a base to then visit the surrounding area.
Here is a guide to where to sleep in Bari: tips and the best neighbourhoods to stay in!
Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in
When looking for accommodation in Bari, prices vary according to the area and type of structure. Usually, places near the port and the historic centre are the most expensive, but also those where you can breathe the soul of the city. Therefore, if you are looking for an authentic experience, we recommend the neighbourhood of Bari Vecchia, which stretches from Corso Vittorio Emanuele to the port.
The Murattiano district, more simply called Murat, also close to the centre, is the area that stretches between the seafront and the railway, convenient for getting around and its many nightclubs. The residential neighbourhood of Carrassi is a valid alternative to stay in Bari without spending too much but it is still a recommended area, full of clubs and restaurants. Finally, if you are arriving by plane and want to tour the surrounding areas, Palese is the district 8 km from the centre and close to Karol Wojtyla airport, which is nevertheless served by various public transport services.
Suggested areas tosave money: Carrassi, Palese, Madonnella
Suggested areas forfamilies with children: Bari Vecchia, Madonnella
Suggested areas foryoung people: Murat, Carrassi
Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, b&b's and hostels in Bari. Discover our recommendations and book on Booking
Guide to areas of Bari
The city of Bari has about 324,000 inhabitants and is the capital of Puglia, overlooking the Adriatic Sea in the middle of a vast flat area.
Theconformation is described as an eagle with spread wings, whose head is the peninsula, where Bari Vecchia and Murat are located, extending to the east with the districts of San Giorgio Torre a Mare and to the west with Palese, while in the central body are the districts of Poggio Franco, Picone and Carrassi, among others. There are other areas then, but the most popular ones for a tourist or business stay are these.
Areas to avoid: Libertà, San Girolamo and San Paolo are districts not to be chosen for your stay because they are outside the centre and have no particular attractions. Also, it is not recommended to walk around alone in the evening.
Bari Vecchia/San Nicola
Photo by Ra Boe / Wikipedia. Until a few years ago, the neighbourhood of Bari Vecchia was run-down and infamous, but since the 1990s it has undergone redevelopment and is now one of the most attractive 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 and the Nicolaiano Museum, the Norman Castle and several historical buildings. Among the main streets are the Lungomare Imperatore Augusto, Piazza San Nicola and Largo Papa Urbano II.
Rich in clubs, restaurants and attractions to visit, it is definitely the best area to stay, thanks to the many hotels, B&Bs and holiday homes available. Staying here, you will be able to move around mainly on foot, fully experiencing the atmosphere of the city!
Average prices in the district range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €450.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Rooms with bathroom in the heart of Bari where a continental breakfast is served | |
Luxury flats in the historic centre with panoramic terraces overlooking the sea | |
B&B with terrace and air conditioning. Rooms with balcony and private bathroom. Italian breakfast included.Ideal for couples | |
Flat with sun terrace overlooking the city. Equipped kitchenette and private bathroom with shower. Ideal for up to 4 people |
Murat
Just outside Bari Vecchia, the Murat district, whose main streets are Corso Cavour, Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via Sparano, is surrounded by fashionable shops and trendy clubs that fill up with people in the evenings.
Many concerts and shows take place here, thanks to the presence of important theatres such as the Teatro Petruzzelli and Teatro Margherita.
It is also a very convenient area for those arriving by train, because the central station is located here, and it is very safe because it is lively at all hours of the day and night. It is an area suitable for everyone, for families but also for those looking for the movida, as there are numerous clubs on Corso Vittorio Emanuele! Moreover, by staying here you can move around the city mainly on foot!
Average prices in the district range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €650.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the best accommodation selection on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Close to the old town and the station, spacious rooms, on-site parking, pets allowed and family rooms | |
Mini flat in the Murat district with great price but with every comfort | |
Rooms with attention to detail, panoramic terrace on the top floor and delicious breakfasts served by the owners | |
Hotel with bar, free intrnet point and 24/24h reception. Small but comfortable rooms |
Madonnella
Photo by Ra Boe / Wikipedia. To the east of Murat is another neighbourhood where we recommend staying, especially if you are travelling with your family. We are talking about the Madonnella district, which includes the entire area from the Lungomare di Crollalanza to the Nazario Sauro promenade.
At the end of the latter promenade is the city's beach, Pane e Pomodoro (Bread and Tomato), named after the eating habits of its citizens. The area is full of green areas and other important city attractions, such as the Aeronautics Palace and the Corrado Giaquinto Art Gallery. From here you can reach the city centre by walking along the promenade, which is wonderful especially at sunset, or by city bus. From the beach you can also get to the centre by train, from Bari Parco Sud station to Bari Central station (5 min).
Average prices in the district range from around €40.00 for low-cost accommodation to €120.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, this is a chic hotel with a nautical atmosphere, swimming pool and fitness centre | |
B&B in the centre of Madonnella not far from the beach, clean and comfortable with breakfast included. | |
Flats with lounge area, fully equipped kitchen, private bathroom and free WiFi. Ideal for families and small groups | |
B&B with fully equipped rooms with all comforts. Communal lounge and possibility to hire bikes. Ideal for couples |
Carassi
Photo by SkyFrank. The Carassi district is located in the southern part of the city and is a quiet area with modern but cheaper facilities than the historic centre. This area is mainly between Via Camillo Rosalba (the main street of the district), Via Salvatore Matarrese, Via Antonio Lucarelli and Via Giulio Petroni.
It is the ideal area especially for business trips, as it is also conveniently located for reaching the city centre or the motorway in a few minutes. But it is also ideal for those looking for a bit of nightlife because here you will find several bars, pubs and clubs where you can keep the small hours. In fact, the Politecnico di Bari is located here and it is a very young area.
Average prices in the district range from around €40.00 for low-cost accommodation to €110.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Flats with fully equipped kitchen, seating area and private bathroom. Ideal for couples and families | |
B&B with on-site parking and non-smoking, spacious family rooms | |
Close to the Polytechnic, simple rooms with bathroom, onsite parking, terrace and family rooms | |
B&B with garden, terrace and rooms with seating area and bathroom. |
Bari-Palese
In the western part of the city, the Bari Palese district is a convenient area for those who want to be out of the centre to travel by car to other locations or for those arriving or departing by plane. The area stretches between Via Capitaneo, Via Modugno and Via Napoli and on the border between Palese and Bitonto, there is the rural Church of the Annunziata, dating from before the 15th century, in Apulian Romanesque style.
Moreover, in this district, in the first or second week of August, celebrations are held in honour of the patron saint, St Michael Archangel.
Bari Palese has several comfortable, inexpensive and quiet facilities that are ideal for a quick trip to the airport. This district is recommended for those who want a bit of tranquillity and are not interested in the nightlife. If you have a car, it can also be convenient for families. You can also reach the centre by train from Bari Palese station to Bari Centrale station (11 min).
Average prices in the district range from around €35.00 for low-cost accommodation to €120.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Comfortable B&B with free parking and sea view terrace. Family rooms available | |
Just a few minutes from the airport, with shuttles to and from the airport, it has a very comfortable SPA with swimming pool and saunas, as well as a restaurant and bar where you can have drinks until late at night | |
B&B with Italian breakfast, simple but comfortable rooms and views over the city. | |
on the beach and 5 km from the airport this classic hotel has simple but clean rooms, some with sea views |
Places to stay near Bari
The province and surroundings of Bari range from wonderful seaside resorts to small towns in the interior of the region with historic centres characterised by fabulous 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 small towns:
Polignano a mare (34 km / 30 min): to be chosen if you want to enjoy a special atmosphere especially out of season, when the masses of tourists have left. It is certainly not a cheap resort but it really deserves at least one night. Connected to Bari by direct regional train (Trenitalia, 45 min) - Hotels and b&b from €75.00 per room
Bitonto (22 km / 18 min): between the sea and the Murge plateaus, known as the 'city of olive trees', Bitonto, once a bitter enemy of Bari, can be an ideal base for visiting the surroundings of the province of Bari and the interior of the region. Connected to Bari by direct regional train (Trenitalia, 32 min) - Hotels and b&b from €50.00 per room
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 town with thousands of years of history, ideal for those seeking relaxation and silence but who want a base for visiting the area. Connected to Bari by direct train (Ferrovie nord Barese, 50 min) - Hotels and b&b from €60.00 per room
Conversano (34 km, 35 min): if the people of Bari and Monopoli choose this location in summer to get away from it all, there must be a reason. With a beautiful historic centre and plenty of greenery around, Conversano is ideal if you are looking for facilities where you can rest between visits. Connected to Bari by direct train (Ferrovie del Sud Est, 40 min) - Hotels and b&b from €60.00 per room
If you are in Bari on 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
