Where to stay in Bari – 4 BEST AREAS (and what to avoid)

Wondering where to stay in Bari on your first-time visit? Well, this lively city offers a rich blend of culture, history, and Italian charm, attracting a variety of travellers.

Whether it’s the rustic allure of Bari Vecchia, the modern hustle of Murat, the tranquillity of Umbertino, or the beachside bliss of Pane e Pomodoro, there are indeed some fantastic options when it comes to the best places to stay in Bari.

This guide will give you the lowdown on each area’s pros and cons, attractions, and culinary delights to help you find the perfect fit for your stay in this enchanting corner of Puglia.

Let’s dive in!

Where to stay in Bari – In a nutshell

Let me start straight away with a simple question. Should you actually stay in Bari? The simple answer is yes, it’s a great city for a short breakaway (1-2 nights). I would probably not suggest it for a long stay (a week or so) because you would exhaust your options pretty soon and there are better places to stay in Puglia.

I still remember my first time in Bari, too many years ago (I reckon over 25 years ago). At that time the city was not really a destination and I honestly could not suggest it to any friend (no blog back then).

Today it is a different story and Bari Vecchia (the historic centre) has become one of the must-sees of Puglia, and my suggested area to stay in Bari.

In the table below, I have compared the 4 best neighbourhoods to stay in Bari. It’s a very handy table to keep in mind. Click on the area name for all the pros, cons and a full description with my suggested restaurants and attractions in the neighbourhood.

Area	Highlight	Pros	Cons	Accessibility	Attractions	Restaurants	Families	Nightlife	Character
Bari Vecchia	Where to stay in Bari for first-time visitors	Historic, charming, characteristic, expensive	Quite busy during the day	Accessible by foot or car (far from the train station)	Bari Cathedral, Castello Svevo	Very good	Good	Moderate	High
Murat	Where to stay in Bari for shopping	Shopping destination, good value	Lacks historical character	Next to the Train Station	Teatro Piccinni, Teatro Petruzzelli	Excellent	Moderate	High	Moderate
Umbertino	Where to stay in Bari for families	Facing the sea, close to Bari Vecchia and Murat	Slightly less touristy	Not too far from the Train Station	Lungomare, Porto Vecchio Fish Market	Good	Very Good	Low	Moderate
Pane e Pomodoro	Where to stay in Bari by the beach	Close to the beach, good for parking	A bit far from the city centre	Good connections by train or car	Pane e Pomodoro beach	Moderate	Very Good	Low	Low

Once you have seen Bari I highly suggest renting a car in Puglia and starting an itinerary of the region.

Although you can get around Puglia with public transportation, having a vehicle would allow you to experience so much more of the region and honestly driving in Puglia is not that difficult.

Bari Vecchia or Old Bari

Bari Vecchia, or Old Bari, is a treasure trove of history and culture that’s perfect for first-time visitors.

Here, you can walk down charming narrow alleys lined with traditional homes that give you a glimpse of life in times past.

Among the most famous landmarks, you’ll find the Basilica di San Nicola and the Cattedrale di San Sabino, both of which will transport you back in time with their striking architecture.

Navigating the narrow streets is never easy, this neighbourhood is literally a small maze and it can get quite busy too in peak season. But honestly getting lost in Bari Vecchia is one of the best pass-time in the city.

I still remember my first trip to Bari. I rode a motorbike there and every single person was warning me of the local criminality and to never leave the motorbike unattended.

Time has passed and now Bari Vecchia is the place to be, with charming narrow cobbled streets and hidden tiny squares here and there. By the way, I always wonder how the locals can drive inside it (don’t even try to do it)

The old town is also full of delightful eateries, including La Baresana and Lo Svevo. These are great spots to try the local delicacy, orecchiette pasta.

When you’re finished exploring, one of the best things about Bari Vecchia is its proximity to the coast. There are a few spots where you can have a dive, however, for some proper sunbathing, head instead to Pane & Pomodoro Beach, around 1km east of Bari Vecchia.

Despite a few minor inconveniences, the captivating charm and historical appeal of Bari Vecchia more than compensate, making it a must-visit area in the city, and in my opinion a must-stay in Bari.

Murat, the New Town

If your goal is to shop until you drop, Murat is the place to be. Known as the modern heart of Bari, it’s a bustling district filled with high-street stores, unique boutiques, and welcoming cafes.

Via Sparano da Bari is the pedestrian street that you want to visit, with such a wide choice of cloth and shoe shops. Saturday afternoon it gets packed with the Baresi too, giving that nice local vibe.

Key attractions in Murat include Teatro Piccinni, Teatro Petruzzelli, Palazzo Fizzarotti, and Palazzo Mincuzzi, today hosting a Benetton shop.

For foodies, the area has plenty to offer. You can enjoy a beautiful brunch at 22 FraSi, have a seafood lunch at Mozzarella e Basilico, taste the best pizzas in town at Pizzeria d’Autore, or sip on a cocktail while enjoying a stunning sunset at El Chiringuito.

Murat is a very practical place to stay being next to the Train Station, the transportation hub of the city.

However, it’s worth noting that while Murat offers a variety of modern conveniences and is generally less expensive, it may lack the historical character of Bari Vecchia.

And, while it’s a shopper’s paradise, the district can get quite crowded, particularly during the sales season (July and January).

Nevertheless, for its vibrancy, accessibility, and variety of shopping and dining options, Murat is indeed one of the best places to stay in Bari.

Umbertino

If you want to stay somewhere that captures the essence of a serene Italian lifestyle, look no further than Umbertino. This district offers a peaceful stay with its sea-facing streets and relaxed ambience.

It’s also conveniently located between the historical charm of Bari Vecchia and the vibrant modernity of Murat. 

If you are wondering where to stay in Bari with family and kids, then Umbertino may be the answer. It’s quiet, overlooking the sea (not too far from Pane e Pomodoro Beach) and next to Muscat and Bari Vecchia.

It’s a small neighbourhood and there is not much happening, besides experiencing the local life. You should definitely check out the Porto Vecchio Fish Market and if you’re looking for a peaceful evening stroll, take a walk along the Lungomare (esplanade), a favourite of the Baresi.

I also suggest having a spin on the Blue Sky Wheel, especially if you are travelling with kids.

There is not that wide selection of restaurants that you can find in the previous two areas, however, you can find here still a few little gems like the Ristorante Al Sorso Preferito where you can plan a traditional Italian dinner, or why not a pizza at Vavì Group.

For a quick lunch, head instead to El Focacciaro for the most traditional focaccia in the city.

Finally, an easy win with kids, and adults alike, is a visit to Crema & Cioccolato for ice cream.

Pane e Pomodoro

Pane e Pomodoro is a delightful spot, especially for beach enthusiasts. If you’re imagining your stay in Bari encompassed by the sight of the azure sea and the soothing sound of the waves, this district is undoubtedly the best choice. Very poetic, I know, but that’s really what you will find in Pane e Pomodoro. 

Certainly, this is not the area of Bari to come for historic architecture or old charm. In fact, this neighbourhood, still under construction, is relatively new, with most of the buildings from the 70s, 80s and 90s.

The main attraction here is, of course, the namesake beach Pane e Pomodoro. It’s a lively spot, perfect for lounging under the sun and taking a refreshing dip in the sea. After a sun-soaked day at the beach, head over to La Terrazza for a delicious seafood dinner or try the traditional Pugliese pizzas at Taxi Pizza.

For a cheap dinner or just some characteristic street food head to Paninoteca “Al Gabbiano”, a food truck positioned almost in front of the beach.

Though it’s slightly further from the city centre, Pane e Pomodoro is well connected with frequent trains making it easily accessible.

The easiest way to get to Bari Vecchia is by direct bus (#569) or even walking there along the Lungomare (2.5km)

Alternatively, take the train from the nearby station of Bari Marconi, which is just one stop away (5 minutes) from the main Train Station of Bari located in Murat. From there it’s a 20-25 minute walk to the Historic Centre.

The district also offers excellent parking facilities, particularly beneficial if you’re planning a road trip through Puglia by car. Despite the convenience, it’s worth noting that Pane e Pomodoro doesn’t offer historic attractions compared to Bari Vecchia or Murat, but its charming beachside character more than makes up for it.

Areas to Avoid in Bari

The city of Bari is generally safe and welcoming for tourists. Of course, like most cities in the world, there are a few areas to avoid, especially at night.

The district of San Paolo is one such area. It’s a residential neighbourhood with little tourist interest, and it has had instances of petty crime in the past.

Another area to be cautious of is around the Main Train Station, mostly late at night.

While it’s fine during the day, be sure to be cautious and stay vigilant if you find yourself here after sunset. It can become a bit desolate and might feel uncomfortable.

The industrial areas in the outskirts of Bari are also best avoided, particularly if you’re on foot. There’s not much to see here for tourists anyway, and these areas can be deserted and dark in the evenings.

That being said, Bari is certainly way safer than 25 years ago on my first trip there. My suggestion is to just be a bit more alert after dark.