Where to Stay in Bari – A Guide to the Capital of Puglia
Bari is the capital of the Apulia Region along the Adriatic Sea. It is the second most important city in southern Italy after Naples and it enjoys several cultural and natural attractions that make it a worthwhile stop on any trip around the “heel of the boot”. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Bari, Italy.
The Apulian capital, and Puglia as a whole, are considered some of Italy’s best-hidden secrets. However, this often-overlooked region offers some of the country’s most exquisite and authentic experiences.
Bari is a very compact city. Its Old Town displays a maze of medieval narrow streets filled with small piazzas and romanesque churches. At its northernmost point lies the Port of Bari, an important ferry and cruise terminal linking Bari to Greece, Croatia, and Albania.
The city preserves much of the open character typical of coastal cities, bathed by a pleasant radiant sun most of the year and lit at night by its galleries, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
When it comes to the best areas to stay in Bari, The City Center offers the best combination of history, architecture, and gastronomy. See accommodation in Bari City Center. If you’re in town to catch a ferry or a cruise, then the area around the port is your best bet. See accommodation near the Port of Bari.
Below, a list with the best areas to stay in Bari, Italy.
Immersed in greenery and featuring free WiFi, a private beach area, and a restaurant, Grotta Palazzese Beach Hotel offers accommodation 10 minutes’ drive from the center of Polignano a Mare. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar, and private parking is available.
The Best Areas to Stay in Bari, Italy
1. Our favourite area: Bari Vecchia (Old Town and close to the port)
Bari Vecchia could be translated literally as “Old Bari” and it is the medieval heart of the capital of Puglia.
In this area you can find the two main historical monuments and religious centers of the city, the Catedrale di San Sabino with its beautiful crypt, and the Basilica di San Nicola, both Romanesque in style.
Bari Vecchia is Bari’s birthplace, formed by a maze of narrow streets.
It is one of the best places to stay in Bari if you want to be near medieval landmarks and experience the neighborhood life in “the deep south” of Italy.
Moving northwards you’ll find the Port of Bari, the main sea terminal in Southeastern Italy, with connections to many Adriatic destinations.
The Historic Center is the best place to stay in Bari for travelers interested in history, culture, food, or those who need to stay near the cruise and ferry port (with connections to Croatia, Albania, and Greece).
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Bari:
- Heart of the city
- Nightlife
- Old town charm
- The best area for tourists
- Reachable on foot
- Near the port
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
B&B Dei Meravigli
B&B Dei Meravigli is located in the central district of Bari, 100 meters from the Basilica of St. Nicholas. Some rooms have a terrace or balcony. B&B Dei Meravigli has free WiFi access.
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Budget
Tanasa Design
It is centrally located in Bari, just 300 meters from the Basilica of San Nicola. Free WiFi access is available in the entire property. This air-conditioned apartment has a bedroom, a flat-screen TV and a kitchenette with a microwave.
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Luxury
Palace Hotel
The Palace Hotel is located in the central Via Lombardi of Bari, near the seafront. The rooms have an exclusive and elegant decoration and combine period furniture with contemporary art.
2. Murat (Central Grid)
Piazza Ferrarese marks the border between the Old City and the modern town. It stands where the city’s southern gate once stood.
The area south of Piazza Ferrarese, known as Murat, is where the most popular cultural spaces of the city are located. It is the modern center of the city, extending between the railroad tracks and the sea promenade (Lungomare).
This large district was built in the 19th century to expand the city southwards. Compared to Barivecchia, Murat is a very orderly district, built on a checkerboard street plan, with wide avenues and regal palazzos.
Murat is home to the main shopping streets in town, such as Corso Vittorio Emmanuele and Piazza Umberto I. It is also where the prestigious Università degli Studi is located.
It is considered the most vibrant neighborhood of the Apulian capital, because it has many vital places in the city, such as Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I square, as well as the University of the Studi building.
Murat is also very close to Bari Centrale, Bari’s main railway station.
Murat is a very good area to stay in Bari thanks to its wealth of accommodation options, being close to the train station, the main shopping streets, and having a refined character.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Bari:
- Tourist attractions
- Great area for tourists
- Theaters and museums
- Università degli Studi
- Shopping and nightlife
- Access o public transport
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Gatto Bianco Casa Dei Venti
Casa Dei Venti is a 15-minute walk from San Nicolás Cathedral and 650 meters from the train station, where a bus service stops to the airport. It offers elegant rooms with free Wi-Fi and a balcony.
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Budget
Kerry Blue
Kerry Blu is a bed and breakfast located in a large apartment in the university district of Bari, just 600 meters from the central station. It offers modern rooms with a balcony, LCD TV and free Wi-Fi.
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Luxury
Oriente Hotel
Hotel Oriente is located in the center of the city of Bari, next to the Petruzzelli Theater, and offers air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Valet parking is available upon request.
3. Around the airport (Palese – Karol Wojtyla)
Bari Airport is located about 8 km northwest of the city center, along the coastline.
It is Puglia’s main air terminal, with national and European connections and operations of all the main airlines in Italy.
This airport is also known as Karol Wojtyla airport or Palese Macchie.
It was renovated in 2005-2006 with the opening of a new passenger terminal with four boarding bridges, a new control tower and a parking lot building.
It is one of the most important hubs in southern Italy.
This area has lots of convenient and cheap places to stay, transportation shouldn’t be a problem in this area as the airport is connected to the center by public transport.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Bari:
- Karol Wojtyla Airport
- Hotels with transfer services
- Great for a stopover
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Le Tre Sorelle
Le Tre Sorelle is located in the historic Palazzo Capitaneo, in the center of Palese. It offers elegant rooms with free Wi-Fi, and a terrace. The cave church of San Giovanni delle Camere is located on the grounds of the establishment.
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Budget
La Casa Particular
Casa Particular is located in Bari and offers a garden and swimming pool. It has modern rooms with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi throughout. A bus stop connecting to the center stops 500 meters away.
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Luxury
Parco Dei Principi Hotel Congress & SPA
This new 4-star hotel is next to Bari Airport and offers free parking and free Wi-Fi. It has private gardens of 13,000 m² and is well connected by highway and national road.
4. Around San Nicola Stadium
San Nicola Stadium is the largest sports facility in Bari and the region of Puglia,
It is located in the southwest area of Bari, very close to the city center. It is nicknamed Astronave due to its characteristic architectural structure, it was built for the 1990 World Cup, it is home of the FC Bari, a national football team.
It is also the center of large events such as festivals and concerts.
The area offers more moderate accommodation costs and extensive connectivity with public transport services to Bari and other surrounding towns and cities.
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Bed And Breakfast Diana
Bed And Breakfast Diana is located in Bari and offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi in all areas. It serves a sweet breakfast every day and provides free private parking.
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Budget
Comeacasatua
Comeacasatua is located in Bari, 4.4 km from Basilica of San Nicolás, and offers free WiFi and private parking. The property also has a shared lounge. Comeacasatua is 3.9 km from Petruzzelli Theater and 5 km from Fiera del Levante Trade Fair.
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Luxury
Hotel Terranobile Metaresort
Terranobile Metaresort is a historic villa located in Bari, surrounded by a centenary olive grove. It has an outdoor pool with bar and a large terrace overlooking the gardens. Some rooms have a spa bath or private terrace / garden.
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