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

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 municipality offers a rich tousle of culture, history, and Italian charm, attracting a variety of travellers.
Whether it’s the rustic voodoo of Bari Vecchia, the modern hustle of Murat, the tranquillity of Umbertino, or the beachside kicks of Pane e Pomodoro, there are indeed some fantastic options when it comes to the weightier places to stay in Bari.
This guide will requite 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 swoop in!

Where to stay in Bari – In a nutshell
Let me start straight yonder with a simple question. Should you unquestionably stay in Bari? The simple wordplay is yes, it’s a unconfined municipality for a short breakaway (1-2 nights). I would probably not suggest it for a long stay (a week or so) considering you would frazzle 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 municipality was not really a destination and I honestly could not suggest it to any friend (no blog when then).
Today it is a variegated story and Bari Vecchia (the historic centre) has wilt one of the must-sees of Puglia, and my suggested zone to stay in Bari.
In the table below, I have compared the 4 weightier neighbourhoods to stay in Bari. It’s a very handy table to alimony in mind. Click on the zone name for all the pros, cons and a full unravelment 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 rented 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, tropical 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 municipality 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 virtually Puglia with public transportation, having a vehicle would indulge you to wits so much increasingly of the region and honestly driving in Puglia is not that difficult.
Bari Vecchia or Old Bari
- Best Place To Stay In Bari For First-Time Visitors
- Pros: Rich historical character, mannerly narrow alleys, platonic for first-time visitors, parking convenience withal the coast
- Cons: Crowded during peak season, some narrow streets may be challenging to navigate, far from the train station
Attractions
- Basilica di San Nicola
- Castello Svevo
- Piazza Mercantile
- Cattedrale di San Sabino
Restaurants and cafes
- La Baresana
- Lo Svevo
- Al Pescatore
- Colibrio

Bari Vecchia, or Old Bari, is a treasure trove of history and culture that’s perfect for first-time visitors.
Here, you can walk lanugo mannerly narrow alleys lined with traditional homes that requite 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 when 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 rented too in peak season. But honestly getting lost in Bari Vecchia is one of the weightier 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 misdeed and to never leave the motorbike unattended.
Time has passed and now Bari Vecchia is the place to be, with mannerly narrow cobbled streets and subconscious tiny squares here and there. By the way, I unchangingly wonder how the locals can momentum inside it (don’t plane try to do it)
The old town is moreover full of delightful eateries, including La Baresana and Lo Svevo. These are unconfined spots to try the local delicacy, orecchiette pasta.
When you’re finished exploring, one of the weightier things well-nigh Bari Vecchia is its proximity to the coast. There are a few spots where you can have a dive, however, for some proper sunbathing, throne instead to Pane & Pomodoro Beach, virtually 1km east of Bari Vecchia.
Despite a few minor inconveniences, the captivating recreate and historical request of Bari Vecchia increasingly than compensate, making it a must-visit zone in the city, and in my opinion a must-stay in Bari.
Bari Old Town hotels
Imagine waking up in the heart of Bari, Italy, just steps yonder from the enchanting Bari Cathedral and the popping Ferrarese Square. BLU Experience is your home yonder from home and one of the weightier luxury hotels in Bari.
This 18th-century suite combines the recreate of protohistory with modern comfort. Air-conditioned rooms, municipality views, and self-ruling WiFi. The Beppe, the host, is the cherry on top, unchangingly ready to help, making the stay truly unforgettable.
Here are other 2 unconfined options:
Arco ($$): 2BR Bari suite rental, platonic for families or 2 couples, impeccable service, ideally situated in Bari’s vibrant heart.
B&B 62 Marinai ($): fantastic location in Bari’s historic heart, combining comfort, cleanliness, and unrenowned service. One of the weightier upkeep stays in Bari Vecchia.
Murat, the New Town
- Best Place To Stay In Bari For Shopping
- Pros: Shopping haven, less expensive, modern vibe
- Cons: Less historical character, can be crowded, expressly during sales season
Attractions
- Teatro Piccinni
- Teatro Petruzzelli
- Palazzo Fizzarotti
- Palazzo Mincuzzi
Restaurants and cafes
- 22 FraSi
- Mozzarella e Basilico
- El Chiringuito
- Pizzeria d’Autore

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 popping 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 nomination of reticulum 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 zone has plenty to offer. You can enjoy a trappy brunch at 22 FraSi, have a seafood lunch at Mozzarella e Basilico, taste the weightier 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 stuff 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 often less expensive, it may lack the historical weft 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 weightier places to stay in Bari.
Hotels in Bari municipality centre
You’ll veritably fall throne over heels for LAUS Art & Design. This place is super swanky, sitting pretty right in the heart of Bari. You’ll be a stone’s throw yonder from the weightier spots in town.
The suite is cosy, decked out with modern touches that’ll make you finger like you’ve stepped into an interior diamond magazine. The WiFi is fast and the host, David, is a winner – he’ll make sure your stay is smooth sailing. A solid nomination for an epic Italian adventure.
Here are other 2 unconfined options:
Casa Piacquadio ($): a centrally located gem in Bari with friendly staff, wipe rooms and reliable WiFi. Unconfined upkeep stay in Bari
Deep House ($$): 2BR superb location, clean, spacious, renovated rooms; spanking-new services, value for money. One of the weightier Bari hotels near the train station
Umbertino
- Best Place To Stay In Bari For Families
- Pros: Sea-facing, tropical proximity to Bari Vecchia and Murat, wifely atmosphere, unconfined value for money
- Cons: Not as lively, limited nightlife options
Attractions
- Lungomare
- Porto Vecchio Fish Market
- Blue Sky Wheel
- Church of Saint Anthony of Padua
Restaurants and cafes
- Ristorante Al Sorso Preferito
- El Focacciaro
- Vavì Group, Pizza e Cucina
- Crema & Cioccolato

If you want to stay somewhere that captures the essence of a serene Italian lifestyle, squint no remoter than Umbertino. This district offers a peaceful stay with its sea-facing streets and relaxed ambience.
It’s moreover conveniently located between the historical recreate 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 trammels out the Porto Vecchio Fish Market and if you’re looking for a peaceful evening stroll, take a walk withal the Lungomare (esplanade), a favourite of the Baresi.
I moreover suggest having a spin on the Blue Sky Wheel, expressly 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, throne 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.
Best accommodations in Umbertino
Looking for a 2BR suite in Umbertino? Squint no remoter than Carulli Suite Design, a high-tech hideaway in Bari. The fully-equipped kitchen is your playground. But don’t worry well-nigh the heat – the air-con keeps it cool.
When you’re ready to explore, you’ll find the waterfront and Bari Inside just minutes away. Plus, you’ll be greeted by 24/7 reception staff, ready to squire at any hour. It’s the platonic mix of comfort, convenience, and cutting-edge cool. One of the weightier hotels near Bari attractions.
Here is flipside unconfined option:
Best Stay ($$): 1BR up to 4 people, inside location, superb facilities, and pristine cleanliness
Pane e Pomodoro
- Best Place To Stay In Bari By The Beach
- Pros: Proximity to the beach, well-connected with the municipality centre, zaftig parking facilities
- Pros: Proximity to the beach, well-connected with the municipality centre, zaftig parking facilities
Attractions
- Pane e Pomodoro Beach
Restaurants and cafes
- La Terrazza di Luca
- Bahari Restaurant
- Taxi Pizza
- Paninoteca “Al Gabbiano”

Pane e Pomodoro is a delightful spot, expressly for waterfront enthusiasts. If you’re imagining your stay in Bari encompassed by the sight of the ultramarine sea and the soothing sound of the waves, this district is undoubtedly the weightier choice. Very poetic, I know, but that’s really what you will find in Pane e Pomodoro.
Certainly, this is not the zone of Bari to come for historic tracery 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 witchery here is, of course, the namesake waterfront Pane e Pomodoro. It’s a lively spot, perfect for lounging under the sun and taking a refreshing dip in the sea. Without a sun-soaked day at the beach, throne over to La Terrazza for a succulent seafood dinner or try the traditional Pugliese pizzas at Taxi Pizza.
For a unseemly dinner or just some foible street supplies throne to Paninoteca “Al Gabbiano”, a supplies truck positioned scrutinizingly in front of the beach.
Though it’s slightly remoter from the municipality centre, Pane e Pomodoro is well unfluctuating with frequent trains making it hands accessible.
The easiest way to get to Bari Vecchia is by uncontrived bus (#569) or plane walking there withal the Lungomare (2.5km)
Alternatively, take the train from the nearby station of Bari Marconi, which is just one stop yonder (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 moreover offers spanking-new parking facilities, particularly salubrious 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 mannerly beachside weft increasingly than makes up for it.
Here are 2 of the weightier hotels near Bari Beach:
Vista Mare ($$$): if you are looking for Bari hotels with sea views, then you will be pleased by Interno 19 (2BR). Add unrenowned cleanliness, and superior facilities for a family stay.
Interno 9 ($$): splendid, clean, and spacious stay in Bari with a trappy washroom and user-friendly location.
Areas to Stave in Bari
The municipality of Bari is often unscratched and welcoming for tourists. Of course, like most cities in the world, there are a few areas to avoid, expressly 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 treason in the past.
Another zone to be cautious of is virtually 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 without sunset. It can wilt a bit desolate and might finger uncomfortable.
The industrial areas in the outskirts of Bari are moreover weightier avoided, particularly if you’re on foot. There’s not much to see here for tourists anyway, and these areas can be deserted and visionless in the evenings.