Updated in March 2026. Bari is the ideal gateway to exploring Puglia. Here's a three-day itinerary to enjoy the old town, explore the coast, and activate the Guidely audio tours.
Guidly is your personal guide 24/7. The app automatically detects POIs around you, adapts the audio to your travel style (family, solo, foodie, slow travel) and responds to you in 12 languages.
- Choosing the tone and level of detail to move beyond standardized tours.
Trick : Buy your Guidly Pass now to enjoy unlimited audio guides and a 10% discount.
Day 1 – Immersive Bari Vecchia
- Morning : San Nicola basilica, orecchiette alleyways and the "Mammas of Puglia" capsule.
- Noon : street food on the Lungomare (panzerotti, raw octopus) accompanied by the audio "Port & traditions".
- Afternoon : Castello Svevo, contemporary art museum and Murat walk.
- Evening : sunset at Pane e Pomodoro followed by drinks in the Murat district.
Day 2 – Polignano & Monopoli
- Morning : train Bari Centrale → Polignano (35 min) and the «Cliffs and Poetry» route.
- Noon : seafood lunch at Pescaria or picnic on Lama Monachile.
- Afternoon Monopoli, white alleyways, Cala Porta Vecchia and seaside cafes.
- Back : gelato at Gentile's before the evening train.
Day 3 – Beaches or Matera
- Beach option : Torre a Mare or Torre Guaceto (bus/shuttle) with "Adriatic" capsule.
- Cultural option : excursion to Matera (1h15) and chapters «secret Sassi».
- Evening : focaccia cooking class + wine tasting from Puglia.
Guidly – why use it here
- Bari Vecchia Route : 12 stops (orecchiette, Castello, Petruzzelli) with local anecdotes.
- Polignano + Matera package : capsules ready for your train/bus excursions.
- Interactivity : ask Guidly for sunset spots or Trenitalia timetables in a message.
- Pass Mode : unlimited access + automatic updates on news from Puglia.
Practical information
- Transportation : Ferrovie del Sud Est map, car rental if you want to go as far as Torre Guaceto.
- Budget ~€120/day (excursions, meals, transport).
- Ideal time April-June or September-October to avoid the crowds.
Quick checklist
- Activate your Guidely Pass + download the Bari/Polignano/Matera chapters.
- Book trains (Trenitalia) and cave cruises online.
- Bring cash (small shops), an external battery and a jersey.
FAQ
Is this a suitable city for a car-free city break?
Yes! Bari is very easy to explore on foot. For excursions, trains are convenient and inexpensive.
Is it possible to swim in Bari itself?
Yes, there are several beaches accessible on foot or by bicycle from the centre.
Also read: Capitals to explore • Montmartre • Neighborhoods of Paris.
