Victoria Lupascu 
Ciao, are you looking for where to stay in Bari? Keep reading!
I visited Puglia’s capital not long ago, so from experience, I can vouch that Bari Vecchia is the best area to stay in town for tourists!
It has iconic attractions, authentic restaurants, and epic hotels! However, if you’d prefer something else, I cover 4 areas in total, each with a special vibe!
The hotel you choose is so important, so I compared ALL the options out there and picked only the most amazing ones for each area and every budget. Hence, you can easily pick and book in a couple of minutes.
As the capital of the Puglia region, Bari gets super crowded. That’s why I recommend booking your hotels in advance and securing your favorite spot in this port city.
If you are in a hurry
Here are the best accommodation options in Bari’s central area sorted by price:
Contents
- If you are in a hurry
- 1. Bari Vecchia (Old Town) – where to stay for the first time
- 2. Murat – best place to stay in Bari for culture lovers
- 3. Madonnella – best area for families
- 4. Quartiere Umbertino – coolest place to stay in Bari
- 5. Japigia – where to stay for in Bari for budget
- BONUS: Where to stay near Bari airport
- FAQs about where to stay in Bari
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
Check out this map that has all the areas where you can stay in Bari! It’ll help you get a better idea of the city:
- BARI VECCHIA: for first-timers
- MURAT: for culture lovers
- MADONELLA: for families
- QUARTIERE UMBERTINO: coolest place
- JAPIGIA: for budget
1. Bari Vecchia (Old Town) – where to stay for the first time
I love Bari Vecchia! Its authenticity and atmosphere will make you feel as if time stands still here.
Bari Vecchia, which in Italian stands for “Old Bari,” is the medieval city center located within ancient walls, and it is one of Bari’s most charming areas, perfect for history, culture, and food lovers!
Through the labyrinth of its narrow streets, the warm local people, and the delicious aromas that come out from the houses, I could feel the soul of the city and its ancient traditions.
Bari used to be an independent kingdom of its own! Now part of Italy since 1860, it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy!
Make sure you see Strada delle Orecchiette, a street where the local women gather around tables to make fresh pasta called “orecchiette”!
The food I tried there is truly delicious: the typical focaccia, the homemade street food “sgagliozze” and seafood pasta… you’d better not come here on a diet!
Its streets are packed with unique sites like the Cathedral of San Sabino and Castello Svevo di Bari (a medieval castle), but the most important of them all is Basilica di San Nicola!
Read all about them in this post, along with the best things to do in Bari.
Perfectly located near attractions like San Nicola Basilica, this luxurious hotel is a short walk from the main historical monuments and offers private parking. Start your day with a typical Italian breakfast and finish it with a drink on the rooftop terrace from where you can enjoy stunning views of the city center of Bari!
Other accommodation options in Bari Vecchia
Enjoy the view of Palazzo Mincuzzi from these beautiful rooms, perfect for couples
Have a traditional experience in this cozy B&B with free Wi-Fi and Italian breakfast
A gorgeous place in Bari’s Historical Centre with a kitchen, free parking, and a TV
Things to do in Bari Vecchia
- Visit the St. Nicholas’s Cathedral
- Have carb-driven fun on a pasta walking tour
- Have coffee in Piazza del Ferrarese or Mercantile Square
- Check out the remains in the Archeological Museum of Bari
2. Murat – best place to stay in Bari for culture lovers
Murat is the most vibrant area of Puglia’s capital city, set right in between the railroad track and the so-called “Lungomare,” the town’s sea promenade.
This is the modern district of the city and has wider checkerboard streets, luxury stores, art galleries, and new restaurants.
Here, you’ll find the most popular cultural centers of Bari, like the Margherita Theatre facing the big avenue Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, which is great for shopping and people-watching.
Come here early in the morning to grab a cup of coffee (Veronero Caffè Shop was my favorite!) and admire the stylish people of Bari! I loved doing that when I visited!
Being very close to Bari Centrale train station, this area is perfectly connected to all the other parts of the city and other surrounding towns in Southern Italy. As such, this area is perfect for those who want to take day trips! I took one to Matera and had so much fun! Here’s a guide where I talk all about that, including how to get there!
The Italian taste for design and modern style meets comfort and coziness in this beautiful B&B. Its perfect location in between Pane e Pomodoro Beach and the most popular attractions like Bari Cathedral and Basilica San Nicola makes it the perfect place to start your holiday. Don’t forget to try its exquisite breakfast during your stay in Bari!
Other accommodation options in Murat
A great hotel in the City Centre with a fab terrace, room service, and valet parking service
Treat yourself to the comfort of the spacious rooms and roof garden of this cozy place!
A unique, colorful, and bright loft in central Bari with a wonderful outside patio for your city break!
Things to do in Murat
- Explore Piazza Umberto
- Relax on the popular Pane e Pomodoro Beach
- Catch a show at Petruzzelli Theater (Opera House)
- Visit the beautiful building of Bari’s University
- Take a trip to San Nicola Stadium, home to the National Football Team
3. Madonnella – best area for families
Taking the whole family to Bari? Well, there’s no better place to base yourselves than Madonella!
This area is greatly positioned with easy access to central Bari and to Pane and Pomodoro Beach! There’s nothing better than spending a whole day playing with your little ones and swimming in the Adriatic Sea!
If you’re a beach lover, know that Bari has lots of sandy shores, and you can read about them all in this post with the best beaches in and around Bari.
Another perk of Madonella is its tranquility! They’re not as packed with tourists as the Old Town, but you’ll still find some restaurants, shops and cute Italian piazzas!
Quartiere Umbertino is also close to the train station, so you can always take a day trip to other towns! Check our post with things to do in Puglia if you need inspiration!
Set right by the sea this gorgeous hotel offers some incredible rooms with breathtaking views from the balcony (perfect spot to drink your coffee! While here you can chill in the heated outdoor pool and dine at the gourmet restaurant!
Other accommodation options in Madonella
This fabulous apartment is modern, chic and it has a balcony with sea view and a kitchen
An affordable place that is well-equipped and has a terrace and a flat-screen Tv
Such an incredible condo with a small balcony, a lounge area and a kitchenette
Things to do in Madonella
- Take the kids to the beach
- Enjoy the sea views from the Blue Sky Wheel
- Go for a walk along the coast
- Grab some ice cream from Vavi Group
4. Quartiere Umbertino – coolest place to stay in Bari
Welcome to Bari’s hotspot and one of the best places in town to grab a drink after the sun sets!
I actually got to spend a fun evening here, while visiting Bari and loved every minute of it! Quartiere Umbertino has this young and fresh touch, so don’t let the old buildings fool ya!
It was during the week and you could see mostly locals gathering round, by the sea, deciding on which spot to hit next!
Yep, there are many restaurants and bars where you can grab a drink and a bite! I would recommend La Battigia to anyone who loves fish.
If you’re planning to explore the area, make sure you stop to admire 2 of the most amazing buildings here: Palazzo dell’Acquedotto Pugliese and Teatro Petruzzelli (which you can also visit, so check their website for more details)
Enjoy a complimentary breakfast at this hotel, with extensive connectivity to the History Centre and other areas. It comes with family rooms with air conditioning, and a terrace where you can enjoy your mornings with the little ones!
Other accommodation options in Quartiere Umbertino
Such an elegant space with wooden furnishings, a kitchen, and a garden view
This affordable place offers family rooms with a city view and a flat-screen TV
A great family apartment with a kitchen, a dining room, and a private balcony
Things to do in Quartiere Umbertino
- Take a tour of Teatro Petruzzelli
- Shop for souvenirs at Second Chance Vintage Store
- Admire the architecture of Palazzo dell’Acquedotto Pugliese
- Eat yummy fish at La Battigia
5. Japigia – where to stay for in Bari for budget
A budget trip to Bari is totally doable! You just need to secure the most affordable spots!
And you’ll find lots of those in Japigia, an area which is a 30 min walk away from Bari Vecchia! But you can always use public transport to get there earlier!
Make sure you download the app Muvt – this will help you find the best public options to get around town!
Japigia is a pretty small area and not so touristy, meaning you won’t find big attractions or countless restaurants but you’ll definitely get a peek inside the real, authentic Bari!
Here you’ll also find the Bari-Sud Est train station, which has some connections to other parts of Puglia, but not many (Bari Centrale is the main station and has many more connections than this one).
You’re going to love this modern apartment which is super spacious and offers so many facilities from a large kitchen with a dining table, a flat-screen Tv for the nights you want chill and a comfy bed to crash after a day out!
Other accommodation options in Japigia
Cozy yet simple! This place offers a free breakfast and rooms with a coffee machine
Super affordable place that comes with a washing machine and a kitchen
Perfect for 2 to 3 guests, this pet-friendly condo has a kitchen and air-conditioning
Things to do in Japigia
- Spend a fun night at Snooker Bowling
- Take a day trip by train from Bari Sud-Est station
- Eat a yummy pizza at La Tana
- Explore the neighborhood streets
- Head to the nearby Parco 2 Giugno for a walk
| 👑 Luxury price: | €180 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | €120 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | €70 |
| 📍 Best area: | Barri Vecchia |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Palazzo Calo |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Casa Almika Sparano |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Atipico B&B |
BONUS: Where to stay near Bari airport
Are you looking for some fab hotels near Bari Airport? Then this section is for you!
Below you’ll find my handpicked options for the best hotels in Palese, an area closest to the city’s airport, which by the way I recommend exploring as it has lots of cool beaches and bars!
Now let’s check out the hotels!
- Luxury: Parco Dei Principi Hotel – Relax with a massage at the spa of this hotel that’s set just a 20 min walk away from the airport and which offers a free airport shuttle.
- Mid-Range: Villa Nicolaus – This gorgeous villa is so stylish and it offers a lush garden, a terrace and an airport shuttle.
- Budget: Il Civico 2 – Set less than 1km away from the airport this cozy accommodation offers breakfast and family rooms!
FAQs about where to stay in Bari
🌆 Which is the best area to stay in Bari, Puglia?
Bari Vecchia (Old Town) is the best area to stay in this beautiful city! It has the main historical monuments, fabulous restaurants, and some of the best hotels like Palazzo Calo.
👨👩👦 Is Bari safe to stay?
Yes! Bari is a totally safe city. There aren’t any dangerous neighborhoods. However, watch out if you go to Bari train station, as pickpocketing happens occasionally here!
📷 Is Bari worth visiting?
Absolutely! I’m telling you from experience! Bari has countless attractions, beaches, delicious food, and great connections to other towns in the Puglia region.
🏖️ Is Bari good for a beach holiday?
Yes, Bari has some beautiful beaches! The best known is Pane e Pomodoro, but close to the Old Town, there are also some lidos with a private beach area, like Lido Sun Beach and Lido San Francesco alla Rena.
🤔 Where to stay in Bari or Polignano-A-Mare?
These 2 towns are very different! Pick Bari if you’d prefer a more urban atmosphere and Polignano-A-Mare if you want to spend the whole trip at the beach! You can find out more things to do in Polignano-A-Mare in our article here.
🚶 How to get around Bari as a tourist?
Walking is the easiest way to get around Bari, as most attractions are in the Old Town, but you can also use public transport (buses) if you’d like to explore the outskirts or visit other towns.
📅 How many days should I stay in Bari?
Having been to Bari myself, I recommend spending 2 to 3 days or more if you’re planning to take any day trips around Southern Italy.
💃 Does Bari have nightlife?
Yes! Bari has a pretty fun nightlife and a few clubs where you can go out, like Demode Club!
💰 Is Bari expensive?
No, Bari is not that expensive! You can find lots of affordable hotels here, like Atipico B&B, and cheap restaurants that serve delicious food!
Conclusion
Woohoo! You’ve made it to the end of this guide on where to stay in Bari, Southern Italy! Congrats!
Today, we’ve seen the best areas in town, the most fab hotels, and some of the must-see attractions in each neighborhood!
As always, I recommend booking your hotel in advance, as the good ones always go first.
If you’re still unsure of which hotel to book, don’t worry, I’ll help you with that as well! I picked my 2 favorite ones, which you can find right below:
- Palazzo Calo – enjoy the views from the roof terrace of this hotel which has a garden and stylish rooms.
- Casa Almika Soprano – this modern hotel in Bari offers some fab rooms with a balcony overlooking the city and a great location near the Petruzzelli Theatre.
Visiting Bari is such a thrill! I had the best time while I was there and as always I encourage you to shoot any questions you might have! I’ll be happy to help you!
Have a wonderful trip!
Victoria
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Wonderful guide …. just what we were looking for!