Located in the heart of Puglia, Bari is the capital of this region of south-eastern Italy, with easy access to the airport. Bordering the Adriatic Sea, this city has always been a major economic and cultural crossroads between Western Europe and the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean. Its many historic sites and beaches make it a tourist mecca, as well as an almost unavoidable point of entry for any stay in the region. So, choosing where to stay in Bari depends essentially on your interests.
Whether it’s a lively nightlife, a quieter area, or a desire to enjoy the beach above all else, accommodation in Bari leads to different experiences. For that reason, we’re going to take a closer look at the main neighborhoods. We’ll explain each area in more detail, including points of interest and how to get there, the entertainment on offer and the types of accommodation on offer.
Main information
Before going into the description of the areas to focus on when selecting accommodation in Bari, here are the essentials you need to know to get a better idea of the city from a tourist point of view.
Our favorite places to stay
If you’re in a hurry, here are our favorite places to stay in Bari:
- $ this accommodation offers excellent value for money for staying in the Murat area
- $$ these aparthotels are located in Madonnella, just a few steps from the beach
- $$$ this upscale establishment is close to the Basilica of St. Nicholas and the Cathedral of San Sabino
Map of different areas to stay in Bari
We’ve included a map showing our recommended hotels and apartments where to stay in Bari. This map will also enable you to locate the various geographical areas we’ll cover in this guide.
We’ve used the following color code: green for budget hotels, blue for mid-range hotels and red for luxury hotels.
Bari accommodation essentials
Where to stay in and around Bari
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying in Bari.
Accommodation in the historic heart of Bari-Vecchia
Bari-Vecchia is the historic center. It is located on the northern tip of the city, between the old and new harbors. This is the best place to stay in Bari. This district has many restaurants, bars and attractions.
The main sites of interest to see were built between the 12th and 16th centuries, and are:
- the Basilica of San Nicola, a must-see monument
- the Cathedral of San Sabino, a beautiful religious building
- castello Svevo, a Norman castle
- fortino di San Antonio, a fort built to face down enemies
Staying in Bari-Vecchia allows you to make the most of the city's lively, central location. Strolling through the narrow streets is always a pleasure, day or night. The main types of accommodation in the area are bed & breakfasts and apartments.
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These apartments offer excellent amenities at very attractive prices, thanks to their location in the heart of Bari-Vecchia. Balconies are particularly appreciated.
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This establishment offers family rooms. It is ideally located, close to the main attractions. It's good value for money for accommodation in Bari, with breakfast included.
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This complex is close to St. Nicholas Basilica and the Cathedral. It features spacious, well-equipped luxury apartments with spa baths.
Stay in Murat, close to the town center
Located just below the Bari-Vecchia district, the district of Murat is an excellent alternative for staying in Bari. Just a few minutes' walk from the historic center, Murat is an ideal choice for anyone wishing to store and go to the trendiest clubs. It's also a district with a lively nightlife.
The main places to see in this area are:
- the Petruzzelli theater, Europe's largest private theater, dating from the early 20th century
- piazza Garibaldi, a square surrounded by gardens
- the monumental fountain in Piazza Aldo Moro, majestically situated opposite the University
In this district, you'll find mainly guest houses and apartments. Lodging in this area puts you in the modern part of the city, yet within walking distance of its historic center.
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The choice of this establishment represents excellent value for money for staying in the Murat area. Rooms are spacious and can accommodate up to 4 people.
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Staying in this bed & breakfast allows you to visit all the central areas of Bari on foot. Some rooms have balconies.
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These luxury apartments can accommodate up to 6 people. They feature balconies with city views. Private parking is available at an additional charge.
Accommodation in Bari near the beach, Madonnella
Located to the east of Murat, the Madonnella district can be an interesting opportunity for accommodation in Bari. This seaside district offers a new take on the capital of Puglia, with its Pane e Pomodoro beach. This is the most famous and the most central. A 20-25 minute walk from Murat and Bari-Vecchia, staying in Madonnella allows you to experience many facets of Bari.
In addition to the Pane e Pomodoro beach, the main sites to visit in this area are:
- the Pinacoteca Corrado Giaquinto, a museum exhibiting regional paintings and ceramics
- piazza Armando Diaz, a seafront square with a beautiful view
- the Baden Powell Garden, a green space with children's play areas
- the Presidenza Regione Puglia, seat of the regional council
The Madonnella district is a great alternative for accommodation in Bari. Its seafront location, proximity to the beach and central areas make this district a good alternative for staying in Bari.
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Close to the beach, these spacious, modern and functional apartments can accommodate up to 4 people. The balcony boasts a beautiful view.
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This 5-star hotel is ideally located between the city center and the beach. It features an outdoor pool, spa, terrace, restaurant and bar.
Staying in Carrassi on a budget
The Carrassi area is further south. It's a residential area, and from here it's a 15-25 minute walk to the various locations of Bari-Vecchia, Murat and Madonnella.
It's also possible to travel by bus, although this will save you very little time. There are a number of sites of interest in this district, such as the Orthodox church of St. Nicholas, not to be confused with the basilica of the same name.
Accommodation in Carrassi is particularly interesting for those wishing to save money on their accommodation budget. Indeed, accommodation in this area is considerably more attractively priced than in the central sectors. It's also worth noting that this area has a fairly large number of restaurants and bars.
As you can see, staying in this area makes good financial sense too. But on the other hand, it's a long way from the center.
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Just a few minutes' walk from the heart of Bari, B&B accommodation is an excellent option for those on a budget.
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The guest rooms offered by this establishment are located in the northern part of Carrassi, close to the main railway station. They are reasonably priced.
Accommodation in Palese, west of Bari
Located in the far west of Bari, the district of Palese also represents a suitable option for accommodation in Bari. Close to the international airport, it's an attractive option for short-stay guests, as well as for those who travel by car and for whom the capital of Puglia is just a stopover on their road trip.
The tranquility of the area, far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city, can also be an important factor in deciding to stay in Palese. Mainly bed & breakfasts, accommodation here is much more attractively priced than in the center.
Finally, it's worth noting that getting to the heart of Bari is made easier by taking the regional train. It's a ten-minute journey from Palese station to Bari Centrale station.
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These guest rooms offer excellent value for money. The establishment features a terrace, garden, free parking, outdoor pool and is close to the beach.
Summary
The development of tourism in this historic city and the surrounding area means that there is a wide range of accommodation on offer. Your choice of accommodation in and around Bari will therefore depend on a number of factors. Geographical position, places of interest to see, budget, the desire to enjoy the beach, or the search for peace and quiet are all essential factors in choosing your accommodation in Bari.
As mentioned in this guide, Puglia has become a top tourist destination. We therefore strongly advise you to plan your stay in Bari well in advance