Bari stretches along the Adriatic coast in Puglia, offering a mix of seaside scenery, historic architecture, and everyday southern Italian life. The old town, Bari Vecchia, is a maze of narrow lanes where stone houses, small courtyards, and centuries-old churches sit close together. The Basilica of Saint Nicholas and Cathedral of San Sabino are among its architectural highlights, while the waterfront provides a pleasant route for walking beside the sea. Local food is a major part of the experience, from handmade orecchiette and focaccia barese to fresh seafood and creamy burrata from the surrounding region.

The city's location makes it particularly useful for exploring Puglia by car. Polignano a Mare clings to the cliffs just south of Bari, while Monopoli offers a charming harbor and sandy coves. Inland, the distinctive trulli of Alberobello and the whitewashed streets of Ostuni showcase a very different side of the region. Matera, across the border in Basilicata, is another memorable excursion, with its ancient cave dwellings carved into the rock. A drive through the countryside also reveals olive groves, vineyards, coastal towns, and quiet beaches.