Saturday: the old town and the sea
Start early in Bari Vecchia, when the alleys are still cool and almost empty. Basilica of San Nicola and Cathedral of San Sabino in the morning, then a stop in Arco Basso to watch the orecchiette come to life. A light lunch of focaccia and a panzerotto, grabbed on the go.
In the afternoon head down to the seafront and walk to the Margherita Theatre. Towards evening, the Bari ritual: the aperitivo and the stroll along the monumental seafront as the sun drops over the Adriatic. For dinner, fish or orecchiette, depending on the mood.
Sunday: a trip out of town
Sunday you deserve the real sea. From the Central Station, half an hour by train, you reach Polignano a Mare: the white houses perched over the cliff, the Lama Monachile beach set among the rocks. In a little over half an hour, instead, you’re in Monopoli, quieter and just as beautiful.
Staying near the station makes the difference here: walk out of the home, catch the train and in no time you’re somewhere else. Come back to Bari in the afternoon, in time for one last walk and one last gelato.
Getting around
In the city you go everywhere on foot: the centre is compact and walking it is part of the pleasure. For trips out of town, the train is the best and cheapest option. Having a home between the station and the centre gives you the best of both worlds: the city within walking distance and Puglia within a train ride.
