Bari, a lively port city in Italy’s Puglia region, is a fantastic place to dive into authentic pasta experiences. Its narrow streets, bustling markets, and warm-hearted locals make it ideal for culinary encounters that go beyond just eating. We particularly love the Bari: Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine, which combines hands-on cooking, local wines, and a cozy family setting—perfect for food lovers wanting a taste of true Puglian life. If you’re after an active adventure, the Bari Bike Tour with Pasta Experience offers a lively way to explore landmarks and make pasta with a local lady, all while cycling through the city’s historic streets.
In this guide, we’ve gathered 15 of the best pasta experiences in Bari. From guided walking tours that include pasta-making with a local grandmother, to private classes in someone’s home, and even a rickshaw ride blending history and food—there’s something for every kind of traveler eager to discover authentic Italian cuisine.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour, what makes them special, and who they’re best suited for. Whether you want a relaxed cooking session, a bike adventure, or an intimate private class, this list helps you choose the perfect pasta journey in Bari.
1. Bari: Pasta Experience Walking Tour
At number 1, this walking tour takes you through Bari’s charming old town with a local guide. It includes a pasta-making session with a lady from the historic center, giving you a chance to learn how to make traditional orecchiette—the region’s signature pasta. Over 2.5 hours, you’ll explore hidden alleys, meet residents, and enjoy authentic food tastings. The tour’s highlight is the hands-on pasta class, which feels more like visiting a friend’s kitchen than a formal cooking lesson. Rated 4.7/5 from 660 reviews, it’s praised for its friendly guide, intimate experience, and immersive city walk. If you prefer a small-group, personal touch while discovering Bari’s authentic streets, this tour offers a balanced blend of culture and cuisine.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with an authentic pasta-making experience in a relaxed, friendly setting.
2. Bari: Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine
For around 3 hours, this cooking class offers a delicious deep dive into Puglian pasta and dessert. Held at a family-owned restaurant near Bari Vecchia, it is perfect if you want to learn how to make fresh pasta and tiramisu from scratch. Your host explains secrets of pasta making while you sip Prosecco, then enjoy your creations paired with three glasses of local wine. The intimate atmosphere and focus on regional recipes make it a favorite—rated 4.8/5 from 366 reviews. This class is best for foodies who enjoy hands-on lessons, local wines, and a cozy, authentic setting. Expect to leave with new skills and a full belly.
Bottom line: Great for those wanting a culinary souvenir, combining pasta, dessert, and wine in a relaxed, family-run environment.
3. Bari Bike Tour with Pasta Experience
This bike tour scores a perfect 5.0/5 from 85 reviews. Over about 2.5 hours, you cycle past landmarks like the Basilica of St. Nicholas, Bari Cathedral, and Norman Swebian Castle, soaking in Bari’s architecture and history. The highlight is visiting the home of a local signora where you make a traditional orecchiette pasta by hand, then enjoy it with a glass of red wine. The bike ride adds a lively, energetic dimension to your experience, perfect for active travelers who want to see the sights and learn local cooking techniques. The tour balances cultural exploration with culinary fun, making it a standout for its seamless mix of sightseeing and hands-on pasta making.
Bottom line: Best suited for active visitors who want a full day of exploring Bari’s streets and learning regional pasta secrets.
4. Bari Walking Tour with Pasta Experience
This walking and cooking combo offers a relaxed 2-hour experience with a guide leading you through Bari’s landmarks like the Basilica of St. Nicholas and the Norman Swebian Castle. Afterwards, you’ll visit a local’s home to prepare and enjoy a fresh pasta dish, paired with local wine. Rated 4.5/5 from 229 reviews, travelers appreciate its personal approach and the chance to taste authentic Bari-style pasta. The tour is ideal for those who want a shorter, more intimate introduction to Bari’s history and cuisine without the physical effort of biking.
Bottom line: Perfect for visitors short on time but eager to combine sightseeing with a genuine cooking experience.
5. Experience of Apulian Cuisine: Fresh Pasta and Focaccia
This private, 2.5-hour experience (details here) focuses on making both pasta and focaccia. Led by a local who shares family recipes, you’ll learn how to turn simple ingredients into delicious dishes, ending with a shared meal and local wine. Rated 5.0/5 from 56 reviews, it’s praised for its instructive yet relaxed atmosphere. This tour suits foodies eager for a private, in-depth hands-on lesson in traditional Apulian cooking. Expect to gain new skills and taste the results of your labor.
Bottom line: Best for travelers wanting a private, authentic, and comprehensive culinary experience.
6. People of Bari Unusual Guided Tour with Pasta Making at Grandma’s House
In this 3-hour tour, you meet local residents and walk through Bari’s old town with a guide who’s seen it all. The highlight is visiting a real grandmother’s house where she shares her pasta secrets, demonstrating how to make orecchiette. Rated 5.0/5, travelers love the authentic, heartfelt atmosphere and the personal connection. This experience is ideal for those who want to feel like a guest in someone’s home, learning about local customs and enjoying simple, genuine food.
Bottom line: Offers a unique, heartwarming glimpse into Bari’s everyday life and culinary traditions.
7. Cesarine: Small Group Pasta and Tiramisu Class in Bari
This small-group class runs about 3 hours and includes making two pasta types and tiramisu in a home kitchen. Rated 5.0/5 from 45 reviews, it’s perfect for travelers wanting a true homemade experience. You’ll start with an aperitivo and finish with a feast of your culinary creations paired with local wines. The instructor shares tips and techniques, making this especially suitable for foodies eager to learn authentic Italian recipes. The intimate setting and focus on regional flavors make it a top pick for culinary enthusiasts.
Bottom line: Excellent for those who want a comprehensive hands-on class and an authentic home-cooked meal.
8. Pasta Masterclass in Polignano with Wine
This 1.5-hour masterclass in Polignano a Mare offers a chance to learn family recipes handed down through generations. Held in a local’s home, the class ends with tasting, making it ideal for those wanting a quick but authentic experience of regional pasta dishes plus wine. Its focus on tradition and shared family stories gives it a warm, personal feel.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers with limited time who want to experience the flavors of Puglia in an intimate setting.
9. Bari: Bike Tour & Pasta Making Experience
This combined bike and cooking tour offers a lively 2.5-hour experience. You’ll explore Bari’s landmarks on a bike, then enter a local’s home to make traditional orecchiette pasta and enjoy it with wine. Rated 4.6/5 from 55 reviews, it balances sightseeing with culinary fun, making it great for active travelers who want to combine city discovery with hands-on cooking. The tour’s focus on local pasta traditions and city highlights makes it a versatile choice.
Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting a dynamic day blending culture, exercise, and food.
10. Fresh Pasta and Dinner in My BioGarden
This 3.5-hour private experience (details here) offers an authentic home-cooked meal in a warm atmosphere. You’ll learn stories about how pasta was made by grandmothers and produce your own dishes, including orecchiette and focaccia, ending with a shared dinner and wine. Rated 5.0/5, it’s suited for travelers who want a relaxed, personal introduction to Apulian cuisine.
Bottom line: Perfect for those seeking a deep, personal connection and a taste of family-style Italian cooking.
11. Bari Pasta Experience by Rickshaw
This fun rickshaw tour combines sightseeing with making pasta at a local’s home. Over two hours, you’ll explore Bari’s streets and visit landmarks like the Basilica of Saint Nicholas before heading to a resident’s kitchen to make orecchiette. It ends with tasting homemade gelato. Rated 4.5/5, it’s suited for travelers seeking a lively, unique experience that mixes history, food, and local culture in one package. The rickshaw adds a playful touch to the city’s exploration.
Bottom line: Excellent for families or groups looking for a lighthearted, immersive day.
12. Cesarine: Private Pasta Class & Meal at Local’s Home
This private pasta class offers a personalized culinary experience. Over about 3 hours, you’ll learn to make three regional pasta recipes, then enjoy your meal with local wines in a welcoming home. With only 4 reviews and a rate of 5.0, it’s perfect for travelers seeking exclusivity and detailed instruction from a passionate host.
Bottom line: Best suited for those who want a private, in-depth taste of authentic Puglian pasta making.
13. Gioia del Colle: Premium E-Bike & Private Pasta Experience
This 3.5-hour premium experience combines scenic e-bike riding through olive groves with a private pasta workshop in a masseria. You shop for ingredients at the local market, then prepare and enjoy your pasta with wine. Rated 5/5 from 4 reviews, it’s perfect for travelers looking for an exclusive, active, and culinary adventure in a beautiful setting.
Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting a premium, scenic, and private journey into Puglia’s food and landscape.
14. Cesarine: Pasta & Tiramisu Class at Local’s Home in Bari
This intimate, private class focuses on making pasta and tiramisu from scratch, in a cozy home setting. Last rated 5.0/5, it’s perfect for couples or small groups who want a personal, hands-on culinary lesson. The instructor guides you through authentic recipes, ending with a shared feast and local wine.
Bottom line: Excellent for those seeking an exclusive, authentic Italian cooking experience in a relaxed environment.
15. Bari: Apulian Cuisine Course – Fresh Pasta and Focaccia
This short, hands-on course teaches you how to make orecchiette and Bari focaccia, two regional staples. Perfect for those with limited time, it allows you to quickly learn and taste authentic flavors, all while getting in touch with local traditions.
Bottom line: Suitable for travelers with tight schedules wanting a quick, authentic culinary introduction.
How to Choose Your Ideal Pasta Experience in Bari
When deciding which tour best suits you, consider your budget, time, and interests. If you’re after a comprehensive, hands-on private experience, Tours like Cesarine Private Pasta Class or Fresh Pasta and Dinner in My BioGarden offer in-depth lessons with personal attention.
For those wanting a mix of sightseeing and cooking, the Bike Tour with Pasta or Rickshaw Experience combine city exploration with culinary fun. Budget-conscious travelers might prefer Walking Tours or short courses. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred time slot.
Final Thoughts
From intimate private classes to lively bike adventures, Bari offers a wide variety of pasta experiences that showcase the region’s culinary traditions. If you’re after a cozy, home-style lesson, the private Cesarine classes or Fresh Pasta in BioGarden are perfect choices. For active explorers, the Bike Tour with Pasta Experience combines sightseeing with hands-on cooking, while the Rickshaw Tour adds a fun, leisurely twist.
Whatever your style, booking early—especially in busy months—will help you lock in your favorite spot. Bari’s pasta experiences promise not just delicious food but also a chance to connect deeply with local life and traditions. Now, all that’s left is to pick your adventure and get ready to enjoy some of Italy’s best pasta.
