Bari might not be the first Italian city that springs to mind, but it’s a place that rewards curious travelers with its lively streets, historic sites, and authentic southern Italy atmosphere. Exploring Bari on a guided tour lets you get under the skin of this port city—whether through a leisurely bike ride, a scenic boat trip, or a historic walk. We love how Bari’s compact old town makes for an easy walking tour, and the bike tour offers a fresh, eco-friendly way to see both well-known sights and hidden corners. The boat trip with aperitivo provides a relaxing seaside perspective, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. With options for different budgets, interests, and activity levels, Bari’s tour scene is full of choices.
Below, we’ve assembled a list of the best city tours in Bari—each offering a unique way to experience the city’s culture, history, and flavors. Whether you want to pedal through the streets, stroll and learn, or sail along the coast, there’s something here for every type of traveler.
1. Bari: City Highlights Guided Bike Tour
At number one, the Bari: City Highlights Guided Bike Tour scores a solid 4.6 out of 5 from hundreds of reviews. For just over $50, you get a 2-hour ride that takes you through both the Old Town and lesser-known neighborhoods. This eco-friendly option is perfect if you want to cover a lot of ground without feeling rushed, all while soaking in the southern Italian atmosphere.
What makes this tour stand out is its mix of culture, folklore, and local life. You’ll explore picturesque alleys, stop for local snacks, and meet native residents. Guides like Chiara and Giulia are praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge, making the experience both fun and educational. The itinerary includes a visit to the Swabian Castle and a chance to chat with locals along lively streets. The 105-minute bike ride is complemented by a quick snack break—an ideal way to sample Bari’s flavors while staying active. It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer a dynamic, interactive experience with plenty of opportunities for questions and personal stories.
Bottom Line: A lively, paced way to see Bari with local flavor and great reviews—perfect for active travelers eager to explore beyond the usual spots.
2. Bari Walking City Tour
Coming in at a close second with a 4.5-star rating from 363 reviews, the Bari Walking City Tour offers a 2-hour stroll through the heart of the city. For just over $30, you get an intimate look at Bari’s main attractions and hidden corners—without the need for a bike or boat. This tour is ideal if you prefer to take your time, soak up the atmosphere on foot, and learn about the city’s history from a knowledgeable guide.
The walk covers the main sights—including the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, the Cathedral of Saint Sabinus, and the Swabian Castle—plus lively streets where locals still make pasta by hand. The tour ends in the modern French quarter, famous for its opera theaters and seafood market, with a free artisanal gelato to refresh you. Reviews highlight the friendly, well-paced narration and the chance to see both historic and contemporary Bari. The luggage storage option makes it convenient for travelers with earlier or later flights.
Bottom Line: An affordable, relaxed way to see Bari’s highlights in a short time, especially good for those who enjoy walking and local stories.
3. Bari by Boat: Admire the City from the Sea with Aperitivo
At number three, the Bari by Boat: Admire the City from the Sea with Aperitivo offers a 1.5-hour scenic cruise on a vintage gozzo boat. Priced around $50, this tour provides a different perspective of Bari—viewing the city’s skyline, historic sites, and coastline from the water. It’s a relaxing escape, perfect for those who want to combine sightseeing with a touch of leisure.
The highlight is the chance to enjoy an aperitivo onboard, with drinks served as you glide past landmarks such as the Basilica of Saint Nicholas and the old port. The boat’s gentle sway adds a calming element, and the opportunity to swim or dip into the sea makes it a well-rounded experience. During the trip, the skipper shares insights about Bari’s maritime history and local lore, adding an educational layer to the scenic views. Reviewers love the friendly skipper Claudio and the peaceful atmosphere—it’s a favorite for a laid-back afternoon.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a scenic, relaxing experience with a taste of seaside life, topped off with drinks and optional swimming.
4. Bari: City Bike Rental
Number four on our list is the Bari City Bike Rental, rated 4.8 out of 5 from 18 reviews. For $23 per person, you can rent a bike for up to 3 days, making it perfect for travelers who prefer a self-guided adventure. The flexibility allows you to explore Bari and the surrounding Apulia region at your own pace, whether cycling along coastal paths or through countryside villages.
This rental offers complete freedom—you can plan your own routes, visit lesser-known spots, or just enjoy a leisurely ride through the city’s streets and parks. The bikes are in good condition, and the rental process is straightforward. Helpful staff can assist with maps and tips, making it a good choice for independent explorers. Reviews mention the convenience of storing luggage and helpful service, especially if you’re already on the move.
Bottom Line: Perfect for independent travelers or day-trippers who want to carve their own path and explore beyond the typical tour routes.
5. Bari – Semi Private Street Food & City Sightseeing Tour with Local Guide
Number five offers an immersive gastro-cultural experience in Bari, with a Semi Private Street Food & City Sightseeing Tour. For around $330, this 2.5-hour walking adventure dives into Bari’s street food traditions, including tastings of panzerotti, sgagliozze, and local wines. It’s tailored for food lovers who want more than just a quick snack—this tour combines history with culinary delights.
Led by a local guide, the tour explores Bari Vecchia’s lively squares, like Piazza Mercantile, and visits iconic sites such as the Basilica of San Nicola and the Pillar of Shame. The small group size ensures an intimate experience, with personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Guests consistently praise the guide’s enthusiasm and deep knowledge, making the history and food stories come alive. The focus on local products and the chance to learn about Bari’s culinary heritage make this a memorable experience.
Bottom Line: A great pick for serious foodies and history buffs who want to combine cultural sights with authentic local flavors.
6. Arrival Transfer from Bari BRI Airport to Bari or Brindisi City
For a smooth start or end to your trip, the Arrival Transfer from Bari BRI Airport offers hassle-free, private transportation. Rated 5 stars from 3 reviews, for around $65 you’ll get a clean, comfortable vehicle and a professional driver who can accommodate your luggage and schedule.
This service is particularly useful if you want to skip long taxi lines or language barriers. The drivers are responsible and punctual, with positive feedback about their responsiveness and care. The transfer can take anywhere from 25 minutes to over an hour, depending on your destination, making it a practical choice for travelers arriving or departing Bari with tight schedules.
Bottom Line: An excellent way to start or finish your trip without stress, especially if you value comfort and reliability.
7. Bari’s St Nicholas Basilica, Cathedral and Old City Catholic Tour
If religious sites and architecture are your thing, the Bari’s St Nicholas Basilica, Cathedral & Old City Catholic Tour offers an in-depth look at Bari’s spiritual heart. With 2 reviews and a 5-star rating, this 3-hour tour takes you inside the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, where relics of the saint attract pilgrims. You’ll also visit the Cathedral of San Sabino and walk through the historic Old Town.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll learn about the religious significance and architecture of these landmarks, which date from the 12th century. The crypt of St. Nicholas is especially moving, and the tour emphasizes both the spiritual and historical importance of these sites. It’s suited for travelers interested in religious history, Romanesque architecture, or those wanting a deeper cultural understanding of Bari.
Bottom Line: A meaningful, culturally enriching experience for history and faith enthusiasts.
8. Bari and Ceramics: Majolica Ceramics Lesson with City Tour
Number eight immerses you in Puglia’s artistic tradition with a Majolica Ceramics Lesson and City Tour. Lasting around 3 hours, this experience combines a hands-on workshop with a guided walk through Bari Vecchia. You’ll learn the secrets of creating and decorating traditional ceramic pieces with a local artisan, then get to take your handmade masterpiece home.
This tour appeals to craft lovers and those eager to connect with local artisans. The small group setting fosters a friendly, personalized atmosphere, and the walk through Bari’s lively streets enriches your understanding of the city’s artistic heritage. It’s an interactive way to create a souvenir and learn about the long-standing majolica tradition in Southern Italy.
Bottom Line: Ideal for creatively inclined travelers wanting a memorable, hands-on cultural activity in Bari.
9. Tbilisi: Full-Day City Tour with All Main Highlights
Finally, we include a broader full-day city tour of Tbilisi, but note that this is a different city entirely. If your travels extend beyond Bari, this tour covers Old Town, Liberty Square, and Narikala Fortress with panoramic views from a cable car. It’s a comprehensive way to get a solid overview of Tbilisi’s major sights, suitable for those with a full day available.
While this tour isn’t in Bari, it exemplifies the variety of full-day options available in different destinations and what to look for when planning your own extensive explorations.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Bari
When selecting a city tour, consider your interests, activity level, and budget. If you love active exploration, the bike tour offers a great mix of movement and discovery. For a more laid-back approach, the boat trip provides scenic views with relaxation. Food enthusiasts will appreciate the street-food tour, while history buffs might prefer the church and old city or ceramics workshop. For seamless logistics, the airport transfer is handy, especially if you’re arriving or departing.
To sum it up, Bari offers a wide range of ways to explore, from active rides and scenic boat trips to in-depth cultural or culinary experiences. For visitors wanting an authentic taste of Southern Italy, options like the bike or walking tour provide excellent value and insight. If you prefer a relaxed, scenic approach, the boat trip is perfect. And those interested in hands-on art can’t go wrong with the ceramics workshop.
To get the most out of your trip, book early, especially for popular tours like the guided bike ride or private experiences. Whatever your interests, Bari’s tour scene is sure to enrich your visit and help you discover its many small treasures.
