Bari is a city that offers much more than just a pretty coastline. Its lively historic center, charming alleys, and authentic cuisine make it a prime location for engaging tours that reveal its true character. Whether you’re a foodie eager to taste local specialties, an adventurer craving sea caves, or a history enthusiast wanting to walk through ancient streets, Bari has a tour for you. We especially love the Bari’s Ultimate Street Food Tour for its delicious bites and friendly guide, and the Boat Tours of Polignano a Mare’s caves for their stunning natural beauty and cool swim stops. These experiences show the city’s rich flavors and coastal charm in a way that’s both fun and authentic.
If you’re trying to decide which tours to add to your trip, this guide will help you choose the best options based on your interests, time constraints, and budget. We’ve gathered the top sights and activities, so let’s explore the best tours in Bari.
1. Bari’s Ultimate Street Food Tour – Small Group by Do Eat Better
This 3-hour guided street food tour is a fantastic way to discover Bari’s culinary secrets. Your local guide takes you to hidden food spots that locals love, saving you hours of research. You’ll sample focaccia barese, octopus, ice cream, and more. The tour starts in Piazza dell’Odegitria and passes by the Cattedrale di San Sabino before indulging in traditional treats at one of the oldest bakeries in town. Guests rave about Alessia’s friendly, knowledgeable tone and the delicious food. With a small group limited to 12, you get personalized attention and authentic experiences. This tour is perfect for food lovers who want a taste of Bari’s vibrant street scene without the hassle of finding good spots on your own.
Bottom Line: A lively, tasty introduction to Bari’s local flavors, ideal for those who want a relaxed social atmosphere and great food.
2. Polignano a Mare boat tour emotions, caves, diving and appetizers
This 1.5-hour boat tour takes you along the stunning coastline of Polignano a Mare, famous for its sea caves and dramatic cliffs. Your skipper guides you past caves like Grotta Azzurra and Grotta Piana, with stops for swimming and snorkeling. Equipment is provided, so you can explore the turquoise waters. As you cruise, your guide shares stories about the area’s history and traditions. The tour concludes with a lively aperitivo on board, with drinks and snacks. Travelers love the scenic beauty and the chance to get into the water, with one describing it as a “magical experience.”
Bottom Line: Perfect for nature lovers and water enthusiasts, this tour combines breathtaking scenery, fun swimming, and a relaxed social vibe.
3. Tour di Alberobello e Matera in bus privato da Bari
For around $67, this private bus tour offers a full day exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites of Alberobello and Matera. You’ll see the iconic trulli houses and ancient cave dwellings, with a flexible schedule that allows you to explore at your own pace. The trip includes stops at Casa Noha, San Francesco d’Assisi, and the rock church of Sant’Antonio Abate. Reviews highlight the organization, timely pickups, and informative brochures, making it a convenient way to see two of southern Italy’s most fascinating towns without the hassle of driving. It’s ideal for those who want a comprehensive experience but prefer to relax and enjoy the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle.
Bottom Line: A well-organized, insightful day trip suited for travelers eager to see UNESCO sites without extensive planning or driving.
4. Bari: Street Food Walking Tour with a Local Guide
This 2.5-hour walking tour immerses you in Bari’s historic center, sampling local street foods like panzerotto, orecchiette, and regional wines. Led by a passionate local, you’ll stroll through Piazza Mercantile, visit Bari Cathedral, and explore landmarks like Castello Svevo. The combination of food tastings and cultural insight makes this tour both flavorful and educational. Guests mention the guide’s engaging storytelling and the opportunity to try handmade orecchiette paired with wine. It’s a great choice for those wanting a quick but rich introduction to Bari’s culinary and historical gems.
Bottom Line: An engaging, tasty way to explore Bari’s old town in a short time, ideal for food lovers who want cultural context.
5. Polignano a Mare: Boat Tour of the Caves – Small Group
This small-group boat tour lasts about 90 minutes and explores Polignano a Mare’s famous sea caves, including Grotta Palazzese and Grotta Ardito. The tour features stops for swimming and photo opportunities, with Prosecco and taralli served on board. The guides are known for their humor and knowledge, making the experience lively and educational. One traveler noted how the boat skillfully navigates through tight cave openings, creating a memorable adventure. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a bit of everything: scenic views, cave exploration, and a relaxing drink.
Bottom Line: A fun, intimate tour ideal for those who want to see the caves from the water and enjoy some local snacks.
6. Boat trip to the Polignano a Mare caves
This roughly 2-hour boat trip offers a relaxed way to see Polignano a Mare’s stunning coastal caves. Starting from Cala Ponte, you’ll explore caves like Grotta della Rondinella and Grotta Palazzese, with stops for swimming and sunbathing. The skipper provides commentary about the town’s history and caves, making it both an educational and scenic ride. The trip is praised for its flexibility, allowing you to set your own pace and enjoy the beauty of the coast. It’s suited for travelers who want a laid-back day on the water, with plenty of photo opportunities.
Bottom Line: A straightforward, scenic boat experience that combines exploration and relaxation along the coast.
7. Bari Bike Tour
For those wanting an active way to see the city, this 2-hour bike tour covers Bari’s old town, Basilica di San Nicola, and Norman Swabian Castle. Biking allows you to quickly cover more ground than walking, including lesser-known neighborhoods outside the tourist trail. The guide shares insights into Bari’s heritage, and guests love the combination of exercise and sightseeing. The tour concludes with a tasty ice cream stop — a sweet reward for your efforts. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy a bit of physical activity and want to see both the historic and local sides of Bari swiftly.
Bottom Line: An energetic, efficient way to explore Bari’s highlights and hidden corners in a short time.
8. Guided tour and tasting at La Cantina Frrud – Wine Museum
This 1-2 hour experience takes you inside the Wine Museum of La Cantina Frrud, where you’ll learn about centuries of wine history. The tour includes tasting three local wines paired with cheeses, cured meats, bread, and focaccia. The passionate hosts share stories of wine-making traditions, making it as educational as it is delicious. Visitors appreciate the authentic atmosphere and the opportunity to sample quality local wines in a relaxed setting. It’s ideal for wine lovers or those curious about regional flavors, especially since the wine is locally sourced and the story behind each bottle is compelling.
Bottom Line: A tasteful journey into Puglia’s wine culture, perfect for those who want to learn and taste in a cozy environment.
9. Bari Vecchia Group Tour in Italian
This 2-hour guided tour takes you through Bari Vecchia, the city’s historic heart. Led by a licensed guide, you’ll visit Basilica San Nicola, the old city walls, San Sabino Cathedral, and the Swabian Castle. The focus is on storytelling, with the guide sharing fascinating anecdotes about the city’s past and folklore. Reviews mention the guide’s enthusiasm and the informative, unhurried pace. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a concise, culturally rich introduction to Bari’s medieval core.
Bottom Line: A compact, culturally enriching walk perfect for history enthusiasts and first-time visitors.
10. Bari Rickshaw Tour
This 1.5-hour rickshaw ride offers a fun, eco-friendly way to see Bari’s highlights. Your guide takes you through Piazza del Ferrarese, Castello Svevo, Bari Cathedral, and scenic alleys. The ride is relaxed, with opportunities for photos and cultural insights. It includes a gelato tasting at the end — a sweet way to finish. Reviewers love the personal touch of the guide and the relaxed pace. It’s a good choice if you prefer a more informal, family-friendly experience combining sightseeing and local flavors.
Bottom Line: A lively, casual way to explore Bari’s main sights with a tasty sweet ending.
11. Bari: Old Town Guided Eco-Friendly Rickshaw Tour
This 1.5-hour eco-ride takes you through Bari’s hidden alleys and scenic corners in a modern, eco-friendly rickshaw. Led by an expert guide, you’ll see lesser-known spots and learn about local history and traditions. It’s praised for its personalized approach and friendly guides like Federico, who make the experience enjoyable and informative. Perfect for travelers wanting an intimate look at Bari’s authentic side without walking long distances.
Bottom Line: An eco-conscious, personalized tour suited for those interested in discovering Bari’s secret spots comfortably.
12. Bari: City Highlights Guided Bike Tour
This 2-hour bike tour covers major landmarks like Piazza Mercantile, Norman Castle, and the Seaside promenade. Riding allows you to cover more ground than walking, with stops for local snacks like ice cream. Guides explain Bari’s history and culture, making it a lively, practical way to get an overview of the city. Reviewers mention the friendly guides and the balance of exercise and sightseeing.
Bottom Line: An active way to see Bari’s highlights and enjoy some local treats, great for those who like to combine physical activity with exploration.
13. Bari Street Food Bike Tour
This 3-hour bike tour explores Bari’s Old Town, focusing on local street food and landmarks. You’ll visit bakeries, breweries, and gelato shops, sampling focaccia barese, burrata, and craft beer. The tour also includes a ride through the French Quarter for seaside views. Guests praise the guide’s storytelling and the variety of food stops. This tour suits adventurous eaters and active travelers who want a full sensory experience of Bari.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive food-focused bike adventure that combines sightseeing with tastings in a relaxed, social setting.
14. Boat tour of the Polignano a Mare caves with aperitif
This 1.5-hour boat cruise takes you past over a dozen sea caves, including Grotta Palazzese and Grotta della Rondinella. You’ll enjoy Prosecco and snacks on board, with stops for swimming in the clear waters. Reviewers mention the friendly guides and the beautiful caves that are best viewed from the water. It’s ideal for travelers who want a scenic, leisurely experience that combines exploration with relaxing drinks.
Bottom Line: A scenic, social boat ride perfect for those who love nature, photos, and a laid-back atmosphere.
15. Bari: Guided Walking Tour
This 2-hour guided walk takes you through Bari’s historic core, including Bari Vecchia, Castello Svevo, and San Nicola Basilica. It’s perfect for first-timers who want a quick overview of the city’s highlights with insightful commentary. Reviewers appreciate the friendly guides and the balanced mix of culture and scenery.
Bottom Line: A concise, engaging introduction suitable for those with limited time but who want to get a real feel for Bari.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Bari
When selecting your ideal tour in Bari, consider your interests first. Food lovers should prioritize something like the Bari’s Ultimate Street Food Tour or the Street Food Bike Tour. If the coastline calls, the boat tours of Polignano a Mare are unmatched for scenery and swim stops, with options ranging from the small-group caves to the larger boat trip. Active travelers can explore Bari by bike or rickshaw, like the Bike Tour or the Eco-Friendly Rickshaw. History buffs may favor the Old Town guided walk, while wine enthusiasts should consider the Wine Museum.
Booking early is wise, especially for popular tours in peak season — Bari’s charm is best enjoyed without rushing. Think about how much time you have, what interests you most, and whether you prefer active adventures, cultural exploration, or culinary delights. Many tours offer flexible start times and small-group experiences, ensuring an authentic, personalized visit.
Bari’s tour options are varied — from tasting authentic street food to floating through sea caves or pedaling past centuries-old landmarks. For a taste of local life, the food tours stand out for their flavor and friendliness. For scenery and relaxation, the boat trips deliver stunning views and fun swims. And for those who want to get a good overview quickly, guided walks and bike tours are perfect. Whatever your interest, booking early and choosing a tour aligned with your passions will ensure your trip to Bari is memorable.