Bari, located on the heel of southern Italy, is a thriving city, sometimes overlooked by tourists who often flock to nearby Lecce. Bari is much bigger than Lecce and has a lot more to offer tourists than just beautiful buildings. It is an ancient city that traces its roots back more than 2,000 years. Bari grew in importance under the Romans who developed its harbour, and today the port is still active and a significant contributor to the Bari's economy. It is also well connected, with ferries heading to Greece, Albania and Croatia. There are also good train connections to the north of Italy and local gems to the south such as, Brindisi, which is like a scaled-down version of Bari and closer to Puglia's best beaches. 

1 Street food - fried polenta!

The street food here in Bari is a bustling affair, with vendors and many corners in the old town, where the scent of deep-fried food fills the air. You'll find somewhere to get the famous snack, but the most famous spot is probably Maria delle Sgagliozze. Fried Polenta is a vegan treat, typically enjoyed as a snack in the early evening, but you should also try panzerotti; fried calzone pizza, usually filled with tomato and mozzarella, but sometimes even with other delicacies!

2. The lungomare - take a seaside stroll 

The lungomare in Bari is a very long stretch of pavement that runs along the coastline; it gives locals a chance to catch the breeze on hot days and take in some sea air. It is the perfect place to stroll and have a good chat with someone; the city is right there so you can always pop back into the urban fabric of the city for a coffee or a drink. Italian people often take a stroll along here in the evening, before dinner, known as a passeggiata. There is an excellent combination of city and sea views along here, and you get a real sense of the town. So 'let's go for a walk' or 'andiamo a fare una passeggiata' as the locals say!

3. The old town - a maze of beautiful streets 

The old town in Bari used to be quite infamous. It comprised a closed community that was characterised by economic problems and mafioso influence. These days the old town has cleaned up its act and is now a place that tourists can enjoy safely. Many of the residents have actively engaged with the tourist industry to generate income legally. The most apparent architectural feat is the 13th-century Norman-Swabian Castle that surrounds most of the old town. As you walk into the heart of the old town, it becomes a labyrinth of streets, with washing hanging down from many windows and the scent of people cooking in the air. You will eventually stumble across San Sabino, 13th-century Romanesque cathedral and the iconic of St. Nicholas Basilica. There are some lovely restaurants, and cafes tucked around corners off Piazza Mercantile. 

4. Go to the opera 

Bari is a bit of a cultural hub; there are lots of students here as well as lots of cosmopolitan locals who enjoy the theatre, ballet and opera. The Teatro Petruzzelli is a wonderful old theatre that plays host to some great performances, so be sure to check out what's on when you're in town. The theatre also offers tours so that you can explore the history and architecture of this beautiful building in more detail. 

5. Eat more! this time seafood 

For dinner, after your passeggiata, it should be around 9pm if you want to dine among locals, as before this time most restaurants are empty, apart from a few solitary tourists. Try out Al Pescatore for some high-quality seafood, something for which this region is most famous. Some of the most exciting flavours are ricci or sea urchins, cozze which are mussels and vongole, which are clams. There are also the usual prawns and grilled fish. Afterwards go for some more drinks down Via Re Manfredi, where you'll find a whole host of little bars for that last glass of local Primitivo or Negramaro wine.

Ferries to Bari

Visit NetFerry and find out about the ferry routes that serve Bari and the nearby town of Brindisi, in Puglia. The Netferry site allows you to save your quote and confirm your ticket a few days later. Netferry always helps you find the boat or ferry that best suits your needs. Rates, times and ports of departure and arrival are just a few clicks away with Netferry.

Netferry: a sea of ferries awaits you!