Bari is a cultural port city known for the Polignano Caves, Museo Archeologico di Santa Scolastica, and Castello Svevo di Bari. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Bari and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife.
How much does it cost to travel to Bari?
You should plan to spend around $149 (€137) per day on your vacation in Bari. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $60 (€55) on meals
- $13 (€11) on local transportation
- $159 (€146) on hotels
A one week trip to Bari for two people costs, on average, $2,090 (€1,918). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,045
€959
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,090
€1,918
-
One Month
Per person
$4,479
€4,110
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,090
€1,918
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,180
€3,836
-
One Month
For a couple
$8,958
€8,220
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Bari cost?
A one week trip to Bari usually costs around $1,045 (€959) for one person and $2,090 (€1,918) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Bari on average costs around $2,090 (€1,918) for one person and $4,180 (€3,836) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Bari will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Bari on average costs around $4,479 (€4,110) for one person and $8,958 (€8,220) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Bari expensive to visit?
Bari is a small yet inviting port city that captivates travelers with a mix of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
If you're not cautious, Bari can become costly, but you can save with strategies like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $65 (€60) per day, mid-range travelers spend $149 (€137) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $289 (€265) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Bari.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Bari is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Nafplio or Linz.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Bari Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Bari?
The average Bari trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Bari travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Bari cost?
Bari on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$35
(€32)
|
$80
(€73)
|
$155
(€142)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$5
(€5.00)
|
$13
(€11)
|
$24
(€22)
|
|
Food 2
|
$26
(€24)
|
$60
(€55)
|
$117
(€107)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$4
(€3.75)
|
$9
(€8.61)
|
$18
(€17)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-9
(€3-8)
|
$7-21
(€6-19)
|
$13-40
(€12-37)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations about your travel budget in Bari is important. While you might think you can save money by cutting expenses, traveling comfortably requires a bit more spending for most people. Think about your favorite vacation activities and ideal travel style. Staying in a resort or comfortable hotel, along with sightseeing and dining out are generally what many people prefer. Your travel preferences will determine how much you'll end up spending on your trip.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $65 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Fortunately, you'll find plenty of hostels in Bari, such as Olive Tree and Habari We Dorm. These hostels provide inexpensive dormitory lodging and a friendly atmosphere, but amenities are quite limited. The culinary scene is a major highlight for those visiting Bari, but budget travelers often eat street food or cook for themselves in hostels, which can mean missing out on delicious local dishes.
So, are you average?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. When visiting Bari, you'll want to see the Polignano Caves, Museo Archeologico di Santa Scolastica, or Castello Svevo di Bari. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $149 per person, per day.
In Bari, you'll find a broad range of hotels and vacation rentals. If traveling with companions, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or your children, helping to cut costs. Families will want to look for hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. B&B Zuppetta 16 is a fantastic option for families, and Bed and Breakfast Oz is also a great pick. Explore more family and couple-oriented hotels in our hotel guide for Bari here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If your ideal trip includes every luxury and top-tier service, be ready to budget around $289 per day. A stay at nicer hotels, meals at prestigious restaurants, fancy excursions, and getting around the port city with taxis or private drivers will cost you more. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Visit Alberobello & Matera: Private or Group Tour from Bari - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Bari
The range of hotel prices in Bari can be pretty surprising. Luxury hotels tend to offer more amenities, but come with higher price tags, especially during peak season. The average off-season room is $84, but during peak summer season the average price can reach $157. From $59 for budget hotels to $252 for luxury, there's something for everyone. Hostels are cheaper, especially dorms. Book early or travel during the off-season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Bari for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $159 (€146). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $80 (€73) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Bari? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Bari include:
- The Nicolaus Hotel starting at $90
- Hi Hotel Bari starting at $89
- Hotel Imago Bari starting at $105
- Parco Dei Principi Hotel Congress & SPA starting at $104
- Baia Sangiorgio Hotel Resort starting at $75
Bari has a good public transit system lets you stay farther from the port city, but remember that lower hotel costs could mean higher transportation expenses.
This family-friendly port city makes Bari a great option for traveling with kids, and you'll want to find a larger place to stay.
By avoiding the peak summer season and traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, you will be able to save on accommodation and avoid heavy tourist crowds.
Many people like to wander through Bari, so it's a good idea to book a place in the center. Keep in mind that this could come with an increased cost.
The port city's historic old town draws many tourists. While accommodations in this area might be expensive, they often come with a lot of charm and are well-placed for easy access to everything.
Transportation Budget in Bari
Bari has a solid public transit system that covers many major attractions. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB. If you're looking to save time and money, public transit is a great choice as long as it's close to your destination. Taxis and rideshares are also available throughout town.
Visitors who prefer to navigate the area by walking will have a delightful experience. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $13 (€11) per person, per day, on local transportation in Bari. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Bari is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$13
€11
When you're driving, make sure that your hotel has convenient parking, and confirm how much you'll need to pay for it.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Transfer From Bari to Matera for $70 details
- Private transfer from Bari Airport to Polignano a mare for $129 details
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bari BRI Airport to Bari by Van for $45 details
How much does it cost to go to Bari? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Bari will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
The numbers below highlight common transportation expenses in Bari, gathered from actual travelers. These prices give a good estimate of what you're likely to spend while getting around the city. However, your personal costs will depend on your travel style, since taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than public transportation.
Food Budget in Bari
The dining in Bari is truly world-class, and you should definitely experience it. Be sure to enjoy meals at local restaurants and sample some unique offerings. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Bari can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Bari is $60 (€55) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$60
€55
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Bari is around $60 (€55) per person, with previous travelers spending from $26 to $117. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Bari are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $18
- Lunch: $9 to $24
- Dinner: $18 to $42
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $9
With all this sightseeing, it is only natural to work up an appetite. Restaurant Biancofiore is a chic, quaint eatery that serves traditional Puglia cuisine. While most of the fish is prepared raw, Biancofiore ensures in providing its clients with the freshest ingredients and serving each meal in a gourmet style. Founded by Giacinto Fanelli, this star chef takes pride in providing his clientele with freshly caught blue fish as well as Puglia region vegetables. Some of the dishes include "cappellacci" (pasta) stuffed with "burrata" (cheese), cream of pumpkin, sage and crunchy capocollo, risotto "acquerello" with turnip greens, smoked "burratina" (cheese), tomato "confit" and garlic oil, "capunto" (pasta) with roasted eggplant cream, red prawns from Gallipoli, "ricotta" (cheese) and basil, and tubettone (pasta) with grouper, tomatoes, capers and toasted pine nuts.
If you're dining out with children, try to find restaurants that include a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since those meals tend to be cheaper. Remember, some places may not highlight their kids' options, so don't forget to ask your waiter first.
Countless hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, but some will add it as an additional fee. The price and quality can change based on the hotel. Being informed ahead of time can aid in deciding whether to budget extra funds. You might enjoy the delightful buffet offered at the hotel, or perhaps a more economical option would be a nearby bakery or cafe.
Carry a reusable water bottle with you to avoid spending on drinks. It's also a win for the environment.
When planning your tour, don't forget to check what meals are included. You might have to pay for some of your own food, which could add to your expenses.
If you want to experience the culture in Bari, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Fresh pasta and dinner in my biogarden for $94 details
- Cisternino-Apulian cooking class - Typical Pugliese cuisine for $129 details
- Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in Bari for $113 details
Listed below are typical food prices in Bari, based on the actual spending of previous travelers. These figures provide an estimate of what you might expect to pay for meals. However, your personal expenses will depend on your dining preferences, the restaurants you choose, and what you decide to order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Bari
It's easy to see why people visit Bari, given its food, museums and attractions, nightlife, and historical sights.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Bari typically cost an average of $9.38 (€8.61) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$9.38
€8.61
Here are a few of the most popular sights with their prices:
- The Polignano Caves for €100
- Museo Archeologico di Santa Scolastica (Free)
- Castello Svevo di Bari for €10
- Teatro Petruzzelli for €5
- Basilica di San Nicola (Free)
- Pinacoteca Metropolitana di Bari for €5
An iconic church and popular pilgrimage destination, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas is one of the top landmarks in Bari. Located only five minutes from the seaport and fifteen minutes from the train station, the Basilica houses the much treasured relics of Saint Nicholas. Brought over from Turkey (then Myra) around 1087, the relics have been celebrated with as much passion as Saint Nicholas himself. Saint Nicholas was known as a liberator of the innocent and philanthropist of the impoverished and was much revered throughout Myra and other locations. It is said by legend that after passing through Bari, Saint Nicholas deemed the city a worthy place of burial for himself. The Basilica was erected between 1087 and 1197 during the Italo-Norman domination. Some of the artworks the Basilica holds includes many noteworthy Romanesque sculptural works, mosaics, the tomb of Bona Sforza, and more. For more information on visiting the Basilica, be sure to consult their website for opening hours and ticket prices.
Bari is on the list of Southern Italy's best off the beaten path locations, and is a must-see for everyone - even though it doesn't get as many visitors as Italy's more popular destinations.
However, if you are looking to enjoy the beauty of the Italian countryside, feel free to visit outside Bari's urban borders to the National Park of Alta Murgia. Established in 2004, Alta Murgia became a protected natural area in order to preserve the unique and exquisite plant and animal species of the region. Covering about 68,033 hectares, Alta Murgia is one of the largest special protection areas and protects steppe grasses as well as the habitat of Lesser Kestrel Falco. There are many attractions within the Alta Murgia, including the world-renowned Castel de Monte, the Forest Mercadante, the Pulo of Altamara, and the Ravines. As the area is so expansive, the vegetation and wildlife change depending on what area in Alta Murgia you reside in. Some plant life include honeysuckle, hawthorn, butcher's broom, rock rose, and myrtle. Some animal life include falcons, barn owls, the yellow-bellied toad, and the four-lined snake.
Museums and Attractions:
Bari's museums and landmarks are must-sees for any visitor. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.
Historical Sights:
The old town, steeped in history, draws in a wide array of visitors. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Bari. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- People of Bari unusual guided tour with pasta making at Grandma house for $54 details
- Alberobello Private Tour with Pick Up for $182 details
- Bari Rickshaw Tour with Museum Visits for $81 details
Nightlife Budget in Bari
In Bari, the nightlife is always buzzing with activity, and visitors delight in spending their nights at the local bars, clubs, and parties. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $14 (€13) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Bari per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$14
€13
While nightlife is a key part of many trips, scaling back on drinks can help free up some extra cash in your budget.
If you're out drinking at night, keep an eye on your surroundings. You could be a target for pickpockets, so it's wise to stay in a group and with people you trust.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Bari. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Afternoon Tour Secrets of Alberobello incl. Food & Wine tasting for $77 details
- Private Tour: Trani walking tour with Moscato wine tasting for $113 details
Here are some typical drink and nightlife prices in Bari, drawn from the experiences of past travelers. These costs can give you a general sense of what to expect, though your own spending will differ based on how often you enjoy alcoholic beverages and how much you consume. Remember, one of the most effective ways to reduce your travel costs is to limit alcohol consumption.
Traveling in Bari
Bari, Italy
Off the lustrous, aquamarine waters of the Adriatic Sea, a bustling city hums to life as the sun sets. Though an ancient city, Bari still attains its youthful air, with a thriving nightlife and breathtaking boulevards. The capital city of Apulia region, Bari is the second most important economic center of mainland Southern Italy, as well as a significant port and university city.
To the north of Bari lays the old town, where the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, the Cathedral of San Sabino, and the Hohenstaufen Castle built for Frederick II can be found.
However, do not let its antiquated architecture fool you as this side of the town acquires a thriving nightlife. To the north of Bari, the more modernized area of the city resides, including a promenade on the sea as well as a major shopping district. Though not a popular tourist destination, Bari works as a hidden treasure trove for those that seek to uncover the culture and history of Southern Italy.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.