Eaten too much pizza in Naples? Bought too many clothes in Milan? Have a headache from too much history and art in Rome? So head further south to Puglia, and its capital Bari. It's easy to get to from London (Ryanair), it's cheap, the weather is hot...and so are the locals!
What is Bari? It's a port, a university town, a web of cobbled streets, it's dirty and noisy, it's full of new bars and friendly faces. Bari is a fun destination for an Italian weekend away.
Quick Tips:
Arrive on Firday night and head straight to the tangled streets of the Old Town (Bari Vekkia) for some killer mojitos and locally brewed Peroni beer.Best of the many bars are Bocca di Lupillo, Matisse and Tadatata, all within 5 minutes walk of the main square, Piazza Ferrarese. If you want to strut your stuff, go to Garga', where the barman will even let you make your own cocktails if you ask nicely.
On Saturday go for breakfast at Caffe Moravia. (Via Principe Amadeo, just off the main street Via Sparano).Smiles and strong coffee will help the hangover and you're in the perfect spot to hit the shops.All the major Italian designers have a shop on Via Sparano and there is the usual clutch of international stores too.Look out for the campest English school in the world!
Bari is a city where the dolce vita counts, meaning everything will close at lunchtime. Make the most of the peace and quiet by heading to Polignano, a 20 minute train ride away, and sample the best icecream in Puglia at Il Mago. Spend the afternoon wandering around this pretty, cliff top village.
24 hours in Italy and still no pizza? Back in Bari, head to Enzo and Ciro for the best in town. If you have to queue (probable), go to Nessun Dorma, a Milan-style wine/cocktail club full of beautiful young things.
On Sunday, take a day trip to Alberobello. A short train ride away, this is a true fairytale village crammed full of white, dome topped houses (see photos).Fabulous food and an enchanting day await.On Sunday evening, take the airport bus at around 6pm with your suitcase full of Salice Salentino red wine and taralli snacks.
Best Way To Get Around:
From the UK, fly Ryanair from Stansted to Bari. The airport shuttle bus leaves every hour and costs 4 euros. This takes you to the train station in the city centre, journey time 30 minutes.
There are buses and a single 90 minute journey costs 75 cents.Taxis are also available. However, the city centre is compact and flat so just walk. And look both ways twice before crossing!