Best Hotels in Bari: Where to Stay in the Capital of Puglia

Bari is the transport hub of Puglia — the main ferry port for Greece, Albania, and Croatia; the major airport (Bari Karol Wojtyła); and the high-speed rail connection to the rest of Italy. As a base, it works well for exploring the whole region: Alberobello (50 minutes), Matera (1h 40min), Lecce (2 hours), and the Adriatic coast are all accessible.

Bari Vecchia (Old City)

The whitewashed medieval old city on the peninsula between the old and new port is the most atmospheric area. The Basilica di San Nicola, the Cathedral, and the labyrinth of lanes are all here.

Budget (€50–80/night): B&Bs and small guesthouses in the old city. The area can feel rough in places at night; choose accommodation with good reviews and preferably in the western half (closer to San Nicola).

Mid-range (€80–140/night): Boutique hotels in the old city, several in converted palaces with original features. The best options are near the Lungomare seafront or close to the Basilica.

Modern centre (near Via Sparano and Piazza Moro)

The 19th-century grid south of the old city is the commercial centre — the main shopping street (Via Sparano), the Teatro Petruzzelli, and the main train station (Bari Centrale).

Budget (€45–75/night): Wide range of standard options near the station.

Mid-range (€80–150/night): Business hotels and good boutique options in the modern centre.

Top-end (€150–300/night): Grand Hotel Oriente (a historic property in the modern centre), Palace Hotel Bari. Bari’s luxury hotel offer is limited but these are solid options.

Practical notes

• Ferry departures: Ferries to Greece, Albania, and Croatia depart from the port at the edge of the old city. If taking an overnight ferry, staying near the port the previous night simplifies logistics.
• Bari airport: 8km north-west of the centre. Bus no. 16 connects to the city; taxi is €25–30.
• Parking: Available in the modern city; the old city has ZTL restrictions.
• Bari is cheap compared to the north — mid-range here is what budget-mid-range costs in Milan.