Puglia on a budget: The Ultimate Guide
Table of Contents
Day 1: How to Get from the Airport to the Center of Bari?
Upon landing in Bari at 7:00 pm, we swiftly cleared border control, eager to commence our journey.
You have two budget-friendly options to reach Bari’s city center from the airport, either by bus or train. The number 16 bus, found just outside the airport exit on the left, costs €1.5 and takes approximately 45 minutes.
Alternatively, you can choose the train operated by Ferrotramviaria, with tickets priced at €5.20 per person. Tickets can be purchased from the company’s website, machines, or staff. Opting for the train, as it takes only 20-25 minutes, allowed us to save valuable time.
Upon reaching the station, we checked into our accommodation quickly, strategically chosen for its proximity to the station, ensuring convenience throughout our travels.
Exploring the Old Town and Murat District
Our exploration began with a visit to The Old Town (Bari Vecchia) and the Murat District (Centro Storico). These areas offer insights into the city’s rich history and culture, seamlessly connected by Corso Vittorio Emanuele II.
The Murat District, known for its shops, restaurants, and bars, caters to various tastes. We strolled along the main pedestrian street, Sparano da Bari, immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere that sets this city apart.
Where to Dine in Bari?
For an authentic taste of Puglian cuisine, we dined at Mastro Ciccio, thoroughly enjoying the traditional Italian Panini – Perchione and Vegetarian, accompanied by two local Peroni beers, all for €22.
Post-dinner, we ventured into the Old Town, taking in the charming stone buildings, wrought iron balconies, and colorful window shutters as we wandered through narrow alleyways.
We returned to our guest house to recharge for the next day’s adventures: exploring the picturesque towns of Polignano a Mare and Monopoli.
Day 2: Breakfast in the Old City and a Trip to Polignano a Mare and Monopoli
Before embarking on our journey to Polignano a Mare and Monopoli, we started our day with breakfast in the Old Town. We eagerly sampled the traditional Focaccia Barese at Panificio Fiore.
Visiting the exterior of the castle, including the ramparts, towers, and moat, is free of charge.
To enter the museum, you’ll need to purchase a ticket. The castle, unlike many attractions in Bari, remains open all day without afternoon closures.
The castle’s courtyard, passages, and walls, along with informative boards and various indoor rooms showcasing artifacts and exhibitions, provide insight into its history.
Focaccia Barese
We couldn’t resist trying the renowned Focaccia Barese at Panificio Fiore, renowned as the best in Bari. Arriving at 9:10 am, we were among the first visitors, eager to taste this iconic dish for €2 per piece, payable by card.
Focaccia Barese, a flavorful flatbread crafted from flour, yeast, olive oil, salt, and garnished with cherry tomatoes, olives, and oregano, boasts a satisfying taste and texture that has earned it a special place in Bari’s culinary scene.
After satisfying our culinary curiosity, we ventured to Strada Arco Basso, also known as Strada Delle Orecchiette, where local women craft homemade pasta while curious onlookers observe.
This cultural tradition has been passed down through generations, with some grandmothers continuing to make pasta today. We purchased a 500g package of delicious pasta for just €2.5 in cash.
Traveling from Bari to Polignano a Mare
We headed to Bari Centrale, a 15-minute journey from the Old Town. Train tickets, priced at €2.8 per person, can be purchased from the station, either at a ticket office, machine, or online via the Trenitalia website.
Here you can see detailed timetables.
Our train departed at 11:30 am, and by precisely 12:00 pm, we had arrived in Polignano a Mare. While there are many places to explore in this charming town, we will highlight the must-visit spots for a full day.
Must-Visit Spots in Polignano a Mare
- Ponte di Polignano
- Beach Lama Monachile and Grotta Piana
- Statue of Domenico Modugno
- Porta Grande
- The Old Town and Piazza Dell’orologio
- Piazza Suor Maria Laselva
👉For more details on our itinerary in Polignano a Mare, you can click here.
From Polignano a Mare to Monopoli
Our next destination for the day was Monopoli. Catching a train at 16:35 pm, the journey took only 5 minutes and cost €1.2 per person, with tickets available from a station machine.
Monopoli is renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and delectable seafood cuisine, making it a perfect haven for sun and sea enthusiasts.
Whether you seek cultural enrichment or adventurous experiences, Monopoli offers a captivating destination.
Day 3: Traveling from Bari to Alberobello
On the following day, we opted for a bus journey to the enchanting town of Alberobello. The bus departs from Bari Ferrovie del Sud Est (Bari FSE), located to the left of Bari Centrale. We arrived at the station at 9:50 am for the 10:00 am departure.
A significant number of passengers were already waiting, and tickets could be purchased from the coffee shop behind the bus for €4.5 one-way, with return tickets available. Online ticket purchase is also an option here.
However, it’s worth noting that due to high demand, there may not be enough seats for everyone.
The company promised to arrange an additional bus for the remaining 30 passengers, expected to arrive within 20-30 minutes. Unfortunately, the bus was delayed, and we eventually departed for Alberobello at 10:55 am.
Tip: To avoid potential seat shortages on the bus, we recommend arriving at the bus station at least 30-40 minutes prior to departure or considering the train from Bari Centrale. Train tickets, approximately €5 each way, can be conveniently purchased from a ticket machine, office, or the website https://www.thetrainline.com.
Alberobello, a picturesque fairytale town known for its charming streets and unique conical stone houses called Trulli, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It offers an authentic Italian experience complemented by delightful cuisine and breathtaking natural beauty. With friendly locals and a rich history to uncover, Alberobello is a must-visit destination for unforgettable memories.
👉For more details on Alberobello, click here.
Day Trip to Trani
Following our exciting visit to Alberobello, we explored the “Pearl of the Adriatic” – Trani. A quick and comfortable train journey from Bari Centrale, we boarded the train at 16:10 pm and reached Trani in about 30 minutes, with tickets priced at €3.6 per person.
Trani offers a harmonious blend of cultural heritage and serene relaxation. Known as a “slow city” and a member of the esteemed Cittaslow International organization, Trani advocates for a more sustainable and culturally rich way of life.
Trani’s highlights include a remarkable Romanesque Cathedral, a picturesque harbor, stunning beaches, charming alleys lined with traditional homes, bustling local markets, and delectable seafood cuisine.
While Trani may not be a typical tourist destination, it is undoubtedly worth discovering and exploring.
👉For more information on this charming seaside town, click here.
Day 4: Traveling from Bari to Matera
We intentionally saved the best for last on our itinerary: the magnificent city of Matera, the crowning jewel of our entire trip. We headed to the train station to catch our train, purchasing tickets from a machine for €5.60 per person.
The train departs from Bari Centrale FAL, located just to the left of the Bari Centrale building.
Tickets can also be purchased online at https://ferrovieappulolucane.it/ for both outbound and return journeys. Our journey commenced at 9:59 am and concluded at 11:50 am, taking just under 2 hours.
The train journey is direct, with no transfers required.
Matera, the ancient city perched on a rocky outcrop in Italy’s Basilicata region, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements, with a history spanning over 10,000 years.
Boasting breathtaking views, Matera exudes the characteristics of a world-class tourist destination.
For a more in-depth exploration of this stunning city, click here.
The Cost of a Trip to Bari for Two People
Note: The table below excludes expenses for gifts, souvenirs, and gratuities at restaurants, cafes, and bars.
In Bari, it is customary to leave a gratuity of approximately 10% of the total bill, but it’s advisable to check if a service charge has already been included, particularly for larger groups.
Cost of Trip to Bari
What You Need to Know Before Your Trip to Bari
✅ Be aware that most trains and buses lack charging ports, so ensure your devices are fully charged or bring an external battery.
✅ When taking the train, remember to validate your ticket using the validators near the ticket machines.
✅ To charge your electronic devices in Italy, such as laptops, phones, and tablets, you’ll need an Italian plug adapter, available at most electronics or travel stores. Don’t let this oversight disrupt your Italian adventures!
In conclusion, the Puglia region offers a unique and budget-friendly travel destination. With its fascinating history, charming old town, and stunning coastal towns lik