Bari in 1 Day for Couples - Exterior of Castello Normanno-Svevo (Norman-Swabian Castle)
In Collaboration with Jumpytravel. Updated on February 26, 2026.
A relaxed small-group walk through Bari Vecchia to see the Norman-Swabian Castle (external), the orecchiette street Arco Basso, the Cathedral of San Sabino, Basilica di San Nicola (outside), the sixteenth-century walls and the main squares.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Jumpytravel, inspired by the tour Bari Walking tour in small group . Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Exterior of Castello Normanno-Svevo (Norman-Swabian Castle)
- Arco Basso — local women making orecchiette
- Cattedrale di San Sabino (Cathedral of San Sabino)
- Basilica di San Nicola (outside) and relics area
- Stroll along the sixteenth-century walls (Via Venezia viewpoint)
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet at the entrance of Castello Normanno-Svevo. The guide leads a steady, unhurried 2.5-hour walk through Bari Vecchia visiting the castle exterior, Arco Basso, San Sabino, Basilica di San Nicola (outside), the city walls (Via Venezia) and the main squares.
Meeting & Castello Normanno-Svevo (external)
Meeting point and short introduction. Exterior viewing of the Norman-Swabian Castle and moat; internal visits are excluded and can be done independently after the tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 5–10 minutes before the scheduled start and wait at the main entrance of Castello Normanno-Svevo (look for the castle walls and moat).
- Wear comfortable shoes — the meeting point is beside cobbled surfaces; small steps or thresholds may be present.
- If you plan to visit the interior after the tour, bring an ID and check opening hours locally, as the internal visit is not included.
Via Arco Basso — orecchiette street
Visit the famous Arco Basso where local women hand-make orecchiette. Time for photos and short chats; participants may observe and photograph but not join professional demonstrations unless separately arranged.
Tips from local experts:
- Be respectful when photographing locals; ask before close-up portraits and keep voices low to preserve the street atmosphere.
- This street is narrow and may be busy — keep a close partner-hold if you have a bag or camera to avoid crowding.
- If you want to taste orecchiette afterwards, ask the guide for a nearby casual spot; tasting is not included in the tour.
Cattedrale di San Sabino (exterior)
Short visit to the Cathedral of San Sabino (external viewing). This stop highlights the cathedral's architecture and its role in Bari's history; interior entry is excluded unless arranged separately.
Tips from local experts:
- Dress modestly for respectful viewing near religious sites — shoulders and knees covered is recommended when entering interiors later.
- The cathedral square has limited seating; couples who need to sit can use nearby benches on the square for short rests.
- Photography of the exterior is fine; if you wish to enter later, check the cathedral's opening times independently.
Basilica di San Nicola (outside)
Visit the Basilica di San Nicola (exterior and surrounding area). The guide will explain the importance of the relics; interior entry is excluded from the tour.
Tips from local experts:
- The basilica area can be busy; for a quieter photo, wait a few minutes for smaller crowds or request the guide to point out less crowded angles.
- Mind the steps and thresholds around the basilica exterior; hold hands on uneven surfaces for stability.
- If you plan to enter the basilica later, bring modest clothing and allow time after the tour — interior access is excluded from this walk.
Walk along the sixteenth-century walls (Via Venezia)
Pleasant stroll along the ancient walls and seafront area, offering scenic views and photo opportunities over the Adriatic.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a light layer for coastal breeze; the walls face the sea and can be windier than the inner streets.
- There are short raised walkways and uneven stones — walk carefully and use handrails where available.
- This stretch has good sunset potential; for couples preferring golden-hour photos, note the guide can point out the best viewpoint but sunset timing depends on date.
Piazza Mercantile
Visit the historic Piazza Mercantile — a central square that reflects Bari's commercial past and offers good photo stops.
Tips from local experts:
- The square has cafés and seating; if you want a coffee after the tour, note the guide can point out nearby cafes but refreshments are not included.
- Watch for small traffic near the edges of the square; keep personal items secure in crowded moments.
- If you prefer quieter moments, cross to the smaller side alleys for intimate photo opportunities away from the main square.
Piazza del Ferrarese
Final stop at Piazza del Ferrarese before concluding the tour; a lively square bordering the old harbor area.
Tips from local experts:
- This piazza can be lively; keep a clear meeting point in mind for the tour end (the guide will confirm the exact spot).
- If you'd like to continue exploring together, this square connects easily to the seafront and cafes — plan a short walk rather than rushing off.
- Public restrooms are limited in the immediate piazza; if needed, ask the guide for the nearest facilities before the tour ends.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 7 |
| Total Places | 7 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Neighborhood, Culture, Outdoor |
