Is Bari Safe for Tourists? What You Should Know Before You Go

Bari, the charming capital of Italy’s Puglia region, is a hidden gem that’s quickly gaining popularity with travelers. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and understated coastal beauty, it’s easy to see why people are drawn to this city. But if you’re unfamiliar with Puglia and Southern Italy, you might be wondering – is Bari safe to visit?

Having traveled to Puglia recently, I spent some time in Bari as well as several other cities across Puglia including Ostuni, Lecce and Matera. Although safety was never something I had an issue with during my stay in Bari, there are certainly things to consider which make your experience in Bari safer as a tourist. We will go through these below –

Is Bari Safe For Tourists?

Yes, Bari in Italy, is generally safe for tourists and residents, with low crime rates compared to other European cities. The city center, Old Town and popular areas like the seafront promenade are well-patrolled and safe for walking, even at night. However, as with any travel destination, one should stay vigilant in crowded areas, markets as well as on public transport to avoid pickpocketing.

Crime Rates in Bari

Petty crimes such as pick pocketing are typically the main concerns for tourists when it comes to safety in Italy. Bari had 14.39 instances of snatch thefts reported in 2023, with pickpocketing being the most common. This is relatively low compared to larger cities like Rome per Italy’s crime statistics index.

Incidents of violent crime are rare in Bari, with the city reporting less than 11 cases in 2023, making it one of the safer cities in Italy.

Are there parts of Bari that are unsafe?

Most areas you will encounter as a touirist as generally considered very safe, such as Bari’s Old Town. However there are some areas such as San Paolo and Enziteto which can be considered a little rough, however these are further out from the city and not typically areas you would go to as a tourist.

Bari Old Town

Bari Old Town also referred to as ‘Bari Vecchia’, is the charming historic center of this city. It is a must visit for tourists with its winding streets, historic sites and cathedrals. While the old town is lively and safe during the day, some parts can feel a bit isolated at night, particularly in less populated alleys. It’s best to stick to well-lit, busier areas after dark when walking in Bari at night.

Murat District

Murat is the modern city center and heart of Bari, located outside of the Old Town. It is known for its shopping streets, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. This area is considered very safe both day and night, with a strong police presence most of the time and a high density of locals and tourists. According to local crime statistics, the Murat District reports one of the lowest crime rates in the city, making it a good option for accommodation, if you want to stay outside of the Old Town.

Is it Safe to Walk in Bari at Night?

We arrived in Bari Old Town at 11pm, hence our first encounter with the city was finding parking in one of the many parking garages next to the Bari Old Town, then walking late at night through the Old town to get to our accommodation.

Overall, walking in the city at night never felt unsafe to me, it was well light in most places along major roads and routes in the Old Town.

One thing I would note if you’re staying in Bari’s Old town is that the ZTL (restricted traffic zone) operates in this area. As such, even if you are catching a taxi or rideshare to your accommodation at night, you will likely be dropped off at the ZTL zones border as cars are often restricted from going into the Old Town itself. So be prepared to walk some distance at night to get to your accommodation.

As long as you exercise vigilance and stick to main roads and streets that are well lit, it feels safe to walk in Bari at night.

Satefy on Public Transport

Getting around Bari is relatively easy, thanks to its efficient public transportation system, which includes buses, trains, and taxis. The bus network is widely used by both locals and tourists, and it’s generally considered safe.

Safety on Trains and Buses in Bari

It is to be noted though that pickpocketing can be an issue on crowded buses in some Italian metropolitan areas, especially during peak hours. To stay safe, it’s best to keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying valuables while on public transport.

The train stations in Bari, particularly the central Bari Centrale, are also safe but can get busy during rush hour or during summer months from May to September, so staying alert is important, especially when traveling around with luggage items. I personally don’t like spending too much time in train stations and hence normally find a cafe nearby if waiting for the train, instead of waiting within the station itself.

Taxis and Rideshares in Bari

Uber in Italy operates with major restrictions on its main services and also charges a premium price. As such, it is best to use other alternative rideshare apps in Italy, or get a licensed taxi which are readily available throughout the city. In order to avoid potential issues like overcharging, I would recommend checking with the driver if the taxi meter is running or agree on a fare beforehand.

Is Bari Safe to Travel Alone?

As a solo traveler who spent time in Bari and across other cities in Puglia, I found Bari to be generally very welcoming and a safe destination as a tourist. The friendliness of locals and the overall sense of security felt above average compared to other parts of Italy.

Moreover, Bari and Puglia both have relatively low levels of harassment and scams compared to other major tourist destinations in Italy. The city’s efforts to maintain a safe environment for tourists, combined with the helpfulness of locals, contribute to its positive safety perception.

Is Puglia safe for tourists?

Yes, Pugia is generally safe for both tourists and residents with comparatively low crime rates to some of the more visited regions in Italy. However, there are some petty crimes like pickpocketing and scams in tourist areas. Organized crime exists, however it rarely affects visitors, and violent crime is low. Further, Puglia’s main cities like Bari, Lecce, Alberobello and Ostuni have generally well lit centers, a visible police presence, and friendly locals all contributing to the regions’ safety. Nonethless, it is best to stay vigilant to avoid pickpocketing, particularly near crowded areas and public transport.

Having visited other regions of Puglia, below are my thoughts on safety across the other cities in Puglia.

Lecce

The city of Lecce is known as the “Florence of the South”. I found Lecce to be a safe, walkable city especially in the historic center of the Old Town. The busiest areas here are shops and restaurants fronts as well as the bustling piazzas. The only time I felt extra cautious was when we were sitting outside at a wine bar just outside a busy Piazza. Having heard numerous stories of phone snatching incidents in London and Europe I was extra cautious with where I put my phone and belongings while sitting outside.

I would recommend putting phones away instead of on the table if you are not actively using it, especially if seated outside near foot traffic where the chances of snatchers is higher.

Alberobello

Alberobello is famous for its unique trull ‘cone’ houses, Alberobello is a much smaller and quieter town compared to Bari, although tourist numbers can peak during the day as people come in for day trips to visit the historic center. The safety perception here is extremely high, with very few incidents reported by tourists.

Ostuni

Ostuni is known as the White city, referring to its iconic whitewashed buildings which can be seen from a distance approaching the city. Similar to Lecce, Ostuni is a safe, walkable city with the busiest areas being the bustling Piazzas and restaurants. So best to exercise caution in these areas.

Baby Gangs in Italy

Baby gangs referx to groups of young people, often teenagers, involved in petty crime, vandalism, and sometimes even violent acts. These are a growing concern in cities like Naples and Milan where economic hardship has contributed to their rise. While these are largely uncommon in Bari and the wider Puglia region, it is best to be aware of their existence when traveling through Italy.

Is Bari safe to travel alone?

Bari is safe to travel alone. Why? – It has walkable and safe streets as well as welcoming locals. Nonetheless as with any city and region in Italy, it is best to exercise caution in a new and unfamiliar city.

If you need help in Bari

The emergency number in Italy is 112 for all safety related calls for police, fire or health emergencies. If you have valuable or passport stolen, you can file a report with the police in italy, by locating the nearest police station (Commissariato di Polizi).

Food and Water Safety in Bari

Bari, like the rest of Italy has strict food safety rules as most restaurants and cafes adhere to high hygeine standards. Nonetheless, when eating street food, make sure you pick somewhere that looks clean and has a high turnover of hot food.

Tap water in Bari as well as the rest of Puglia if safe to drink. If you prefer the taste of the mineral content of water in Bari and Southern Italy, then bottled water is also a relatively inexpensive option.

Travel Tips to Keep Safe in Bari

1. Stay in Well-Lit and Busy Areas

Though generally safe to walk at night, it is best to stick to well-lit, busy streets, especially at night. I found this to be the case, when arriving in Bari at 11pm and has to walk through the Old Town to make my way to our accommodation at night.

2. Be Aware of Pickpockets

Like many tourist destinations, pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas such as markets, outside restaurants, bars and on public transportation/ Keep your belongings secure,and keep your phone away if you are not actively using it.

Moreover, if you are in Bari for less than a day, consider putting all your luggage away in a locker storage service like Stow Your Bags in Bari’s Old Town rather than worry about carrying luggage around while exploring.

3. Use Licensed Transportation

When using taxis, ensure they are licensed and that the meter is running before getting in. Even better is using rideshare apps like IT Taxi and WeTaxi which offer an added layer of security.

4. Learn Basic Italian Phrases

While I found that many people in Bari speak English, it always helps knowing a few basic Italian phrases, especially in case of emergencies or when asking for directions or help.

Here are some common ones worth learning –

Mi scusi, quanto costa questo? – Excuse me, how much does this cost?
Dove si trova la stazione centrale? – Where is the central station?
Grazie mille – Thank you very much

People in Bari are exceptionally friendly, nonetheless I found a little effort with language is always much appreciated.

5. Health and Safety

If for any reason, you need access to over the counter medicines, pharmacy chains such as LloydsFarmacia and Farmacie Rubino are common and can easily be found around the Old Town of Bari. These typically operate between 8am – 7.30pm, with some open 24 hours.

6. Keep Emergency Numbers Handy:

The emergency number in Italy is 112 for police, fire, and medical assistance.

7. Be Cautious at ATMs

I would recommend it is best to withdraw money using ATMs located inside banks or well-lit, populated areas. Some non bank ATMS can either charge a lefty fee, or result is card give card issues, so best to avoid these where possible. On the plus side, Italy is becoming more and more cashless, although street markets and small vendors still prefer cash.

8. Stay Informed

Before and during your trip, stay informed about any local news or events that might affect your safety, including demonstrations and gatherings. Although generally speaking, political activity and protests are not a major safety concern for tourists in Itay.

9. Plan Your Routes

Before heading out, plan your routes to avoid getting lost, especially at night. I have always found whenever traveling or walking alone as a female traveler, there is always a less chance of being approached by anyone unwanted when you are walking with purpose and direction. I have practiced this all the time, even when I don’t quite know where I am walking.

10. Get Travel Insurance

Make sure you have travel insurance before embarking on your travels in Italy. Depending on the type of insurance policy you have, this can often provide cover for theft and damage to personal items as well as emergency assistance while traveling.