Lungomare Promenade

Walk in Bari

La Ruota Panoramica Bari
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Cinzia la fotografa

Bari's Lungomare is one of the top attractions in the city — a sweeping seafront promenade that perfectly captures the spirit of southern Italy. Stretching for 15 kilometers along the Adriatic Sea, it offers breathtaking views of the water, elegant lampposts, and a rhythm of life that moves at the pace of the sea breeze. Whether you're here at sunrise with joggers and fishermen or at sunset when locals come out for the passeggiata, the Lungomare is both peaceful and vibrant, a great place to visit on a walking tour of Bari.

Dotted with cafés and seafood restaurants, it's the kind of place where you can pause for a plate of grilled octopus or a glass of white wine while watching boats drift in and out of the marina. Each section of the promenade reveals a different side of Bari — from the old quarter's medieval skyline to the grand architecture of the modern Murat district. This spot is one of the best places to see in Bari if you want to experience how the city connects past and present in one long, elegant curve by the sea.

History and Significance of Lungomare

The Lungomare's story intertwines with Bari's modern development. Its roots trace back to the early 19th century, during the reign of Gioacchino Murat, Napoleon's brother-in-law and the King of Naples. He envisioned a new district beside the old city — organized in a rational grid layout — which gave birth to the Murat Quarter. The first building rose here in 1816, marking the beginning of Bari's expansion beyond its medieval core.

During the Fascist era and the post–World War II period, Bari underwent further transformation, and Mussolini's urban planning reshaped much of the seafront. The clean lines, geometric façades, and rationalist architecture along the Lungomare still echo that period's aesthetic vision. Today, it stands as both a public gathering space and a living open-air museum, where architecture, history, and daily life blend effortlessly.

Things to See and Do in Lungomare

As you wander the promenade, you'll pass a series of landmarks that tell Bari's story. Near the old town, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas stands proudly, followed by the Archaeological Museum and the Fort of Sant'Antonio, a medieval bastion overlooking the sea. A little further along are the lively Piazza Mercantile and Piazza Ferrarese, both filled with restaurants and music on summer evenings.

Continue south and you'll come across the elegant Teatro Margherita, now an art exhibition space that seems to float on the water, and Giuseppe Mazzini Square, framed by stately modernist buildings. Along the way, stop at seaside cafés for a taste of local seafood — or simply sit on the stone benches and enjoy the gentle rhythm of waves against the breakwater. It's one of the things to do in Bari that captures the city's beauty in its simplest form.

How to Get There

Lungomare runs parallel to Bari's coastline and can be easily accessed from both the old city (Città Vecchia) and the Murat district. If arriving by train, it's a 10-minute walk from Bari Centrale railway station. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Drivers can park in nearby public car parks close to the seafront, though spaces fill quickly during weekends and summer evenings.

Practical Tips on Visitng Lungomare

  • Best time to visit Lungomare: Early morning for tranquility or sunset for atmosphere
  • Entrance fee in Euros: Free
  • Opening hours: Open 24 hours
  • Official website: None — public promenade
  • How long to spend: 1–2 hours, or longer with stops at cafés and museums
  • Accessibility: Fully accessible, flat walkway suitable for all visitors
  • Facilities: Benches, lighting, and nearby restrooms in cafés and public areas
  • Photography tip: The golden light of dusk creates perfect reflections on the water
  • Guided tours: Included in several local walking tours of Bari
  • Nearby food options: Try fresh seafood or aperitivo at waterfront restaurants along Corso Vittorio Veneto

Is Lungomare worth visiting?

Without a doubt. It's one of the top sights in Bari and one of the best coastal promenades in Italy. Whether you're walking, cycling, or people-watching, Lungomare captures the essence of Bari's relaxed lifestyle and its timeless connection to the sea.

FAQs for visitng

How long is the Lungomare?
About 15 kilometers, stretching along Bari's waterfront.

Can you swim nearby?
Yes, some areas have small beaches and swimming spots.

Is it safe at night?
Yes, it's well-lit and frequently visited by locals in the evenings.

Are there restaurants along the Lungomare?
Many — offering everything from seafood to gelato.

Is it good for cycling?
Yes, parts of the promenade have designated cycling paths.

Nearby Attractions to Lungomare

  • Basilica of Saint Nicholas — Bari's spiritual and architectural landmark
  • Swabian Castle — Medieval fortress with towers and moats
  • Bari Cathedral — Romanesque beauty dedicated to Saint Sabinus
  • Piazza Mercantile — Historic hub for dining and nightlife
  • Teatro Margherita — Waterfront theatre now showcasing art and culture

The Lungomare Promenade appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bari!

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Visiting Lungomare Promenade

Address: Lungomare Nazario Sauro, Bari, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy

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