Is Bari safe to visit? A comprehensive safety guide

Bari is a coastal city and the capital of the Puglia region, Southern Italy. It is nestled on the Adriatic Sea, with a population of over 320,000, and receives hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It has a fascinating and complicated history dating back to the Bronze Age.

Though not a major tourist destination in Italy, Bari has much to offer historians, art enthusiasts, and nature lovers. You can tour a local museum or an art gallery in the city center, head to one of the scenic beaches, explore historic sites, and lose yourself in the winding streets of the Old Town Bari Vecchia. For foodies, Apulian cuisine is a must-try with simple ingredients with rich flavors, like tiella and focaccia barese.

Satisfy your wanderlust during the peak tourist season from June through August, though April and early fall are often considered the best time to visit Bari if you’re looking for cheaper flights and accommodation and fewer crowds. But whenever you decide to come, be a smart traveler and protect your belongings by entrusting them with Bounce luggage storage in Bari. It’s a convenient way to enjoy everything the capital has to offer without your heavy bags.

Is Bari safe to visit right now?

Italy is one of the world’s most peaceful cities, based on the 2021 Global Peace Index, with a safety score of 1.65. And as part of Italy, Bari is a safe city to travel to. You’ll unlikely become a victim of violent crime, and you’ll be safe in most parts of the town.

Like other cities, Bari isn’t perfect and has the occasional petty theft and minor crimes, like pickpocketing.

Keep in mind that your well-being and the safety of your belongings should be your utmost priority. We’ll provide you with essential travel tips and advice, but still do additional research and use your common sense when visiting Bari, especially if you’re new to traveling. We also recommend that you read your government’s official travel guidelines for the city or country you decide to visit to help you make informed decisions about your travel plans.

Top petty crimes and scams in Bari affecting tourists

Italy is one of the most famous European countries, and most cities here, including Bari, receive many tourists. They are an easy target for thieves and scammers, so if you’re also visiting the city, be wary. Although Bari is still considered safe in general, there are petty crimes and scams here and there. Look at these Bari safety tips to be well informed.

Picture scam

While walking around Bari, a local may approach you, asking that you take a picture of them. It may seem like a harmless request and doesn’t require much from you, but this may actually be a scam. After you take the photo and hand the camera back to them, they purposely drop it and demand that you pay for the damages. To avoid this scam, it’s best to refuse any offer to take a photo of you unless you’re confident they’re also tourists. Then you can return the favor by taking their picture.

ATM scam

Tourists are the main targets of ATM scams in Bari. When making a purchase or withdrawing money, there’s a local bank fee, and scammers take advantage of this. They can talk you into giving their credit or debit card details in the pretense of helping them avoid the additional costs.

There’s another ATM scam in Bari where you encounter an issue with the machine, and a local will offer to sort it out for you but steals your bank details in the process. If you encounter these people on your trip, politely refuse the stranger’s help. Try getting a credit card with no foreign currency fees and cover the number pad when typing your pin code.

Pickpocketing

Pickpockets operate around famous tourist destinations, public markets, and other high-traffic areas. Beware of pickpockets and keep your personal items close when you’re in crowded areas. Leaving your belongings with Bounce will also relieve the worry.

Vehicle theft

Bari has the second-highest number of motor vehicle theft in Italy. If you’re renting a car and driving on your trip, park it in a location with reliable security. You’ll also want to always keep it locked and avoid leaving your valuables unattended inside.

Is Bari safe to travel alone

Bari is a safe Italian city for tourists from around the world, whether you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or alone. Solo female travelers can also leave their worries behind, as Italy is one of the most peaceful countries for women, with a Women’s Peace and Security index score of .842 and ranking 23rd among the best female safety travel destinations in the world on the Bounce Women Travel Safety Index.

Besides the usual caveats of avoiding dark corners or walking alone at night, you can explore the city without experiencing any threat to your safety in Bari. Tourists aren’t at risk of being a victim of violent crime.

Safest neighborhoods in Bari

If you’re looking for a place to stay, here are the safest Bari neighborhoods to enjoy.

Bari-Palese

A quiet neighborhood is a place to be if you want a safe stay in a city. In that case, head to the Palese district. It’s more of a local spot than a tourist destination, so there’s not much in the way of crowds, and thus, fewer safety risks overall. However, this doesn’t mean Bari-Palese doesn’t have anything to offer. In fact, there are several attractions, local shops and restaurants, and beaches in the area for you to enjoy.

Carassi

Another quiet neighborhood in Bari is the Carassi district. It’s not as crowded as it’s away from the city center, but you can quickly get there via public transportation. Also, Carassi may be quiet but offers several nightlife options, ranging from pubs to bars and clubs. Here, you can have fun without being too worried about your safety.

Murattiano

The Murattiano or Murat district is a renowned neighborhood in Bari for its entertainment options, many attractions, and proximity to the city center. Compared to the other two, it’s more crowded, but it’s not any less safe. In fact, because of its wide streets and many stations, it provides a safer way to explore the city.

Is Bari public transportation safe?

It’s not necessary to rent a car when getting around Bari, and some areas are hard to get into because of the narrow streets. Going by public transportation like the train is also not ideal for the same reason and due to their limitations. Preferably, get around Bari by taxi or on foot.

Important emergency numbers in Bari

It is always a good idea to plan for any emergencies that may occur during your trip. So before heading off on a Bari adventure, be sure to have the number of proper authorities saved on your phone. You should also be aware of your embassy number because you never know when you’ll need it.

• Italy country code: +39
• Bari area code: 80
• Medical Emergency Service: 118
• Police: 113
• Carabinieri: 112
• Fire Department: 115
• Local Tourism Authority: 080.5589745

Staying safe in Puglia’s capital

While this stunning Italian city isn’t dangerous for tourists, the answer to the question “Is Bari Safe?” depends on every individual. If you exercise caution and situational awareness, you can have an exciting and safe trip to the lovely capital of the Puglia region.

If you need help navigating the city, check out our tips on How to Get Around Bari. You might also find valuable information in our guide on Where to Stay in Bari: The Ultimate Guide before booking a hotel room in the city.