Bari: Rickshaw Bike Tour, Swabian Castle & Ice Cream Tasting

Summary

Ride through bari’s old town alleys, taste real gelato, see pasta made by hand

You’ll ride through Bari’s tangled old town on a modern rickshaw-bike with a local guide who knows every shortcut. Watch fresh pasta being made in hidden alleys, explore landmarks like Swabian Castle and St. Nicholas Basilica, then finish with homemade ice cream. It’s lively, unscripted—and leaves you wanting to linger just a bit longer.

What’s the experience like?

“In Bari, we say the sea is our clock,” our guide Paola grinned as she adjusted her sunglasses and waved us onto the rickshaw-bike. I didn’t know what that meant at first, but it sort of made sense as we rolled past the Swabian Castle—the air was salty, and time felt slower here. The rickshaw was surprisingly comfy (my knees are not built for cobblestones), and Paola chatted with a fishmonger in dialect as we passed the market. I caught a whiff of frying something—anchovies maybe?—and heard laughter echoing from a narrow alley.

We zigzagged through streets where laundry flapped overhead like flags. At one point, we stopped near a doorway where two women were rolling orecchiette on wooden boards. Paola encouraged me to say “cavatelli” properly—I tried, failed, and everyone laughed (including me). There’s something about seeing pasta made right there that makes you hungry, even if you just had breakfast. The main keyword here is Bari rickshaw tour, but honestly it just felt like hanging out with locals more than anything formal.

The Basilica of Saint Nicholas looked almost unreal in the late morning light—white stone glowing against the blue sky. We didn’t go inside long (Paola said mass was starting), but she pointed out a tiny carved detail on the door I would’ve missed. Then came Piazza del Ferrarese, busy with people arguing gently over espresso cups. Our last stop was for ice cream—a little cup of pistachio that tasted somehow both cold and warm at once (I know that makes no sense). Sitting there with sticky fingers and sun on my face, I thought: this is why I travel. Still think about that gelato sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Bari's main attractions by rickshaw

• Join guided rickshaw tour
• Visit Basilica of Saint Nicholas
• See Cathedral of San Sabino
• Explore Piazza del Ferrarese
• Walk through Piazza Mercantile
• Visit Norman Swabian Castle
• Taste homemade Italian ice cream

Top questions

How long does the Bari rickshaw tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Is the Bari rickshaw tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

What attractions do you see on this Bari rickshaw tour?

You visit Swabian Castle, Piazza del Ferrarese, St. Nicholas Basilica, and traditional alleys where locals make pasta.

Is there food included in the Bari rickshaw tour?

Yes, homemade ice cream or focaccia tasting is included during the tour.

Can infants join the Bari rickshaw tour?

Yes, infants can join; specialized seats are available and infants may sit on an adult’s lap.

How many people fit in one rickshaw?

A maximum of three adults or two adults plus one child (up to 10 years old) can ride per rickshaw.

Does the Bari rickshaw tour include a local guide?

Yes, an expert multilingual local guide leads the tour.

Are service animals allowed on this Bari tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes a 1.5-hour ride on an eco-friendly rickshaw-bike through central Bari with an expert multilingual local guide by your side. You’ll enjoy either homemade ice cream or focaccia tasting along the way; free Wi-Fi and storage service are also provided so you can relax as you explore these historic streets together.