Bari: Street Food Walking Tour with Focaccia & Gelato Tasting

Summary

Wander Bari’s old streets tasting focaccia, fried treats and gelato with a local

You’ll wander Bari’s winding old town with a local guide, tasting fresh focaccia straight from the oven, fried panzerotti and sgagliozze on street corners, sharp cheeses with wine in a family-run shop, and homemade gelato by the sea. Expect laughter, stories, and little moments that stick with you long after you’ve brushed off the crumbs.

What’s the experience like?

“If you eat sgagliozze standing up, it tastes better,” Marco grinned as he handed me a paper napkin. I’d never even heard of sgagliozze before this street food tour in Bari — fried polenta squares that leave your fingers oily and somehow make the sea air smell even saltier. We started near Piazza del Ferrarese, where the stones are worn smooth and grandmas gossip from their doorways. Marco knew everyone; every few minutes he’d wave or call out a joke in dialect. I liked that he didn’t rush us past anything — we stopped to watch an old man rolling dough for focaccia barese behind a foggy window, and he let me try to say “panzerotto” properly (I failed).

The Basilica of Saint Nicholas surprised me — not just for its quiet crypt but because Marco pointed out a tiny carved detail I’d have missed. He said locals come here for luck before big exams or weddings. After that we ducked into a salumeria for cheese and salami (the caciocavallo was sharp and creamy at the same time), washed down with a glass of wine poured by someone who looked like she’d been doing it forever. The bread was still warm from the oven. There was this moment outside the Swabian Castle when the wind picked up and you could hear church bells echoing off the stone — I don’t know why but it felt like time slowed down there.

By the time we hit the gelateria, my stomach was full but there’s always room for pistachio gelato, right? The owner let us taste two flavors first — honestly, I still think about that pistachio. The tour ended along Bari’s modern seaside promenade where kids zipped by on scooters and shop windows glinted in the sun. It wasn’t fancy or staged; just real people eating real food in their city. I left with olive oil on my hands and crumbs in my bag — which is probably how you’re supposed to finish a day trip in Bari’s old town, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Bari old town and taste food

• Visit Basilica of Saint Nicholas
• See Crypt of Saint Nicholas
• Visit Cathedral of Saint Sabinus
• Explore Swabian Castle
• Learn focaccia making at Panificio
• Taste focaccia slice
• Discover cheeses and salami at Salumeria
• Drink a glass of wine
• Taste fried street food: sgagliozze and panzerotti
• Enjoy home-made ice cream at Gelateria
• Discover modern French part of city
• Walk along famous sea-side
• See opera theaters and luxury shopping streets

Top questions

How long does the Bari street food walking tour last?

The tour typically lasts around 3 hours as you explore Bari’s old town on foot.

What foods do you try on this street food tour?

You’ll taste focaccia barese, panzerotti or sgagliozze (fried treats), cheeses and salami with wine, plus homemade ice cream.

Is there a guide during the tour?

Yes, a multilingual local guide leads the group through Bari’s historic center.

Are vegetarian options available?

The tour includes several vegetarian-friendly tastings like focaccia and cheese; specific requests can be made in advance.

Does this day trip include pickup or meeting point?

The tour includes an easy meeting point in central Bari but does not include hotel pickup.

Is this street food walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas are wheelchair accessible including transportation options nearby.

Are children allowed on this food tour?

Yes, children are welcome; infants can ride in strollers and child rates apply when booking with two adults.

What attractions will we see during the walk?

You’ll visit Piazza del Ferrarese, Basilica of Saint Nicholas (including its crypt), Swabian Castle, and parts of modern Bari by the sea.

What’s included

Your day includes guided tastings of focaccia barese fresh from a bakery oven, cheeses and salami paired with wine at a family-run shop, classic fried street foods like panzerotti or sgagliozze depending on what’s available that day, plus homemade gelato at a local gelateria—all led by a multilingual guide through Bari’s historic streets. Bottled water is provided along with free wifi access and storage if needed.