Bari: Street Food Walking Tour with Local Delicacies & Ice Cream

Summary

Wander Bari’s alleys tasting focaccia panzerotti octopus & gelato

You’ll wander Bari’s old town with a local guide, tasting focaccia barese straight from an old bakery, biting into piping hot panzerotti, sampling fried polenta and popizze in hidden corners, then savoring grilled octopus sandwiches with cold beer before finishing off with fresh gelato on warm city streets.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly walked right past our meeting spot in Piazza dell'Odegitria—there was this old man feeding pigeons under the palms, and for a second I thought maybe he was our guide. Turns out it was Lucia, waving near the cathedral door with this big grin. She started us off right away with a story about her nonna’s obsession with sgagliozze (I still can’t pronounce it), and honestly, that set the tone—lots of laughter and food memories mixed together.

The first bite of focaccia barese from this tiny bakery (I’d never have found it alone) was all warm tomato and olive oil, crust just salty enough. Lucia explained how they use boiled potatoes in the dough—makes it soft inside but crisp on the edges. We ate standing outside because there’s no room inside, just the smell of yeast and tomatoes drifting out every time someone opened the door. People kept greeting Lucia like she was their cousin or something.

Walking those narrow alleys in Bari Vecchia, we passed women chatting from their doorways while frying popizze in these battered pans—oil popping louder than their voices. I tried one; almost burned my tongue but worth it. The sgagliozze were next—fried polenta squares that taste better than they sound (trust me). Lucia teased me for eating them too fast. After that came panzerotto—hot mozzarella and tomato oozing out when you bite in. I made a mess. No regrets.

By the time we got to the octopus sandwich stop near Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the sun was dipping low and everything smelled like sea breeze and grilled seafood. Cold beer helped with the heat—my hands were still greasy from before but nobody cared. Last thing: gelato at a place near Castello Svevo. I picked pistachio because Lucia said it’s “the real test.” She wasn’t wrong.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bari street food tasting tour

• Meet at Piazza dell'Odegitria
• Pass Cathedral of San Sabino
• Taste focaccia barese at bakery
• Walk past Civic Museum of Bari
• Eat sgagliozze and fried popizze
• Try panzerotto with various fillings
• Walk through Corso Vittorio Emanuele
• Eat grilled octopus sandwich with beer
• Enjoy fresh ice cream in city

Top questions

Where does the Bari street food tour start?

The tour starts at Piazza dell'Odegitria inside Bari Vecchia, near the Cathedral's front door.

What foods are included on this Bari street food walking tour?

You’ll try focaccia barese, sgagliozze (fried polenta), popizze (fried dough), panzerotto (filled pastry), an octopus sandwich, and gelato.

Is lunch or dinner included on this food tour?

Yes, both lunch and dinner are included as part of the tour experience.

How long is the walk between stops on this day trip?

The walking distances are short as all stops are within Bari’s historic center; expect leisurely strolls between tastings.

Is this street food tour suitable for children or strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can join using a pram or stroller; it’s suitable for all fitness levels.

Does the guide speak English during the tour?

The guide leads tours in both English and Italian as needed for guests.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Bottled water is included throughout; a cold beer is served with the octopus sandwich stop.

Will we visit any landmarks during this Bari food tour?

You’ll pass by landmarks like Cathedral of San Sabino, Civic Museum of Bari, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, and end near Castello Svevo.

What’s included

Your day includes guided tastings of classic Bari street foods like focaccia barese, panzerotto, fried polenta squares (sgagliozze), popizze pancakes, grilled octopus sandwiches paired with cold beer, fresh ice cream to finish—and bottled water along the way to keep you going between bites.