Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Bari

Accommodation

$15-35 per night

Hostels with shared dormitories, budget guesthouses, basic B&Bs in residential areas outside the historic center

Food & Dining

$12-28 per day

Street food, local bakeries for focaccia barese, neighborhood trattorias, grocery shopping and self-catering, aperitivo buffets

Transportation

$3-8 per day

Public buses, walking within old town, occasional regional trains to nearby towns

Activities

$5-20 per day

Free walking tours, beach time, exploring Bari Vecchia on foot, occasional museum entry, free church visits

Eat focaccia barese and street food from local bakeries instead of tourist restaurants (typically 60-70% cheaper)

Stay in neighborhoods like Madonnella or Carrassi rather than the historic center for 30-50% accommodation savings

Use public buses and walk within the compact old town instead of taking taxis (saves 70-80% on transport)

Visit beaches like Pane e Pomodoro for free instead of paid beach clubs (saves $15-30 per day)

Shop at local markets like Mercato del Pesce for fresh ingredients if self-catering (50-60% cheaper than restaurants)

Take advantage of aperitivo buffets in early evening for dinner-sized portions at drink prices

Book accommodation 2-3 months ahead during peak summer season for 20-40% discounts

Eating only in the tourist-heavy areas around the cathedral and waterfront (typically 100-150% markup over neighborhood spots)

Taking taxis for every trip instead of using the efficient local bus system (3-4x more expensive)

Booking accommodation during peak August weeks without advance planning (prices can be 200-300% higher)

Buying groceries at tourist convenience stores instead of local supermarkets (typically 40-60% markup)