Travelling to Italy? The north and centre of the country are packed with incredible cities to visit. Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan are all easy to travel between and have lots to see. When you get to the south, you may think it’s tricky to navigate beyond Naples – but you’d be wrong!
Puglia, on the heel of Italy’s boot, is one of the most beautiful and underrated regions in the country, boasting miles of gorgeous beaches, historical monuments, and incredible food. And the best place to base yourself in is the regional capital, Bari.
Famous for a fantastic seafood and streetfood scene and the romantic old town, it’s also where you’ll find the bones of St Nicholas (yep, that’s Santa Claus).
While you might already be starting to pack your bag, hold on just one second; first, you’ll need to find somewhere to stay. While Bari has some great hotels and quirky Airbnbs, these can put a big hole in your budget.
Instead, consider staying in one of the best hostels in Bari. They’re great places to keep your costs down and meet other travellers. To find the perfect place for you, we’ve put together this handy list of Bari’s best hostels.
So, let’s check them out!
Quick Answer : Best Hostels in Bari
- Overall Best Hostel in Bari – Olive Tree
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Bari – Host Bari Centrale
- Best Hostel with a Private Room in Bari – Guesthouse City Center Bari
- Best Hostel for Couples in Bari – Archita Guest House
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Best Hostels in Bari
When you get to Bari, you’re going to want to throw yourself into local culture straight from the go. With some of the cutest hostels in Italy, you’ll love your home as much as the region itself. But let’s take care of finding your Bari hostel first.
It might not be the most famous location for backpackers in Italy, but you’ll be surprised by how much Bari has to offer. The following ten budget accommodations fit a wide range of travel styles – including yours!
Olive Tree – Overall Best Hostel in Bari
Kicking off our list of the best hostels in Bari is Olive Tree. In 2014, this was rated as the 7th best hostel in Europe by Hostelworld visitors, so you don’t just have to take our word that it’s a great place to stay. If you’re nervous about finding your way around Puglia and Basilicata (it can be quite tricky if you don’t speak Italian), don’t be! The hostel offers organised tours to Polignano a Mare, the city of Matera (once known as the shame of Italy), and Alberobello’s famous trulli houses. When you get back, chill out on the roof terrace and soak up the good life!
Host Bari Centrale – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Bari
Just look at the beautiful high ceilings in this place! If you’ve got a keen eye for interior design, you’re going to love this hostel. However, that’s not all it’s suitable for. Located close to the city’s train station, it’s perfect if you’re looking to make some day trips under your own steam. If you’re staying closer to home, it’s not bad either. All rooms come with a seating area, but there’s also a shared lounge. Whichever of those you choose, it’s not hard to strike up a conversation with fellow travellers and perhaps even finding a travel buddy to explore the city with!
Guesthouse City Center Bari – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Bari
The rooms at Guest House Bari are not only private, but they’re also rather large, and the hostel is right by the port. You might even be lucky enough to wake up with a view of the sea! Rooms come with balconies, and you’re able to use the kitchen if you’re staying for a long time. There’s a washing machine which you can use for a fee; we’re sure that a few euros won’t be too much bother if you’ve spent weeks in the same clothes! While this may not be a buzzing party hostel, it’s the perfect place for some R + R by the seaside!
Archita Guest House – Best Hostel for Couples in Bari
If you’re travelling with your other half, staying in a sweaty, smelly dorm with a load of other people doesn’t exactly scream romance. However, there are ways of travelling on a budget where you can still have some quality time and privacy together. One such option is Archita Guest House, one of the highest recommended hostels in Bari! As well as a comfy double room, you can wine and dine each other in the fully equipped kitchen and dining room. There are also free transfers from the train station, so you can save cash on a taxi too!
Blablabla’ Bari – Best Cheap Hostel in Bari
With one of the lowest bed prices in Bari and a great deal on private rooms, Blablabla’ is ideally suited to travellers hoping to keep costs down. If you arrive in Bari by train, you won’t have far to go as this place is on the doorstep. There are lots of nice features that will make your stay a comfy one, including a large kitchen, outdoor terrace, and a book exchange. The helpful and friendly staff speak English, Italian, and Portuguese, and they’ll be happy to recommend things to do in Bari!
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View on Osprey View on REISanta Claus – Best Hostel for Families in Bari
If you didn’t know that the bones of St. Nicholas were buried in a nearby church, you’d probably find it weird that this place was called Santa Claus. In fact, you still might. Nevertheless, it’s an excellent place for a family to stay – especially those with small kids. Located in the heart of the Old Town, Santa Claus consists of three affordable apartments. The others are named Bohemian Rhapsody and Freddie Mercury – since Queen played in Bari several years ago. While you might not be sold on the names, you can’t argue with the free breakfast, private shuttle, and location in the centre of the Old Town.
Seven Maze Charming House – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Bari
This glamorous Bari bed and breakfast is by far the most expensive option on our list. However, if you’re working and travelling at the same time, you can usually afford to splash out a little bit extra. There’s a laptop-friendly workspace so you can continue your work in your room. But for a bit of inspiration, why not head to the on-site botanical garden? Even if you don’t work there, it’ll be a great place to take a break and relieve your stress! Though pricey, there are several freebies, including breakfast, parking, Wi-Fi (very important), and city maps. Looks like you’ve found your next temporary office!
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Great Hostels in Bari
Here are three more budget accommodations in Bari that are well worth a look if none of the above match your taste – or they’re fully booked! If you’re planning on travelling further, make sure you know where to stay in Italy next. Planning ahead is always worth it!
Romano B&B
This comfortable B & B is a little away from all the action of the historic centre and the port, but you can easily bag yourself a cheap deal here. There’s bicycle rental available too, so it won’t take you long to get to all of Bari’s attraction. If you’re not all about the city’s nightlife, you can enjoy kicking back on the terrace with a drink from the bar. There’s a patio, but if you want to get out of the heat, drop into your room and take advantage of the flat-screen TV. Last but not least, be sure to enjoy the delicious Italian breakfast!
B&B Dolce Incanto
Dolce Incanto means ‘sweet enchantment’ in English, and you’re sure to be enchanted by this classy Bari property. All room rates come with a delicious breakfast, which you can enjoy in the pleasant dining area. In terms of location, this is right on the edge of the city centre area – just a short walk from the central train station and within a stone’s throw of the Old Town. Though its apartments and triple rooms are undeniably excellent, this B and B is most popular with couples.
Apulia Rooms Bari
Last but not least is another excellent and affordable B and B near Bari train station. All rooms come with private bathrooms and air conditioning, so you’re assured of your privacy and comfort. Not only that, but there are also several things to compliment your stay, including free tea and coffee in your room, Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen TV.
What to Pack for your Bari Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
Why You Should Travel to Bari
Bari is the second largest town in Southern Italy, but curiously, a lot of tourists miss it out. Don’t be one of them! This lovely historic city is the gateway to the Puglia region; there’s more than enough to do here for a few days before heading on to Lecce or staying in one of Alberobello’s Trulli houses.
We get that we’ve given you a load of choices and you may still be scratching your head on which hostel is right for you. If you really can’t decide, just go for our top recommendation in Bari, Olive Tree. Not only does it have a great location, but there’s a friendly atmosphere, and who can say no to a free breakfast?!
FAQ about Hostels in Bari
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Bari.
How much do hostels cost in Bari, Italy?
Hostels in Bari go for around $20 a night, although it depends on the season. Book wisely!
What are the best hostels in Bari for couples?
For couples who wants to have privacy during travelling, Archita Guest House is a great stay. It’s located near the train station and the beach is just 7 mins away.
What are the best hostels in Bari near the airport?
Guesthouse City Center Bari is the best hostel near the airport. Aside from the 12mins distance they even provide an airport shuttle for a more convenient stay.
Travel Safety Tips for Bari
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels in Bari
For an insight into the best of culture and history of Southern Italy, you shouldn’t leave Bari off your itinerary. Be sure to try orecchiette pasta with fresh broccoli, or if you’re a meat-eater, you might wish to sample Ragu Alla Barese. That does have horse meat in it though! Not only is Bari a wonderful base for visiting the rest of Puglia and Southern Italy, but it also offers connections to Greece, Albania, and Croatia – perfect if you don’t have a set return date!
To get the most out of Bari, it’s best to get the boring stuff out of the way first, such as where to stay. That’s why we’ve put this list together! Whether you want a romantic love nest to share with your partner, a vibrant backpacker hostel to make new friends or a quiet spot where you can plug in your laptop and work undisturbed, there’s a hostel in Bari for you. And with our handy list, it’s so much easier to make the right choice.
With so many great places to stay, we may have missed a few. So, if you’ve been to Bari and feel like there’s somewhere we should have included, give us a shout in the comments below!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Italy for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Italy covered.
- Check out the best places to stay in Italy before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Italy to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Europe backpacking guide.
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