Bari, Italy, isn’t just about its bustling port or its delicious seafood—it’s also a fantastic city for exploring by bike. With narrow cobblestone streets, historic landmarks like the Basilica of St. Nicholas, and lively piazzas, cycling here offers a chance to see the city up close and personal. Among the options, we particularly love the Bari Bike Tour with Pasta Experience because it combines sightseeing with a hands-on culinary lesson—an authentic taste of local life. Pedaling through Bari’s old town and then sharing pasta with a local signora makes for a memorable day, especially with a glass of regional wine in hand.
If you prefer exploring at your own pace, the Bike Rental in Bari gives you the freedom to discover Bari and its surroundings over several days, whether you want to cruise along the coast or explore quiet countryside roads. For those interested in combining scenic cycling with regional flavors, the Gioia: E-Bike Ride and Cooking Class in Countryside offers a peaceful ride through olive groves followed by making traditional dishes like orecchiette, with a local wine to complement the meal. Lastly, adventurous travelers can venture into wild landscapes with the Alta Murgia: E-Bike Tour with Panoramic Aperitivo in Nature, cycling through rugged terrain and stopping for a scenic countryside aperitivo.
Below, you’ll find a detailed overview of each tour, helping you pick the perfect fit for your trip.
1. Bari Bike Tour with Pasta Experience
This guided tour offers a fantastic blend of sightseeing and hands-on cooking. It kicks off with a 2.5-hour bike ride through Bari’s historic streets, passing landmarks such as the Basilica of St. Nicholas, Bari Cathedral, and the Norman Swebian Castle. Riding through the cobbled streets of Bari Old Town gives you a real sense of the city’s character, and the guide ensures you see the city’s highlights up close.
The highlight is visiting a local home where you’ll learn to make traditional Puglian orecchiette pasta by hand. The experience is intimate and authentic, providing a glimpse into everyday life in Bari’s culinary scene. The tour includes a glass of red wine to enjoy with your freshly made pasta, making it a delightful culture.
Guests consistently praise the guide for being friendly and knowledgeable, with the tour earning a perfect 5.0/5 from 85 reviews. Although the pasta making can be affected by the host’s schedule, alternative food experiences are offered, so you’re still guaranteed a tasty day. The tour is ideal for food lovers who want a mix of physical activity and local flavor, and it offers excellent value at around $75 per person.
Bottom Line: An engaging city tour that beautifully combines Bari’s major sights with a memorable cooking experience—perfect for those who want a taste of local life.
2. Bike Rental in Bari
For travelers who prefer to explore independently, the Bike Rental in Bari is a flexible, cost-effective option. With a rental starting at just over $23, you can choose from a variety of bikes, including trailers and child seats, to create your own adventure. The rental period ranges from one day to a full week, allowing you to set your own pace and decide what to see—whether that’s cycling along the coast, visiting San Francesco, or wandering the narrow streets of the old town.
This option is especially good if you’re comfortable riding in urban environments and want to customize your itinerary. The rental includes a helmet, lock, and light for safety, making it a hassle-free way to discover Bari and beyond. Reviews highlight how much fun it is to navigate Bari’s small streets and the surrounding countryside, with one rider noting, “Great way to visit more in less time.”
Be aware that Bari’s narrow streets can be challenging for some cyclists, and longer distances might be tiring if you’re not used to biking. But overall, this provides excellent value for anyone seeking flexibility and independence.
Bottom Line: A practical choice for confident cyclists who want to craft their own sightseeing route and explore at their own pace.
3. Gioia: E-Bike Ride and Cooking Class in Countryside
This 4-hour experience combines a scenic e-bike ride with a hands-on cooking class in the lush countryside near Gioia. The tour starts with a ride through olive groves and rural areas, giving you a taste of authentic Puglian landscape—far from the crowds. The e-bike makes the journey accessible and less tiring, even for those with limited fitness.
Afterward, you’ll visit a traditional masseria, where you’ll learn to prepare orecchiette or panzerotti, two regional specialties. The class is led by local hosts, who share stories about their traditions and produce. The meal is enjoyed with local wine and farm-fresh ingredients, providing a true farm-to-table experience.
Guests have raved about this tour, with a perfect 5/5 rating. It offers an excellent way to connect with nature, enjoy regional cuisine, and learn about rural life. The combination of cycling, cooking, and tasting makes it a rich, immersive experience. Suitable for those looking to combine outdoor activity with culinary discovery, it’s priced for a small group, ensuring personalized attention.
Bottom Line: If you want a leisurely ride through the countryside paired with authentic food and local hospitality, this tour delivers an unforgettable experience.
4. Alta Murgia: E-Bike Tour with Panoramic Aperitivo in Nature
This 2.5-hour e-bike tour is perfect for nature lovers who want a bit of adventure. Starting from Agriturismo Parco di Mesola, you’ll pedal through Alta Murgia National Park, exploring caves, rocky ridges, and open fields. The park’s rugged beauty is a stark contrast to Bari’s urban charm, offering a fresh perspective on the region’s landscape.
Midway, you’ll stop for a scenic aperitivo with local wine, cheese, and Apulian snacks. The small group setting enhances the experience, allowing for relaxed conversation and plenty of photo opportunities. Riders appreciate that the electric bikes make the ride accessible even to those with moderate fitness levels. One review mentions, “The route is very pleasant and less tiring thanks to the pedal-assisted bikes,” which is helpful if you’re worried about stamina.
The tour balances active cycling with a leisurely break to savor regional flavors, making it an excellent choice for those wanting to combine outdoor activity with tasting regional specialties. The tour is highly rated, with many praising the guide’s local knowledge and the stunning scenery.
Bottom Line: An ideal outing for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore untouched landscapes with a scenic food stop.
5. Matera: E-bike Ride in Hills + Local Flatbread Tasting
This 3-hour tour takes you through the rolling hills near Matera, focusing on combining cycling with tasting local flavors. Starting at the Panificio Perrone bakery, you’ll pedal through the landscape, learning about the area’s unique rural and culinary traditions. The highlight is stopping at the bakery to enjoy freshly baked local flatbread, a simple yet delicious taste of regional life.
The e-bike makes the hills manageable and allows you to cover more ground comfortably. The guide shares insights into the area’s history and the significance of bread-making in Matera, enriching the experience. With a 5-star rating, this tour appeals to those interested in food, nature, and authentic local culture. It’s well-suited for travelers looking for a relaxed, flavorful outing that combines physical activity with culinary pleasure.
Many reviewers mention how the experience is a perfect mix of history, scenery, and local flavors. If you want to combine your love of biking with a taste of traditional baking, this tour offers a memorable slice of Matera’s rural charm.
Bottom Line: A relaxing, flavorful ride suited for food lovers eager to explore Matera’s hills and bakery traditions.
How to Choose the Right Bike Tour in Bari
Choosing the perfect bike experience depends on your interests, fitness level, and how much time you want to spend. If you’re looking for a combination of sightseeing and cooking, the Bari Bike Tour with Pasta Experience offers a lively, culture-rich day. For independent exploration, the Bike Rental in Bari provides flexibility, especially if you’re comfortable navigating city streets or rural roads on your own.
For those who want a nature-focused escape with some regional flavors, the Gioia countryside experience and the Alta Murgia park tour are ideal. If you’re visiting Matera, the Hill Ride and Flatbread Tasting combines scenic views with delicious local food.
When booking, consider the time of year—spring and fall tend to offer the best weather. Also, think about your physical comfort: electric bikes make hilly terrains more accessible, while traditional bikes are best suited for those with moderate fitness.
Final Thoughts
Bari offers a range of bike tours fitting for different interests and activity levels. Whether you want to pedal through historic streets, explore scenic countryside, or combine cycling with cooking, there’s an option for you. For a lively, culture-rich experience, the Bike Tour with Pasta stands out, but the flexibility of renting a bike or venturing into nature with an e-bike also makes for excellent adventures.
To ensure you don’t miss out, it’s wise to book early—especially in peak season. Each tour provides a unique way to see the region, connect with local traditions, and enjoy authentic Italian flavors. Whatever your choice, a bike in Bari turns sightseeing into a fun, memorable journey.