Bari.

Bari is Puglia's vibrant capital and main Adriatic port, where the medieval old town contrasts with elegant 19th-century boulevards and a modern waterfront promenade. The Bari Vecchia district is a maze of narrow streets where locals still make orecchiette pasta by hand outside their doors, and small shops sell fresh focaccia barese. The city's large marina and harbor provide access to boat rentals and coastal excursions. Beyond the atmospheric old town with its Romanesque basilica dedicated to Saint Nicholas, Bari offers excellent seafood restaurants, lively markets, and a genuine southern Italian urban atmosphere. The city serves as a perfect base for exploring Puglia's countryside, coastal towns, and trulli villages.