Basilica di San Nicola (Saint Nicholas) was founded in 1087 to host the relics of this saint, which were brought from Myra in Lycia. Nowadays the relics are being held beneath the altar in the crypt, where the Topins are buried, which are a legacy of old thieves converted to good faith. The church is one of the four Palatine churches of Apulia. 

The Church of St. Sabinus is the 'Duomo' of the city. Its construction began in 1034, but traces of the original edifice are visible only on the pavement from the transept. The church was built in the simple Romanesque architecture and its crypt holds the relics of St. Sabinus and the icon of the Madonna Odigitria.

The Petruzzelli Theater is considered to be the greatest opera house in Italy after La Scala in Milan and San Carlo in Naples. It hosted many famous opera and ballet throughout the last century before being fire-bombed in the 1990s. It has been under restoration for the past years and should re-open its doors by 2010.

Fiera del Levante,  founded in 1930 by the Municipal Authorities, is said to be the largest trade fair in the Adriatic and involves exhibitions from many sectors and industries. The International Trade Show held in September in the west side of Bari city center, gathers business representatives from all over Europe and beyond, who come here to promote their products. There is also a "Fair of Nations", which displays handcrafted and locally produced goods from all over the world.

Casa di Pulcinella is a puppet theater established in 1983 to promote the ancient tradition of puppets and marionettes. Pulcinella is one of the characters of Commedia dell’Arte. Due to the important part it played in puppet theater, Casa di Pulcinella has been recognized by the Italian Department of Culture as a ‘Theater of National Priority’. In 1988 it became the first theatrical space in Italy which was entirely dedicated to the celebration of Pulcinella. The Company, directed by Paolo Comentale, gives many performances adapted for both adult and children audiences.