A solo female traveler was harassed and spat on by teenagers in Bari Vecchia, Italy, in an incident raising questions about whether certain Italian cities are becoming less safe for women traveling alone.
The traveler, who had previously visited multiple Italian cities solo without incident, shared her experience on Reddit as both a warning and a question: Is this becoming more common in Bari's historic district at night?
What Happened
Arriving in Bari for the first time, the traveler went out to explore the city in the evening wearing what she described as modest attire: a black knit dress (short but not provocative), nude tights, ankle boots, and a fur coat - the same outfit she'd worn without issue in her hometown of Corfu, Greece.
Near the Basilica di San Nicola in Bari Vecchia, a group of young teenagers began calling her "whore." When she ignored them, they persisted. When she turned to give them a look, one spat in her direction.
"I kept walking and brushed it off, but after a bit I realized they were following me," she wrote. When she confronted them, the same boy "ran up and spat directly on my face twice while the others laughed."
The experience was "uniquely shocking" - she didn't know how to respond in the moment.
Italy's Complicated Safety Record
Italy generally ranks as safe for solo female travelers, particularly compared to many other destinations. Major cities like Rome, Florence, and Milan see millions of solo women annually without major incident.
But Bari - the capital of Puglia in southern Italy - has a different reputation. While the city has worked to rebrand itself as a cultural destination (it's the gateway to popular towns like Polignano a Mare and Alberobello), Bari Vecchia (the old town) has long been flagged by travel advisories for petty crime and harassment, particularly after dark.
What makes this incident notable is its brazenness. Catcalling and unwanted attention exist globally, but physical assault (spitting) and persistence despite clear rejection suggests a concerning escalation.
Reddit Responses Point to Patterns
Commenters on the thread shared similar experiences:
One woman described being "aggressively catcalled" in Bari despite dressing conservatively. Another noted that Bari Vecchia at night is "known locally as a place to avoid" - advice not always clear to tourists.
Several Italian commenters acknowledged the problem, with one writing: "I'm Italian and I'm sorry this happened. Groups of young boys in certain neighborhoods think they're untouchable. It's a local issue, not a 'tourist' issue - local women avoid those areas too."
Others pointed out that clothing had nothing to do with it - the harassment was about power and intimidation, not the victim's attire. "Nude tights aren't provocative anywhere in Europe," one commenter noted. "This is about teenage boys being emboldened by no consequences."
Broader Context: Southern Italy's Youth Problem
Southern Italy faces significant youth unemployment - Puglia's youth jobless rate hovers around 30-40%, among the highest in Europe. Idle teenagers in economically depressed neighborhoods sometimes form groups that intimidate locals and tourists alike.
This isn't unique to Italy - similar dynamics exist in parts of southern Spain, Greece, and elsewhere. But for travelers choosing southern Italian destinations specifically for their charm and slower pace, these incidents clash with expectations.
Practical Safety Advice
For solo female travelers (and all travelers) considering Bari:
Avoid Bari Vecchia after dark: Multiple sources confirm this is when most harassment incidents occur. Visit during daylight hours when it's bustling with families and vendors.
Stay in newer neighborhoods: The Murat district and areas near the waterfront generally feel safer and have better lighting.
Don't engage with harassers: As difficult as it is, confrontation can escalate situations. Walk briskly toward busy, well-lit areas.
Report incidents: While police response may be slow, filing reports creates documentation that can pressure local authorities to address the issue.
Trust your instincts: If an area feels uncomfortable, leave. Don't worry about seeming paranoid or missing out on a sight.
Connect with other travelers: Solo doesn't have to mean alone - joining walking tours or hostel groups provides safety in numbers during evening explorations.
Should You Still Visit Bari?
This incident shouldn't blacklist an entire city - thousands of travelers visit Bari annually without harassment. But it's important context for itinerary planning.
If Bari is just a one-night stop before heading to prettier coastal towns, consider skipping it or minimizing time in the old town. If you're specifically interested in Bari's history and culture, visit during the day and stay in well-lit, modern neighborhoods at night.
As one commenter wisely noted: "Italy is generally safe, but 'generally safe' doesn't mean 'safe everywhere at all times.' No place is. Do your research, trust your gut, and don't let one bad neighborhood ruin an entire country for you."
The best travel isn't about the destination - it's about what you learn along the way. Sometimes that includes learning which neighborhoods to avoid after sunset.
