Bastia serves as the administrative centre for the Haute-Corse region and is the second most populous town in Corsica after Ajaccio.
My suggestion
I advise you to go walking around the little streets of the Terra Vecchia district, preferably on a market day. This is where the true heart of the town is to be found. The town's squares are exceptionally lively places, and visiting them during your stay on Corsica will give you the chance to get as close as possible to the very heart and soul of the island.