Bergamo Travel Guide: Best Things to Do & See
What to do in charming Bergamo, where to stay and our best travel tips | Hi! We're Alex & Victoria - a digital nomad couple from Copenhagen escaping 9-5 to chase adventures in our beautiful world. Learn more about us here. |
Magnificent medieval architecture in a dual city
Bergamo is so underrated!
The contrast between the two parts of the city is striking – the UNESCO-listed Città Alta sits proudly above the more modern Città Bassa, and the mix of old and new is genuinely captivating.
From the moment we arrived, gelato in hand, any hesitation about going here melted away.
Bergamo has a kind of quiet charm that’s hard to resist, and it’s the perfect place to spend a day or two wandering cobbled streets and enjoying proper Italian food in beautiful settings.
You can sit with a coffee or gelato in one of the buzzing piazzas, hike up steep alleys to take in the views from the towers or simply stroll through the historic streets, enclosed by the dramatic Venetian walls.
If you’re travelling through Northern Italy, make time for Bergamo – it’s well worth the stop.
You can easily spend two or three days in the city, but it also makes a great base for day trips to Lake Como, Milan or the nearby Alps.
In this travel guide to Bergamo, you’ll find all the best things to do and see, where to stay, how many days you should spend, our best tips and much more.
Where to stay in Bergamo?
- Luxury: Palazzo Radici – A historic palace featuring antique furnishings alongside modern amenities like king-size beds, wifi and air conditioning. With a fantastic location, stunning views and breakfast included.
- Value for money: GombitHotel – A 4-star boutique hotel just steps from Piazza Vecchia, offering elegant rooms with king-size beds, air conditioning and wifi, including breakfast.
- Budget: Academia Residence – Bright, spacious rooms (including family rooms) and a lovely courtyard, located just by the museums in the city’s northeastern area. Only a 20-minute walk to both the old town and the main railway station.
- Budget apartments: Domitys Quarto Verde – Affordable apartments featuring a kitchen, balcony, heated indoor pool, sauna and fitness room. Located near the station.
Search for the best hotels in Bergamo here (adlink).
Table of contents
Where is Bergamo?
Bergamo is a historic city in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy.
It’s situated at the foothills of the Alps, just around 50-60 kilometres northeast of Milan.
The city is divided into two parts: the Città Alta (upper town), a medieval hilltop district surrounded by 16th-century Venetian walls, and the more modern Città Bassa (lower town) below.
With a population of roughly 120,000 people, Bergamo offers a mix of rich history, scenic views and easy access to both mountain landscapes and nearby cities.
The area is also close to lakes such as Lago d’Iseo and Lago di Como, so it’s a great base for exploring the region.
Best things to do in Bergamo
Bergamo has become more popular in recent years, partly because of the low-cost flights to its own airport, which makes it an easy destination for a short break – or even a longer stay if you want to explore the area.
We visited Bergamo as part of a trip through Northern Italy, just before heading to Milan – and it turned out to be a great decision!
If you’re wondering what to do in Bergamo, you might be pleasantly surprised. It has a great mix of history, scenic views and relaxed city life. And of course, Italian food.
The city is split into two very different areas: Città Alta, the old upper town with cobbled streets and centuries-old buildings, and Città Bassa, the lower and more modern part with cafés, shops and a more local vibe.
Each side of Bergamo has its own charm, and both are worth exploring.
We’ll go through the best things to do in Bergamo’s old town and new town separately below.
Best things to do in Città Alta (Upper Town)
The old town is the historical centre and without doubt the main highlight of Bergamo.
Located on a hill above the rest of the city, it’s enclosed by impressive Venetian walls built in the 1600s.
The walls stretch for over six kilometres and earned Bergamo a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2017.
You can reach Città Alta by cable car or (quite a few!) stairs.
Many opt for the historic cable car, but we decided to walk. It’s a steep climb, but reaching the top on foot feels especially rewarding.
After the stairs, follow the stone-paved Sant’Alessandro towards the gate to the old town – a walk that feels like a bridge between the new and old Bergamo.
Along the way, you’ll have fantastic views of the city below.
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Inside Città Alta
Once inside Città Alta, the main street winds through narrow paths, leading you to the stunning Piazza Vecchia.
This square is the heart of the city, and although food and drink prices are a little higher here, it remains one of the best things to see in Bergamo, in our opinion.
Here, you’ll find the medieval town hall, Palazzo della Ragione, and two impressive churches.
You can also reach the top of the 52-metre-high Campanone Tower either by foot or elevator for a panoramic view of the city.
The rest of Città Alta is best explored by getting lost.
The charming alleyways are perfect for wandering through, offering a chance to soak in the beauty of old Italian architecture.
You don’t have to stray far from the main street to have parts of the old town all to yourself.
The best things to see in Città Alta:
- Via Gombito: The medieval main street in the old town with cafés, restaurants, shops and gelaterias.
- Piazza Vecchia: A beautiful main square in Città Alta, lined with charming cafés and stunning buildings.
- Palazzo della Ragione: The historic medieval town hall located in the square.
- Torre Civica (Campanone): The old bell tower in Piazza Vecchia, where you can climb to the top for a fantastic view.
- Duomo di Bergamo: The city’s cathedral, known for its impressive ceilings and gold details (just behind Piazza Vecchia).
- Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore: Perhaps an even more stunning Romanesque church with gilded ceiling paintings and a fascinating façade, right next to the cathedral.
- Cappella Colleoni: A Renaissance chapel beside the basilica, built with coloured marble.
- Rocca di Bergamo: A 14th-century fortress with a small museum, tower views and a green park perfect for peaceful walks.
- Mura Veneziane: The Venetian city wall surrounding Città Alta that you’ll naturally see when you’re in the old town. The wall is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Outside the walls
After wandering through the narrow streets of the old town, it’s worth stepping outside the walls.
Almost all the way around Città Alta, you can walk along a pathway with uninterrupted panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
If the scenery takes your breath away, there are plenty of benches to sit and take it all in.
And if you’ve got a euro coin, you can use one of the large telescopes to get a closer look at the details on the horizon.
A restaurant with a view
We had dinner at Ristorante Pizzeria San Vigilio, located just above the old town.
It’s a bit of a walk up, but definitely worth the effort.
The restaurant offers a romantic setting with a fantastic view – and the pizzas are absolutely delicious!
Best things to do in Città Bassa (Lower Town)
Città Bassa is the modern, bustling part of Bergamo, where most of the city’s business activity takes place.
Bergamo’s main draw is the historic old town, Città Alta, but Città Bassa stands out on its own as well, offering a charm that rivals many of Italy’s other delightful cities.
Here, you won’t encounter many tourists, but instead, you can wander through streets with colourful houses, cafés and quaint squares.
If you need a break from exploring, the city’s pedestrian street offers plenty of opportunities for shopping well-known brands.
For those craving authentic Italian gelato, you won’t have to travel far from the train station. The Viale Papa Giovanni area is home to several excellent gelaterias.
Along Papa Giovanni, you’ll also find a range of cafés and restaurants, as well as the stunning Santa Maria Immacolata delle Grazie church.
Continue along the road, and after about two kilometres, you’ll find yourself arriving at Bergamo’s old town, Città Alta.
Best things to see in Città Bassa:
- Via XX Settembre: Bergamo’s main shopping street.
- Sentierone: Elegant avenue with cafés, shops and historic buildings stretching from Via XX Settembre.
- Teatro Donizetti: Stunning opera house named after composer Gaetano Donizetti.
- Torre dei Caduti: A tower on Piazza Vittorio Veneto dedicated to soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.
- Piazza Dante Alighieri: Charming square with a lovely fountain.
- Parco Caprotti: Peaceful green park in the city centre with a small pond, trees and old statues.
- Santa Maria Immacolata delle Grazie: One of Bergamo’s largest churches with an impressive dome and a small bell tower. Also beautifully decorated inside.
- Basilica di Sant’Alessandro in Colonna: Baroque church dedicated to Bergamo’s patron saint. A bit simple from the outside but with stunning columns and frescoes inside.
- Chiesa dei Santi Bartolomeo e Stefano: Another beautiful Baroque church with vibrant ceiling and wall paintings.
- Chiesa di Santo Spirito (Church of the Holy Spirit): Lovely, small Catholic church.
- Accademia Carrara: One of Italy’s finest art museums, showcasing works by Botticelli, Bellini and Raphael (between Città Bassa and Città Alta).
- GAMeC – Galleria d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea di Bergamo: A museum of modern art by Italian and international artists, housed in a historic building next to Accademia Carrara.
Map of the best things to do in Bergamo
Find the best things to do in Bergamo (in both Città Alta and Città Bassa) we’ve written about in this Bergamo guide on the map below.
Click on the icon in the top left to see an overview.
How long to stay in Bergamo
Bergamo is worth more than just a quick stopover on the way to Milan or other parts of Italy.
We only stayed for one night, but we could easily have spent more time there and hope to return one day.
Here are some ideas for what to do in Bergamo with 1, 2, or 3 days.
- 1 day: If you’ve only got a single day in Bergamo, stick to Città Alta. Visit Piazza Vecchia, the cathedral and basilica, walk along the Venetian walls and enjoy the views.
- 2 days: With a bit more time, you can enjoy Città Alta at a slower pace and take the time to explore Città Bassa – pop into a few churches, browse the shops or visit one of the museums.
- 3 days: With three days, you’ll have plenty of time to fully experience all the best things to do in Bergamo. You can explore quieter streets, discover hidden gems, go shopping and perhaps even take a short trip to nearby Lake Iseo or a local winery.
You can even consider using Bergamo as a base for day trips to Lake Como, Milan or the nearby Alps.
The city is well connected by train and buses, and with more affordable accommodation options than many other cities in the region, it’s an excellent starting point for exploring Northern Italy.
Where to stay in Bergamo
As mentioned, Bergamo is split into two districts: Città Alta (the upper, historic town) and Città Bassa (the lower, more modern area).
Each has its own charm and unique advantages, so where to stay in Bergamo depends on the atmosphere you’re looking for and your personal preferences.
Search for the best hotels in Bergamo here (adlink).
Stay in Città Alta
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the historic atmosphere, Città Alta is the place to stay.
Here, you’ll find cobblestone streets, ancient churches and charming squares, all just steps away from some of the best things to do in Bergamo, like Piazza Vecchia, Santa Maria Maggiore and the old bell tower.
The old town offers a variety of small, unique hotels with stunning views, and in the evenings, the streets become peaceful once the day-trippers have gone.
However, Città Alta may not be the most practical option for everyone.
Car access is limited, so if you’re travelling with a lot of luggage, the stairs and narrow streets can be a bit challenging.
The selection of restaurants and shops is also more limited compared to Città Bassa, and many places close earlier in the evening.
The best hotels in Città Alta
- Value for money: Al San Lorenzo – Charming bed & breakfast in the heart of Città Alta with modern rooms, air conditioning, wifi and really good reviews.
- Value for money: GombitHotel – A 4-star boutique hotel just steps from Piazza Vecchia, offering elegant rooms with king-size beds, air conditioning and wifi, including breakfast.
- Luxury: Palazzo Radici – A historic palace featuring antique furnishings alongside modern amenities like king-size beds, wifi and air conditioning. With a fantastic location, stunning views and breakfast included.
Search for the best hotels in Città Alta here.
Stay in Città Bassa
If you’re arriving by train or plane, Città Bassa is a convenient place to stay in Bergamo, as you are close to the station and have easy access to the airport bus and public transport.
The lower town is an ideal base if you’re in Bergamo for a short stay or plan to take day trips to nearby destinations (like Milan, Lake Como or Lake Iseo).
Città Bassa is more modern and offers a wider range of hotels in different price ranges, along with a great variety of restaurants, cafés and shops. It’s also where most locals live.
While you won’t get the same historic charm as in Città Alta, there are still plenty of things to do in the lower town, and you’ll have the advantage of being able to step out into the city without dealing with steep stairs or cable cars.
It’s a great option if you prefer a more convenient stay.
The best hotels in Città Bassa
- Budget: Academia Residence – Bright, spacious rooms (including family rooms) and a lovely courtyard, located just by the museums in the city’s northeastern area. Only a 20-minute walk to both the old town and the main railway station.
- Budget apartments: Domitys Quarto Verde – Affordable apartments featuring a kitchen, balcony, heated indoor pool, sauna and fitness room. Located near the station.
- Value for money: Ginevra Rooms Bergamo – Modern rooms equipped with everything you need, just a short walk from the cable car and shopping options. It has excellent reviews.
- Value for money: Hotel Cappello D’Oro – Spacious, no-frills rooms with access to a fitness room and sauna. Situated on Viale Papa Giovanni near shopping and dining options.
Search for the best hotels in Città Bassa here.
How to get around Bergamo
Getting around Bergamo is relatively straightforward.
On foot
Bergamo is a relatively small city, and both Città Alta and Città Bassa are best explored on foot.
The distances within each area are short, but be ready for some steep climbs and stairs, particularly in the old town.
Cable car (funicolare)
The historic funicular connects the lower town, Città Bassa, with the upper town, Città Alta, offering a charming ride and sparing you the steep climb.
There’s also a second funicular that links Città Alta to San Vigilio, providing even more stunning panoramic views of both towns.
By bus
Bergamo has a good network of buses operated by ATB that connect different parts of the city.
Tickets can be purchased at newsstands, tobacco shops or via the ATB mobile app.
By taxi or car
Taxis are available but are rarely needed unless you’re travelling with heavy luggage or have mobility issues.
If you’re driving your own car or a rental, it’s important to note that the historic centre, particularly Città Alta (the upper town), is a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL).
Access is restricted to residents and authorised vehicles during certain hours. To enter, you’ll need to park in designated areas and obtain permission. Additionally, make sure your vehicle meets emission standards, as older cars may face restrictions or fines.
Also, parking in Città Alta is quite limited, so for most people, it’s advisable to park in Città Bassa (the lower town) and either walk or take the funicular up to the old town.
Having a car can be beneficial for day trips or exploring areas outside the city centre, especially if you’d prefer not to rely on public transport.
Getting to and from Bergamo
Flights to Bergamo
Bergamo is served by Aeroporto Orio al Serio, often referred to as Milan Bergamo or simply Milan BGY.
The airport primarily connects to several European destinations, with numerous budget airlines (such as Ryanair, EasyJet and Wizz Air) flying directly to and from the airport.
While it’s not a major hub for long-haul international flights, it does offer connections to key cities outside Europe, mainly through airlines operating from regional hubs.
For long-haul travellers, it’s common to connect through larger airports like Milan Malpensa (MXP) or major European hubs such as Frankfurt, Amsterdam or Paris.
While the airport is located in Bergamo, most travellers head straight to Milan, so flights to “Milan” often include this airport in the search results.
When searching for flights, make sure to specifically look for Milan, Bergamo (BGY) if you are aiming to fly directly into Bergamo. Otherwise, searching for flights to Milan may include other airports in the Milan area, such as Malpensa (MXP) or Linate (LIN).
Search for the cheapest tickets to Milan (and Bergamo) on Momondo (adlink).
From Bergamo Airport to Milan by bus
Travelling from Bergamo Airport to central Milan is both affordable and convenient with Terravision buses.
A one-way ticket costs 10 euro (~ 11 USD), and a return ticket is 18 euro (~ 20 USD)*.
The journey takes about an hour, and you’ll arrive at Milan’s main station, Milano Stazione Centrale.
Additionally, there are shuttle buses from the airport to Bergamo’s train station, located in the southeastern part of the city. This is the bus you’ll take to reach Bergamo’s city centre.
*Prices are from 2025.
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Train connections in Bergamo
Bergamo has a well-connected railway network, and it’s an excellent base for exploring Northern Italy.
The city’s main station is situated in the southeastern part of the city centre in Città Bassa.
There are frequent connections to various destinations, like:
- Milan: ~ 1 hour
- Lecco: ~ 1.5 hours
- Como: ~ 2 hours
- Verona: ~ 2 hours
- Bologna: ~ 2-2.5 hours
- Venice: ~ 3 hours
When to visit Bergamo
High season in Bergamo
The high season is in July and August, when Italians, Europeans and much of the rest of the world enjoy their summer holidays.
There will be more tourists and day-trippers from Milan (which means higher hotel prices, too).
July and August are also the hottest months, so if you have the flexibility to plan your trip to Bergamo outside of this period, we strongly recommend doing so.
The temperatures in summer can reach above 30°C (86°F), and the combination of heat and crowds can make sightseeing less enjoyable, especially when climbing the steep streets of Città Alta (although there’s some shade along the way).
Shoulder months and low season in Bergamo
May, June, September and October are good shoulder months with great weather and fewer crowds.
Spring brings blooming gardens and pleasant temperatures perfect for exploring both the upper and lower town.
In autumn, the surrounding countryside takes on beautiful golden and red hues, and the harvest season means excellent local food and wine.
December, January and February are the coldest months with temperatures sometimes dropping below 0°C (32°F). While winter offers the fewest tourists, some attractions may have reduced hours.
Rain in Bergamo falls fairly evenly throughout the year, though some months are noticeably wetter.
Spring sees frequent showers, especially in April and May, but they’re often short and followed by sunshine – so they rarely disrupt the whole day.
Summer is mostly dry and warm, though afternoon thunderstorms can hit in July. They tend to pass quickly but can be intense.
September is usually mild and dry, but rain increases in October and peaks in November.
Winter is drier again, and although snow is rare in the city, it occasionally falls in Città Alta or the surrounding hills.
Bergamo’s covered walkways and cosy cafés offer plenty of shelter, so a bit of rain doesn’t mean you have to stop exploring.
What is the best time of the year to visit Bergamo?
Late spring (May and June) is one of the best times to visit Bergamo and might just be the sweet spot.
The weather is pleasantly warm without being too hot, the surrounding countryside is lush and green, and views of the Alps are often at their clearest.
Even better, it’s just before the summer crowds arrive, so the atmosphere is more relaxed and sights are easier to enjoy.
Early autumn (September and October) is just as appealing.
The weather stays mild, the light takes on a golden tone that’s ideal for photos, and harvest season brings excellent local food and wine to the menus.
Both in spring and autumn, you get the best of both worlds: pleasant conditions and fewer crowds.
Our best tips for visiting Bergamo
- Visit Città Alta early or late in the day. The old town fills up with day-trippers in the middle of the day. For a more peaceful experience, go in the early morning or in the evening when the crowds have gone.
- Leave room to wander. Some of our favourite moments came from stepping off the main streets and getting a little lost. The old town is small enough that you’ll always find your way back – and probably stumble across something unexpected on the way.
- Some museums and smaller shops are closed on Mondays, so it’s a good idea to verify the opening hours of specific attractions or establishments in advance to avoid surprises.
- Many restaurants close for siesta between lunch and dinner, so keep an eye on the opening hours if you want to eat at a particular restaurant or café during the day.
- Expect an additional charge on the restaurant bill. Most restaurants add a “coperto” per guest, which is a fee per person regardless of your order. It is typically between 1 and 3 euros, which you pay in addition to the price of the food. It’s common to receive a small bread basket with butter or olive oil and balsamic vinegar as a starter.
- Consider using the historic funicular connecting Città Bassa with Città Alta. It’s an experience in itself, it saves you from the steep climb and offers great views.
- Use Bergamo as your base. It’s well-connected to Northern Italy and more affordable than Milan or Como. Staying here gives you easy access to day trips while letting you come home to a quieter atmosphere.
What to bring to Bergamo
- Travel insurance (adlink). Never travel without it!
- A good camera – here’s a guide to the gear we use.
- Sunscreen. Especially if you visit Bergamo in summer. We recommend an organic, vegan sunscreen without oxybenzone and other harmful chemicals.
- Sneakers or other types of shoes that you can walk in comfortably. Bergamo’s cobblestone streets can be tough on your feet.
- A refillable water bottle.
Thank you for reading our Bergamo guide
Thank you for reading our travel guide to Bergamo. We hope it has been helpful!
What do you think of this charming Italian city?
If you haven’t been to Bergamo yet, feel free to ask us anything in the comments below. We’d be happy to help.
And if you’ve already visited, we’d love to hear your best tips and experiences!
Our favourite travel resources:
- Booking.com for cheap hotels.
- Momondo for the best flight deals.
- SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like World Nomads and True Traveller. All three compared here.
Our camera gear:
- Panasonic GH5. Used for all of our photos and videos.
- DJI Mavic 2 Pro. Best drone out there!
- Sirui Tripod. Lightweight and strong.
- See all of our camera gear here.
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