A city of two halves
Bergamo is one of Italy’s most underrated cities – and one of its most rewarding places to stay overnight.
Most visitors arrive on a day trip from Milan, take the funicular up to the old town, spend a few hours wandering Piazza Vecchia and head back.
And while that’s a perfectly lovely afternoon, it means missing out on what makes Bergamo special: the early mornings before the day-trippers arrive, the candlelit piazzas in the evening and the quiet charm of a city that doesn’t feel like it’s performing for tourists.
We only stayed one night in Bergamo ourselves, and we left wishing we had booked more.
In this guide on where to stay in Bergamo, we recommend the best hotels in Bergamo across all price ranges, explain the key differences between staying in Città Alta and Città Bassa, and help you decide which part of the city suits your trip best.
Where to stay in Bergamo?
- Luxury: Palazzo Radici – A historic palace in Città Alta 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 train 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, making it a great base for exploring the region.
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Read moreHow long to stay in Bergamo
Many people go to Bergamo on a day trip from Milan, but it’s well worth more than just a quick stopover – and staying longer if you can.
There are actually plenty of things to do in Bergamo (and nearby!), so how long to stay is entirely up to your travel style, interests and pace.
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 in Bergamo
If you’ve only got one day in Bergamo, focus on the historic upper town, Città Alta. This is where you’ll find the most iconic sights and atmosphere.
Visit Piazza Vecchia, the cathedral and basilica, and take time to walk along the Venetian walls and enjoy the views over the city and the surrounding countryside.
This is the perfect introduction if you’re short on time and want to experience the highlights of Bergamo.
2 days in Bergamo
With two days in Bergamo, you can enjoy a slower pace and dive deeper into the city.
Spend more time soaking up the charm of Città Alta, then head down to Città Bassa (the lower town).
Here, you can pop into a few churches, browse the shops or visit one of the museums.
This extra time lets you experience both sides of the city and discover more beyond the main sights.
3 days in Bergamo
With three days in Bergamo, you’ll have the freedom to fully explore and uncover some hidden gems.
Wander quieter streets, enjoy cosy cafés and take your time shopping or relaxing.
You can also venture further afield – consider a day trip to Lake Iseo or perhaps visit a local winery.
If you’re planning a longer Northern Italy itinerary, Bergamo also makes a great base for trips to Lake Como, Milan or the nearby Alps.
Final thoughts on how long to stay
So, how long to stay in Bergamo?
While one day is enough to see the highlights, two to three days will allow you to truly enjoy the city and its surroundings.
With excellent train and bus connections and often more affordable accommodation than other nearby destinations, Bergamo is an ideal base for exploring Northern Italy.
Should you stay in Città Alta or Città Bassa?
This is the key question when deciding where to stay in Bergamo, and the answer depends on what kind of trip you’re after.
Staying in Città Alta
Città Alta is the historic upper town, enclosed by the 16th-century Venetian walls that earned Bergamo its UNESCO World Heritage status.
It’s where you’ll find the best things to do in Bergamo – Piazza Vecchia, the cathedral, the basilica, the old bell tower and the narrow medieval alleyways that make the city so memorable.
The old town offers a variety of small, boutique hotels and staying here means waking up inside those walls, which is a genuinely special experience.
The tradeoff is practicality.
Car access is very limited, the streets are steep and cobbled, and the selection of restaurants and shops is smaller than in the lower town. Also, many places close earlier in the evening.
It’s also slightly more expensive, but then again, it’s the best place to stay in Bergamo if you want to be close to all the historic sights.
Staying in Città Bassa
Città Bassa is the modern lower town, where most locals live and where you’ll find a wider range of hotels, restaurants, cafés and shops.
It’s more convenient if you’re arriving by train or plane, and it’s a better base if you’re planning day trips to nearby cities.
While you won’t get the same historic charm as in the old town, the lower town has its own vibe – colourful buildings, leafy avenues and local squares that most tourists never see.
The funicular connecting the two parts of the city makes it easy to move between them, so neither choice leaves you stranded.
Our recommendation
If your priority is atmosphere and you’re travelling light, Città Alta is the best area to stay in Bergamo.
If you’re arriving by train, travelling with luggage or planning to use Bergamo as a base for exploring the region, Città Bassa is the more practical choice for where to stay in Bergamo.
Search for the best hotels in Bergamo here (adlink) or keep reading for handpicked recommendations on where to stay in Bergamo, including options for every budget.
The best hotels in Città Alta
Staying in Bergamo’s old town means you’re right in the heart of the UNESCO-listed historic centre.
The hotels here tend to be smaller and more characterful than those in the lower town, and many offer stunning views over the surrounding countryside.
Search for the best hotels in Città Alta here (adlink) or scroll down to see specific recommendations for where to stay in Città Alta.
Luxury: Palazzo Radici
Palazzo Radici is the finest place to stay in Città Alta and one of the most beautiful hotels in all of Bergamo.
Housed in a historic palace in the heart of the old town, the hotel combines antique furnishings and original architectural details with modern comforts including king-size beds, air conditioning and wifi.
Breakfast is included and the views from the upper floors are exceptional.
The location is hard to beat – you’re within easy walking distance of Piazza Vecchia, the cathedral, the basilica and the Venetian walls.
See prices and availability at Palazzo Radici here (adlink).
Value for money: GombitHotel
GombitHotel is a 4-star boutique hotel in Bergamo’s old town, located next to the Gombito Tower just steps from Piazza Vecchia on the medieval main street Via Gombito.
The rooms are elegant and well-equipped with king-size beds, air conditioning and wifi, and breakfast is included.
Reviews are consistently strong, praising both the location and the quality of the rooms.
If you want to stay in Città Alta without paying luxury prices, GombitHotel is the best value for money option in the old town.
See prices and availability at GombitHotel here (adlink).
Value for money: Al San Lorenzo
A charming bed and breakfast in the heart of Città Alta, Al San Lorenzo offers modern, comfortable rooms with air conditioning and wifi at a fair price.
It’s an excellent option if you want to be right in the old town but still want to save some money for gelato and pizza.
Reviews are very positive, particularly for the warm welcome from the hosts.
See prices and availability at Al San Lorenzo here (adlink).
The best hotels in Città Bassa
Staying in Bergamo’s lower town is the more practical choice for most visitors – particularly those arriving by train or flying into Bergamo Airport.
The hotels in Città Bassa here are generally more affordable and offer easier access to transport connections and a wider range of restaurants and shops.
Search for the best hotels in Città Bassa here (adlink) or scroll down to see specific recommendations for where to stay in Città Bassa.
Value for money: Ginevra Rooms Bergamo
Ginevra Rooms Bergamo is one of the best-reviewed hotels in Città Bassa, and it’s easy to see why.
The rooms are modern, clean and well-equipped with everything you need, and the location – a short walk from the funicular and close to shopping and dining options – is ideal.
If you’re looking for a comfortable, no-fuss base in the lower town, this is our top pick for value for money.
See prices and availability at Ginevra Rooms Bergamo here (adlink).
Value for money: Hotel Cappello D’Oro
Located on Viale Papa Giovanni, one of Città Bassa’s main avenues, Hotel Cappello D’Oro offers spacious rooms with access to a small fitness room and sauna.
The rooms are simple rather than stylish, but the location is convenient for restaurants, shopping and the main train station.
One of the best hotels in Bergamo if you’re looking for a mid-range option in Città Bassa.
See prices and availability at Hotel Cappello D’Oro here (adlink).
Budget: Academia Residence
Academia Residence is one of the best budget hotels in Bergamo, and particularly well-suited to families.
The rooms are bright and spacious, there’s a lovely courtyard, and the location in the city’s northeastern area puts you within a 20-minute walk of both the old town and the main train station.
Family rooms are available, which is relatively rare at this price point.
See prices and availability at Academia Residence here (adlink).
Budget apartments: Domitys Quarto Verde
For those who prefer a self-catering option, Domitys Quarto Verde offers affordable apartments near the train station with a kitchen, balcony, heated indoor pool, sauna and fitness room – an impressive set of facilities for the price.
In fact, it’s one of the few places to stay in Bergamo with an indoor pool, and we think it looks like a good choice for families or longer stays.
See prices and availability at Domitys Quarto Verde here (adlink).
The best things to do in Bergamo
We’ve put together an extensive travel guide to Bergamo, covering all the best things to do and see.
Read the full travel guide to Bergamo here to learn more about what to do in both Città Alta and Città Bassa.
What to do in charming Bergamo, where to stay and our best travel tips
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How to get around Bergamo
Getting around Bergamo is straightforward. Here’s how to get around on foot, with the funicular, by bus, by taxi or by car.
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.
Funicular (funicolare)
The historic funicular in Bergamo 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.
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Read moreBy 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.
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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).
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Read moreFrom 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 euros (~ 12 USD), and a return ticket is 18 euros (~ 21 USD), although some departures can be as low as 5 euros (~ 6 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 2026.
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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
Charming streets, beautiful bridges and lots of canals – and oh, gelato of course
Read moreWhen 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.
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Read moreOur 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, and 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.
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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 where to stay in Bergamo guide
Thank you for reading our guide on where to stay in Bergamo with the best areas and hotels to choose from. We hope it has been helpful!
Do you have a better idea now of the best places to stay in Bergamo and which area suits your travel style?
If you haven’t booked your stay 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 favourite hotels and tips on where to stay in Bergamo!
Our favourite travel resources:
- Booking.com for hotels and apartments.
- Momondo for the best flight deals.
- GetYourGuide for great tours everywhere.
- Airalo for reliable eSIM.
- Discover Cars for transparent car hire.
- SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like True Traveller. Compared here.
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