Bergamo

🇮🇹 Italy

Experience the charm of medieval Italy in Bergamo

Bergamo - Vacation Briefing

Nestled in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, Bergamo is a picturesque city that offers a perfect blend of medieval charm and modern amenities. Divided into two distinct areas - the historic Città Alta (Upper Town) and the vibrant Città Bassa (Lower Town), Bergamo appeals to history enthusiasts, art lovers, and foodies alike. The Città Alta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with narrow cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The Città Bassa is known for its elegant shops, vibrant cafes, and bustling squares. From exploring the ancient city walls to indulging in authentic Italian cuisine, Bergamo has something for everyone.

Popular Sights in Bergamo

Piazza Vecchia Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore Cappella Colleoni Bergamo Cathedral San Vigilio Castle Accademia Carrara di Belle Arti di Bergamo Galleria d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea Funicolare di Bergamo Alta Orto Botanico Lorenzo Rota Teatro Donizetti

Click on a sight to open a Google search

Things to do during your Bergamo vacation

Bergamo is a beautiful city located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. It is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and picturesque landscapes. Whether you are a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a nature lover, Bergamo offers a wide range of activities to suit everyone's interests.

Citta Alta: Visit the historic upper town, known for its medieval architecture and charming cobblestone streets.
Accademia Carrara: Explore the prestigious art gallery, housing an extensive collection of Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces.
Bergamo Cathedral: Admire the stunning architecture of the cathedral, which dates back to the 15th century and features impressive frescoes.
San Vigilio: Hike up to the hilltop of San Vigilio to enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Piazza Vecchia: Relax in the picturesque main square, surrounded by historic buildings and lively cafes.
Museo Donizettiano: Learn about the life and works of the famous Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti at this dedicated museum.
Cycling along the Venetian Walls: Rent a bike and take a leisurely ride along the ancient Venetian walls, enjoying scenic views of the city.
Bergamo Botanical Garden: Stroll through the tranquil botanical garden, home to a diverse range of plant species from around the world.
GAMeC - Modern and Contemporary Art Gallery: Visit the modern and contemporary art gallery, showcasing a dynamic collection of innovative artworks.
Teatro Donizetti: Catch a performance at the historic opera house named after the renowned composer Gaetano Donizetti.
Gelato Tasting: Indulge in the delicious local gelato flavors at various gelaterias scattered throughout the city.

Why you should visit Bergamo

Overall

Bergamo is a highly desirable destination with a lot to offer.

Safety

Bergamo is generally a safe city with a low crime rate. However, it's always important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings.

Culture

Bergamo is rich in culture and history. It has beautiful churches, museums, and historical sites that showcase its rich heritage.

Nightlife

Bergamo has a decent nightlife scene with a variety of bars and clubs. However, it may not be as vibrant as some other Italian cities.

Adventure

While Bergamo has some adventure opportunities like hiking and cycling in the surrounding mountains, it may not be the best destination for extreme sports or adrenaline-pumping activities.

Relaxation

Bergamo offers some relaxing experiences with its picturesque landscapes, parks, and gardens. However, it may not have extensive options for activities like beaches or lakes.

Best time to visit Bergamo

Bergamo, Italy is a charming city with Mediterranean climate. The best times to visit are from May to September, when the weather is warm and ideal for exploring the city's historic sites and enjoying outdoor activities.

Jan

cool temperatures

-2°C - 6°C

Feb

mild weather

0°C - 10°C

Mar

spring blossoms

4°C - 14°C

Apr

mild climate

8°C - 17°C

May

warm and sunny

12°C - 21°C

Jun

long daylight hours

15°C - 25°C

Jul

summer sun

18°C - 28°C

Aug

warm weather

17°C - 27°C

Sep

mild temperatures

13°C - 24°C

Oct

autumn colors

8°C - 18°C

Nov

cooler climate

3°C - 11°C

Dec

festive atmosphere

0°C - 7°C

A guide To your first day of Bergamo vacation

morning

Start your day with a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Città Alta, the historic upper town of Bergamo. Explore the medieval architecture and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Visit the beautiful Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, renowned for its intricate Renaissance frescoes and stunning marble work. Take a moment to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and admire the exquisite artwork.

afternoon

Indulge in a traditional Italian lunch at one of the local trattorias in Città Alta. Sample authentic Bergamo dishes such as casoncelli, a type of stuffed pasta, or polenta e osei, a dish made with cornmeal and game birds.
Explore the Accademia Carrara, an art gallery housing a vast collection of Italian Renaissance masterpieces. Admire works by artists such as Botticelli, Raphael, and Canaletto, and learn about the rich artistic history of the region.

evening

Enjoy a stroll along the lively streets of Città Bassa, the lower town of Bergamo. Explore the shops, boutiques, and cafés that line the elegant Via XX Settembre.
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Bergamo by visiting one of the local bars or wine bars. Sip on a glass of wine or try a refreshing Aperol Spritz while enjoying the lively atmosphere and socializing with locals.

night

End your day with a romantic dinner at a traditional Bergamo restaurant. Indulge in regional specialties such as polenta taragna or bagna cauda, and savor the flavors of authentic Italian cuisine.
Take a leisurely evening walk around Piazza Vecchia, the main square of Città Alta. Admire the illuminated buildings and the picturesque streets, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the historic town at night.

How to get to Bergamo

By Plane

Bergamo is conveniently serviced by Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY), which offers frequent international flights. Located just 5 kilometers from the city center, travelers can reach downtown in less than 15 minutes by bus. With its efficient connections and proximity to the city, BGY provides a hassle-free arrival experience for visitors.

Check direct connections to BGY Airport

By other means

Bergamo is well-connected to neighboring cities by an extensive public transport network. The Bergamo railway station acts as a major hub, offering frequent train services to Milan, Venice, and other Italian destinations. Buses also provide reliable transportation within the city and to nearby towns and attractions. Additionally, ferry services are available at nearby Lake Como, providing an alternative mode of travel for scenic excursions.

Tips for Booking Your Trip

Planning a trip can get tricky, right? Don't worry, we've got some solid advice to make your life easier. Here's how you can find flights and accommodations without a hitch.

Flights: How to Score the Best Deal

First things first, check out Google Flights. Their price calendar and nearby airport options are really useful. Found a good deal? Great, but hang on a sec—make sure you compare it with prices on Kayak, Skyscanner, Momondo, and Kiwi. A little research can go a long way.

Accommodation: Find Your Ideal Spot

For places to stay, start by scanning Booking.com and Airbnb to get an idea of what's out there. Then, level up your search by looking at Hostelworld and Agoda. Oh, and a quick tip: the hotel's own website might have some special offers, so give that a look too.

Ready to make some moves? The links you need are right below. Happy booking!