With some of the cheapest flights to Italy from the UK, Milan is a regular choice for an easy weekend break. But most people think that (Milan)-Bergamo is simply the name of the airport they’ll be flying into, not appreciating it’s a city in its own right – one that’s every bit as charming and worth visiting as its glitzier neighbour.

The UNESCO town of Bergamo Alta, or Old Town Bergamo, is a unique hidden gem of Italy. A medieval hill-top town encircled by Venetian walls that are managing to keep a few secrets we’d like to tell you about.

In this article we’ll cover;

• Where to stay in Bergamo
• An overview of Bergamo Old Town
• Some Bergamo tourist attractions and things to see and do
• Tried and tested places to eat and drink
• Travel tips for visiting Bergamo, Italy

Bergamo, Italy

Some people tag a day onto their Italy trip to visit Bergamo when flying in or out of Milan, and we have no objection to that. HOWEVER, visiting Bergamo for longer is always what we would suggest. It’s a city that imprints itself on your heart and no matter how many times we visit we never want to leave. So at the very least, book yourself a minimum of 1 night in Bergamo and let this gorgeous Italian gem sign its name upon your soul once the day-trippers have gone home. Or better still, make a weekend of it – with such good prices on flights to Milan-Bergamo airport, it’s a great choice for a cheap city break in Europe. Stupendo! (You’re also only an hour or so away from Lake Como, Lake Iseo and Lake Garda)

Where To Stay In Bergamo

Bergamo city is a town of two halves – Bergamo and Bergamo Alta (or old town). Ideally a hotel in the Old Town will sweeten the stay and you’ll definitely get to experience it in its quieter moments, when you can almost hear its heart beat. We have a few Bergamo hotel recommendations for you but our favourite is The Gombit Hotel.

This boutique Bergamo hotel is a historical masterpiece right in the heart of the Old Town. Built into a tower on the old walls, but renovated to be sleek and sophisticated, you feel swanky from the minute you arrive! The exposed walls, oak floors and natural tones feel warm and calming and it’s a joy to return back to each night after wandering Bergamo. It’s not a budget choice but we will always return to it and book time after time (it’s a lovely little treat-night before flying home)

for the best rates at The Gombit Hotel, click here.

BERGAMO BUDGET HOTELS

For a more budget friendly option with rates from as little as £75 we can recommend the guesthouse La Torre Bergamo House. Still in the centre of Bergamo Alta and equally as old a building, this more traditional bed & breakfast has everything you need. There are some compromises in these antique dwellings but La Torre is extremely clean, the host is lovely, and you won’t get better for this price in Bergamo.

Alternatively, if you’re visiting with friends, as we often are, the 2-bedroomed apartment, Dimora Gitta Alta, works out very reasonable for 2 couples sharing. Plus there are 2 bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen.

La Torre Bergamo House

A MID-PRICE-RANGE APARTMENT

Next door to one of our favourite restaurants in Bergamo, the Colleoni Suite apartment is a great option. Centrally located, fully air-conditioned (not always a given in Bergamo’s old buildings), and very glamorously turned out, this is a classy accommodation choice for Bergamo. And a good opportunity to take advantage of some Italian food-tasting with the little kitchenette. There are several great deli’s and little shops selling local gastronomic delights in Bergamo, so fill your baskets and head back to the apartment for a feast!

For the best deals at the Colleoni Suite Apartment, click here.

A BERGAMO VILLA FOR 8

And finally, if you’re visiting Bergamo with a few friends or your whole family, we really do love this beautiful historical dwelling right on the edge of the Old Town. There’s ample space for everyone, with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, but what more would you expect from an old Palazzo! Add to the list painted ceilings, marbled walls and a terrace with a panoramic view and it doesn’t take long before you start to feel like Italian royalty.

For the best deals at Palazzo Terzi click here.

A Bit About Bergamo And It’s Old Town

I discovered Bergamo nearly 30 years ago with a bunch of back-packing friends and we’ve returned many times since, and yet not much has changed! In fact, it feels like not much has changed in general for a few thousand years.

This little city perched at the edge of the Alps began as a Celtic settlement, absorbed into the Roman Empire, then flourished as a Venetian stronghold in the Middle Ages. Those old city walls have a story or two to tell for sure. Today though, it’s a city of two-halves – the Città Alta, the old town that clings to the hilltop and is coddled by its strong walls, and the Città Bassa, the modern part that spreads out below. And while the new town has its energy and elegance, it’s the old town that completely stole my heart.

The Città Alta grew organically over centuries, its higgledy-piggledy layout shaped by time rather than design. Piazza Vecchia, at the heart of Bergamo, was once the political and social centre of the city. And in fact, Palazzo della Ragione is one of Italy’s oldest town halls. Then beyond the square the maze of narrow cobbled lanes wind past old merchants’ houses, hidden courtyards, and sudden openings and viewpoints to the Alps and Lombardy plains.

Bergamo’s story is also one of powerful families and proud traditions. During the Renaissance, noble families like the Colleoni and Suardi left their mark on the city’s art and architecture. Bartolomeo Colleoni, the mercenary captain, even had his own ornate chapel built beside Santa Maria Maggiore and it’s still one of Bergamo’s greatest treasures. The city’s Venetian past also still lingers too: the ringing of the Campanone (Great Bell) from the Civic Tower every evening at 10 p.m. recalls the days when the gates of the old walls were locked for the night. It tolls 100 times (!) every evening and whilst you may think that could be a tad annoying, I just find it so transfixing that my imagination immediately goes to townsfolk rushing to get home quickly before the gates close – an endearing glimpse into a bygone age where I’m sure, like mine, the teenagers were pushing every last minute of their curfew. (thinking of installing a bell-tower on my house – what do you think?)

So what is there to do and see in Bergamo?

Things To Do – Bergamo’s Tourist Attractions

1. Start In Piazza Vecchia

Italian squares are the best, right? Well Bergamo’s is no disappointment either. And the finest way to enjoy it is to park your bottom in one of the bars or restaurants (outside, obviously) and sip away an hour or two. The fountains, the medieval facades, and the gentle hum of local life… it’s easy to see why designer and architect Le Corbusier once called it “the most beautiful square in Europe”.

At one end is the Angelo Mai Library, filled with rare manuscripts and centuries-old maps, and at the other end is the grand Palazzo della Ragione. The Palazzo was the old town hall, built in the 12th century, and sometimes is free to visit if there’s an exhibition inside.

Don’t miss Caffè del Tasso 1476 – one of Italy’s oldest cafés, founded in 1476 and tucked into the corner of Piazza Vecchia. Apparently Mozart stopped here on his travels, and was often the meeting place for artists, writers, and curious wanderers. Today it still feels timeless, and the old black and white photo’s on the walls play out its history. It’s the perfect spot for a morning espresso and pastry, when you’ll be rubbing shoulders with real Bergamites and needing to shout to your partner to be heard over the expressive Italians.

2. The Tales Of The Three Churches

Their front doors are within metres of each other, and they all belong to the Catholic faith, so why the need for THREE churches in such close proximity?

The answer is a perfect snapshot of how faith, politics, and sometimes vanity, shape most Italian cities.

Bergamo’s religious centre grew in layers, rather than being planned, and the first of these magnificent buildings was the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. Built in the 12th century as a civic vow to the Virgin Mary – a way for the townspeople to seek protection from plague and famine. It wasn’t a cathedral, but it became the main place of worship for the local population, a sort of communal spiritual home. The peoples church, if you will. It’s beautiful interior is filled with paintings by local artists, including a piece by Giambattista Tiepolo.

Next to it, the Duomo di Sant’Alessandro Martire evolved as the official cathedral of Bergamo, dedicated to Saint Alexander, the city’s patron saint and a Roman soldier martyred for his faith. This was the seat of the bishop and therefore the heart of religious authority – attending Mass here was often a matter of status or obligation. It was a “formal” church for those in the clergy, whilst the towns-people used the Basilica. Today though, it’s the centre of the cities Catholic life and everyone who practices their faith practices at the Duomo.

And lastly, there’s the Colleoni Chapel, built by Bartolomeo Colleoni, a powerful condottiere (mercenary captain) from Bergamo who served the Venetian Republic. Colleoni had the audacity and vanity to demolish part of the Basilica’s sacristy to build his own private mausoleum. The chapel was his statement piece, both an act of devotion and a monument to his legacy.

TIP: The Basilica and Colleoni Chapel are free to visit. There is a small fee for the Duomo.

3. Climb the Torre Civica (Campanone)

Climbing the 230 steps of the Campanone in Piazza Vecchia is one of my favourite things to do. Bergamo’s Bell Tower/Watchtower has one of the best views in town across the terracotta roof-tops towards the Alps and over the Lombardy countryside.

But the 3-tonne bell has been more than a signal for curfew, it was often used for announcing elections and signalling danger too. It’s a constant feature in Bergamo’s history and the small museum at the bottom highlights its importance in town life.

4. Explore The Narrow Backstreets

This one probably goes without saying, because the backstreets are always were you’ll find the magic in a town. However, there are a handful of quaint spots to stop by…

• Via Bartolomeo Colleoni (there’s that vain guy again) is the main shopping street in Bergamo and home to a few independent boutiques and deli’s.
• Lavatoio di via Lupo – a beautifully preserved 19th-century wash-house that once served the townsfolk of Bergamo before the addition of running water. This is a peaceful corner of Bergamo and you’ll probably come across a few locals nattering quietly under the shade of the trees.
• Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe towards the bottom of Bergamo (right where the funicular alights) is the cutest, most aesthetic little piazza and perfect for a pause. Botticelli do a great lunchtime deal of €14 for bread, a meal, and a drink, but it’s also just a great spot for a leisurely Aperol. A great people-watching seat as folk disembark the funicular and receive their first glimpse of Bergamo.

• At the other end of the Bergamo Old Town to the funicular stop, up the hill, is another pretty little square perfect for a rest, Piazza Mascheroni. Less cramped than other piazza’s in Bergamo, this one has a more relaxed vibe and an aperitif at Dai Gustosi is always a good idea. The Torre della Campanella and Palazzo Roncalli are responsible for an interesting backdrop, plus there’s also an old well in the centre. This was once a Venetian market place and the cobbled floors keep secret a historically dense zone – layers of medieval and Renaissance structures are hiding beneath your feet. Be sure to roam through the archway into Piazza della Citadella too – a courtyard for the garrison who once protected Bergamo. These were all part of the fortifications of the Bergamo city under Venetian rule.
• On the southern edge of Old Town Bergamo there are a few places you can get a good glimpse of the city walls. There isn’t a complete route around the walls of Bergamo but this is the section where you will be able to walk some of them, plus there’s amazing views of upscale palazzo’s in the foreground and Milan in the distance.

5. Ride The Bergamo Funicular

One of the most charming things to do in Bergamo is ride the funicular railway. We prefer the ride up so we often use it as a mode of transport after visiting the lower town for a few hours (the lower/new town has a great vibe too with its cafe culture and larger shopping street).

Opened in 1887, the Bergamo funicular is a classic counterbalanced cable railway, designed to move two cars simultaneously — as one ascends, the other descends. The cars are linked by a steel cable running over a pulley at the top station, with the weight of one helping to pull the other up the steep slope and the journey only takes a couple of minutes. It was originally powered by a steam engine, but nowadays it’s an electric operation for efficiency and safety.

TIPS:

• Use your 90 minute open-ticket to ride the smaller funicular at the other side of Bergamo for an even steeper climb through Cyprus and Olive trees to the hilltop district of San Vigilio for panoramic views or even a drink at Pizzeria San Vigilio (check it’s open first!). The descent on foot takes about 15 minutes.
• Late morning and late afternoon are the busiest times and the queues can be lengthy so avoid these times if possible. Sundays are also much busier – must be the most popular day for day-trippers.
• Facing down-hill you get the best views of the city below.
• Buy your tickets in advance from the funicular station, from nearby newstands, or online with the ATB app.
• A single ticket is valid for 90 minutes and you can use it for buses and the other funicular tram.

6. Where To Eat And Drink In Bergamo

Over the years we’ve been visiting Bergamo there are some places that have come and gone and some that have really stood the test of time. Here are a few of our favourite places to eat and drink…

• We’ve already mentioned the antique breakfast spot – Cafe del Tasso 1476. An espresso and pastry with the locals is always a good idea in Italy.
• As you wander through Bergamo Alta there is no way you could overlook Il Fornaio. You’ll first spot it for the hordes of people gathered by the window staring in. This is pizza by the slice and YES they are absolutely as great as they look – my favourite; the burrata and sundried tomatoes. Oh, and if you’ve got somewhere to eat it, their takeaway tiramisu is incredible too.
• A little hidden gem that most people don’t spot is the cafe at the top of the funicular, California Bakery. Its Art Nouveau details and even older palazzo architecture may draw you in, but it’s the views over Città Bassa from the terrace that make you linger with your baked cheesecake. The menu’s very American but the hospitality is still Italian. To find it, walk through the waiting area at the top of the funicular and through the arched doorway.

• There are dozens of restaurants in Bergamo Old Town but if you want to eat where the locals eat, head to Restaurant Da Franco. A long-standing team of chefs and waiters make it feel like home and they take pride in their Bergamesque dishes (try the Casoncelli). The man behind the bar is a bit of a cocktail expert too.
• Another favourite of ours, a place which feels like more of a date-night, is Circolino di Città Alta. Once a monastery, then a prison, the old vaulted ceilings and 18th century frescoes make it feel warm and cosy. And the story of how it started as a co-operative as somewhere for the old folk to gather and eat also gives me the feels too. They focus on local ingredients, affordable menu’s and inclusivity – tourists are just as welcome as locals. The terrace is also a beautiful place to eat in Bergamo in the summer too.
• The Italian wine bar, Bar Flora, are beyond any doubt the best seats in town. And whilst their charcuterie boards & Aperol Spritzes are good enough to tout, it’s that people-watching front-row view of the prettiest square in Italy that makes it compulsory.
• We also think it’s worth a walk to the lower town of Bergamo for an Australian-style burger at Burger Wave. We’re experts in burgers (I’m not sure I should be proud of that?!) and these guys know their burgers! Casual dining and a lovely host who spent 15 years in Oz.
• And finally, what is a list without a gelato spot? Domus Gelateria serves up HIGH quality gelato on Via Gombito. And don’t overlook Gelateria Pasticceria Dei Mille just because it’s on the main square – it’s still authentic stuff, plus the views are great!

Travel Tips For Visiting Bergamo, Italy

• Getting from the airport: Orio al Serio (Milan Bergamo Airport) is just 5 km from the city; the Linea 1 bus connects the terminal to both Città Bassa and Città Alta in about 20–30 minutes.
• Use local transport smartly: The ATB day pass covers buses, funiculars, and even the airport line—handy if you’re moving between areas.
• Parking can be tricky: If driving, park in Città Bassa and use the funicular—parking in the upper town is limited and expensive.
• Avoid mid-August if possible: Around Ferragosto (15 August), many Italians take holidays, and smaller shops or family-run restaurants may close for a week or two.
• Watch for Easter week closures: Good Friday through Easter Monday can bring reduced hours in museums and altered bus timetables. There can also be reduced services 25 April, 1 May, and 2 June because of public holidays.
• Mind lunchtime hours: Many shops close for pausa pranzo between roughly 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
• Tipping etiquette: Service is usually included; rounding up or leaving small change is enough.

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So there you go, a petition for you to visit Bergamo, Milan. Not only is it a great choice if you’re looking for cheap city breaks, it’s also the perfect add-on to an Italy trip if you’re flying in or out of Milan-Bergamo airport.

Incidentally, if you are considering your options for city breaks and are searching for the cheapest weekend breaks in Europe, check out another one of our favourite destinations – Wroclaw, Poland…

READ MORE: Luxury For Less In Wroclaw – A Budget Friendly Weekend Of Fine Dining And Five Star Hotels

Or maybe you’re set on Italy and romantic old towns are your thing? Check out Sirmione, Lake Garda…

Sirmione – Lake Garda’s Most Romantic Town?

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