Bergamo Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Bergamo is a city of two halves, each with its own charm.

• Città Alta — Wander the cobbled lanes of the medieval upper town, full of churches, palaces and cafés.
• Venetian Walls — Stroll along the 16th-century fortifications, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, with views over the plain.
• Piazza Vecchia — Relax in one of Italy’s most beautiful squares, overlooked by the Palazzo della Ragione.
• Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and Colleoni Chapel — Admire the richly decorated basilica and the ornate Renaissance chapel beside it.
• Funicular railway — Ride the historic funicular between the lower and upper towns, and continue up to San Vigilio for even wider views.
• Accademia Carrara — See an outstanding collection of Italian paintings, including works by Raphael and Bellini.
• Lakes day trip — Visit nearby Lake Iseo or Lake Como for lakeside villages and mountain scenery.

Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are the best times to visit Bergamo, with mild temperatures ideal for walking the walls and exploring the hills and lakes nearby. Gardens are in bloom in spring, while autumn brings harvest flavours and golden light.

Summer is warm and can be humid, but evenings in the Città Alta are pleasant and there are outdoor events. Winters are cold and sometimes foggy, particularly in the lower town, but the old town is atmospheric and quieter, and December brings Christmas lights and markets.

Milan Bergamo Airport, at Orio al Serio, is only about 5 kilometres south-east of Bergamo’s city centre, making it one of the closest airports to any Italian city. It also serves as a popular gateway to Milan.

Frequent airport buses connect the terminal with Bergamo railway station and continue up towards the Città Alta. Taxis are available outside arrivals, and shuttle coaches run to Milan for travellers heading there. The drive to central Bergamo usually takes only around 10 to 15 minutes.

Choose between the romantic upper town and the practical, lively lower town.

• Città Alta — Ideal for couples and history lovers who want to stay within the walls among historic buildings.
• Città Bassa — Suits travellers who prefer elegant shopping streets, restaurants and more hotel choice.
• Around the railway station — Convenient for early flights, day trips to Milan and good-value stays.
• Borgo Santa Caterina — A characterful neighbourhood near the Accademia Carrara, with a local feel.

• Payments: Cards are widely accepted, but it is useful to carry some cash for small cafés and bakeries.
• Getting around: The lower and upper towns are linked by buses and the funicular; the Città Alta has limited car access.
• Food: Try local specialities such as casoncelli (stuffed pasta) and polenta dishes.
• Etiquette: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches.
• Language: Italian is the main language; English is spoken in hotels and many restaurants, and a few Italian words are appreciated.