Bergamo
Bergamo is one of the most beautiful cities in northern Italy and is a real insider tip for vacationers who want to enjoy the authentic Italian way of life away from the crowds. A Bergamo city break can easily be completed in one day.
The city is divided into the picturesque upper town (Città Alta) and the modern, bustling lower town (Città Bassa). A funicular connects the two parts of the city.
Those who come to Bergamo are drawn to the upper town. It is surrounded by mighty city walls from the 16th century and winding alleyways and beautiful churches tempt you to go on a tour of discovery. This area of the city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017.
Magnificent Renaissance palaces and the imposing Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore characterize the image of the upper town. A highlight is the medieval round town with the Palazzo della Ragione as its central building.
But it’s not just the architecture and history that make Bergamo a worthwhile destination. The region’s culinary specialties are also worth a detour. Bergamo is known as the home of casoncelli – a type of savory pasta filled with meat, cheese, bread and spices. Polenta is also ubiquitous here, as are Gorgonzola and other cheeses from the nearby dairy farming area. A real treat for the palate!
If you want to experience Bergamo’s cuisine in an authentic way, you should visit one of the quaint restaurants in the upper town. Here, traditional dishes are served in a cozy atmosphere. Many restaurants also offer a wonderful view over the rooftops of the old town.
Bergamo is the perfect place for anyone who wants to leave the hustle and bustle behind and enjoy the Italian dolce vita to the full.
Bergamo excursion tips
Bergamo not only has an airport where visitors to Italy land in droves. It's worth taking a day trip to the city and discovering the beautiful old town.
Book accommodation in Bergamo
Travel information for a Bergamo city trip
Arrival
By plane
Orio al Sera airport, which is the arrival point for many air travellers visiting Milan, is about 4 kilometres outside Bergamo.
This is where the low-cost airlines mainly land and bring numerous visitors to Italy every day.
You can take a bus to Bergamo from the airport. The ticket is valid for 90 minutes and costs €3.
By train
Local trains run between Milan, Lecco and Brescia and Bergamo. The main station is in the lower town.
By bus
The central bus station is right next to Bergamo railway station. The city is served by several long-distance bus connections.
By car
The A4 motorway from Turin via Milan to Venice runs a few kilometres north of the city.
On the wayin Bergamo
By car
The upper town is connected to the lower town by Viale Vittorio Emanele. Within the Upper Town, the alleys are very narrow, there is hardly any parking and many streets are not allowed to be used by cars.
With the funicular
The most comfortable way to reach the Upper Town is by funicular. Since 1887, the Città Alta funicular has connected the lower town with the upper town. A second funicular, the San Vigilio, runs from the north-western upper town to the San Vigilio hill.
By bus
There are a few bus lines that run within the city. The city bus line 1 goes from the main railway station and Bergamo airport to the upper town.
24-hour tickets are available, which also allow you to use the funicular railway. Tickets can be bought at the Autostradale counter, the Turimo Bergamo office, Tabako and ticket machines.
On foot
On the way from the lower town to the upper town, there is a difference in altitude of 100 metres. Within the Upper Town, you can easily explore the often quite narrow alleys on foot.
Parking
There are some free and guarded car parks on the main access roads to Bergamo. From there you can get to the city by bus.
Best time to visit
The best times to visit Bergamo are spring and fall. In spring, the city is at its best with mild weather and blossoming vegetation. Autumn impresses with its colorful foliage and pleasant temperatures, albeit with a higher probability of rain.
Spring (March – May)
- Average temperatures: 10-20°C
- Rainy days: 8-10 per month
- Mostly mild and sunny
Summer (June – August)
- Average temperatures: 22-28°C
- Rainy days: 6-8 per month
- Maximum temperatures of up to 32°C possible in July/August
- High humidity and occasional thunderstorms
Fall (September – November)
- Average temperatures: 14-22°C
- Rainy days: 7-10 per month
- Often foggy and humid in fall
Winter (December – February)
- Average temperatures: 2-8°C
- Rainy days: 5-7 per month
- Snowfall is possible, often fog and high fog
- The coldest month is January
Luggage Service
At the airport, there is a left-luggage office near the ticket office for the car park. Here, suitcases are accepted from 8 a.m. and can be stored for a few hours.
Near the station at the Urban Center there is another luggage storage, which is open 24 hours a day.