How to Spend 24 Hours in Bergamo, Italy
Bergamo, Italy, is a hidden treasure that many tourists ignore, but once discovered, you’ll wonder how you ever missed it. I was the same too. My friends always told me to visit Bergamo, but it was just a town for me. After my visit, I realized why they told me to visit Bergamo.
Located in the Lombardy area near Milan. This is a city that combines a rich past with a contemporary flair. Whether you’re a history lover, a foodie, or simply seeking a pleasant Italian town to visit, Bergamo has something for everyone.
The city is separated into two sections: Città Alta (Upper City) and Città Bassa (Lower City). Città Alta, with its cobblestone streets and ancient buildings, takes you back in time. On the other hand, Città Bassa provides a more modern environment, complete with modern stores, cafés, and restaurants. With so much to see and do, it’s ideal for a 24-hour escape.
In 24 hours, you can do everything from seeing ancient buildings like the Piazza Vecchia Bergamo to sampling excellent local food. Wondering what to visit in Bergamo, Italy? Let me tell you.
How to Get to Bergamo
It’s easy to get to Bergamo whether you fly, take the train, or come from Milan. If you’re coming by plane, the closest airport is Milan Bergamo Airport (Orio al Serio), which has many low-cost and foreign trips. Daily buses go from the airport to the Bergamo train station, Porta Nuova, the lower funicular stop, and Città Alta.
Even though the trip only takes 15 to 20 minutes, ensure you’re always on the right bus. You can buy a €3 ticket at a machine, on board, or through the ATB app. If you have a paper ticket, remember to confirm it after getting on the train—you have 90 minutes to do so. Please don’t ask why I’m telling you this.
The train is the fastest and most direct route to Bergamo from Milan. It only takes 50 minutes by train from Milano Centrale, so it’s an excellent place for the day.
You can also take buses, which are helpful if you’re going to or from Milan Bergamo Airport. Driving from Milan takes about an hour, and you can see some of the beautiful Lombardy scenery along the way.
It’s also easy to get to other towns in northern Italy by train from Bergamo. It takes about 2.5 hours to get here from Venice, 1.5 hours from Verona, and 2 hours from Turin. Brescia is only 50 minutes away, which is even closer. It’s easy to get around once you get there.
A one-way ride on the incline costs €1.70 and goes from the lower town to the ancient Città Alta. Suppose you want to use public transportation more than once. In that case, the €8.50 24-hour ticket is an excellent deal for a short stay because it covers all buses, the incline, and even the airport bus.
Where to Stay in Bergamo
Choosing where to stay is determined by the type of trip you desire. When looking for a place to stay in Bergamo, Italy, I learned that the city’s two parts make a big difference. Both have their unique vibes.
Going up into Bergamo’s famous old city, Città Alta, was like walking into a picture from the Middle Ages. This is one of the best places to stay in Bergamo if you like cute old towns and quiet nights. This is where many of the best hotels in Bergamo, Italy, are, especially if you want a romantic or fancy stay.
Città Alta has some fantastic hotels with views of Piazza Vecchia and the Venetian Walls if you want to stay in style. If you have an early flight or a short stay, many friendly hotels close to Milan Bergamo Airport make getting there easy.
Città Bassa, meaning “Lower Town, ” had much more life.” Città Bassa is an excellent choice if you want a more urban feel, with many bars and shops nearby.
Because I was only going to be there for one day and getting there late, I decided to stay in Città Bassa. Taking the train up to Bergamo’s old city was super easy.
It was cheap, right in the middle of everything. The best part is I got a room with a view. I’ll never forget waking up to see Piazza Vecchia or those rolling hills.
Things to Do in Bergamo – Morning
Ride the Funicular to Città Alta
Raiding the Funicular Città Alta is a must-do when visiting Bergamo, Italy. From 1887 until today, residents and tourists have been riding this historic cable car between Bergamo Alta and Città Bassa. In just a few minutes, you’ll be carried up the steep hill while you look down at the green fields and red-tiled roofs below. Feels awesome.
Not only is the Funicolare Città Alta a way to get around, but also it’s an essential part of Bergamo’s past. It’s also a great way to know the city’s unique plan.
The funicular in Bergamo, Italy, costs about €1.70 for a single ticket that is good for 75 minutes. It can get crowded in the tourist season. Getting there early during busy times is best because the lines can get pretty long.
Explore Piazza Vecchia
Piazza Vecchia is one of the most beautiful and ancient places in Bergamo. It is in the middle of the town’s northern part. It has beautiful Renaissance buildings, a central pond, and cozy cafés outside.
The square in Bergamo, Italy, has been the center of public life for hundreds of years. It’s a historical place where locals and tourists meet. Famous buildings like Palazzo della Ragione and Biblioteca Angelo Mai surround it, and their grand fronts make for beautiful pictures.
Piazza Vecchia is one of the best places to see in Bergamo.
It’s a great place to start visiting the rest of the old town, whether you’re there for a coffee in the morning, taking pictures, or just taking in the history.
Visit Cappella Colleoni
One of the most well-known sights in Bergamo is Cappella Colleoni. It’s located just off the Piazza Vecchia with its elaborate marble façade that combines pink, white, and dark stone in geometric designs. Don’t miss this elaborate Renaissance church.
The church is a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance art and building. It was built in the 1400s as the personal tomb of Bartolomeo Colleoni, a military leader in the area. The ceilings are covered in frescoes, some parts are gilt, and a large tomb of Colleoni is inside. Since it’s free to get in, you should go inside and look at the work.
Walk Along the Venetian Walls
You will see the Venetian Walls surrounding Bergamo Alta. So, walking along them is a great way to learn about history while taking in breathtaking scenery. These spectacular fortifications were erected in the 16th century during Venetian authority in Bergamo, Italy. This was built to protect the city from external attacks.
Today, the walls provide some of the most incredible panoramic views of the city, reaching beyond the rooftops of Bergamo Bassa, out to the Lombard countryside, and on clear days as far as the Alps.
It’s a tranquil, gorgeous stroll perfect for photographers, history buffs, or anybody looking to appreciate Bergamo’s unique location in northern Italy.
I come across seats along the path, ideal for a little break with a view.
Coffee Break at Bugan Coffee Lab
Now that you’ve spent the morning touring around Bergamo Alta, it’s time for a break. The Bugan Coffee Lab is one of the best places to get coffee. It is known for having some of the best espresso and other specialty drinks in town.
This cool coffee shop combines new methods with old Italian coffee customs, making it a must-see for fans. The Bugan Coffee Lab is a great place to take a break in the middle of the morning.
Whether you’re drinking a classic espresso, trying a V60 pour-over, or having a cappuccino on their patio, you will love it.
Lunch and Afternoon Activities in Bergamo
Taste Traditional Polenta
No trip to Bergamo, Italy, is complete without sampling polenta, the city’s most distinctive meal. This substantial, golden cornmeal is a Bergamo culinary classic, eaten with rich soups, creamy cheese, or as a fried snack. They cost between €7 and €12 for each dish. Talking with the locals helped a lot.
Polenta may be found on menus across Bergamo Alta and Bergamo Bassa. Still, for a truly genuine experience, I visit a classic osteria or trattoria. Locals adore PolentOne, a casual restaurant specializing in everything polenta, from creamy bowls to grilled pieces topped with regional cheese.
If you’re traveling during the cooler months, polenta taragna (polenta combined with melted cheese) is a must. It’s cozy, filling, and tastes like Bergamo Lombardy.
Enjoy a Slice at Il Fornaio
People in Bergamo Alta love going to Il Fornaio for a quick and tasty lunch. This busy bakery is known for having a massive range of pizza al taglio and flat pizzas sold by weight.
You can get the standard Margherita or try something new with gorgonzola and pear as a topping. I grabbed a few slices and a cool drink, then ate on a seat in Piazza Vecchia Bergamo, which is only a short walk away.
The cost ranges from €3 to €6 a slice, depending on the toppings. It’s a cheap, quick, and tasty way to fuel up for your afternoon activities. In addition, you’ll get to see a typical day in Bergamo.
Discover Bergamo’s Street Markets
If you enjoy perusing neighborhood marketplaces like me, then good news. There are many cute street markets in Bergamo, Italy.
You can buy fresh food, local cheeses and meats that have been aged, and crafts made by hand.
One of the most famous markets is the Mercato di Piazza Pontida in Bergamo Bassa. Its stands are full of local dishes. There are many different kinds of cheese from Bergamo Lombardy, like Taleggio and honey. They are all handmade and eaten with freshly baked bread.
You can also buy tasty souvenirs there to remember your trip to Bergamo and bring them back home.
Visit the Venetian Walls in the Afternoon Light
If you missed the chance to stroll along the Venetian Walls in the morning, don’t worry—the afternoon is just as enchanting! The cozy light wraps Bergamo Alta in a lovely golden hue. The sights of Bergamo city and the far-off mountains are magical.
The walk is simple and welcoming, perfect for anyone, regardless of age. As you make your way, you’ll come across old cannons, beautiful viewpoints, and lovely shaded areas just for a little break.
Whether you are taking photos or just soaking in the serene vibe, it’s genuinely one of the best experiences in Bergamo, Italy.
Treat Yourself to Stracciatella Gelato
It is almost mandatory to sample stracciatella gelato in Bergamo, Italy, because this delight is the birthplace.
An old gelateria in Bergamo Alta called La Marianna was the first to make this popular flavor: creamy milk gelato with thin lines of dark chocolate.
Get a scoop and enjoy it while you walk through the old streets of Bergamo. Each scoop costs between €3 and €5. Stracciatella is a great sweet treat to enjoy on a sunny afternoon in Bergamo, whether you like it in a cone or a cup.
You can taste this tasty part of Bergamo’s food history. I loved the taste of Gelato. Also, I believe each type of Gelato only tastes best when you eat it in the place where it was created.
Explore Hidden Courtyards and Side Streets
The best way to see Bergamo Alta is to wander through its maze of little alleyways and discover all the hidden gems. While you walk, you’ll come across delightful courtyards, balconies adorned with ivy, and quaint artisan shops offering a variety of ceramics and handmade jewelry.
Bergamo, Italy, is genuinely peaceful, lovely, and brimming with delightful surprises.
If you are lost on what to do, enjoy the journey and explore what piques your interest. You’ll discover your unique spots in the city.
Evening in Bergamo
Aperitivo with a View
Bergamo is the perfect place to enjoy an aperitivo (Italian tradition of enjoying drinks and snacks before dinner) in the evening. There’s no better spot to enjoy a spritz than on a terrace overlooking the Bergamo Alta skyline.
Go to Cafè della Funicolare, next to the famous funicular in Bergamo. During my visit, I just sat here with a glass of local wine or an Aperol Spritz and watched the sun go down over Bergamo City. And this feeling was something amazing for me.
One of the best things is that most bars offer free snacks like olives, crisps, and small bites, which is a great way to start the evening.
Stroll Through the Illuminated Streets of Città Alta
After you’ve had your drink, stroll around Bergamo Alta under the soft illumination of the streetlights. After nightfall, the people thin away, leaving the ancient city with a peaceful, magical atmosphere.
The old stone buildings, dimly lit piazzas, and quiet streets at night look lovely, making it one of the best times to explore.
It is easy to see why Bergamo Alta is regarded as one of Italy’s most beautiful ancient towns.
Also, I feel this was a great time to walk along the Venetian Walls again. At night, the views of Bergamo city lit up below are beautiful.
Dinner at a Traditional Trattoria
Enjoy supper in one of Bergamo’s renowned trattorias. Bergamo Lombardy’s local food is substantial and flavorful, using alpine delicacies like cheese, cured meats, and mushrooms.
Located in the middle of Bergamo Alta, Ristorante Lalimentari is a fantastic choice.
The local delicacies include casoncelli alla bergamasca, which is filled with pasta with pancetta, sage, butter, and the region’s name. I suggest trying it with a glass of Valcalepio, a regional wine.
If you’re a cheese fan, request a sampling platter with Bergamo Lombardy cheeses like Taleggio and Strachitunt.
Experience Bergamo’s Nighttime Charm
Dinner isn’t the end of the fun at Bergamo Alta. As the sun goes down, the town’s old squares become even more picturesque as residents sip their last glasses of wine or Gelato.
If you go in the summer, Piazza Vecchia Bergamo might have a fair or music outside. Many of the time, these cultural events show off Bergamo’s history, music, and customs.
Don’t worry about it, even if you don’t have anything planned. Your whole trip is an experience that involves walking through the quiet streets of Bergamo, past medieval towers, ancient castles, and tourist spots bathed in soft light.
Late-Night Gelato at La Marianna
I Stopped by La Marianna for a late-night scoop of stracciatella gelato before returning to your hotel. My thought is that there is no such thing as too much cream, especially in the place where it all began. Sitting on a bench and eating Gelato under the stars, I enjoyed the moment.
During my 24-hour trip, I understood why Bergamo is such a special place. It’s full of history, charm, and times you’ll never forget. Download the Map For Easy Going.
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Conclusion & Final Tips for Visiting Bergamo, Italy
Bergamo – A Hidden Gem That Deserves the Spotlight
Bergamo, Italy, may not receive the same attention as Milan or Venice, but that makes it unique. It’s a city where historic walls meet modern life, every corner tells a tale, and the food, scenery, and culture leave an indelible mark.
Whether you’re here for a day, a weekend, or even longer, Bergamo has something for everyone – from history buffs to foodies to visitors seeking a calmer piece of Lombardy life.
Best Time to Visit Bergamo
Spring and early autumn are ideal times to visit Bergamo, Italy. The weather’s nice, the skies look good, and you won’t have to deal with those summer crowds. If you swing by in December, you’ll experience the delightful Christmas markets, which add a special touch to the old town.
Is Bergamo Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. It’s a city with surprises, from the Venetian Walls to the rich Lombard food and breathtaking scenery. If you enjoy visiting towns with history, charm, and fewer tourists, you’ll adore Bergamo.
How to Plan a Day Trip from Milan to Bergamo
Going from Milan to Bergamo in a single day is possible if you are in a hurry. You may reach a seemingly distant city in about an hour with the regular train service. Begin your journey with Bergamo Alta, have lunch while taking in the scenery, and then return to Milan after a stroll around the walls.
Where to Stay for the Best Experience
Bergamo Alta is a great place to stay the night if you plan on doing so. A magnificent experience awaits you as you awaken within the ancient city, with all of Bergamo’s attractions at your doorstep. Modern hotels near the train station are available in Bergamo Bassa for those on a budget.
Don’t Miss These Bergamo Highlights
Here’s a quick recap of things to do in Bergamo, Italy you shouldn’t miss:
- Ride the funicular Bergamo Italy is known for.
- Walk the Venetian Walls for panoramic views.
- Explore Piazza Vecchia Bergamo, the heart of the old city.
- Taste stracciatella gelato, invented right here in Bergamo.
- Visit Cappella Colleoni, one of the top Bergamo attractions.
Ready to Experience Bergamo Italy for Yourself?
It doesn’t matter how long you stay or how short your visit is—Bergamo, Italy, is full of history, charm, and excellent food. Get your vacation plans in motion right away! If you have any questions or want to contribute your travel advice for Bergamo, please leave a comment below! Let me know!
