Bergamo: The Complete Guide

Bergamo is a city of two distinct halves—the medieval Città Alta (Upper Town) and the more modern Città Bassa (Lower Town)—each offering unique experiences and excellent places to stay for visitors. The Città Alta is the most atmospheric part of the city, with cobbled streets, Renaissance architecture, and sweeping views of the plains below. It’s ideal for travelers who want to immerse themselves in history and enjoy a quiet, romantic setting. Staying here means being steps away from landmarks like Piazza Vecchia, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, and the old Venetian walls. A charming and well-situated option is GombitHotel, a stylish boutique hotel blending historic character with modern design.

The Città Bassa is livelier and more cosmopolitan, making it perfect for visitors who prefer easy access to shopping, dining, and transportation. This area is where you’ll find Bergamo’s main train station and many contemporary comforts. It’s also just a short funicular ride from the Upper Town. The Lower Town is ideal for business travelers or those planning day trips to Milan, Lake Iseo, or nearby Lombard towns. A dependable and centrally located choice is Mercure Bergamo Centro Palazzo Dolci, offering modern amenities and close proximity to the railway station and cultural venues.

For travelers seeking a more relaxed and scenic environment, the Colli di Bergamo (Bergamo Hills) just outside the city center provide a tranquil countryside feel while remaining within easy reach of both Città Alta and Città Bassa. This area is great for nature lovers and those interested in hiking or wine tasting. Accommodations here often include elegant villas or restored farmhouses surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. One such retreat is Relais San Vigilio al Castello, nestled near the ruins of a medieval castle and offering panoramic views in a serene setting.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Bergamo. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Summer in Bergamo: June – August

Summer allows for light packing with summer clothing, a hat, sandals, sunscreen, and perhaps a cardigan for cooler evenings. Surprisingly, this season is the most budget-friendly, particularly from August to September. It’s also an opportune time for outdoor cinema and festivals, such as the Summer Dance Festival and Celtic Days in mid-July, culminating in the Festa di Sant’Alessandro on August 26.

Visitors can explore both the upper and lower parts of Bergamo, indulge in day trips to Milan and Venice, and enjoy the city’s parks. Summer presents an array of activities and cultural events, making it the best time to experience Bergamo’s vibrant ambiance.

Autumn (Fall) in Bergamo: September – November

Autumn temperatures vary, requiring a mix of clothing. The season provides an excellent time for history tours in Citta Alta, exploring museums, and indulging in beer, wine, and food tours. Festivals like the Beer Festival and the Feast of the Madonna del Rosario in October add cultural richness.

Christmas markets in November and December, along with festivals like Mercatanti and BergamoScienza, enhance the fall experience. Travelers may find good deals on accommodations and flights during this less touristy period.

Winter in Bergamo: December – February

Beyond winter sports, Bergamo’s historical landmarks, churches, and museums are worth exploring. Christmas markets, the Feast of Saint Lucy, and the Chocolate Festival in late January add festive charm. The Carnival in late February livens up the city with a grand parade.

Winter, although cold, presents a unique charm, allowing tourists to explore Bergamo’s attractions with fewer crowds. Wellness centres and thermal spas offer relaxation, making winter an appealing time for various preferences.

Spring in Bergamo: March – May

Spring, starting from May, sees an influx of tourists, making it the busiest month for tourism in Bergamo. Despite higher prices, the pleasant weather attracts visitors for sightseeing tours, day trips, and exploration of Citta Alta’s landmarks.

Notable festivals during spring include the Spring Festival and the Bergamo Jazz Festival in mid-March. Although the wettest season, spring offers opportunities to enjoy Bergamo’s attractions amidst the blooming scenery. Advance bookings are advisable due to increased tourist arrivals.

By Plane: The International Airport of Orio al Serio is just 5 km from Bergamo and 45 km from Milan, well-connected to various Italian and European destinations, especially low-cost airlines. The Airport Bus service operates daily, departing every 30 minutes, with a journey time of approximately 20 minutes. For additional details, visit www.atb.bergamo.it. Reach Bergamo Airport at Via Aeroporto, 13, Orio al Serio (Ph. +39 035 326323), or explore www.orioaeroporto.it.

By Car: You can access the town via the motorway (A4) or by train. The center of Bergamo features various restricted traffic zones, some permanently active and inaccessible, while others operate at specific times. To understand their layout and entry points, refer to the following resources: LTZ List and LTZ Map. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

By Bus: Traveling from Milan Lampugnano, Cadorna, and Piazza Castello to Bergamo Bus Station with Trasporti NET Nord Est takes approximately one hour under smooth traffic conditions. The connection from Milan Cadorna, Central Station, and Lampugnano to Orio al Serio Bergamo airport is operated by Autostradale, with a journey time of about one hour in flowing traffic. Buses from both companies typically depart every 30 minutes, but due to occasional heavy traffic, it’s advisable to anticipate a travel time of around 2 hours. Other public transport companies operate routes between Bergamo and neighboring towns, with the bus station and ticket office situated in Piazzale Marconi, adjacent to the train station.

By Train: Bergamo railway station has direct connections to Milan, Lecco, and Brescia (with links to Lake Garda, Verona, and Venice). The Milan-Bergamo and Brescia-Bergamo journeys take approximately one hour, while the trip from Lecco to Bergamo is around 40 minutes. Trains run almost every hour. The station, located in Lower Bergamo, is linked to Città Alta (Upper Bergamo) by a bus departing approximately every 10 minutes. For more information, contact Bergamo Railway Station at Piazzale Guglielmo Marconi (ph. +39 035 247950) or visit Trenitalia’s website: www.trenitalia.com.