What to Do in Bergamo, Italy - Our Travel Tips

Wondering what to do in Bergamo, Italy?

We spent last Christmas and New Year’s holiday in this charming Lombardian city and were genuinely surprised by how much it has to offer—from medieval streets and hilltop views to local food, artisan shops, and rich history.

We loved both the historic Città Alta (Upper Town), with its cobbled streets and abundance of sights, and the lively Città Bassa (Lower Town), home to bustling avenues, shops, and modern life.

Our time was split between visiting Bergamo attractions, enjoying local cuisine, and browsing craft stores filled with regional goods.

While you can easily see Bergamo in a day—especially as a day trip from Milan—we recommend staying for 2 to 3 days to fully soak in its charm and even explore nearby destinations like Brescia or Lake Iseo.

In this guide, we’ll share everything we loved: the best things to do in Bergamo, top places to eat, fun tours, and tips for getting around with ease.

1. We took the funicular to Città Alta and the one to San Vigilio

Taking a funicular ride is one of the ways to get to Città Alta, the upper part of city, situated on a hill (there are also stairs you can take, but we recommend leave them for your return back).

People waiting to board the funicular car in Bergamo

We hopped onto a funicular car (that runs since 1887) and enjoyed a pleasant and scenic ride. There is a ticket window for buying tickets. We've bought them at the ticket machines (it's super easy - you can pay in cash or by credit card). A single ticket costs €1.70 and is valid for 75 minutes.

When we've been there, there was a long line for embarking the cable car, but it moved really quickly! So don't give up on this great experience!

Not everyone knows that there is another funicular, the second level, that connects Città Alta with San Vigilio Hill.

Up there, in one of the quieter corners of the city amid terraced fields with thick chestnut forest, there are views across Lombardy, and a network of hiking trails taking in Parco dei Colli. Both are not to be missed!

👍 Explore the best of Bergamo's Città Alta on Tuk Tuk tour (ideal for those who are short on time). Starting point is the lower funicular station!

2. We adored exploring the hidden corners and sights of the Città Alta

Exploring Bergamo's upper town was one of the most adorable experiences on our visit. It holds numerous historical treasures and boasts a lively atmosphere with cafés, artisan shops, and cosy trattorias.

Don't skip tasting the local cuisine, which features traditional Lombard dishes like polenta and casoncelli (filled pasta). The neighbourhood also hosts various cultural events throughout the year, adding to its dynamic appeal.

Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking to soak in the local culture, Città Alta promises an unforgettable experience.

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Strolling the beautiful streets of Città Alta was our top pick in Bergamo

The fucinular dropped us off at Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe, the heart of the upper town. We started to walk along Via Gombito, dotted with small trattorias and pasticcerias, until we reached Piazza Vecchia.

Just a few steps away we found Piazza Duomo, packed with amazing sights of Bergamo. We spent time exploring it!

Helpful tips! Wear comfortable shoes, as the cobblestone streets can be uneven and it's not easy to walk on them. Also, try to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy a relaxed and calm atmosphere.

Plus, check the opening times of the sights and any events, so you can plan your time there!

👍 Get an overview of Bergamo’s scenic Città Alta on this private 2.5-hour guided tour (choose the time that best suits you)!

We stumbled upon many unique souvenir stores in Città Alta

We were really impressed by the Cappella Colleoni

When we got to Piazza Duomo, the first thing that grabbed our attention was this gorgeous building with a red and white marble façade. Honestly, we thought it was the Cathedral at first—it’s that beautiful. But it turns out, it’s actually the Cappella Colleoni.

It’s a Renaissance-style mausoleum built for Bartolomeo Colleoni, and it’s hands down one of the most stunning buildings we saw in the city. The exterior alone is amazing, but when you step inside, it gets even better. The place is filled with incredible artwork—like, everywhere you look.

And the best part? It’s completely free to enter. Just make sure to check the opening hours before you go, so you don’t miss it!

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The Cappella Colleoni stands next to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

The entrance to the beautiful Cappella Colleoni

Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore - Another beautiful sights of Bergamo

Next to the Cappella Colleoni, stands the stunning Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. This sacred building hides beautiful frescoes, tapestries, wood carvings by Lorenzo Lotto, baroque decorations and the tomb of Bergamo's great composer Gaetano Donizetti.

You need to pay for the entrance (€5 for adults; 14-25 years old pay €2). If you don't want to pay for a visit, take a peak from the entrance door!

👉 Explore Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore by listening this digital guide!

The beautiful Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Bergamo

We explored the Duomo di Bergamo (Bergamo Cathedral)

Don't miss visiting the Duomo - Bergamo's Cathedral (Cattedrale di Sant'Alessandro Martire). You'll recognize it by white façade! The entrance is completely free and it's not crowded at all.

Once inside, we admired the altars, the sculptures and enjoyed the silence of this beautiful building. We couldn’t resist taking a few photos, including those of the dome above (painted by Francesco Coghetti).

In a room to the right of the main altar is a room containing relics of Pope Saint John XXIII (Papa Giovanni XIII).

Helpful tip! The Cathedral is an excellent spot to take a break from sightseeing, thanks to its peaceful atmosphere and lack of crowds. 

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You'll recognize the Bergamo's Cathedral by its white façade

The interior of Bergamo's Cathedral is stunning

You can admire the frescoes on the dome, painted by Francesco Coghetti

Climb the Campanone (the Civic Tower)

You can't miss the Campanone, the 56-meter high tower that stands proud at the center of Bergamo (it holds the biggest bell in Lombardy). From the top, it offers some of the most fabulous panoramic views of the city and the surroundings. 

Climb the 230 steps, or opt for the more comfortable option of the elevator to reach the top. Even today, every evening at 10pm, the bell kicks off its nightly routine, ringing out 100 times.

You'll pay the entrance to Campanone and Palazzo del Podestà (museum about the history of Bergamo) €5. 👉 Explore history of Bergamo with your private guide!

In the heart of Piazza Vecchia in Bergamo stands the Civic Tower, called the Campanone

3. We enjoyed stunning panorama from the Venetian Walls (Mura Veneziane)

On our way back to the lower town, we took Via San Giacomo from Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe (it's the street on the right).

At the bottom, we reached Porta San Giacomo—one of the four main gates to Città Alta—and the impressive Venetian Walls, which stretch all the way around the upper town for about 6 km.

We spent some time there, snapping amazing photos and selfies with the city in the distance. The view was absolutely magical—we honestly felt like we’d stepped right into a fairytale.

After that, we walked down Via Salita della Scaletta to get back to the lower town. We absolutely loved taking those stairs—it felt like such a special part of the experience!

Snap stunning photos of Bergamo from Venetian Walls

It's possible to walk all around the Venetian walls

The Venetian Walls are especially beautiful in the sunset

We took Via Salita della Scalletta to get to the lower town of Bergamo

4. Sampling Bergamo’s tasty cuisine was such a treat

We loved spending time in local trattorias, enjoying delicious regional dishes. Of course, we tried casoncelli alla bergamasca, the typical pasta from Bergamo, and absolutely liked it.

These candy-shaped pasta are stuffed with a meat filling—usually pork or beef—and served with a sauce of pancetta, sage, and butter. For an authentic experience, be sure to visit Trattoria Parietti or Da Mimmo.

We love casoncelli alla Bergamasca, a comforting and delicious traditional pasta from Bergamo filled with meat and served with a savoury pancetta, sage, and butter sauce

While passing by pastry shops, we noticed bright yellow cakes displayed in the windows. Curious, we had to try them. Called “polenta e osei,” these sponge cakes are filled with chocolate-hazelnut cream and each is topped with a little chocolate bird.

Nessi Pasticceria—which you can find in the piazza just outside the funicular in the upper town—offers a delicious version of this unique sweet treat.

Polenta e osei, a sponge cake that hides delicious chocolate hazelnut cream inside

Don’t miss tasting stracciatella, the famous gelato made with fresh milk and cream studded with dark chocolate. We especially love the one from Gelateria La Romana (Via G. Tiraboschi, 42). Their salted caramel gelato with crunchy pecans is simply marvelous!

Stracciatella gelato, made with fresh milk and cream and studded with dark chocolate is invented in Bergamo

For a quick and tasty snack, head to Forno Liento (Via Sant'Alessandro, 30). We adore their panzerotti—choose from ham and mozzarella, tomato and mozzarella, or vegetable fillings. They’re absolutely addictive, especially when served warm!

👍 Taste a variety of rustic and refined dishes at 5 different stops on this 3.5-hour guided food tour of Bergamo (choose from mid-day and evening departure)!

Where to eat in Bergamo - Our top picks:

• Mòrso Pizzeria Bergamo (Via Sant'Orsola, 31/B) - nice pizzeria in the lower tower, serving fabulous tasty pizza which is also affordable. They'll prepare also your pizza for takeway if you feel like eating at your apartment/hotel. Additional plus is super kind staff!
  
• Sweet Irene (Via Sant'Orsola, 22) - Fabulous cosy café in the lower town, serving a range of vegan and gluten-free food, cakes and pastries. Try here a cappuccino with oat milk, vegan flan and vegetarian quiche. Great teas and lovely service. Nice and warm atmosphere!
• Antica Trattoria La Colombina (Via Borgo Canale, 12) -  highly recommended place for anyone who is in the upper Bergamo and wants to have a nice meal of typical, quality food without spending too much.  You'll love their casoncelli and the braised meat. Fast and precise service, super welcoming atmosphere.
• La Scagna (Via Gianbattista Moroni, 31) - Fabulous restaurant at lower town, serving authentic dishes. Try their cured meat and cheese platter and polenta gnocchi with cheese and sage. Portions are very generous! Book well in advance, as it's very popular! 

5. We loved shopping in Bergamo

We done a little bit of shopping in Bergamo and can tell you about the best spots. We started across the Viale Papa Giovanni XXII (the street leading from train station to funicular station). This street is brimming with a variety of shops and restaurants, making it a great start.

Bergamo's lower town offers a pleasant shopping experience

We took left onto Via Tiraboschi, and discovered plenty of shops offering clothes, shoes, cosmetics, jewelry and home goods. You can't miss the OVS department store here, which has a large supermarket on the -2 level, perfect for picking up groceries.

Just a stone's throw away on Via Zambonate, we found the Coin, an upscale department store featuring homeware, clothing, shoes, accessories and cosmetics.

When we walked into Largo Cinque Vie and then into Via XX Settembre, we saw lots of great shops for clothes, cosmetics, and pharmacies.

There were also many places to eat, so we enjoyed trying some food. We also checked out two other shopping streets, Via Sant’Alessandro and Via Sant’Orsola, and found lots of nice shops there too.

Città Alta boasts small cute shops specializing in polenta, candy stores, toy shops, handmade crafts, antique books... Best places to do a little souvenir shopping!

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The city of Bergamo shines during the Christmas holidays

Where to stay in Bergamo

The city of Bergamo is easy to reach by train from Milan. But if you choose to stay in the city, you'll find plenty of options for all tastes and budgets.

Keep in mind that the Città Alta is more picturesque and therefore a bit more pricey than the Città Bassa, which has more shopping hotspots and nightlife. If you want to be closer to the train station, choose the accommodation at lower town.

You'll love staying at Casa Vacanze Gombito, the beautifully decorated apartment with excellent hosts in the centre of Città Alta. Or choose to stay at Ginevra Rooms, modern and comfortable accommodation, located halfway between Città Alta and Città Bassa.

If you are looking for super comfortable place to stay for your family, consider Domus Bergam boutique apartment, at great location.

How to get to Bergamo by plane (Orio al Serio airport) - Our experience

Most travellers who arrive in Bergamo by plane land at Orio al Serio International Airport.

The same was true for us. Everything went smoothly—once we picked up our luggage, we went outside the terminal building. We weren’t sure whether to take a bus to the city or opt for a taxi.

If arriving to Bergamo by plane, you'll land to Orio al Serio International Airport

Finally, we decided to take bus no. 1, which runs to the city centre, stopping first near the train station, then at Porta Nuova (the lower funicular station), and finally at the Città Alta. The bus ride from Bergamo airport to the city took around 20 minutes.

👉 Tickets for the airport bus can be bought from the ticket machines at the bus stop. Choose the 3-zone ticket marked with the letter C, which costs €3. Once on the bus, validate your ticket at the green machine (it's valid for 90 minutes).

If you plan to spend less than 24 hours in Bergamo, consider buying a 24-hour ticket valid on all city transport modes (including the airport bus and funicular) for €8.50.

On our way back to Orio al Serio Airport, we took a taxi from our accommodation in Bergamo’s lower district—it cost us €30.

👉 Need to get to Milan from the airport? You’ll find numerous transportation options, from convenient shuttle buses to personal car services. Explore all available options!

Flying out from Bergamo Airport with Ryanair - our experience:

If you are flying out from Bergamo Airport with Ryanair, rest assure that everything will be super easy. Just be sure to arrive at least 2 hours before your flight, as this is among the most busiest Italian airports.

Once you arrive to the airport, first look for the kiosks for printing the bag tags. Next, go to self-drop baggage area, scan the boarding pass and baggage tags and you'll get a baggage receipt printout. If you have some doubts, the helpful staff is there to help you.

Afterwards, go through the security which is pretty fast and you'll find yourself among great shops and eateries. This is the last change to have a cup of yummy Venchi gelato!

👉 Useful tip! Print your Ryanair boarding pass or just have it in the app (or make a screenshot so it's available offline).

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How to get to Bergamo by train

Bergamo can be easily reached by train from elsewhere in Italy. A train ride from Milan to Bergamo takes only 48 minutes (one-way ticket costs €6; Io Viaggio Ovunque in Lombardia pass covers these trains).

We regularly took the Trenord train between Milan and Bergamo, a quick and easy ride that takes less than an hour

Bergamo can be easily reached by train from elsewhere in Italy. A train ride from Milan to Bergamo takes only 48 minutes (one-way ticket costs €6; Io Viaggio Ovunque in Lombardia pass covers these trains).

Trains between Milan and Bergamo run regularly throughout the day (operated by Trenord). These are regional trains offering good service, but there are no seat reservations, meaning you'll need to catch the seat, once the train platform (binario) is announced. However, the trains are not overcrowded!

Useful tip! Be sure to validate your tickets at green validating machines you can find at the platform before boarding the train!

👉 For a completely hassle-free visit of Bergamo from Milan book this 6-hour private guided tour!

From Bergamo you can get by train to:

• Verona in 1h 30 minutes
• Venice in 2h 50 minutes (via Brescia or Milan)
• Florence in 2h 40 minutes (via Milan)
• Rome in 4 hours (via Milan)
• Bologna in 2 hours (via Milan)
• Genoa in 2h 30 minutes (via Milan Lambrate)
• Como in 1h 40 minutes (via Milan) - Check also car transfers!
• Brescia in 57 minutes.

Places to visit from Bergamo that we recommend

The city of Bergamo makes a great base for visiting the area.

From there you can easily travel by train to other cities and villages, such as Brescia, Lake Iseo and Lake Idro, Lake Como, Valtellina, Lake Garda, Val Camonica, Verona, Mantova, Cremona, Parma, Milan, Vicenza, Padova, Venice and Ferrara.

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