The 12 things to do in Bergamo

A planned trip to Lombardy? Think of visiting Bergamo and its 121 must-see things during your stay!

While many travellers stop in Milan, few also think of visiting its neighbour in the northeast, Bergamo. Nestled in the alpine foothills, this lumbar city is worth a visit. Older than 2,000 years old, the city is best known for its High City, a fortified historic centre with magnificent buildings.

From its rich heritage to its culinary specialties, to its surroundings filled with attractions, Bergamo does not lack things to visit. Let's find them together!

La Ville Haute

1. A walk in the Città Alta (High City)

One of the essential things to do in Bergamo is obviously to get lost in its Città Alta! This imposing medieval city, built on the heights, is listed in UNESCO World Heritage. Once in the Haut-Bergame, go first on the central square, the Piazza Vecchia .

From there, lose yourself in the paved streets, discover shops, cafes and restaurants. via Bartolomeo Colleoni is known for its fine and traditional groceries, ideal places to taste the bergamasque gastronomy.

In the streets you can also admire the quantities of palaces of the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as of beautiful churches like Santo Spirito. And for a breathtaking view, do not miss climbing up the top of the Torre dei Caduti .

2. The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the essential religious buildings to visit in Bergamo. Located on the other side of Piazza del Duomo, it will dazzle you with its sublime interior and exterior architecture.

The exterior is original lombard Romanesque art, while the interior is decorated in the baroque style of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Enjoy this sublime contrast, and admire all the small details that make the beauty of the building!

3. The Cathedral of Bergamo (Sant’Alessandro)

Built from the 15th century, the Cathedral of Bergamo is the other religious building to visit absolutely. It is dedicated to Alexandre de Bergamo St. Peter of the city. Its architecture blends neoclassical and baroque Italian inspirations.

Also, many rumours and legends circulate about the place. Indeed, few testimonies and stories make it possible to know the true history of this dome. Nevertheless, the few certified things, they prove the magic of the place. Indeed, on the foundations of the current structure, traces of a place of worship of Paleochrean (about the fifth century) were found. Just that.

4. La Porta San Giacomo and the city walls

Built from 1561, the Città Alta de Bergamo is one of the last Italian cities to keep its original ramparts and fortifications. So, if you come to visit Bergamo, do not miss admiring the Porta San Giacomo. It is one of the four gates of the high city by which the Bergamasques entered.

On the white marble door, the coat of arms of the Lion of Saint Mark also recalls the Venetian domination over the city. From this door, climb or walk the city walls to enjoy stunning views of the Bass City, which takes place below. Also enjoy this privileged location to admire the levers and/or sunsets.

5. The Palazzo della Ragione

If you come to visit Bergamo, you will have the opportunity to admire many beautiful palaces. But one of them stands out particularly: the Palazzo della Ragione. It is one of the oldest medieval buildings in the city, since its construction dates back to the 12th century.

In addition, this palace, which separates Piazza Vecchia from Piazza del Duomo, was once the centre of bergamasque political life. Mostly when the Serene Republic of Venice reigned over the region. You can admire a beautiful engraving of the Lion of Venice on one of its facades, now a true witness of this time.

La Ville Bass

6. Funicular

But how do you move from Città Alta to the Bass City? Funicular, of course! For 120 years, the ski lift has enabled Bergamasques and tourists to connect the city centre and the high city. Without it, even if it is possible to go on foot, the climb to the Upper City would be a real limestone on a daily basis.

Moreover, whether you climb or descend, a splendid panorama will be revealed. On this one, you will obviously see Bergamo. But if the weather is key, it is the Po Valley and the Apennins that are observable!

Finally know that a funicular journey costs 1,50€ .

7. La Torre dei Caduti

The Bass City of Bergamo is best known for its shops and theatres. However, it houses a monument that is worth visiting. Dedicated to World War I soldiers, Torre dei Caduti is today the symbol of the modern Bergamo. It offers a superb view of the city centre from its panoramic terrace.

Inside, a museum presents the history of the city centre, designed by the famous architect Piacentini.

8. Museums of Bergamo

The "cità dei mille" also houses several museums. If you are on the way, take the time to make a tour Carrara Academy , located under the High City. This Museum of Fine Arts and its school exhibit more than 1,800 paintings from the 15th to the 19th century. You can admire works by artists such as Botticelli, Bellini or Raffaello. Drawings, sculptures, porcelain and furniture are also displayed.

Among the other museums to visit in Bergamo, we also count the Modern and contemporary art gallery , as well as Museo Adriano Bernareggi , where are exhibited a collection of sacred objects.

You are also advised to discover the Podestà Palace Museum. The latter presents 500 years of Venetian history of the city.

9. Bbergamasque specialties

The Lombard city and its region are known for its many culinary specialties. For example, you can taste the raviolis casoncelli or scarpinòcc of Par, the polenta, the brasato. Test local cheeses, such as Taleggio, Strachitunt or Branzi.

With such a gastronomic heritage, we can only advise you to take bergamasque cooking courses. On this occasion, you will discover how to prepare and cook some of the iconic dishes before tasting them. You will thus open a whole range of the culture of Bergamo and Northern Italy.

And if you’re not interested in cooking, know that there are also many guided tours on this theme. You can also make your own tour by pining out the best restaurants and grocery stores in the city.

Around Bergamo

10. The Baths of San Pellegrino

The surroundings of Bergamo are full of charming, natural or historical places to discover. Among them, you are particularly recommended to visit San Pellegrino.

Famous for its sparkling mineral water, this village is worth a visit. When you arrive, do not miss going to admire the Grand Hotel . Enjoy also thermes of the city, its main attraction and true must-do to be accomplished when you come to visit Bergamo.

The entrance includes access to all baths, including enchanting outdoor baths. Guests can also enjoy a buffet, massages and other treatments. The experience is wonderful, especially as a couple.

11. Clusone Village

Located northeast of Bergamo, Clusone is a small mountain village that deserves a visit. Very charming, it houses one of the most famous frescoes in the region. Do a trick in his magnificent Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta And lose yourself in her alleys.

Also think of admiring the planetary clock Fanzago before leaving.

12. Lake Iseo

Located east of Bergamo, Iseo Lake is another must-see attraction of Lombardy. In the summer, this corner is one of the most beautiful in the region. You can swim there, but also practice various water activities: windsurfing, diving or sailing. The lake has a steady wind!

On the village side, we recommend you take a tour Lovere , Piss or Iseo . But above all, do not miss taking a boat to the island of Monte Isola Sise in the middle of the lake!

Finally, all around Lake Iseo, entertainment and shows take place during the summer. You will find patrimony, and especially breathtaking landscapes.

How to go to Bergamo?

Bergamo is easily accessible by plane, train, bus or car.

By plane

To go to Bergamo, you will likely have to fly. Fortunately, the city has an airport, Bergamo-Orio al Serio Airport. You can choose to land here, then visit Bergamo and then go to Milan . Regular flights reach Bergamo from the main cities of France, sometimes even directly online. To find the most advantageous solution, you can consult an online flight comparison, like Ulysses . You can find the best possible combination according to your criteria.

You can also land in Milan and then reach Bergamo by train, bus or by choosing to rent a vehicle.

By train

Bergamo is easily reached by train from Milan. From the central station, the journey usually lasts one hour and the ticket costs less than 6€ . To check the schedules and buy your tickets online, you can go to Trenitalia's official website.

By bus

In addition to tours organized from nearby cities, Bergamo is accessible via bus companies like Flixbus. The journey also takes one hour and costs less than 10€ Generally. This means of transport is well developed on the other side of the Alps and can thus save money.

By car

The car is the ideal means of transport to reach Bergamo, as you can easily discover its region afterwards. You can thus come to Lombardy from France. Go through Milan and reach Bergamo in less than an hour from the capital of the region.

You can also rent a vehicle upon arrival at Milan Airport or Bergamo Airport. You will then have full freedom to discover this beautiful Italian region, nestled in the foothills of the Alps.

Where to stay in Bergamo?

Accommodation options are not missing in Bergamo and you will have no trouble finding your happiness in the city. For neighborhoods, you can obviously stay in the Città Alta , for a medieval experience, but slightly touristic. You can also stay in City Bass at the foot of the ramparts.

As for accommodation, you will only have the embarrassment of choice. You can choose a room in a charming family hotel or a more luxurious hotel. Do not hesitate to take a tour on a Compare hotels to make your choice. Travellers can also take a ride on Airbnb , to find a more cozy and local apartment, or a dwelling in the living room. In any case, know that there are for all prices and tastes!