Bergamo holidays

How to reach Bergamo

• Flight time: Direct flights to Bergamo from London take just under 2 hours, while flights from other major UK airports take closer to 2 hours 30 minutes.

• Transfer time: Bergamo’s Orio al Serio Airport (also known as Milan Bergamo Airport) is conveniently located just 6km from the city centre. ATB airport buses run every 20 minutes or so, and take approximately 15 minutes to reach the central train station. If you prefer the convenience of a taxi, this journey also takes around 10–15 minutes.

• Price: ATB bus tickets start at €1.70 and increase depending on which zones you’re travelling in. A taxi ride from the airport to the city centre costs around €20, or if you’re planning to explore further afield you can also hire a car for around €30 per day.

Best time to visit Bergamo

Bergamo is situated in the north of Italy, giving it a varied climate with clearly marked seasons. From warm summer sunshine to beautiful frosty winters, they all offer something special.

• April to June brings mild weather, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. Up to 10 hours of daily sunshine and abundant springtime blooms make it an appealing time to visit Bergamo – especially its parks and other outdoor sights.

• July to August is high season, with plenty of sunshine and temperatures often reaching 30°C. Many locals escape to the nearby mountains and lakes to cool off, but the city is still abuzz with tourists, so be prepared to queue for popular sights, restaurants and cafes.

• September to October is ideal for enjoying Bergamo’s beauty without the high season crowds. Temperatures range from a comfortable 18°C to 25°C, and there’s still plenty of sunshine. It’s also harvest season, which brings local produce for food lovers to sample.

• November to March is the quietest period, with much cooler weather and fewer tourists. Temperatures range from 5°C to 10°C, but you can still expect 4–6 hours of sunshine daily. As long as you don’t mind wrapping up, winter is a peaceful time to see Bergamo’s historic sites.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Italian is the official language, but many people in Bergamo speak basic English. However, learning a few Italian phrases is always appreciated by the locals.

• Local habits and customs: Daily life in Bergamo follows a typically relaxed Italian rhythm. Shops and businesses tend to close between 1 pm and 4 pm to observe ‘riposo’, and dinner is a similarly leisurely affair that rarely begins before 8 pm.

• Health and safety: Bergamo is a very safe city, but like any destination, it’s wise to keep an eye on your belongings. Pharmacies are easy to find for minor medical needs.

• Currency: Italy uses the Euro, and ATMs are widely available in Bergamo. That said, it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases.

• Getting around: Although Bergamo is a very walkable city, the funicular is a great way to travel between its lower town (‘Città Bassa’) and upper town (‘Città Alta’). Buses are also available throughout the city, with single fares starting at about €1.30. Purchase your ticket before boarding from kiosks, newsstands or via the ATB app.

• Electricity and plug types: Italy uses 230 volts with two-pin Type F plugs, so UK visitors will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Bergamo is on Central European Time (CET), which is one hour ahead of GMT.

• Required travel documentation: UK citizens don’t need a visa to visit Italy for less than 90 days, but do ensure that passports are valid for at least three months beyond your holiday.

Best things to do in Bergamo

Bergamo can be overlooked by travellers heading for the bright lights of Milan, but this smaller, quieter Italian gem still has plenty to offer. From medieval architecture to stunning Alpine viewpoints, holidays to Bergamo offer the perfect blend of historical, cultural and scenic appeal.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Città Alta: Bergamo’s medieval upper town sits perched on a hill with stunning views over the lower town and lush Lombardy landscape beyond. Stroll along the Venetian walls (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and choose a spot to stop and admire the vista. Head there at sunset for a particularly magical experience.

• Campanone (Civic Tower): For even more impressive views, climb Bergamo’s iconic civic tower. From the top of its 230 steps you’ll get a fantastic view of Città Alta’s red-tiled roofs.

The best districts

• Città Alta: Perhaps the most popular area to explore, with its cobbled streets, historic squares and impressive architecture. Piazza Vecchia sits at the heart, and don’t miss the nearby Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore – a striking and intricately decorated church.

• Città Bassa: Bergamo’s lower town has a more modern feel, with wide boulevards, chic shops and vibrant piazzas. Via XX Settembre is the main shopping street, and perfect for picking up Italian fashion or enjoying an aperitivo at one of the stylish bars.

Parks and gardens

• Parco dei Colli (Park of the Hills): If you’re looking for a peaceful spot to walk or picnic, head to Parco dei Colli – a large park just outside Città Alta. Here you’ll also find the San Vigilio Castle, which offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.

Historical monuments

• Rocca di Bergamo (Fortress of Bergamo): This imposing fortress is a must-see for history enthusiasts. Once part of the city’s defences, today it’s a small museum that celebrates local history.

• Accademia Carrara (Academy Carrara): Art enthusiasts mustn’t miss the Academy Carrara, which houses works by Italian masters such as Botticelli, Raphael and Titian.

Day trips in the area

• Lake Como: Located less than an hour’s drive away, Lake Como is the perfect day trip. Take a boat trip and explore the charming lakeside towns of Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio. Check out our holidays to Como for another incredible experience.

• Milan: If you’re craving the buzz of a big city, Milan is only a 40-minute trip by train. Visit the iconic Duomo, go shopping in the Quadrilatero della Moda or see an exhibition at one of Milan’s many galleries. Discover more of Italy by exploring our holidays to Milan.

Activities for families in Bergamo

Bergamo is a family-friendly city, offering plenty of activities that both adults and children can enjoy. From historical and cultural experiences to wholesome outdoor fun, Bergamo holidays offer something for everyone.

• Funicular Rides: Children will love taking the funicular up to the Città Alta. It’s a short but exciting journey with fantastic views over the city.

• Museo Civico di Scienze Naturali (Natural History Museum): Visit this museum for a dose of educational fun. With fascinating exhibits on fossils, dinosaurs and the local environment, it’s perfect for curious kids.

• Parco Faunistico Le Cornelle (Le Cornelle Animal Park): Located to the north of Bergamo, this zoo and wildlife park is home to a huge variety of animals, including big cats and exotic birds.

Free things to do in Bergamo

Bergamo has plenty to offer if you’re travelling on a budget. Here are some of the best free and low-cost ways to make the most of this enchanting Italian city:

• Walking the Venetian walls: A stroll along Bergamo’s 16th-century Venetian walls is completely free and offers some of the best views in the city. It’s also a great way to learn about Bergamo’s historic past.

• Free guided tours: Several companies offer free walking tours of the city, where you can learn about its history, architecture and cultural influences. These tours work on a tip-based system, so you can pay what you feel is appropriate.

• Visiting churches: Many of Bergamo’s most beautiful churches, including the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and Cappella Colleoni, don’t charge an entrance fee. It’s a great way to soak up the city’s religious heritage for free.

Nature and outdoor activities in Bergamo

• Hiking: Bergamo is regarded as the gateway to the Orobie Alps, a mountain range offering hiking trails of all levels. Whether you want a gentle walk or more challenging trek, the trails reward you with stunning views of valleys, lakes and sometimes snow-capped peaks.

• Lake Iseo: Located a 40-minute drive from Bergamo, Lake Iseo is a go-to spot for water sports. Have a go at stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking, or take a leisurely boat tour around the lake.

• Winter sports: During the winter, Bergamo’s proximity to the Alps makes it an ideal base for snow-based sports. The ski resorts of Foppolo and Piazzatorre are just one hour away by car, and offer well-maintained slopes for skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing.

Food and drink in Bergamo

Bergamo holidays aren’t just about sightseeing – the city’s food scene is as rich as its history. From Michelin-starred restaurants to local trattorias, the cuisine is rooted in Lombardy’s rich culinary traditions. Here are just some of the delicious dishes to try during your stay:

Some typical dishes

• Casoncelli: These stuffed pasta parcels are a signature Bergamo dish. They’re filled with a mixture of meats, cheese and herbs, then typically served with butter, sage and pancetta.

• Polenta e Osei: This dish combines creamy polenta with small game birds or sausages to create a hearty meal that’s perfect for cooler days.

• Stracciatella alla Bergamasca: A delicious egg-based soup often served with parmesan and buttered bread. Despite its simple ingredients, this warming dish packs a flavourful punch.

Meat dishes

• Brasato al Barolo: A rich, slow-cooked beef stew made with Barolo wine. This classic dish combines deep, robust flavours with a serving of polenta or mashed potatoes.

Sweets and desserts

• Polenta e Osei (Cake): There’s also a sweet version of Bergamo’s famous polenta dish. This cake is made to resemble a mound of polenta, but is instead filled with chocolate and hazelnut cream, then topped with marzipan birds.

• Torta Donizetti: Named after the famous Bergamo-born composer, this light sponge cake is flavoured with apricots and pineapple.

Local drinks

• Valcalepio wine: Produced in the hills around Bergamo, Valcalepio wines include both reds and whites. It’s a local favourite and beautifully complements the region’s traditional meat and pasta dishes.

• Aperol Spritz: Like much of Italy, Bergamo has embraced Aperol spritz as the go-to aperitivo. Enjoy this bitter yet refreshing drink with a selection of snacks while people-watching in one of its piazzas.