Things to do in Bergamo

The train from Lecco to Bergamo was pretty straightforward. I booked the night before to ensure I would be early and that I had my place secure. The trains are very comfortable, and spacious with lots of room for your luggage. Keep your camera on you as you travel through Lake Como, some of the views you catch are really mesmerising.

Citta Alta (High City):

You can't go to Bergamo and not visit the beautiful Città Alta (high city or upper city). Perched at the top of the hill within grand Venetian walls. Not to mention the stunning views it offers out into the distance. Even catching the snowy peaks of the Alps from certain locations.

There is much to see in this relatively small 'old town'. The history is rich that dates back to ancient Rome. Visitors can experience the town's medieval and Renaissance architecture. Including the stunning Piazza Vecchia. It is also a great place for shopping. With many artisan shops and boutiques selling local handicrafts, jewellery, and clothing. Which brings in the crowds in the summer and especially on the weekends. There are museums, great restaurants, and most importantly, delicious gelato and coffee shops.

If you opt for Citta Alta, consider biking there as it is highly recommended but can be quite tough. Once you exit the old city, you can follow a path that leads all the way up past the city, before descending through a beautiful park. Keep in mind that you'll gain a lot of speed on the way down this route, so exercise caution and wear a helmet. I've marked the location of this route on the map below as it was truly breathtaking. This route shows where you will be coming from after visiting Citta Alta. Notice that there are other routes that can be taken off of the main route.

The other option is to go on the funicular. It will take you to the top of the city. Here you will be welcomed by the smell of the great restaurant cuisines and the stunning views overlooking the rest of Bergamo. Unlike the bike ride, it won't offer the same exhilarating experience of wind rushing through your hair and bugs hitting your face.

Citta Bassa (Low City):

You have the high city and the low city in Bergamo. The low city is the modern and trendy Bergamo. During the day you explore everything within the Venetian walls above. At night, dine and drink in the many popular restaurants and bars. Expect the bars to provide lively atmospheres.

Wine tasting – Red Moscato

Italy is renowned for its fine wine. If you spend enough time in any part of Italy you will find vineyards everywhere. There are ample opportunities to visit vineyards. So indulge in wine tasting to your hearts content.

However, Bergamo offers something a little more special, red Moscato wine. There are only a few places worldwide that produce red Moscato and Bergamo offers a high-quality flavour from the local hills.

If you want to enjoy wine tasting the local produce in Bergamo, Franciacurta.  Check it out on TripAdvisor.com.

Lakes near Bergamo

Lake Garda:

North of Italy has an abundance of water. The lakes here are infamous. Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and one of the most beautiful to visit. To cover the old town and all the main attractions here you would need the whole day, which makes a good day trip from Bergamo. Lake Garda is just over an hour away from Bergamo centre and a little longer by train.

‍Lake Como:

Lake Como, as mentioned above is around 1 hour and 30 minutes from Bergamo by car and longer by train. This also depends on what part of Lake Como you wish to go to. As mentioned before my stay in Lecco meant I was closer to Bergamo so it wasn't as long for me.

Lake Endine:

I recently spent some time in Lake Endine. Lake Endine is a lot smaller, with the ability to walk the perimeter in a matter of hours. You could say this is better suited for a much quieter, relaxed environment. The views here can also be stunning as the lake is surrounded by mountains. This gives the feeling of an enclosed and cosy area. Lake Endine will take around 35 minutes by car and almost double that by train. I would urge against taking the train as I am not aware of a train station close by. You would also need to grab a taxi or bus to get there anyway.

Lake Iseo:

Another notable lake nearby is Lake Iseo. Lake Iseo is nestled between the cities of Brescia and Bergamo. What makes Lake Iseo special is its unspoiled natural beauty. Surrounded by hills and mountains, with charming lakeside towns and villages that offer a serene atmosphere.

One of the highlights of Lake Iseo is the car-free island of Monte Isola. Monte Isola is the largest lake island in Southern Europe. The island offers panoramic views of the lake and is an ideal spot for hiking or cycling. Another must-see attraction is the town of Sarnico. Sarnico is known for its picturesque promenade, historic buildings, and lively nightlife.

By car, it takes approximately 40-50 minutes to reach Lake Iseo from Bergamo. Depending on traffic. By train, it takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach Lake Iseo, with a transfer at Brescia station.

Most of these journeys are achievable by renting a car, getting a bus or a train. But one thing I noticed in my time in Bergamo is that the public transport services after a certain time become almost non-existent. Officially that may not be the case but if you rely on buses at night, in these areas, you may be waiting a very long time. If you can stretch your budget renting a car is the best option, not only to visit the lakes but also to visit the...

Art and History Buffs:

In 2023, Bergamo and neighbouring Brescia are designated the "Capital of Culture". This is awarded to an Italian city by the Italian Ministry of Culture. The designation is given to a city that is recognized for its cultural heritage and innovative cultural programs. It is meant to promote cultural tourism and boost the city's economy.

The Capital of Culture designation is awarded every year. The selected city receives funding and resources to support cultural programs and initiatives. The city is expected to host a series of cultural events throughout the year. This will showcase its cultural heritage and contemporary arts scene.

Now, having spent time in Bergamo, it is evident that the COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting impact on the city. Understandably too. Bergamo was at the epicentre of the spread and was heavily hit and not easily forgotten. As you can imagine many lives were deeply affected. With this years' designated Capital of Culture title, there is a renewed sense of hope for a rebirth. Akin to a Phoenix rising from the ashes. This title serves as a reminder of the cities' cultural richness. Not forgetting their potential to once again captivate the world with history, creativity, and vitality.

Read more about the 2023 events at bergamobrescia2023.it.

Join a gym in Bergamo

I would be shocked if you couldn’t find something active to do in this region that you can enjoy. Even if you don't like hiking, the feeling of fitness or keeping fit, is contagious here. You will often find people jogging, bike riding and walking. It is not unheard of that some of these bike riders, ride from one city to another! To me that sounds insane, and impossible, we're talking 20-100 kilometres at times. They have my respect!

If you are still struggling to find things to do in Bergamo, then why not join a gym? Please note though that these gyms are often expensive. They include a yearly joining up fee AND a monthly fee, so if you are only there for 2 weeks then expect to pay over the odds.

This is why I like to mention gyms like Anytime Fitness, they may not be the 'best' gyms but they are very affordable. More importantly, you can use them worldwide.

There is a slight hack here. Many gyms, including those in this area, often offer a one-day free pass for potential members. A marketing trick to get you to try out the facilities before committing to a membership. With so many gyms to choose from, taking advantage of these passes could give you two weeks' worth of day passes. Then you can decide on which gym to join. You also get to check out different areas every time you need a workout. It would mean travelling to various gyms but it could be a worthwhile investment of time and effort.

How much time do I need in Bergamo?

If you are looking for a weekend getaway, to explore something new, try delicious food, and see Citta Alta then a weekend (or long weekend) is fine. As a digital nomad, I prefer longer stays and Bergamo delivered to keep me busy and active. For people thinking of a longer stay you should be aware that Bergamo may not be the most expensive city in Italy, according to MSN it's not even in the top 10. But like most European, Schengen countries it's certainly not cheap either.

Where to stay in Bergamo?

There are an abundant amount of options for your accommodation in Bergamo. It more so depends on your budget. Hostels, hotels, and apartments are all readily available. As I've mentioned in this post I spent most of my time in Scanzorosciate. For short stays in this area,San Rocco hotel is a quintessential Italian hotel and is fair in price. For something a little more upscale, check out Piajo Resort. This hotel offers excellent views and stunning grounds. Remember, the transport in the towns on the outskirts of Bergamo is very limited after hours. So are the shops, most places close around 9 pm during the week and not much different on the weekends. If that is an issue then stay somewhere closer to the city centre. For more options, check through Booking.com to see what suits you best.

Final Thoughts on Bergamo

Bergamo is a known gem in Italy. But it's still often overshadowed by other major cities in the north like Milan, Verona, or Venice. After the catastrophe of the COVID pandemic, Bergamo was put on the map for all the wrong reasons. With this year's Capital of Culture event, the hope is more than just hope. It is about finding the strength to look ahead and once again be proud of the rich history and uniqueness of Bergamo.

There are plenty of other places to explore in Bergamo, and I plan to cover them in future posts. However, this article should provide a great starting point for your adventures.

If you've made it this far, congratulations! I'm sure you now understand why visiting Bergamo is a must. The real question is when to plan your trip. I find summer to be a lovely time to visit. But thanks to the town's close proximity to the Alps and stunning landscapes, Bergamo is an excellent destination to explore year-round. Bergamo won't disappoint with its abundance of activities and attractions. Whether you're looking for a winter wonderland or a summer getaway,