4-Day Family Adventure in Bergamo: Food, Wine, Shopping & Sightseeing
Bergamo, Italy
4 days
About Bergamo, Italy
Experience the charm of Bergamo, Italy, a captivating city that beautifully blends the old and new. Explore the ancient Citta Alta, a hilltop medieval town offering stunning views, historic architecture, and quaint cobblestone streets. Visit the majestic Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and the Cappella Colleoni, showcasing exquisite Italian Renaissance art. Descend to the modern Citta Bassa, with its vibrant cafes, shops, and the renowned Accademia Carrara art gallery. Enjoy a funicular ride between the upper and lower towns, offering breathtaking panoramas. Indulge in local cuisine, featuring polenta and stracciatella gelato. Just a short distance from Milan, Bergamo is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
4-Day Itinerary
Day 2
Art, Nature, and Culture in Città Bassa
Morning
Visit the Accademia Carrara, an art gallery housing an impressive collection of Renaissance paintings. It's a must-see for art lovers.
Lunch
Have lunch in a charming café near the gallery. Try some local pastries and a cup of Italian espresso.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring the Parco dei Colli di Bergamo, a large natural park perfect for family picnics and leisurely walks.
Dinner
Enjoy a seafood dinner in one of the many restaurants in the city center. Pair your meal with a glass of local white wine.
Evening
End your day with a visit to the Teatro Donizetti, a historic theater offering a variety of performances. Check the schedule for family-friendly shows.
Day 3
Museums and Historic Sites in Città Alta
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Museo di Scienze Naturali, a natural history museum that's great for kids. Explore the various exhibits and learn about the region's flora and fauna.
Lunch
Have lunch in a local pizzeria. Try a classic Margherita or a pizza topped with local ingredients.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon in the Piazza Vecchia, the city's main square. Visit the Palazzo della Ragione, a historic palace, and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a beautiful church.
Dinner
Dine in a restaurant offering a panoramic view of the city. Try some traditional Italian dishes and enjoy the beautiful sunset.
Evening
Take a leisurely walk around the city walls. Enjoy the stunning night view of Bergamo from the top.
Day 4
Botanical Garden and Shopping in Città Bassa
Morning
Visit the Orto Botanico di Bergamo, a beautiful botanical garden. It's a peaceful place to start your last day in Bergamo.
Lunch
Have a picnic lunch in the garden. Enjoy some local cheeses, cured meats, and fresh fruits.
Afternoon
Spend your last afternoon shopping for souvenirs in the local boutiques and artisan shops in the Città Bassa.
Dinner
Have your last dinner in a traditional osteria. Try some local dishes like risotto or osso buco.
Evening
End your trip with a relaxing walk along the city streets. Enjoy the Italian evening atmosphere and say goodbye to beautiful Bergamo.
Attractions in Itinerary (10)
1Città Alta
A beautiful medieval town with narrow winding streets, stunning views and a wealth of history.
2Rocca di Bergamo
A fortress offering panoramic views of the city and housing a museum dedicated to the history of Bergamo.
3Accademia Carrara
An art gallery housing a vast collection of Renaissance art.
4Parco dei Colli di Bergamo
A large natural park offering hiking trails, picnic areas and stunning views of the city.
5Teatro Donizetti
Named after the famous composer Gaetano Donizetti, this theatre hosts a variety of performances including operas, ballets, and concerts.
6Museo di Scienze Naturali
A museum dedicated to natural sciences, featuring exhibits on geology, paleontology, zoology, and botany.
7Piazza Vecchia
The main square in the old town of Bergamo, surrounded by historic buildings and offering a vibrant atmosphere.
8Palazzo della Ragione
A beautiful medieval palace that served as the administrative center of the city in the past. It is known for its stunning architecture and historical significance.
9Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
A beautiful basilica that showcases the fusion of Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles. It is one of the most important places of worship in the city, and it's known for its stunning frescoes and intricate carvings.
10Orto Botanico di Bergamo
A botanical garden that houses a variety of plant species, both native and exotic. It's a peaceful place for a stroll and to learn about different plants.
Local Food and Drinks (12)
Casoncelli alla Bergamasca
A traditional pasta dish from Bergamo, filled with a mixture of bread crumbs, eggs, parmesan cheese, and ground beef or sausage.
Polenta e Osei
A popular dish in Bergamo, made of polenta (cornmeal) and small birds (osei). It's a rich and hearty dish that reflects the region's agricultural heritage.
Scarpinocc
A type of pasta from Bergamo, similar to ravioli, typically filled with cheese, breadcrumbs, and spices. It's a traditional dish often served during holidays and special occasions.
Pizzoccheri
A flat, ribbon-shaped pasta made from buckwheat flour. It's a staple in Bergamo and is typically served with potatoes, cabbage, and cheese.
Risotto alla Bergamasca
A creamy risotto dish from Bergamo, typically made with sausage, wine, and parmesan cheese. It's a comforting and hearty dish that's popular in the region.
Formai de Mut
A traditional cheese from Bergamo, made from cow's milk. It has a strong, distinctive flavor and is often served with polenta or bread.
Amaretti di Saronno
A type of macaroon biscuit from the town of Saronno, near Bergamo. They are made with sugar, almond flour, and egg whites, and have a sweet, almond flavor.
Moscato di Scanzo
A sweet, red wine from the Scanzo region near Bergamo. It's one of the smallest DOCG zones in Italy and the wine is known for its rich, fruity flavor.
Valcalepio
A wine region near Bergamo, producing both red and white wines. The reds are typically full-bodied and robust, while the whites are light and crisp.
Stracciatella Gelato
A popular gelato flavor in Bergamo, made with milk-based ice cream and streaks of chocolate. The name comes from the Italian word 'stracciato', which means 'torn apart', referring to the chunks of chocolate in the ice cream.
Salame Bergamasco
A traditional salami from Bergamo, made from pork and seasoned with spices and wine. It's a popular part of antipasti platters in the region.
Brutti ma Buoni
A type of cookie from Bergamo, whose name means 'ugly but good'. They are made with hazelnuts, sugar, and egg whites, and have a crunchy, meringue-like texture.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Bergamo, Italy is typically between April and June or September and October. During these periods, the weather is most pleasant and suitable for sightseeing. The summer months of July and August can also be a good time if you don't mind the heat, but they are usually crowded with tourists. The city is beautiful in winter as well, especially if you enjoy skiing in the nearby Alps, but the weather can be quite cold.
National holidays
Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | Mon | New Year's Day |
January 6 | Sat | Epiphany |
March 31 | Sun | Easter Sunday |
April 1 | Mon | Easter Monday |
April 25 | Thu | Liberation Day |
May 1 | Wed | Labor Day / May Day |
June 2 | Sun | Republic Day |
August 15 | Thu | Assumption of Mary |
November 1 | Fri | All Saints' Day |
December 8 | Sun | Feast of the Immaculate Conception |
December 25 | Wed | Christmas Day |
December 26 | Thu | St. Stephen's Day |
How to get around
Foot
Bergamo is a compact city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance from each other. This is especially true in the Città Alta (Upper City), which is a pedestrian-only zone.
Bus
The local bus service, operated by ATB, is a convenient way to get around Bergamo. There are several lines that connect the Città Bassa (Lower City) with the Città Alta, as well as the surrounding suburbs and the Orio al Serio Airport.
Funicular
Bergamo has two funicular railways. The Funicolare di Bergamo Città Alta connects the Città Bassa with the Città Alta, while the Funicolare di San Vigilio goes from the Città Alta up to the hill of San Vigilio.
Bicycle
Bergamo is a bike-friendly city, with several bike paths and bike-sharing stations. The service, called 'Bici in città', is operated by ATB and allows you to rent a bike for a few hours or a whole day.
Taxi
Taxis are available in Bergamo, although they are not as common as in larger cities. They can be hailed on the street, booked by phone, or picked up from taxi ranks located in key areas such as the train station or the Città Alta.
Car
If you're planning to explore the surrounding region, renting a car can be a good option. However, keep in mind that driving in the Città Alta is restricted, and parking can be difficult in the city center.
Ridesharing
Ridesharing services like Uber are available in Bergamo. This can be a convenient option for getting around, especially if you're traveling in a group or have a lot of luggage.
Train
Bergamo's train station, located in the Città Bassa, offers connections to other Italian cities like Milan, Brescia, and Verona. It's a good option if you're planning to do some day trips during your stay.
Important information
Currency€ EUR
Time zoneUTC+1
Driving sideRight
Emergency phoneAmbulance: 112, 118; Fire: 112, 115; Police: 112, 113;
Drinking waterYes, but some opt for bottled water
Power sockets
Voltage230 V
Things to know about Bergamo, Italy as a first time visitor
1
Bergamo is divided into two parts: the Città Alta (Upper City) and the Città Bassa (Lower City). The Città Alta is the historic part of the city, while the Città Bassa is the more modern part.
2
The local language is Italian, but English is also widely spoken in tourist areas.
3
The currency used in Bergamo is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments or street vendors.
4
Bergamo has a Mediterranean climate. Summers (June to August) can be hot with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 90°F (24°C to 32°C). Winters (December to February) are cold and damp with temperatures ranging from 32°F to 45°F (0°C to 7°C).
5
Tipping is not mandatory in Italy, but it is appreciated. If you're happy with the service, a tip of around 10% is customary.
6
Public transportation in Bergamo is efficient and reliable. The city has a network of buses, trams, and a funicular railway that connects the Città Alta with the Città Bassa.
7
Bergamo is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1).
8
Bergamo is known for its local cuisine. Don't miss out on trying polenta, casoncelli (a type of pasta), and stracciatella gelato.
9
The city is very walkable, especially the Città Alta. However, the streets can be steep and cobblestoned, so wear comfortable shoes.
10
Italy uses Type L plug outlets, so you may need a power adapter if your devices use a different type of plug.
11
Bergamo has a safe reputation, but like any tourist destination, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.
12
The city has a number of festivals throughout the year, the most famous being the Bergamo Film Meeting in March and the Gaetano Donizetti Music Festival in November.
13
Bergamo is located in the Lombardy region, which is known for its wines. Try a glass of Valcalepio or Moscato di Scanzo.
14
Tap water is safe to drink in Bergamo, and you'll find numerous public fountains throughout the city where you can refill your water bottle.
15
Shops in Bergamo typically open around 9:00 AM and close around 7:30 PM, with a break in the afternoon between 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM.
16
Pharmacies in Italy are marked with a green cross. They usually operate from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
17
The emergency number in Italy is 112. This number can be dialed for any type of emergency.
18
Bergamo is not far from other major Italian cities. Milan is just 40 km away, and Venice is about 240 km away.
19
If you're planning to visit churches, remember to dress respectfully. This usually means covering your shoulders and knees.
20
The local specialty is polenta e osei, a sweet cake made with polenta and decorated with marzipan birds. It's a must-try for dessert lovers.
Basic Italian to know as a first time visitor
English phrase | Native phrase | Pronunciation | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
Hello | Ciao | chow | Greeting someone |
Goodbye | Arrivederci | ah-ree-veh-der-chee | Leaving or saying goodbye |
Please | Per favore | pehr fah-voh-reh | Making a request |
Thank you | Grazie | grah-tsee-eh | Expressing gratitude |
Yes | Sì | see | Agreeing or affirming |
No | No | no | Disagreeing or negating |
Excuse me | Scusa | skoo-sah | Getting attention or apologizing |
I'm sorry | Mi dispiace | mee dee-spya-che | Apologizing |
Do you speak English? | Parli inglese? | par-lee in-gle-se | Asking if someone speaks English |
I don't understand | Non capisco | non ka-pee-sko | Expressing difficulty in understanding |
Where is...? | Dove si trova...? | doh-veh see troh-vah | Asking for directions |
Bathroom | Bagno | bah-nyo | Looking for the restroom |
Help | Aiuto | ah-yoo-toh | In case of an emergency |
Food | Cibo | chee-bo | Talking about food |
Water | Acqua | ah-kwah | Asking for water |
Beer | Birra | beer-rah | Ordering a beer |
Wine | Vino | vee-no | Ordering wine |
How much does it cost? | Quanto costa? | kwanto kosta | Asking for the price |
I would like... | Vorrei... | vor-ray | Making a request |
Good night | Buonanotte | bwon-ah-not-te | Saying goodnight |
Packing List
Clothing
Underwear (4 pairs)
Socks (4 pairs)
T-shirts (4)
Long-sleeve shirts (2)
Jeans or trousers (2 pairs)
Comfortable walking shoes
Dress shoes
Light jacket or sweater
Pajamas
Swimwear
Sunglasses
Hat or cap
Toiletries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash or soap
Razor and shaving cream
Makeup and makeup remover
Sunscreen
Hand sanitizer
Travel-size first aid kit
Prescription medications
Contact lenses and solution
Travel documents and essentials
Passport
Driver's license or ID card
Credit and debit cards
Cash and coins
Travel insurance documents
Hotel and transportation reservation confirmations
Emergency contacts and addresses
Guidebook or map
Italian phrasebook or dictionary
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger for smartphone
Headphones
Camera
Charger for camera
Universal power adapter
Portable power bank
Miscellaneous items
Travel pillow
Earplugs and eye mask
Snacks
Water bottle
Umbrella
Travel-size laundry detergent
Ziplock bags
Travel journal and pen
Books or e-reader for entertainment
Weather Conditions
Bergamo, Italy, experiences a humid subtropical climate, which means you can expect warm, humid summers and cool, damp winters. If you're planning to visit in the summer, which is from June to August, expect temperatures to range from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C). It's the perfect time for outdoor activities like exploring the old town, Città Alta, or enjoying a picnic in one of the city's beautiful parks. However, summer is also the wettest season in Bergamo, so it's advisable to carry an umbrella or raincoat. For those who prefer cooler temperatures, consider visiting in the fall (September to November) or spring (March to May). During these seasons, temperatures typically range from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C). These periods are ideal for sightseeing and exploring the city's rich history without the summer crowds. Winter, from December to February, can be quite chilly with temperatures ranging from 28°F to 45°F (-2°C to 7°C). Snowfall is not uncommon during this season, making the city look even more magical. If you're visiting in winter, be sure to pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, scarves, gloves, and hats. Regardless of when you visit, remember that the weather can change quickly in Bergamo, so it's always a good idea to check the forecast regularly and pack layers to accommodate fluctuating temperatures. Enjoy your trip to this charming Italian city!
| Month | Hi / Lo (°C) | Weather Overview |
|---|---|---|
January | 8° / -1° | January is the coldest month in Bergamo, with occasional snowfall. Pack warm clothing and be prepared for potential disruptions due to weather. |
February | 9° / 0° | February is still quite cold, with a chance of snow or rain. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy winter sports or quieter tourist periods. |
March | 15° / 3° | March sees the start of spring, with temperatures gradually rising. The weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers. |
April | 19° / 6° | April is a pleasant month to visit Bergamo, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. It's a great time for outdoor activities. |
May | 24° / 10° | May offers warm temperatures and longer daylight hours. It's an excellent time for sightseeing and exploring the city's parks and gardens. |
June | 28° / 14° | June is the start of summer, with hot temperatures and plenty of sunshine. It's a popular time for tourists, so expect larger crowds. |
July | 31° / 16° | July is the hottest month in Bergamo, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C. Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun. |
August | 31° / 16° | August is equally hot, with high temperatures and sunny days. It's a great time to visit Lake Iseo or enjoy the city's summer festivals. |
September | 26° / 12° | September sees the start of autumn, with milder temperatures and beautiful fall foliage. It's a great time for hiking and wine tasting. |
October | 20° / 8° | October offers cool temperatures and vibrant autumn colors. It's a quieter time for tourists, making it ideal for a peaceful getaway. |
November | 13° / 3° | November is a chilly month, with shorter days and a chance of rain. It's a good time to visit museums and indoor attractions. |
December | 8° / 0° | December is a festive month in Bergamo, with Christmas markets and holiday decorations. It's cold, so pack warm clothing and enjoy the festive atmosphere. |
Did you know?
Places near by Bergamo, Italy
Lake Como
Famous for its stunning landscapes and water activities.
Milan
Known for its high-end fashion and grand architecture.
Verona
Famous for being the setting of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'.
Venice
Known for its beautiful canals and historic architecture.
Brescia
Home to many Roman and medieval monuments.
Parma
Known for its architecture and prosciutto.
St. Moritz
A luxury alpine resort town in Switzerland.
Lugano
A city in southern Switzerland known for its Swiss-Mediterranean mix of cultures.
Turin
Known for its refined architecture and cuisine.
Genoa
Famous for its central role in maritime trade over many centuries.
