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4-Day Adventurous and Offbeat Bergamo Itinerary for Friends

Bergamo, Italy

4 days

Grassy hill with an isolated cabin, the Piani dell'Avaro, Val Brembana
Ancient orange houses in a street
Archway of historical building in Lower City
View from Campanone with Duomo to left and Cappella Colleoni/Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore to right
Beautiful Old Medieval European narrow empty street

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 1

Exploring the Citta Alta and Experiencing the Local Nightlife

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the Citta Alta (Upper Town), a medieval hilltop town surrounded by 17th-century cyclopic defensive walls. Explore the narrow winding streets, beautiful squares, and old buildings.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Italian lunch in a local trattoria in the Citta Alta. Try some local specialties like polenta, casoncelli, or stracciatella.

Afternoon

After lunch, visit the Rocca di Bergamo, a fortress offering panoramic views of the city. Then, explore the local shops and boutiques for unique souvenirs.

Dinner

Have dinner at a local osteria in the lower town (Citta Bassa), where you can taste traditional dishes paired with local wines.

Evening

Experience Bergamo's vibrant nightlife in the Citta Bassa. Visit a local wine bar or enjoy live music at a local club.

Morning

Start your day with a hike in the Parco dei Colli di Bergamo, a large natural park offering numerous trails and stunning views of the city.

Lunch

Have a picnic lunch in the park, enjoying local cheeses, cured meats, and fresh bread from a local bakery.

Afternoon

Continue exploring the park, or take a bike ride around the city. Visit the modern part of Bergamo, with its vibrant street art and contemporary architecture.

Dinner

Enjoy dinner at a local pizzeria in the Citta Bassa, trying different types of authentic Italian pizza.

Evening

Experience the local nightlife in one of the trendy clubs or bars in the Citta Bassa.

Morning

Visit the Accademia Carrara, an art gallery housing a vast collection of Renaissance art. Then, explore the surrounding neighborhood with its charming streets and local shops.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local café, trying some traditional Italian pasta dishes.

Afternoon

Visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, a beautiful church with stunning frescoes and architecture. Then, explore the surrounding area with its narrow streets and old buildings.

Dinner

Have dinner at a local trattoria in the Citta Alta, enjoying traditional Italian cuisine.

Evening

Enjoy a night walk in the Citta Alta, admiring the beautifully lit buildings and squares.

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the Museo di Scienze Naturali, a natural history museum with a wide range of exhibits. Then, explore the surrounding neighborhood.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local café in the Citta Bassa, trying some traditional Italian sandwiches.

Afternoon

Visit the Orto Botanico di Bergamo, a beautiful botanical garden with a wide variety of plants. Then, explore the surrounding area with its charming streets and local shops.

Dinner

Enjoy your last dinner in Bergamo at a local ristorante in the Citta Alta, trying some local specialties.

Evening

End your trip with a night walk in the Citta Alta, enjoying the stunning views of the city.

Attractions in Itinerary (7)

Citta Alta

1
Citta Alta

A beautiful medieval town with narrow winding streets, a beautiful piazza, and stunning views over the lower city.

Attractions
Landmarks
Neighborhoods
Rocca di Bergamo

2
Rocca di Bergamo

A fortress offering panoramic views of the city and housing a museum dedicated to the history of Bergamo.

Attractions
Monuments
Parco dei Colli di Bergamo

3
Parco dei Colli di Bergamo

A large natural park offering hiking trails, picnic areas and stunning views of the city.

Attractions
Parks
Accademia Carrara

4
Accademia Carrara

An art gallery housing a vast collection of Renaissance art.

Attractions
Museums
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

5
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

A beautiful Roman Catholic basilica with stunning architecture and art. It is a major place of worship and a popular tourist attraction.

Attractions
Religious Sites
Architecture
Museo di Scienze Naturali

6
Museo di Scienze Naturali

A museum dedicated to natural sciences, featuring exhibits on geology, paleontology, zoology, and botany.

Museums
Orto Botanico di Bergamo

7
Orto 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.

Attractions
Parks
Gardens

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Casoncelli alla Bergamasca

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

DateDayHoliday 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

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

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

Power socket type CPower socket type FPower socket type L

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!

MonthHi / 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?

Did you know that Bergamo is divided into two distinct parts, the Città alta (Upper City) and the Città bassa (Lower City)?

1 of 10

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