Ciao from one of the most underrated cities in Italy, Bergamo! Nestled in Northern Italy between Lake Como and Lake Iseo, Bergamo is one of the country’s most beautiful medieval gems. Just 40 minutes by train from Milan, it feels like stepping into a completely different world. Often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbours Milan and Lake Como, Bergamo is a destination that quietly steals your heart. Built across multiple levels between the plains and the mountains, it offers the perfect setting for a weekend escape. If you’re looking to travel a little off the beaten path, this is your sign. Here’s my perfect 48-hour itinerary to discover one of Italy’s most charming hidden gems.
Your trip is coming soon and you still haven’t booked anything? I got you covered! Here my top picks of hotels, tours, activities, etc!
– Best Tours and Experiences in Bergamo:
・Guided tour of Città Alta
・Casoncelli cooking class
・Day trip from Milan & Franciacorta winery
– Best Places to Stay in Bergamo:
・⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hotel Palazzo Santo Spirito
・⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hotel Cappello d’Oro
・⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Petronilla
A Perfect 48-hour Itinerary in Bergamo, day 1
Bergamo is a true hidden gem in the mountainous Lombardy region of Northern Italy. Divided between the lively lower town Città Bassa and the postcard-perfect upper town Città Alta, the city is all about rich history, mind-blowing architecture and incredible food.
Piazza Vecchia
Located in the heart of Città Alta, Piazza Vecchia is Bergamo’s main square and one of its most iconic spots.
Surrounded by historic buildings from different eras, it perfectly reflects the city’s rich past. Wander through the narrow alleys leading up to it, camera in hand as every corner feels like a postcard.
For a truly special experience, come at sunrise. The square is almost empty, and you can watch the city slowly come to life.
Duomo di Bergamo
Often called the city of churches, Bergamo is filled with architectural treasures, and its cathedral is one of them.
Located right next to the basilica, the Duomo is often overshadowed by its more ornate neighbor, yet it’s absolutely worth stepping inside. The interior is beautifully decorated, with frescoes, intricate details, and even the tiara of Pope John XXIII.
Interestingly, Bergamo once had two cathedrals and this is the only one that remains today.
Tip: opens daily 7:30am-12:30pm & 3pm-6:30pm, free admission
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Right next to the cathedral stands the most impressive church in Bergamo, and the true heart of the city.
Built in the 12th century and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the basilica was constructed as a vow: according to legend, the people of Bergamo promised to build it if they were spared from the plague. And they didn’t do things halfway.
Known across Italy for their craftsmanship, the people of Bergamo created a church that reflects centuries of artistic evolution. While the exterior remains relatively simple, the interior is breathtaking: a rich blend of frescoes, tapestries from Florence and Flanders, paintings influenced by Venetian art, and later Baroque gold details filling every space.
It’s one of the most unforgettable places to visit in Bergamo.
Tip: opens daily 9am-6pm, €5
except mass hours: 9:30am-10:30am on weekdays & 10:30am-1:30pm on Sundays; Il Tesoro is only visible on weekend afternoons
Cappella Colleoni
Attached to the basilica, the Cappella Colleoni immediately catches your eye with its intricate red and white marble façade.
Built as a private mausoleum for a powerful nobleman, it remains one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in the city. Inside, light filters through the rose window onto golden details, including a statue of Colleoni himself, a military leader who once served the Duke of Milan.
Take time to admire the exterior before stepping inside, and note that photography is not allowed.
Tip: opens Tuesday-Sunday, 9:30am-12:30pm & 2pm-4:30pm, donation basis
Exploring Città Alta
Perched on a hill above the modern city, Città Alta is the historic soul of Bergamo.
With its cobbled streets, hidden corners, and centuries-old architecture, it’s a place best explored without a plan. Just wander and see where the streets take you.
You can reach it via the iconic funicular, a short but scenic ride offering beautiful views over the city.
Palazzo Moroni & Palazzo Terzi
Palazzo Moroni is one of Bergamo’s hidden gems. Although I didn’t get the chance to visit, it’s known for its frescoed rooms, peaceful gardens, and glimpse into aristocratic life.
Palazzo Terzi is another beautiful palace worth adding to your itinerary, especially for its dramatic interiors and panoramic views.
San Vigilio for sunset
After a day of exploring, take the second funicular up to San Vigilio, the highest point of the city.
From here, Bergamo’s unique setting truly reveals itself. You’ll get sweeping views over both the upper and lower towns, as well as the surrounding countryside.
Walk along the ancient castle walls or head to the Belvedere for one of the most beautiful sunsets in the region.
A Perfect 48-hour Itinerary in Bergamo, day 2
Rocca di Bergamo
Start your morning early at the Rocca, one of the most scenic viewpoints in the city.
Perched on Sant’Eufemia hill, this historic fortress offers sweeping views over Città Bassa, the surrounding countryside, and, on a clear day, even the distant skyline of Milan.
As the sun rises, the light slowly reveals the layers of the city, making it one of the most peaceful and rewarding moments of your trip.
Venetian Walls of Bergamo
Stretching over 5 kilometers around the upper town, the Venetian Walls are one of Bergamo’s most iconic landmarks.
Built during the time of the Republic of Venice, these impressive fortifications are now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside other Venetian defensive systems across Northern Italy.
Walking along the walls is one of the best ways to take in the city’s unique geography, with panoramic views on one side and centuries of history on the other. Along the way, you’ll pass through monumental gates that once controlled access to the city, adding to the feeling of stepping back in time.
Casoncelli Cooking class
One of the absolute highlights of Bergamo is learning how to cook its most iconic dish: casoncelli alla bergamasca.
This traditional stuffed pasta is one of the oldest in Italy, and making it from scratch is an experience in itself. During the class, you’ll discover the local ingredients and techniques before sitting down to enjoy your own creation.
The vegetarian version, known as scarpinocc, is especially worth trying: simple, comforting, and full of flavor.
Accademia Carrara & GAMeC
For an afternoon of culture, Bergamo offers two excellent options right next to each other.
The Accademia Carrara houses an impressive collection of classical artworks, many of which are deeply influenced by Venetian traditions. Just next door, GAMeC focuses on contemporary art, showcasing modern and experimental works.
Whether you’re drawn to old masters or contemporary creations, both are worth visiting, and even better with a guided tour to fully appreciate the stories behind the pieces.
Sunset from the Campanone (Torre Civica)
End your weekend with one last unforgettable view.
Standing 56 meters high in Piazza Vecchia, the Campanone offers panoramic views over the rooftops of Bergamo and beyond. You can climb the 230 steps or take the elevator to the top.
At the summit, you’ll find the largest bell in Lombardy — still ringing every evening at 10pm, a tradition that once signaled the closing of the city gates along the Venetian walls.
Try to time your visit just before sunset for the most magical light.
Tip: opens Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-6pm, 9€
Where & What to Eat in Bergamo
One of the best things about Bergamo? The food. From quick bites to traditional restaurants, the city is full of incredible places to eat, especially in Città Alta, where you’ll find a more authentic and local atmosphere. Here are a few spots you shouldn’t miss:
- Bugan Coffee Lab: one of the best specialty coffee spots in town, perfect in-between the different churches visits.
- Babilonia 1907: cappuccino & stracciatella is the best combo to try!
- Il Fornaio: great for a quick and delicious pizza stop
- La Marianna: the birthplace of stracciatella ice cream (a must!)
- Nonna Alda: for an unforgettable Casoncelli experience (the vegetarian version is a must-try!)
- Ol Giopì e la Margì: a local institution serving traditional Bergamasque cuisine, the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing!
Local specialties to try:
- Casoncelli alla bergamasca: stuffed pasta with meat
- Scarpinocc: the vegetarian version, with parmesan, sage and nutmeg
- Polenta: a staple of the region
- And of course… anything with stracciatella
Where to Stay in Bergamo
Although staying in Città Alta can feel incredibly special, accommodation options there are quite limited. For a more relaxed and practical stay, I recommend choosing Città Bassa, especially if you’re planning to explore beyond Bergamo or arrive by train.
How to visit Bergamo
Getting to Bergamo is quick and easy. The most convenient option is to fly into Milan Bergamo Airport, located just 5 kilometers from the city center and well connected to over 100 European destinations.
Alternatively, you can fly into Milan, spend a couple of days exploring the city, and then take a direct train to Bergamo; the journey takes only around 40 minutes and costs 6€.
Once you’re there, I don’t recommend renting a car. The historic center is not car-friendly, and everything is easily accessible on foot or by public transport. One of the highlights of getting around is the funicular, connecting Città Bassa to Città Alta. It’s not only practical, but also a beautiful experience in itself. In just a few minutes, you’ll glide up the hill while enjoying panoramic views over the city, a ride that feels like stepping back in time.
Bergamo also makes a great base to explore the region. From here, you can easily take a direct train to discover Brescia, Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2023 with Bergamo, head towards the stunning lakes, Lake Como or Lake Garda, or explore the Venetian Fortresses of Northern Italy, a UNESCO-listed network of historic defensive cities!
I hope this travel guide will inspire you to visit Bergamo, a true hidden gem in Italy! I’ve put everything that I thought was necessary for you to plan your best trip there. But if you need, feel free to reach out with any questions! And don’t forget to tag me in your stories and posts on Instagram if this article inspires you!
With love,
Marina
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