Why You Should Make Bergamo Your Next Idyllic Italian Escape

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Bergamo is a small hilltop town in Northern Italy, just 33 miles from flashy, cosmopolitan Milan, and yet it couldn’t be more different. Divided into the lower, new town of Bergamo Bassa, and the historic old town Bergamo Alta perched on the hilltop above, Bergamo has a lot more to offer than many people realise. It’s ridiculously easy to fly to as it’s host to one of Milan’s official airports. So while you might think you’ve booked a flight to Milan, you’ll actually be heading to Bergamo. At that point many people opt to hop on a bus or train and head straight to stylish Milan, but if like me you’re a sucker for cute hilltop towns and waking up to the sound of birdsong, press stop and linger awhile. Read on for why you should make Bergamo your next Italian escape.

I fell in love with Bergamo as soon as I opened the balcony doors of my B&B and took in the verdant, leafy hillside and the quiet, gentle air. It reminded me of another place in Italy, another time, that had ensnared my heart long ago, and so rural Italian charm worked its magic on me again. I knew, instantly, that this was going to be the place for me.

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Okay, okay, I hear you cry, we get it it’s cute but is there anything to do? There isn’t a million activities that involve battling crowds and standing in queues for hours, no. Instead there are a handful of lovely ways to pass the time. I spent one night in Bergamo, with an afternoon and a morning to explore. This gave me enough time to cover the main attractions but I could have definitely stayed another night. Add a third night and take a day trip to Milan to get your big city fix, perfection. You could also travel on to the Italian Lakes, Verona, Turin or Bologna.

Things to do in Bergamo

Wander the Venetian Walls

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Bergamo has never been conquered, thanks to these impenetrable Venetian walls. Now they make the perfect way to start your holiday. With stunning views over Bergamo Bassa and the surrounding countryside, you won’t be able to put your phone/camera away! This is another good reason to spend some time here, you need to really savour these views. I visited in October and the Autumn colours really added to the beauty. All along the walls are benches to sit on and pass the time, I could see myself sitting with a book for hours quite happily.

Discover Bergamo Alta

Wander around the historic old town, nosy in shops and make sure to check out the main square – Piazza Vecchio with the Bell Tower and Cathedral. You can easily see the town in one afternoon.

Climb the Bell Tower

I have sampled many a Bell Tower climb in my time and I gave this one top marks. The views are gorgeous with the cathedral dominating the skyline and pretty rooftops leading the way in other directions. Major bonus points for a handy lift, and the stairs are wide and even too (no spiral staircase here!) The lift actually scared me more than the stairs which makes a change. Up at the top I was the only person there, heaven! Even on a cloudy day the views still had so much beauty.

Take in the Views from San Vigilio Castle

Hop on the funicular or walk up – the walk offers you beautiful views to enjoy so I do recommend doing it at least one way. There are a handful of nice restaurants at the top if you fancy dinner with a view. There isn’t an awful lot to see at the castle but it’s certainly worth a look for the fantastic views.

Keep on Walking

Although sadly I didn’t have time there are many hiking trails noted on the map and if I’d been staying longer I would have loved to include a few walks around the hillside. It’s the sort of place I felt you could just set off in any direction and find some pretty spots.

Explore Bergamo Bassa

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Finally, head down the hill and take a look around Bergamo Bassa. Originally I didn’t think I’d have time to see much of the lower town and had placed the historic old town higher on my to-do list,. However, as I was checking out my hotel and getting a train it actually made sense to dump my suitcase at the station and take a wander through the newer part of town. I’m really glad I did, although newer and brasher Bergamo still had all the charm you come to expect of Italian towns.

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Around the centre there are some very pretty streets to wander and as a small town compared to the big tourist-heavy cities it had a relaxed vibe that appealed to me. Although not crammed with obvious activities I liked the feel of the place immensely. I also had a delicious meal here, speaking of which…

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Where to Eat in Bergamo

Osteria Valenti di Marco Maffeis – Bergamo Bassa

A cosy, authentic restaurant with simple dishes that taste amazing. My kind of place in Italy! Full of smartly dressed handsome Italian men (win!) it was clearly a Friday lunch break spot for the locals. The waitresses were laughing and joking with them and it felt like such a friendly spot. The mixture of cosy décor with well-dressed people was a lovely balance. I hate super fancy places that are all minimalist and awkward.

There was a couple of local customs – bread in a bag, going up to pay at a desk (hidden from my view) -that passed me by, but the service was still good. The food though… I had Casconcelli, a typical Northern Italian pasta dish stuffed with meat and covered in butter, and the most scrumptious apple torte, mmm! Simple really is always best in Italy.

It’s not far from the train station down a side street so it’s perfect so a quick lunch before heading onwards.

Osteria Valenti on Instagram

Pizza Dipinta – Bergamo Alta

After walking around the walls and, as usual, walking way further than I meant to, I found myself on the other side of town, completely ravenous after a 2am start. I checked google maps and found “Pizza Dipinta top rated” jumping out at me, only a few metres from where I stood. How could I resist? So hungry I picked something that sounded like it was meant for four people rather than one: “The four doors” Sant’ Agostino with smoked salmon, stracciatella and guacamole. Oh my days it was so good – I devoured the lot.

Pizza Dipinta on TripAdvisor

Carmen Gelato – Bergamo Alta

The information we all want when heading to Italy – where to eat gelato. After taking my gelato eating very seriously I noted several blogs suggesting gelato covered up in metal containers, not heaped up and glossy, was the way to go. So when I spotted Carmen Gelato’s hidden delights I was thrilled to have found one of those rare gems. It was very good so the rule must have something in it.

Carmen Gelato.com

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Where to Stay in Bergamo

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I adored my little B&B, nestled in the hillside just outside the centre of the old town. It was so peaceful and quiet, I loved sitting on my balcony and listening to the birds singing. It was so leafy and green and vibrant. My host, Christina, was ever so kind and helpful. My room was vast, light and spacious and the cherry on top was of course the balcony. I really wished I had longer in Bergamo just to sit on that balcony some more. The décor was quirky and interesting which I really enjoyed. Breakfast was good but focused on more healthy options like fruit, I’m usually more of a croissant and hot chocolate girl but it made a nice change.

One minor downside was that the bathroom was separate/external, it doesn’t matter really in such a small place, only it does feel ever so slightly less relaxing when you worry about bumping into someone in your pjs!

B&B A Casa Mia on booking.com

How to Get to Bergamo

By Plane

As mentioned earlier Bergamo is super easy to fly to. Cheap flights are readily available from all major UK airports. At the airport you can take the bus (N1) from just outside arrivals which stops near the station and in Bergamo Bassa, then carries on up to Bergamo Alta. This is so easy there’s no need to bother paying for a taxi. There’s a ticket machine on the platform but all the buses now also have Apple Pay machines for zero faff. Just remember to make your travel card your default card, unless you have a debit card that you can use abroad of course.

By Train

Arriving by train is also very easy. The bus station is just outside on the right and if you want to walk into the centre just head straight on down the main road and the centre stretches out on either side.

Another option you have is to take the funicular up to Bergamo Alta. This might be handy if you’re just having a day trip and want to leave your luggage at the station. So you can take the bus as far as the station (if arriving by plane) and then hop on the funicular from there.

There is luggage storage at the station but it’s a little confusing to find, took me a few minutes and wandering up and down to locate it! Basically it’s on the left of the station (as you come out) but it’s not on the main station area you have to keep walking (you should see some small paper signs) and down at the bottom there is a small locked room for luggage. If the man isn’t there you can ring a number and he’ll be there in a minute. Sounds a bit dodgy but it all worked fine for me.  

Final thoughts…

Bergamo is perfect if you’re looking for a slice of small town Italy, one of those rare less touristy gems you feel like you can have all to yourself. I wouldn’t say it’s completely undiscovered but compared to the place I headed to next… let’s just say it was heaven. It’s off the major tourist trail so let’s just keep it between us how amazing it is. It reminded me that travel isn’t all about ticking off the big sights and the must see places, it’s about knowing what you enjoy personally, what makes you relax and feel at home when you’re travelling. I am really just happy to wander, read a book or two, be in the moment in a place. Beautiful views, an old town full of charm, what’s not to love? Put it on your list now!

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