Atalanta Hat-Trick: Three of the Best Bars Near the New Balance Arena

Atalanta’s New Balance Arena is Italy’s most recently renovated stadium, having been transformed into a beaming example of what can be achieved when clubs and cities work together.

La Dea modified their home from a round circular ground to a boxy, English-style one that keeps the atmosphere in and the seats ever closer to the pitch.

The area around it has also been redeveloped, with shops and restaurants popping up, and here are three of the best bars close enough to sample the pre-match buzz.

Villa Sport Cafe

Located just a short distance from the New Balance, the Villa Sport Cafe is the ideal place if you don’t want things to get too rowdy. It is a fairly tranquil environment and worth checking out if in town to watch La Dea.

“The atmosphere is always good and would probably be my personal recommendation if you’re not ready to get up close and personal with a lot of the main ultras in Curva Nord,” says Danny Bird, an Atalanta fan from England who travels regularly to see them in action.

The bar is compact even when empty, so on matchdays it can be quite the squeeze inside. The best advice is to get there early and snag a seat while you sip on a beer or indulge in aperitif time.

It doubles up as a coffee shop and a place to drink, making it an ideal venue to relax no matter the time of day or day of the week. And it also serves food such as pasta and burgers, making it a handy one-stop shop on game day. 

Address: Viale Giulio Cesare 20, Bergamo. Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 6:30am-9pm, Sunday 7:30am-9pm

Il Baretto

The place to go to in the city if you truly want to revel in the atmosphere before watching Atalanta play. Located on Via dei Celestini, Il Baretto is where the most faithful – the ultras – hang out in the hours leading into games.

Il Baretto resembles nothing more than a hut from the outside, standing on its own, not part of any building. Yet inside is where the magic can be felt.

“Personally it’s my pick of the bunch,” says Danny. “The walls are clad in bits and pieces of Atalanta’s history, including the Champions League trophy that the players posed with on the pitch after they secured qualification in the 2018/19 season. The atmosphere on match day is unlike anything I’ve experienced.”

But pay attention to a crucial piece of advice before heading here.

Danny explains: “I’ve never seen any trouble but it’s probably not wise to have your phone out taking pictures as some of the individuals there aren’t the biggest fans of appearing in any photos.

“It is open on days other than a match day so if you fancy soaking up the sun whilst being surrounded by memorabilia in close proximity to the old ticket stalls, then definitely give it a visit.”

Address: Via dei Celestini, 10, Bergamo. Opening Hours: Monday to Wednesday 7am-8pm; Thursday to Saturday 7am-2am; Sunday closed

Morla Bistro

Located on the city side of the ground, Morla Bistro is nothing like as lively as Baretto and you won’t find any ultras here.

“If you’re looking for somewhere that is a little more chilled out before and after a match then it’s definitely a go-to,” says Danny. 

The bar is less Atalanta-dominated in terms of decor, but it does have little nods to La Dea dotted around the inside.

On matchdays, the Bistro puts up a gazebo and a grill making salamela sandwiches. Buy your ticket inside the bar for €5 and enjoy the noise of the congregating Atalanta fans from a distance. 

With it’s large outside seating area, Morla Bistro is a fantastic place to go at the beginning or the end of the season when the sun is out and the harsh Bergamo winter has disappeared.

Enjoying a glass of red with a bowl of pasta as the rays beam down, before heading off to see Atalanta doesn’t sound like a bad way to spend an afternoon, does it?

Address: Viale Giulio Cesare, 2, Bergamo. Opening Hours: Tuesday to Thursday 10am-3pm, 5pm-12am; Friday and Saturday 10am-3pm, 5pm-1am; Sunday 10am-3pm, 5pm-12am; Monday closed.