Medieval Charm, Stunning Scenery and a City of Two Halves: Bergamo Guide

Bergamo is often overshadowed by Milan or the lure of the nearby lakes, but it is one of our favourite cities to visit.

A tale of two halves, there’s plenty of history, art and culture (not to mention the amazing food) to keep you busy.

It’s also a cracking place for a calcio weekend.

Getting Your Bearings

Most people arrive into Milan Bergamo Airport, about 15 minutes from the centre. The city itself is straightforward – divided into two main parts: Città Bassa (the lower town) and Città Alta (the upper historic, walled city).

Città Alta: The Medieval Heart of Bergamo

Città Alta is what most people picture before they arrive: cobbled streets, old squares, and views out across the plains. The Venetian walls still wrap around the city, a reminder of how important this place once was strategically. It’s a haven for history buffs, art lovers, and those looking to experience the medieval past.

Restaurants up here tend to lean more towards visitors, but that’s not to say you won’t eat well – it is Italy, after all.

It’s the perfect place to stay for the romance, the architecture and a slower pace, but if buzzing nightlife is more your thing, you might find it a little quiet.

What To See in Città Alta

Piazza Vecchia: The heart of the upper town, where all the medieval streets join together. Flanked by the Palazzo della Ragione, the Torre del Campanone, and the elegant Contarini Fountain, the square is a perfect starting point to explore Bergamo’s history.

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore: Just off Piazza Vecchia, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is adorned with pink and white marble statues, columns, pillars and rose windows that make it one of the best examples of religious architecture in Lombardy. With its Romanesque architecture, ornate interior, and Baroque elements, it’s a mesmerising place to spend an hour or so.

Venetian Walls: The impressive 16th-century walls encircling Città Alta are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A walk along here offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Bergamo plains and the distant Alps. The four entrance gates, especially Porta San Giacomo, are scenic spots that provide a great photo opportunity.

Museo di Scienze Naturali: For those interested in natural history, Bergamo’s Museo di Scienze Naturali in Città Alta is home to collections of fossils, minerals, and animal specimens, making it a great stop for families.

Città Bassa: Modern Bergamo

In Città Bassa, or the Lower Town, you’re close to transport, prices are more reasonable, and it feels like a normal working city. It is the modern part of Bergamo, offering wide boulevards, upscale shopping, and elegant architecture. While it may lack the medieval charm of Città Alta, you get a proper feel for the city and its locals.

Don’t miss the Accademia Carrara. One of Italy’s most important art galleries, it houses a collection of Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces, including works by Botticelli, Raphael, and Titian.

Football in Bergamo

This is where the city shifts again.

Atalanta isn’t just part of Bergamo – it runs through it. On matchdays, the area around the stadium fills early, and the build-up is steady rather than chaotic. Fans tend to arrive well before kick-off, stop for food or a drink, and make a proper occasion of it.

The ground itself, New Balance Arena, sits just outside the centre and is walkable from most hotels in 25–30 minutes. That walk, especially along the main roads, is part of the experience. Find out everything you need to know before your trip on our Atalanta club page.

Food & Drink

Bergamo focuses on hearty, rustic dishes. Look out for the local speciality, Casoncelli, a type of stuffed pasta, as well as Polenta e Osèi, a sweet polenta cake. The city is also known for its fine wines from the nearby Valcalepio region. In the lower town, you will generally eat better for less. In the upper town, you’re paying a bit more for the setting – sometimes worth it, sometimes not.

How To Get Around

Bergamo’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, especially in Città Alta, where the narrow, cobbled streets are best experienced by walking. However, the city also has a reliable public transportation system, including buses and a funicular that connects the upper and lower towns. Renting a bike is another popular option, especially for those who like to explore on their own terms.

Getting from the airport to the city centre is a breeze with the airport bus number 1.

You’ll find the bus stop outside the arrivals terminal, and you can buy your ticket from a ticket machine, the ATB mobile app, or on board. The buses run to Bergamo train station and stop at Porta Nuova, the lower funicular station, and the Città Alta. It takes between 15 and 20 minutes to reach the city centre. Not all buses stop at every stop, so always check you’re getting on the right one.

If you’re going to spend less than 24 hours in Bergamo, it’s also worth looking into the 24-hour ticket.