Where to Stay in Bergamo: Three Areas Offering Different City Experiences

Bergamo may sit at the foot of the mountains and in the shadow of nearby Milan, but the city is so much more than a day-trip destination for anyone fancying a change of scenery from Italy’s fashion capital.

There’s the cobbled streets of the historic upper town, the modern vibe of the lower town and, of course, Atalanta, the football team.

So, if visiting for the culture, the calcio or both, there is something, and somewhere, for everyone.

Stay in Via Borgo Santa Caterina

This district is known for its nightlife, cafes and trendy shops and has been dubbed the ‘Navigli of Bergamo’ in a nod to the area in Milan. It is also known for being the artisanal centre of Bergamo while the Santuario dell’Addolorata an architectural gem.

Via Borgo Santa Caterina is also where to find Residenza Del Borgo. These mini, modern apartments are fitted with all modern amenities and the option of having breakfast dropped off at your door each morning is a nice touch.

Rooms start at around £80 per night but can cost more when Atalanta are at home as it is close enough to the stadium to walk there in less than five minutes.

Stay in Citta Alta

The old town is the jewel in Bergamo’s crown – a part of the city that has stood for hundreds of years and was a fortress during the Venetian domination. It is home to the Contarini Fountain, the Palazzo della Ragione, the Civic Tower (which rings out 100 times at 10pm) and the city’s oldest coffee shop – Caffe del Tasso.

Right in the heart of Citta Alta is Hotel Piazza Vecchia. A four-star establishment set in a 14th-century town house that mixes old splendour with modernity. Piazza Vecchia is close to most of the main attractions, including the Cathedral and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

Rooms this month start at £175 per night, with some boasting amazing views out towards the hills of Lombardy and the lower areas of Bergamo.

Stay in Borgo San Leonardo

This is the best option if you want something a little bit more central and flat-footed. 

It’s not as historic as Citta Alta or as chic as Borgo Santa Caterina, but sometimes location is king and this is where San Leonardo shines.

You are never far from a coffee shop and San Leonardo is home to many brightly coloured townhouses that fan out from Piazza Pontida, making a stroll through the streets an enjoyable way to pass the time, especially in the darker winter months.

Close to Bergamo train station for those arriving that way, there are a number of hotel options, including NH Bergamo.

A clean and modern four-star hotel with spacious double rooms (coming in at around £240) and an exceptional breakfast buffet.

It’s about a 10-minute walk from the station, with plenty of nice places to eat nearby, and about a 30-minute stroll from the stadium.”