Amazing things to do in Bergamo for a weekend [2024]

Are you looking for an extraordinary place in Italy with a unique atmosphere? Do you want to visit not only large Italian cities, but also smaller charming towns? Then choose Bergamo! The things to do in Bergamo, which is also called “the city on the hill”, will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.

Every time I am in a new place, I need time. Time, to believe it’s really happening. For the first hours I feel like I am in a different reality and I ask myself “am I really a hundred, a thousand, ten thousand kilometers from home?!” 🙂

The same thing happened in Bergamo but this time not only because it was a new place. Thanks to all the old buildings and charming streets I felt like I travelled in time to Middle Ages.

Flights from Poland for a weekend to Bergamo are cheap. You feel almost overwhelmed by the number of interesting places in the surrounding and you can’t choose!

If you want to spend time in the cities, don’t go to Milan directly. Spend at least a day in charming Bergamo.

Things to do in Bergamo for a weekend

Citta Bassa & Citta Alta

Bergamo has a lot to offer – some say it is one of 8 must-visit destinations in Europe. Its history is outstandingly long, the first signs of settlement on the territory of today’s Citta Alta date back to XII century before Christ.

• Citta Bassa – the lowest, modern part of the town.
• Citta Alta – the old town.
• San Vigilio – the highest part from which we can see a panoramic view on the rest of Bergamo.

Light rail lines called funicolare connect these three parts. Remember that a ticket for Citta Bassa-Citta Alta train is also valid for Citta Alta-San Vigilio part. If it hadn’t been for a nice old Italian man who told us this using a mixture of Italian-English-gesture language, we would have paid twice.

Città Bassa is the modern part of the city located at a lower level. There, you’ll find prestigious streets, elegant shops, and restaurants. This part also houses the railway station and many historic squares.

The ride from the lower to the upper part of the city will transport you to a completely different, medieval reality.

Città Alta is situated on a hill and is surrounded by defensive walls. This historic part of Bergamo is full of charming streets, historic buildings, and squares.

It’s worth visiting Piazza Vecchia with the cathedral (Duomo di Bergamo) and the clock tower (Torre dei Caduti). The Bergamo Cathedral is an impressive religious building from the 18th century. Its interior amazes with its rich decorations and artworks.

While exploring the Old Town, it’s also worth seeing the Rocca di Bergamo Castle – it offers wonderful views of the surrounding area.

Bergamo doesn’t lose its charm during the day! Don’t miss the highest part of the town – San Vigilio. The view on Citta Alta from there is amazing! Isn’t it? 🙂

Walk around this part on a panoramic trail. It is beautiful, calm, clean and charming!

At the end of our stay in Bergamo we spent more time around Piazza Vecchia.

Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

We drank a strong-as-hell coffee in one of numerous coffee places. And then to finish up our weekend in Bergamo we went to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore located nearby. It’s beautiful from the outside already, but the inside!!!

Quite honestly, the interior of this church is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen in my life. You must see it, be sure to visit this church.

Even from the outside, the basilica impresses with its beautiful marble facade, richly adorned with sculptures and detailed reliefs. Also, take note of the main portal, which is an example of Romanesque style.

The interior of the basilica is as impressive as the facade. There are numerous chapels here, including the Colleoni Chapel, adorned with artworks such as frescoes and bas-reliefs.

The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is also famous for its impressive 18th-century organ. This instrument is considered one of the most important in Lombardy and attracts organ music enthusiasts.

Museums worth visiting

Bergamo has several interesting museums. If, like me, you are interested in the history and art of the places you visit, be sure to visit one of the following museums.

It’s also a great option if you plan to stay in the city for a few days and have more time for sightseeing.

Here are the most interesting museums in Bergamo:

• Accademia Carrara – this is one of the most important art museums in Italy, with a rich collection of Italian paintings from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The museum houses works by artists such as Botticelli, Bellini, Raphael, Lotto, and many others.
• Museo Donizettiano – dedicated to the life and works of Gaetano Donizetti, a famous Italian opera composer. The museum is located in the house where the composer was born and lived.
• Museo di Scienze e Tecnologie Enrico Caffi – this museum is dedicated to scientific and technological achievements. It features exhibits in the fields of science, technology, and natural history.
• Museo di Storia di Bergamo – this museum presents the history of the city of Bergamo. The exhibits include documents, photographs, and artifacts that illustrate the various stages of the city’s development.
• GAMeC – Galleria d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea – a contemporary art museum showcasing the works of both Italian and international contemporary artists.
• Museo Archeologico di Bergamo – a museum focusing on the archaeological heritage of the Lombardy region. It houses artifacts from ancient and medieval periods.

It is worth visiting the charming town of Bergamo. One full day should be enough to see it with no rush. But what to do during the rest of your stay in the surrounding? You can go to Milan – but I do recommend you to go hiking!

You can get to Lecco by Como lake from Bergamo by train, it takes 40 minutes. And from thereyou can hike a demanding trail to Monte Resegone (1875 m, 6152 feet) or an easier trail to Monte Barro, (922 m, 3025 feet).

It doesn’t matter where you go. Lombardy will enchant you. And when you get to Bergamo, you will need time to believe it’s really happening. To believe it’s so easy to travel in time to Middle Ages.

Best places to stay in Bergamo

It’s worth staying in Bergamo for at least a few days, because the city delights with its views and monuments and tempts with its delicious Italian cuisine. I have selected a few highly rated hotels and apartments in various budgets to make your planning easier 🙂

Locanda Mimmo – if you’re not traveling on a budget, you’ll love staying at this comfortable hotel. You’ll get delicious food, enjoy stunning views of the Old Town, and relax in great conditions.

The Key Of Bergamo – great apartment in the Old Town. Guests appreciate the location, comfortable rooms, and apartment equipment. There is a possibility to buy breakfast.

B&B Bergamo Alta – another interesting accommodation option in the Old Town. Perfect choice if you prefer bed & breakfast. Guests praise the comfort, equipment, and fantastic value for money.

Central Hostel BG – budget-friendly but good accommodation. The hostel is located in the center of Bergamo. Guests praise the spacious and clean rooms and friendly staff. Also great value for money.

Is Bergamo worth visiting?

In my opinion, definitely! This charming town in a beautiful region of Lombardy, offers a delightful experience for travelers seeking history, culture, and scenic beauty.

Narrow, cobblestone streets, old tenement houses illuminated by atmospheric, yellowish light. Zero car traffic. I loved Bergamo!

Unfortunately, beauty comes with a price – the number of tourists, even off-season. If you’re looking for quiet off-the-beaten-path destinations, Bergamo might not be the best option.

Other beautiful places in Italy

If you’d like to visit other great places close to Bergamo, check out the below articles:

What to do in Milan for a few hours?

2 weeks in Lombardy – ideas and practical tips

Hiking to Monte Barro from Lecco

Hiking to Monte Resegone from Lecco

Have a lot of fun discovering things to do in Bergamo!

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