Is Bergamo Worth Visiting? Northern Italy's Little Secret

When we booked a budget flight into Bergamo and decided to stick around before heading to Milan for a house sit, we didn't expect much...just a quick layover before heading to the big city. Instead, we found ourselves captivated by this charming medieval town perched in the Lombard foothills.

Over the next few days, we explored its UNESCO-listed Venetian walls, indulged in authentic Italian cuisine, and discovered why the New York Times named it one of the 52 places to visit in 2023.

Here's our story of discovering whether Bergamo is truly worth visiting (spoiler: it absolutely is).

Detour to Bergamo: A Cute Village in North Italy

Planning a trip to Milan we found out a cheaper way to go by landing at the airport of Bergamo (BGY), so we decided to spend some days in this North-Italian city less than 50 km away from Milan. Reaching the city from the airport is easy, and you can be there in just 6 kilometers with the help of a bus.

Bergamo (for the origin of the name or the story of the city, check it out on Wikipedia) is divided into 2 parts, one part higher (Città Alta) and one part lower (Città Bassa o Nuova). The 2 parts are divide by Venetian walls (Mura Venete), which are listed as a World Heritage Site and protected by UNESCO, since the city was also under the dominion of the Venetian republic.

It is also famous for the Città dei mille (named for there being thousands of volunteers who joined to help Garibaldi for the unification of Italy in the XIX century) and as the city where Straciatella was born in the Pasticceria la Marianna.

The Fancy Side: Day and Nightlife in Bergamo

The day after arriving, we had to work, so we only got to the old city in the evening. The old city still preserves a medieval village feel. It is gorgeous and feels like you are time traveling back several centuries. But it is also very small and there is not a huge offer in terms of food that isn't touristy, so we went down to new city and had a good enough pizza at a pizzeria.

On the way back we stopped at Mamo’s, the only gay bar in the city (you'll encounter a lot more in Milano, though). Here you can drink and eat for perfect prices, and they also do some weekly events like karaoke and single night.

Day 2 was rather chilled out. I went to an Italian discount supermarket (I also missed these a lot) and got a bit carried away buying so much food, wine, and cakes. I bought all the ingredients to make a carbonara for lunch and a torta salata (salty cake for dinner). I will let the pictures below speak themselves 😜 (I should be a chef).

We also had a nice workout in McFit in Bergamo. It is just outside the city but easily reachable with an electric ride-share scooter, which are becoming more prevalent in the city.

Getting from Bergamo to Milan: Quick and Easy Transportation

After checking out, we walked back in the old city to explore more. At first, we walked across the old walls. It was quite foggy but still we could see the amazing landscape around just at the foot of the Alps and some vines. Then we went to the cathedral, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. We had to pay the entrance (which is very rare in Italy), but it was worth it to sit there in solitude and enjoy the unbelievable design and detail. This is like a casket decorated inside and the color of the Barocco Bas-relief roof reminded us of a Mandala.

After we ate 2 huge pizza focaccias at the old city's Il Fornaio, for the not-modest price of 10 euros each and numerous campari spritzes to kill the time. Finally, we took an 6:00 pm regional train that took us to Milan in just 50 mins (you can buy the tickets right at the station).

So, Is Bergamo Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Bergamo is a hidden gem that punches above its weight. The medieval old city is genuinely charming, the Venetian walls are stunning, and the food scene, especially if you explore beyond the tourist traps, is excellent. Plus, it's perfectly positioned as a base for exploring the Milan area without the Milan price tag.

If you're landing at BGY for a cheap flight anyway, spending 2-3 days here is a no-brainer. Just don't expect a huge nightlife scene (unless you're into intimate queer bars like Mamo's), but if you're there for architecture, history, food, and wine, you'll have a fantastic time. We certainly did! 🍷

A Quick Bergamo FAQ

How many days do you need in Bergamo?

We'd recommend 2-3 days. This gives you enough time to explore Città Alta, walk the Venetian walls, enjoy the local food scene, and soak in the medieval atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Is Bergamo better than Milan?

It depends on what you're looking for. Bergamo offers charm, history, and a slower pace with lower prices, while Milan is larger with more nightlife and fashion appeal. Both are worth visiting...Bergamo is perfect if you want to escape the big city energy.

What is special about Bergamo?

Bergamo stands out for its UNESCO-listed Venetian walls, beautifully preserved medieval old town (Città Alta), incredible food scene (birthplace of stracciatella ice cream), and dramatic location in the Lombard foothills near the Alps. It also gained international attention when the New York Times named it one of the 52 places to visit in 2023.

Is Bergamo a walkable city?

Yes, very much so. The city is compact and easily navigable on foot. The old city is pedestrian-friendly, though it's built on a hill. You can reach most attractions by walking, and electric scooter shares are also available for getting around quickly.