Bergamo vacation packages

Best things to do in Bergamo

Bergamo may be overshadowed by the more famous Milan, but this smaller, quieter Italian gem has plenty to offer. From medieval architecture to breathtaking Alpine views, vacations in Bergamo offer the perfect mix of historical, cultural, and scenic beauty.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Città Alta: Bergamo’s medieval upper town is perched on a hill, offering stunning views over the lower town and the lush Lombardy landscape beyond. Walk along the Venetian walls (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and pick a spot to admire the vista. Visit at sunset for a truly magical experience.

• Campanone (Civic Tower): For even more impressive views, climb Bergamo’s iconic civic tower. From the top of its 230 steps, you’ll enjoy a fantastic view of Città Alta’s red-tiled roofs.

The best districts

• Città Alta: This is perhaps the most popular area to explore, with its cobbled streets, historic squares, and impressive architecture. Piazza Vecchia is at the heart of it, and don't miss the nearby Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, a striking and intricately decorated church.

• Città Bassa: Bergamo’s lower town offers a more modern vibe, with wide boulevards, chic shops, and vibrant plazas. Via XX Settembre is the main shopping street, perfect for picking up Italian fashion or enjoying an aperitivo at one of the stylish bars.

Parks and gardens

• Parco dei Colli (Park of the Hills): For a peaceful spot to walk or picnic, head to Parco dei Colli, a large park just outside Città Alta. Here you'll also find the San Vigilio Castle, which offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.

Historical monuments

• Rocca di Bergamo (Fortress of Bergamo): This imposing fortress is a must-see for history buffs. Once part of the city’s defenses, it now houses a small museum celebrating local history.

• Accademia Carrara (Academy Carrara): Art enthusiasts mustn’t miss the Academy Carrara, which houses works by Italian masters such as Botticelli, Raphael, and Titian.

Day trips in the area

• Lake Como: Less than an hour’s drive away, Lake Como is the perfect day trip. Enjoy a boat ride and explore the charming lakeside towns of Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio.

• Milan: If you’re craving the buzz of a big city, Milan is just a 40-minute train trip away. Visit the iconic Duomo, shop in the Quadrilatero della Moda, or see an exhibition at one of Milan’s many galleries.

Activities for families in Bergamo

Bergamo is family-friendly, offering plenty of activities for both adults and children. From historical and cultural experiences to enjoyable outdoor activities, Bergamo vacations offer something for everyone.

• Funicular rides: Kids will love taking the funicular up to the Città Alta. It’s a short but exciting journey with fantastic views over the city.

• Museo Civico di Scienze Naturali (Natural History Museum): Visit this museum for some educational fun. With fascinating exhibits on fossils, dinosaurs, and the local environment, it’s perfect for curious kids.

• Parco Faunistico Le Cornelle (Le Cornelle Animal Park): Located north of Bergamo, this zoo and wildlife park is home to a wide variety of animals, including big cats and exotic birds.

Free things to do in Bergamo

Bergamo offers plenty if you’re traveling on a budget. Here are some of the best free and low-cost ways to enjoy this enchanting Italian city:

• Walking the Venetian Walls: A stroll along Bergamo’s 16th-century Venetian walls is completely free and offers some of the best views in the city. It’s also a great way to learn about Bergamo’s historic past.

• Free guided tours: Several companies offer free walking tours of the city, where you can learn about its history, architecture, and cultural influences. These tours operate on a tip-based system, so you can pay what you feel is appropriate.

• Visiting churches: Many of Bergamo’s most beautiful churches, including the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and Cappella Colleoni, don’t charge an entrance fee. It’s a great way to soak up the city’s religious heritage for free.

Nature and outdoor activities in Bergamo

• Hiking: Bergamo is regarded as the gateway to the Orobie Alps, a mountain range offering hiking trails of all levels. Whether you want a gentle walk or a more challenging trek, the trails provide stunning views of valleys, lakes, and sometimes snow-capped peaks.

• Lake Iseo: Located a 40-minute drive from Bergamo, Lake Iseo is a go-to spot for water sports. Try stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking, or take a leisurely boat tour around the lake.

• Winter sports: During winter, Bergamo’s proximity to the Alps makes it an ideal base for snow sports. The ski resorts of Foppolo and Piazzatorre are just an hour away by car, offering well-maintained slopes for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

Food and drink in Bergamo

Bergamo vacations aren't just about sightseeing-the city's food scene is as vibrant as its history. From Michelin-starred restaurants to local trattorias, the cuisine is deeply rooted in Lombardy’s rich culinary traditions. Here are some delicious dishes you must try during your stay:

Some typical dishes

• Casoncelli: These stuffed pasta parcels are a signature dish of Bergamo. They're filled with a mixture of meats, cheese, and herbs, then typically served with butter, sage, and pancetta.

• Polenta e Osei: This dish combines creamy polenta with small game birds or sausages to create a hearty meal that's perfect for cooler days.

• Stracciatella alla Bergamasca: A delicious egg-based soup often served with Parmesan and buttered bread. Despite its simple ingredients, this warming dish delivers a flavorful punch.

Meat dishes

• Brasato al Barolo: A rich, slow-cooked beef stew made with Barolo wine. This classic dish combines deep, robust flavors with a serving of polenta or mashed potatoes.

Sweets and desserts

• Polenta e Osei (Cake): There's also a sweet version of Bergamo’s famous polenta dish. This cake is made to resemble a mound of polenta but is instead filled with chocolate and hazelnut cream, then topped with marzipan birds.

• Torta Donizetti: Named after the famous Bergamo-born composer, this light sponge cake is flavored with apricots and pineapple.

Local drinks

• Valcalepio Wine: Produced in the hills around Bergamo, Valcalepio wines include both reds and whites. It's a local favorite and beautifully complements the region’s traditional meat and pasta dishes.

• Aperol Spritz: Like much of Italy, Bergamo has embraced Aperol Spritz as the go-to aperitivo. Enjoy this bitter yet refreshing drink with a selection of snacks while people-watching in one of its piazzas.