Is Bergamo Worth Visiting? 5 Reasons to Fall in Love

Portici della Ragione.
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2024-12-11

Are you wondering if Bergamo is worth visiting? I had that doubt too, and I’m going to share everything I discovered along the way…

This is because Bergamo is close to other well-known cities in Lombardy. For example, Milan and Como, so for one reason or another, this destination was neglected by me for a while.

Too much, I have to say, because Bergamo is an incredible destination! In fact, I’d say it’s an almost unknown secret, at least among Portuguese travelers.

I hope that by reading this article, you’ll feel motivated to explore one of the most striking regions in Northern Italy, and one that has enormous potential.

So expect a beautiful city, with historical monuments to discover and, fortunately, not too touristy.

Portici della Ragione.
Portici della Ragione.

Is Bergamo Worth a Visit?

Yes, it is absolutely worth visiting Bergamo! To prove it, here are 5 reasons to add this beautiful city in Lombardy to your Northern Italy itinerary.

Discover the History and Charm of Bergamo

Are you wondering if Bergamo is worth visiting? There is so much to explore in Bergamo! The city has been influenced by both Roman and Venetian rule, and, of course, these periods have shaped the local architecture and traditions.

As a result, today you’ll find a city that reflects centuries of history – literally.

The Medieval Citadel and the Venetian Walls are among the most important historical sites in Bergamo, located in the heart of the Upper City (Città Alta).

In addition to being a UNESCO World Heritage site, they offer some of the best spots to enjoy panoramic views of the city.

The Venetian Walls of Bergamo.
The Venetian Walls of Bergamo.

Discover Stunning Panoramic Views of the City

I’ve already mentioned the Venetian Walls, but there are other must-visit spots that offer excellent viewpoints.

So, I recommend adding the Funicolare Città Alta and the Campanile of Santa Maria Maggiore to your list of things to do in Bergamo to enjoy the best panoramic views.

Entrance to the Città Alta Funicolare.
Entrance to the Città Alta Funicolare.
Funicolare Città Alta - Bergamo.
Funicolare Città Alta – Bergamo.

Discover Must-See Monuments

The list of monuments to visit in Bergamo is extensive, but I’ll do my best to highlight only those that, in my opinion, are truly worth seeing.

So, take note:

  • Contarini Fountain
  • Palazzo del Podestà
  • Portici della Ragione
  • Campanone
  • Museo del Cinquecento
  • Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
  • Colleoni Chapel
Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and Colleoni Chapel.
Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and Colleoni Chapel.

Enjoy Pure Authenticity

Perhaps because it’s a place with fewer tourists compared to other Italian cities, I was pleased to notice that most people on the streets spoke Italian.

Another thing I really liked was that when I entered shops and restaurants, they didn’t immediately assume I was a tourist.

In other words, they spoke to me in Italian, which is something you rarely experience in other Italian cities.

In short, I believe the city maintains an authentic atmosphere, being more distant from the hustle and bustle of the larger Italian metropolises, which, for me, is a huge advantage!

Il Fornaio, in Città Alta - Bergamo.
Il Fornaio, in Città Alta – Bergamo.

Take Advantage of Proximity to Other Tourist Attractions

At first, I thought this reason didn’t quite fit. After all, one of the reasons to visit Bergamo is its proximity to other cities with tourist attractions, right? It seemed a bit out of place, didn’t it?

However, upon reflection, I think it’s actually an advantage. The proximity and easy access to other cities make it practical to plan an itinerary in Northern Italy, and of course, include this beautiful city.

So, if you agree with me, know that Milan is only 50 km away. I highly recommend visiting the Duomo and the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Galeria Vittorio Emanuele II.
Galeria Vittorio Emanuele II.

In addition, Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, is about 1.5 hours away from Bergamo, while Brescia is even closer, just an hour away.

Finally, Lake Como is approximately 1.5 hours from Bergamo, and you can add a boat trip to explore lakeside towns like Bellagio and Varenna.

Villages on the Shores of Lake Como.
Villages on the Shores of Lake Como.
O que fazer em Milão: visitar o Lago Como.
Visit Lake Como.

Hotels in Bergamo

If I’ve convinced you to book a trip to Bergamo, congratulations, because I believe you’ve made an excellent choice.

The next step is to book accommodation, as, as you may know, hotel prices tend to rise as the travel date approaches.

So, to stay in the heart of Bergamo with a great location, my suggestions are Hotel Piazza Vecchia (4 stars) or, if you prefer an apartment, I’m sure you’ll be well accommodated at Best View Boutique Apartments.

However, there are other accommodation options in Bergamo, so if these two suggestions don’t suit you, I recommend checking the map below:

👉 Discover how much it costs to stay in Bergamo

Città Alta Bergamo.
Città Alta Bergamo.

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