Comfortably nestled in the foothills of the Alps, just 50km from modern Milan, sits Bergamo, the town of two identities. On one hand, there is the Upper Town (Città Alta), a tangle of narrow medieval streets behind Venetian walls. On the other hand, there's the Lower Town (Città Bassa) that resonates with modernity. This eastern Lombard town widely acclaimed for its beauty offers an array of possibilities. Art, medieval Renaissance and baroque architecture, museums, breathtaking views as well as contemporary buzz, modern galleries, and fine dining shape its ambiance. In other words, for a small town, things to do in Bergamo are aplenty.
Città AltaThe upper town is an enchanting walled city with strong thick roots that remember medieval times. Its tiny humble streets are lined with local shops, bars, and restaurants catering to visitors and locals alike. At its core resides Piazza Vecchia which many architects and writers described as the most beautiful square in Italy. Embraced by ancient palazzos, bell tower as well as prestigious bars and restaurants, the square makes for a perfect place to stop for a drink or bite and indulge in the quaint ambiance.
Città Bassa
The notably more modern lower town grew on the plain below Città Alta. Though you can still come across a few 15th-century buildings, the elaborate architectural feats of the 19th and 20th centuries are quick to overshadow them. Today, Città Bassa is a vibrant neighborhood with a plethora of great hotels, shops, bars, and restaurants. Palaces, art galleries, churches, theatres, and other venues boast concerts and entertainment. Thanks to them, Bergamo enjoys engaging and culturally diverse social life.
Surrounding Area
The railway station situated in Piazza Marconi of the Città Bassa provides regular connections to Milan, Brescia, Crema, and Cremona. In summer, the connections are enriched with links to Venice and further afield. Within the region, Bergamo is only a short train ride to Lecco on Lake Como as well as Sarnico on Lake Iseo. Lake Garda resorts are also not hard to reach, usually requiring a singly train switch at Brescia.
On the other hand, Bergamo bus station offers regular coaches to resorts on Lake Iseo as well as the lovely towns in the surrounding valleys. So, whether you plan on to stay in town or use it as your base to explore and visit the rest of Lombardy, you won’t be disappointed by the things to do in Bergamo or its surroundings.
