A New Italian City in One Day? Bergamo, Let’s Go! Split into a vibrant new town and a captivating old town, Bergamo beautifully blends modernity with history. Ascend to Città Alta for Venetian walls, Piazza Vecchia’s charm, Cappella Colleoni’s splendor, and breathtaking panoramic views. Don’t miss the lively Città Bassa either! So, lace up your walking shoes and get ready to discover the magic!

What to do in 1 day in Bergamo?

Bergamo Città Bassa

Arriving from Milan to Bergamo train station, our day began in the Città Bassa, the lower town, a more modern and bustling area of the city. Our first sights were Porta Nuova, the impressive new city gates, and Torre dei Caduti.

We then started walking to explore the elegant shops and cafes lining the Sentierone, the main boulevard. Here, we had a unique tasting experience – a sip of egg liqueur, a local specialty we were told is quite known in Bergamo! Continuing along the Sentierone, we reached and visited the beautiful church of Saints Bartolomeo and Stefano.

We also took a moment to explore Piazza Dante Alighieri and admire the Fontana del Tritone, adding another layer of charm to our initial exploration of the lower town.

Bergamo Città Alta

Next, the highlight for many, we ascended by funicular to the Città Alta, the upper town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that truly feels like stepping back in time. Here, we happily lost ourselves in the charming cobblestone streets, constantly marveling at the impressive Venetian walls that encircle this historic gem.

Arriving at the Piazza Vecchia, the heart of the Città Alta, you’ll immediately be struck by the stunning Palazzo della Ragione and the commanding Campanone (Civic Tower). The climb to the top of the tower rewards you with even more spectacular vistas!

Just nearby, you’ll also find the significant Piazza Duomo that holds the elegant Bergamo Cathedral, and the awe-inspiring Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. Be sure to step inside the Cappella Colleoni, an opulent masterpiece of Renaissance art and architecture that will undoubtedly leave you speechless with its intricate detail and vibrant colors.

For lunch, we chose a delightful restaurant right in Piazza Vecchia and savored some truly traditional and delicious Italian food, soaking in the atmosphere of this historic square. After indulging in the historical grandeur, we took a leisurely and picturesque stroll along the Passeggiata delle Mura, with breathtaking viewpoints unfolding at every turn.

If your day extends into the evening, be sure to listen out at 10 PM when the great bell on top of the Civic Tower tolls one hundred times – a historic tradition that used to warn the city’s inhabitants about closing the gates.

Before making our way back down to Città Bassa, we couldn’t resist picking up some souvenirs and taking a pleasant break for some refreshing Italian ice cream and a delicious local dessert, the perfect sweet ending to our Bergamasco adventure.

From the medieval allure of the Città Alta to the vibrant energy of the Città Bassa, Bergamo offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and delicious Italian flavors.

Bergamo Awaits! Enjoy exploring this hidden gem!