Things to Do in Bergamo: Città Alta, the Venetian Walls and the Best Views (2026)

The best things to do in Bergamo start with a short ride up a funicular. Bergamo is really two towns. On the hill sits the walled Città Alta, the medieval upper town, and below lies the lively Città Bassa. Many travelers only see its airport. However, the city deserves at least a full day, and it makes an easy trip from Milan.

Last updated: September 25, 2026

Things to do in Bergamo at a glance

Ride the funicular to Città Alta

Bergamo has two funiculars, both run by the local transport company, ATB. The first links the lower town with Città Alta. The second, the San Vigilio funicular (checked September 2026), climbs higher still. Timetables change by season, so check the ATB site before you plan an early or late ride.

You can also walk up. For example, old lanes and flights of steps climb the hillside and give you good views on the way. Either way, wear comfortable shoes, because Città Alta is all cobblestones.

Piazza Vecchia and the heart of the upper town

In fact, Piazza Vecchia is the center of Città Alta and one of the loveliest squares in northern Italy. On one side stands the Palazzo della Ragione, the old town hall, with its open arcades. Beside it rises the Campanone, the tall civic bell tower that dominates the square.

Then walk under the arcades to reach the cathedral square. There, the Colleoni Chapel is a jewel of Renaissance marble, built for the mercenary commander Bartolomeo Colleoni. Right next to it, the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore looks plain outside. By contrast, its interior is a riot of gilded stucco, tapestries and wooden inlays. It also holds the tomb of the composer Gaetano Donizetti, a native of Bergamo.

Walk the Venetian walls

For centuries, Bergamo was the western frontier of the Republic of Venice. As a result, Venice ringed the hilltop with massive walls. According to VisitBergamo (checked September 2026), work began in 1561. The walls run for more than six kilometers, with 14 bastions and four main gates. Remarkably, they never faced a siege.

In 2017, UNESCO listed the walls as part of the Venetian Works of Defence. Italy, Croatia and Montenegro share this site. The best section to walk is the tree-lined path between Porta San Giacomo and Porta Sant’Agostino. Ideally, go at sunset, when the plain below turns gold.

Take in the view from San Vigilio

From the upper station of the city funicular, walk a few minutes to the San Vigilio line. Up there, you find the ruins of a castle and views across Città Alta toward the Alps and the plain. In short, it is an easy escape from the crowds.

Visit the Accademia Carrara and the lower town

The Accademia Carrara holds one of Italy’s major painting collections. Look for works by Raphael, Botticelli, Mantegna and Bellini. According to the official museum site (checked September 2026), it opens from 10 am to 7 pm. Note that it closes on Tuesdays, not Mondays. The full ticket costs about €10.

Afterwards, explore Città Bassa. For example, the Sentierone, a broad promenade, is the place for a coffee and people-watching. Nearby, the Teatro Donizetti honors the city’s most famous son. In addition, the lower town has most of the hotels and shops and is closer to the train station.

Things to do in Bergamo for food lovers

Bergamo cooking is hearty mountain food. First, order casoncelli, stuffed pasta served with melted butter, sage and pancetta. Then try polenta, served with game, mushrooms or local cheese. The province also makes excellent cheeses, from Taleggio to Branzi. For dessert, look for polenta e osei. This dome-shaped sponge cake wears yellow icing and little marzipan birds.

For a guided tasting elsewhere in the region, browse our food tours in Italy.

How to plan a trip to Bergamo

• Getting there: regional trains connect Milan with Bergamo station in the lower town. From there, buses and the funicular take you up the hill.
• By air: Milan Bergamo airport, at Orio al Serio, lies just outside the city, and our Bergamo airport guide explains the bus into town and on to Milan. So Bergamo makes a good first or last night.
• How long to stay: one full day covers Città Alta and the walls. A second day adds the Carrara and San Vigilio.
• When to go: spring and fall are ideal for walking the walls. Summer weekends in Città Alta get busy.

Bergamo works well as part of a Lombardy trip. For ideas, read about the best day trips from Milan, our list of things to do in Milan and the Lombardy travel guide. The lakes are close, too: compare options on our Lake Como day trip page. For a longer route, see our northern Italy itinerary.

For a guided day, our Bergamo tour comparison weighs a food tour in Città Alta against an e-bike ride with San Vigilio Castle, with prices and ratings read on Viator.

Staying overnight in Bergamo? Compare places to stay below, and see our Malpensa to Milan guide to plan the rest of the trip.

Affiliate links: if you book through them, Italy2Love earns a commission at no extra cost to you.

Where to stay: for a base nearby, see our independent hotel profile of Hotel Excelsior San Marco, with location, parking and access details checked in October 2026.

Things to do in Bergamo: frequently asked questions

Is Bergamo worth visiting?

Yes. Its walled upper town, Città Alta, is one of the best-preserved historic centers in Lombardy. Its Venetian walls are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How many days do you need in Bergamo?

One full day covers Città Alta, Piazza Vecchia and the walls. A second day adds the Accademia Carrara and San Vigilio at a relaxed pace.

How do you get up to Città Alta?

Take the ATB funicular from the lower town, or walk up the old lanes and steps.

Are Bergamo’s walls a UNESCO site?

Yes. They joined the World Heritage List in 2017, as part of the Venetian Works of Defence.

Is the Accademia Carrara open on Mondays?

Yes. It opens from 10 am to 7 pm and closes on Tuesdays, according to the official site checked September 2026.