Bergamo on a Budget: 5 Days of Fun

Experience the beauty of Bergamo without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Bergamo, Italy offers a great opportunity for those on a limited budget to enjoy a wonderful trip. Visitors can explore the historic old town and its beautiful medieval architecture, and hike up to the Cittadella di Bergamo for amazing views of the city. The food in Bergamo is also affordable and delicious, with many excellent restaurants serving local specialties.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arriving in the Hidden Gem of Bergamo

  • Check-in at B&B Hotel Bergamo, a cozy and affordable hotel near the airport.
  • Explore the medieval Upper Town with stunning views from Piazza Vecchia and the Venetian walls.
  • Visit the Accademia Carrara Art Gallery for some of the finest Italian masterpieces from Botticelli to Raphael.
  • Taste local specialties at Trattoria Sant'Alessandro like polenta e osei or casoncelli filled pasta.
  • Enjoy a night cap at the trendy Bar Agorà or the historic Antico Caffè San Marco.
Day 2

Strolling and Shopping in Bergamo

  • Start the day with a creamy cappuccino and a croissant at Pasticceria Gelateria Papa.
  • Walk along Via XX Settembre, the main shopping street, and admire the elegant Liberty buildings.
  • Browse the artisan boutiques and antique markets in the Lower Town, like Mercato delle Scarpe.
  • Take a break at the charming Orto Botanico Lorenzo Rota, a botanical garden with herbs and scents.
  • Savor a dinner at La Siesta, a lively pizzeria with creative toppings and a cozy garden.
Day 3

Day Trip to Lake Iseo and Monte Isola

  • Take a train from Bergamo to Iseo, a picturesque lakeside town with colorful houses and a promenade.
  • Buy a ferry ticket to Monte Isola, the largest inhabited lake island in Europe, where no cars are allowed.
  • Walk or bike along the scenic paths, have a picnic by the water and visit the old fishing villages.
  • Taste the sardines from the lake and the Franciacorta sparkling wine at one of the local restaurants or bars.
  • Return to Bergamo in the evening and have a light dinner at Osteria Sant'Elena.
Day 4

Exploring the Parks and Castles of Bergamo

  • Have a breakfast with a view at Six Rooms, a modern guesthouse with a terrace and a garden.
  • Discover the green lungs of Bergamo at Parco dei Colli or Parco Suardi, with panoramic paths and ponds.
  • Visit the imposing Castle of San Vigilio, a fortress overlooking the city and the valley.
  • Have a picnic or a barbecue at Parco delle Rimembranze, a vast park with a playground and a memorial.
  • Taste some street food at Polentone, a popular kiosk that serves polenta with various toppings.
Day 5

Escaping to the Bergamo Alps

  • Take a bus or a car to Val Seriana, a valley in the Bergamo Alps that offers outdoor activities in any season.
  • Go hiking or skiing in the Orobie mountains, popular destinations for mountaineers and nature lovers.
  • Visit the thematic villages of Cornello dei Tasso, with its medieval architecture, or Clusone, with its clock tower.
  • Have a rustic lunch at Agriturismo Chiappeto, a farm that produces cheese, honey and other typical products.
  • Return to Bergamo in time for a farewell dinner at Da Mimmo, a cozy trattoria with a menu based on seasonal ingredients and family recipes.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to reach Bergamo by plane is to fly into Orio al Serio International Airport, which is the closest airport to Bergamo's city center. You can take a bus from the airport to the city center.

Car

Driving to Bergamo is a good option if you prefer to travel by car. The A4 motorway connects Bergamo to Milan, Venice, and other major Italian cities. You can also rent a car from the airport upon arrival.

Train

You can reach Bergamo by train, with Bergamo Train Station being the primary station in the city center. The station is well-connected to many Italian cities, including Milan, Venice, and Brescia.

Boat

There are no direct boat routes to Bergamo as it is not a coastal city. However, if you're coming from another Italian city, you may be able to take a ferry to a nearby coastal city and then continue your journey to Bergamo by other means of transportation.

Bus

Getting to Bergamo by bus is convenient, with the city being well-connected to other major cities in Italy. The Bergamo Bus Station is located close to the city center and offers connections to destinations such as Milan and Brescia.

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