- The Venetian Walls surrounding Città Alta were built in the 16th century by the Republic of Venice and have remained largely unchanged for over 400 years.
- Bergamo is the birthplace of the Commedia dell'arte character Harlequin (Arlecchino).
- The city's 'Campanone' bell in the Civic Tower still strikes 100 times every night at 10:00 PM, a tradition dating back to the time of the city gates' closure.
- Bergamo features a unique linguistic sub-dialect, Bergamasque, which is distinct from standard Lombard and Italian.
About Bergamo
Bergamo is uniquely defined by its division into two levels: the hilltop Città Alta, enclosed by the historic Mura Veneziane, and the modern Città Bassa. This UNESCO World Heritage site architecture is best exemplified by the ornate facade of the Colleoni Chapel and the intricate interior of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. Visitors can trace centuries of regional history through the extensive collections at the Accademia Carrara Museum. The city's dual-character layout is connected by a steep funicular railway, separating the medieval core from the bustling lower urban center.
Highlights of Bergamo
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Walk along the 16th-century perimeter for panoramic views across the Po Valley.
Temples
View the remarkable 14th-century tapestries and intricate marble inlay floors.
Temples
Observe the Renaissance funerary architecture dedicated to the condottiero Bartolomeo Colleoni.
Historical places
Enter the upper town through this monumental gate, an iconic example of Venetian defensive military engineering.
Museums
View masterpieces by Renaissance painters like Botticelli, Mantegna, and Raphael.
Temples
Explore the central religious site featuring a 19th-century facade and historical relics.
Venues
Visit the namesake theater of composer Gaetano Donizetti, a cultural landmark for opera performances.
Parks
Enjoy expansive green space designed for recreation near the city outskirts.
Top things to do in Bergamo
The 492 highest-rated places in Bergamo, ranked by travellers.
1
Historical places
Porta San Giacomo is a monumental 16th-century gateway located in the Venetian Walls of Bergamo, a UNESCO World Heritage...
2
Temples
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is a 12th-century Romanesque church located in the heart of Bergamo Alta, characterized...
3
Venues
The New Balance Arena, officially known as Gewiss Stadium, serves as the home ground for the Serie A football club Atala...
4
Museums
5
Parks
6
Museums
7
Historical places
8
Temples
9
Natural attractions
10
Venues
11
Places of interest
12
Venues
13
Temples
14
Parks
15
Museums
16
Amusement parks
17
Historical places
18
Museums
19
Museums
20
Historical places
21
Parks
22
Places of interest
23
Historical places
24
Amusement parks
25
Historical places
26
Historical places
27
Museums
28
Temples
29
Historical places
30
Parks
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Bergamo on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Bergamo
May to June or September to October, when the weather is mild for exploring the steep, cobblestone streets of the Città Alta on foot.
2-3 days to fully explore the historic upper town and the museums of the lower city.
The lower city is navigated by bus and foot, while the funicular is the primary method for reaching the historic Città Alta.
Stay in Città Alta for immediate access to historical sites and narrow medieval lanes, or choose Città Bassa for better transport links and modern dining.
Mid-range; while accommodation and dining are generally affordable, costs rise in the historic center during peak tourist months.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 492 curated attractions in and around Bergamo, ranked by traveller ratings.
Porta San Giacomo is the highest-rated place to visit in Bergamo right now.
The largest category is temples, with 207 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Rome, Milan, Galatina.
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