A weekend in Bergamo — why you shouldn’t miss this northern Italian gem
When it comes to deciding on a weekend break, Italy is usually at the top of the bucket lists of many aspiring holidaymakers.
However, the cost of places such as Rome, Venice and Sardinia can sometimes be too much for the budget traveller.
Nonetheless, the city of Bergamo, in Northern Italy, can provide a great alternative to some of the more expensive city breaks, and allow you to experience some authentic Italian culture and food for a fraction of the price.
How to get there
Bergamo is located around 25 miles northeast of Milan and is home to the Orio al Serio International Airport, which is often used by tourists flying to visit the fashion capital of Italy.
Flights with Ryanair to the airport start from as low as £30 return, with cheap flights being available not just in London, but in northern airports such as Liverpool and Manchester too.
Once landed, a bus will take you to the centre of Bergamo. The city has a range of affordable and more expensive accommodation, with plenty of cheap AirBnBs if you’d prefer a quieter vibe.
Things to do
Once in Bergamo, there are plenty of things to do. The Old Town, also known as the Citta Alta, can be accessed by taking a ride on the city’s funicular railway.
Once in the Old Town, you can admire the cobbled streets, and sample some of the delicious food on offer. You can also visit the various museums, with a highlight being the Civic Museum of Natural Sciences.
Finish your day of exploring at the Bergamo City Gate, also known as the ‘Porta San Giacomo’. This gorgeous white marble gate offers stunning views of the city and is a perfect spot to snap a few photos to remember your trip.
What to eat
There is no shortage of food options when in this northern Italian city. For some authentic pizza, try Morso Pizzeria or Pizzeria Assaje, which offer affordable yet delicious dishes.
Bergamo also has a host of coffee shops, where you can enjoy a light snack and a drink and watch the world go by.
Day Trips
The city has some great public transport connections, with the train station offering direct travel to Milan, Lake Como, and Crema.
Milan, recognised internationally as the fashion capital of the world, features plenty of luxury shopping options. But if this isn’t your vibe, be sure to check out the spectacular Duomo di Milano.
Lake Como is a picturesque lake located at the foot of the Alps and can be accessed by taking a two-hour train to Como.
If you’re a fan of the hit film ‘Call Me By Your Name’, starring Timothee Chalamet, consider travelling to Crema for the afternoon, where you can see many of the filming locations, including the iconic Crema Duomo.
With travel opening up once again after years of disruption due to the pandemic, there’s never been a better time to head to Italy and explore.
All images belong to Tabitha Wilson. Images cannot be reproduced/used in any way without permission.
