If you’re flying out of northern Italy and wondering whether to squeeze in one last stop, let me tell you what I did.
After a few days in Verona, I had a late flight from Bergamo. Instead of heading straight to the airport and wasting half a day, I took an early morning FlixBus, explored Bergamo for a few hours, walked to the airport (yes, walked), and turned a “transit city” into one of my favorite surprises of the trip.
So… is Bergamo worth a visit?
Short answer: yes. Especially if you love old towns, scenic views, local vibes, and cities that aren’t overrun with tourists.
Here’s exactly how my half-day in Bergamo went and why I think you should consider it too.
Why Visit Bergamo Before Your Flight?
Let’s be real. Most people know Bergamo because of its airport, officially called Milan Bergamo Airport (also known as Orio al Serio). It’s a major hub for budget airlines, and many travelers treat it as a cheaper alternative to Milan.
But here’s the thing: Bergamo is not Milan. And that’s exactly why it’s special.
If you:
- Have a late flight
- Are traveling between Verona and Milan
- Want somewhere less touristy
- Love medieval old towns
- Enjoy walking cities
Then Bergamo makes perfect sense.
Getting from Verona to Bergamo
From Verona, I took a morning FlixBus. The ride was around 1.5–2 hours, depending on traffic. Super easy, affordable, and no train changes. If you prefer trains, you can also take a regional train to Bergamo via Brescia.
Arriving in Bergamo, you’ll notice the city has two parts:
- Città Bassa (Lower Town) – modern, more residential
- Città Alta – the medieval hilltop old town
And trust me, Città Alta is where the magic happens.
First Impressions: A City That Feels Local
What I loved immediately? It didn’t feel touristy.
Compared to places like Rome or Venice, Bergamo feels lived-in. Locals going to work. Students. Old couples walking their dogs. It feels authentic.
Taking the Funicular to Città Alta (And Why I Loved It)
To reach the old town, you can either walk uphill (about 20 minutes) or take the funicular.
I chose the funicular because… why not?
The Funicolare di Bergamo is part of the city’s public transport system. And here’s what surprised me: it’s not overpriced or tourist-oriented. It costs the same as a regular local transport ticket.
If you’ve taken the funicular in Budapest, you know how expensive that one is because it’s mainly for tourists. Bergamo’s feels different, locals actually use it daily.
The ride is short but scenic, and once you reach the top, you step straight into another era.
What to See in Bergamo in Half a Day
Here’s a realistic route that works well in 4–6 hours.
1. Pasta Lunch
After the bus journey, I’m not gonna lie I always put food first before exploring so for lunch, I stopped at a small trattoria in Città Alta. Nothing fancy. Just handwritten menu and homemade pasta.
If you’re in Bergamo, try:
- Casoncelli (local stuffed pasta)
- Polenta (very common in Lombardy)
- Local red wine
Prices are much more reasonable compared to major Italian tourist cities. Another reason why Bergamo is worth visiting.
2. Exploring Città Alta: Medieval Vibes and Stone Streets
Città Alta is surrounded by massive Venetian walls (a UNESCO site), and inside you’ll find cobblestone streets, tiny piazzas, and beautiful churches.
The heart of it all is Piazza Vecchia.
This square is elegant but calm. Not chaotic. Not crowded. Just peaceful. Grab a coffee here and sit for a moment. It’s one of those places that makes you slow down.
3. The Churches You Shouldn’t Miss
Right next to Piazza Vecchia, you’ll find some of the most impressive buildings in Bergamo.
a. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
From the outside, it’s already beautiful. But step inside. The interior is incredibly detailed – gold decorations, tapestries, dramatic ceilings. It feels grand but intimate at the same time. Entry is free (you can give small donation). Definitely worth stepping inside, even if you’re not into churches.
b. Cappella Colleoni
Right next door, this chapel stands out with its colorful marble façade. It’s one of the most photogenic spots in Bergamo. Inside, it’s smaller but equally detailed. If you appreciate Renaissance architecture, you’ll enjoy it.
4. Walk the Venetian Walls
One of my favorite parts of Bergamo? The views.
The Venetian Walls of Bergamo wrap around Città Alta and offer panoramic views of the lower city and surrounding hills.
It’s the perfect slow walk. Not crowded. Fresh air. Incredible scenery. If you only have a few hours in Bergamo, walking the walls should be on your list.
Walking to Milan Bergamo Airport (Yes, Really)
Here’s the part that might surprise you. Instead of taking a bus to the airport, I walked.
From Bergamo city center to Milan Bergamo Airport, it’s around 5 km. It took me about an hour, at a relaxed pace.
Why walk?
- It’s flat.
- You see real local neighborhoods.
- You pass parks and small shops.
- It feels like a proper goodbye to Italy.
Of course, if you have heavy luggage or limited time, take the airport bus (it runs frequently). But if you’re traveling light and enjoy walking like I do, it’s absolutely doable.
Is Bergamo Worth a Day Trip?
Yes, especially if:
- You’re flying from Bergamo Airport
- You want a quieter alternative to Milan
- You enjoy medieval architecture
- You have 4–6 hours to spare
You don’t need a full weekend. A half-day in Bergamo is enough to see the highlights without rushing.
Practical Tips for Visiting Bergamo
Best Time to Visit:
Spring and early autumn are perfect. Summer can get hot, but it’s still less crowded than major cities.
How Long Do You Need?
4–6 hours is ideal for a short visit.
One full day if you want to explore slowly.
Getting Around:
- Walk in Città Alta
- Use the funicular
- Buses connect lower town and airport
Budget:
Bergamo is cheaper than Milan, Florence, or Venice.
Bergamo vs Milan: Which Should You Choose?
If you only have a few hours before a flight, Bergamo wins.
Milan is bigger, busier, and requires more time. Bergamo is compact and manageable. Bergamo feels like a hidden gem. Milan feels like a metropolis.
It depends on your travel style but for a relaxed last day in Italy, Bergamo is perfect.
Final Thought
I didn’t expect much from Bergamo. I thought it would just be an airport stop.
But walking through Città Alta, riding the local funicular, sitting in Piazza Vecchia, and enjoying pasta before my flight… it turned into one of those unexpectedly memorable travel moments.
So, is Bergamo worth a visit?
Absolutely.
Especially if you:
- Love authentic Italian cities
- Prefer fewer crowds
- Enjoy scenic old towns
- Want to make the most of your travel time
Sometimes the best travel experiences aren’t the famous ones. They’re the ones you almost skipped. And Bergamo was exactly that for me.
If you’re planning your Italy itinerary and debating whether to stop in Bergamo before flying out, do it. Even a few hours is enough to see why this city deserves more attention than just its airport. Would I go back? Yes. But next time, I’d stay overnight.
