What to do in Bergamo like a local: 10 tips for travellers

Elected together with Brescia as the Italian Capital of Culture 2023, Bergamo is an ideal destination for a trip out of the ordinary. Although it has all the credentials to be included in the 2.0 grand tour of Italy, it's a far cry from the siren song of its neighbours (read Milan and Venice).

Bergamo has the character and the fabric of an art city, both expressed in a beautiful historic centre that embraces elegant and lively districts, rich museum collections, a monumental UNESCO World Heritage Site, many points of interest, and a vibrant social life.

Discover what to do in Bergamo and the local moves to visit it at its best. 

...And reach the upper part of the city. Bergamo has a dual soul: Lombard and Venetian, old and yet new, low and high.

While the modern and bustling areas spread out along Bergamo Bassa, the medieval historic centre and many of the main attractions are condensed in the upper offshoot, beyond a spectacle of civil engineering: Le Mura Veneziane, a Unesco heritage site not to be missed.

The funicular is very popular with the people of Bergamo. More than a century after its inauguration, the Bergamaschi continue to use it for moving comfortably and quickly between the various areas of the city and simultaneously enjoying a pleasant view. 

It's an actual piece of the local history and, in addition, a green alternative for getting around without taking the bus or car. You can reach it from the station by walking along Viale Vittorio Emanuele.

Tasting polenta and stracciatella gelato right where it was invented. If you're wondering what to do in Bergamo like a local, well, then start by entering a trattoria. These simple, no-frills taverns are true traditional cuisine strongholds. 

Don't even think about keeping track of your calorie intake, but just have have fun and enjoy your meal. What can't be missing from Bergamo's tables? Polenta, of course.

A symbol of Lombard tradition, it's also known as 'la taragna' in the Bergamo area, a dish prepared with maise and buckwheat flour, butter and cheese, preferably the local Branzi and Formai de Mut. 

A symphony of flavours that continues with tasty filled pasta, such as the classic casoncelli and scarpinocc; capù, a poor recipe made with Savoy cabbage; and with desserts: polenta e osei and torta Donizetti, a tribute to a certain illustrious fellow citizen.

If you like ice cream, you cannot avoid visiting a specific address to eat the real stracciatella in the pastry shop that invented it in 1961. Where? At La Marianna in Largo Colle Aperto.  

Bergamo is much more than its city center: its surroundings offer breathtaking landscapes thanks to the enchanting valleys that embrace it. Among these, the Val Brembana and Val Seriana stand out as natural gems where culture, tradition, and nature come together in perfect harmony.

Val Brembana, with its lush greenery and picturesque villages, is an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and authenticity. You can wander along scenic trails winding through woods and meadows, explore charming towns like San Pellegrino Terme, renowned for its Art Nouveau-style thermal baths, or indulge in the region's exquisite local flavors, including the famed taleggio cheese.

Val Seriana, on the other hand, is perfect for adventure enthusiasts. From trekking to cycling, outdoor activities abound, as do opportunities to admire unforgettable vistas, such as the Presolana, also known as the "Queen of the Orobie Alps", or delightful villages like Gromo, one of Italy's most beautiful historic towns.

For a deeper connection with this stunning landscape and the authentic Bergamasque spirit, make a stop at the Agriturismo Ca' Fenile, located in the hills of Alzano Lombardo, the gateway to Val Seriana just a few kilometers from Bergamo.

Set within a carefully restored 18th-century farmhouse, this agriturismo is an exceptional example of sustainable luxury. Guests can unwind in a scenic swimming pond or a Finnish hot tub overlooking the valley, savor reimagined traditional Bergamasque dishes, and participate in educational workshops at the on-site farm.

Whether you're looking for a rejuvenating retreat or an adventurous mountain escape, Bergamo and its valleys promise an unforgettable experience, with Ca' Fenile serving as the perfect embodiment of a unique territory—seamlessly blending tradition with modernity, relaxation with nature.

In the 16th century, when Bergamo was an outpost of La Serenissima, Via Pignolo became a spectacular entrance for those approaching the city from Venice.

Clad as it is with Renaissance palaces equipped with elegant façades and beautiful doors opening onto elaborate courtyards and unexpectedly sumptuous gardens, it's one of the most exciting corners to discover. Strolling through this district is among the things to do in Bergamo like a local: look around and be amazed. Here are some highlights. 

First of all, the church of Santo Spirito. It's a small delight adorned with pieces by illustrious artists of the time, such as Andrea Previtali and Lorenzo Lotto. The latter is also the author of a large altarpiece in the nearby church of San Bernardino. 

Caprotti Park is a hidden romantic gem. A secret place? Certainly not: you'll find it by crossing the entrance at number 109 Via Tasso. Inside, lots of greenery, centuries-old trees, artificial caves, a beautiful pond and a charming neo-Renaissance temple. 

Carry on until the Piazzetta del Delfino, with its iconic fountain and the half-timbered house at the junction with Via San Tommaso, an ancient dwelling with unique architectural features. The square bewitched Russian stage designer Léon Bakst, who used it as the backdrop for one of legendary Sergej Diaghilev's ballets. 

In the house where the great composer was born, the spirit of an era comes alive, and the love of art and music is rediscovered. The building in Via Borgo Canale, where Gaetano Donizetti was born in 1797, has been a national monument since 1926. The museum housed in the five-storey building dating back to the 14th century is just one of the many places in the city where the name of the illustrious Bergamasco resonates.

Strolling along Sentierone, for example, an original homage will have you looking down: the new paving of the long avenue that crosses the Città Bassa features phrases and quotations from its most famous arias. 

If you want to get into the right mood and experience something for real melanomas, then we recommend attending one of the performances staged at the Donizetti Theatre and the Teatro Sociale, where the international Donizetti Opera festival is held every year in November.

The Donizetti Night in June is also exciting: many performances in the city streets reaffirm how and to what extent opera is an asset of the entire community and a significant part of the identity of Bergamo and, more broadly, of all Italy. 

Lake Iseo is the perfect quick getaway from Bergamo. Within just half an hour, you can reach this popular tourist spot that offers magnificent views, a range of outdoor activities, and some of the most picturesque villages in Lombardy. Sarnico, Lovere, and Pisogne are just a few charming villages to visit during your trip. 

One of the highlights of Lake Iseo is Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Italy. You can board a ferry from one of the nearby towns; for example, in Sulzano, departures are every 20 minutes. Once there, you explore the island's beauty on foot, by moped, or by bicycle since no cars are allowed. 

For sports enthusiasts, the Vello Toline cycle path is a must. This trail runs along the lake shore, passing through rock tunnels, rest areas, and picnic spots. Just be sure to check if the route is passable and not interrupted by safety works before embarking on your cycling adventure.

If you're looking for the most stunning view, take a walk through the woods to Riva di Solto, where you'll find a giant green and blue bench created by Chris Bangle as part of the Big Bench Community Art Project. From here, you can enjoy the breathtaking vista of the lake and the Corna Trentapassi.