My extreme day trip to Bergamo, Italy + what to do in Bergamo
Last weekend I took an Extreme Day Trip to Bergamo and had the best day ever so I had to share everything about it.
An Extreme Day Trip is where you take an early flight to a destination and then take a late flight home. It seems a bit crazy at first but you can squeeze so much into one day and it really feels like you’ve had a mini holiday. If, like me, you struggle to get away for a full weekend break, whether it’s down to money, work, children, pets or other commitments, an Extreme Day Trip is a great way to travel more and have mini adventures. You’d be surprised by how much you can see and do in 12 hours and it’s lovely to still go home and sleep in your own bed.
Here’s everything I did during my Extreme Day Trip (EDT) to Bergamo…
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My Bergamo day trip video
Here’s why Bergamo is great for a short trip
- Flights to Bergamo are cheap!
- The centre of Bergamo is just 22 minutes on the bus from the airport and the buses are regular and reliable
- Bergamo is relatively small so you can see a lot in one day
- Bergamo’s Citta Alta is the old area of the city and this is where you really want to be. The modern part of Bergamo is nice too but it’s no different to any other city so stick to the Citta Alta.
- Bergamo has a small, charming and traditional atmosphere that I love
- Once you’re in Bergamo you can walk everywhere which is very convenient
- You really feel like you can ‘see’ Bergamo during an EDT, rather than just scratching the surface and seeing 1-2 tourist attractions.
Flights to Bergamo
I flew with Ryanair from Manchester to Bergamo.
Departing at 9.15 and returning at 22.05.
The flight takes just over 2 hours and Italy is one hour ahead so I arrived just after midday. This gave me 8 hours in Bergamo, bearing in mind I wanted to be back at the airport for 20.00.
I booked my flights to Milan Bergamo Airport and had every intention of visiting Milan. But when I started doing some research I realised Bergamo is a much better option for a day trip due to its smaller size and proximity to the airport.
Airport bus Bergamo centre
- 22 minutes on the number 1 bus which leaves every 15 minutes
- Download the ATB app to purchase a ticket
First things first, how to get from Milan Bergamo Airport into Bergamo.
Thankfully, this is very easy as there’s an airport bus taking you into Bergamo.
I took the Number 1 bus which was directly outside the arrivals doors at the airport.
The bus takes 22 minutes and leaves every 15 minutes. I got off at Piazza Matteotti.
For a ticket, I downloaded the ATB app and pre-bought a tourist day card which covers you for all public transport in Bergamo, including the funicular. This cost 8.50 euros. I did this when I was at home and simply activated my ticket just as I boarded the bus. I’m not 100% sure if it’s the cheapest option but it was so easy and convenient and saved any stress. Plus, it was great not having to queue for a ticket for the funicular.
I recommend using Google Maps to see when the next bus will be arriving.
Things to do in Bergamo
When you’re in Bergamo I highly recommend heading straight to the Citta Alta, which is the equivalent of the old town. It’s perched up on a hill surrounded by protective 16th-century Venetian walls and it overlooks the modern part of the city.
The modern part of Bergamo is nice but it’s just like any other city really so you won’t be missing much if you don’t see it.
You could walk or take the funicular up to the Citta Alta and from there you can wander, meander and explore.
Here are some things you should add to your Google Map so you don’t miss them!
- Piazza Vecchia Bergamo Alta
- Porta San Giacomo
- Campanone - or the Civic Tower and you can pay to go up here
- Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
- Rocca di Bergamo
- Il Fornaio - for pizza
- La Marianna - for gelato
- Nessi Bergamo Alta - for polenta cake
The nice thing about Bergamo is that if you simply have a walk and a wander then you’ll come across all of these places and many more. I liked having some locations plotted in my Google map but I didn’t really need it.
Piazza Vecchia Bergamo Alta
Piazza Vecchia, the historic heart of Bergamo Alta, is a stunning medieval square. It’s a great place to begin your walk around Bergamo Alta as lots of the main attractions are here. It features the Contarini Fountain at its center, a symbol of timeless elegance. The square is flanked by the Palazzo della Ragione, the ancient civic palace, and the Civic Tower, offering panoramic views of the city. Nearby, you’ll see the Biblioteca Civica Angelo Mai with its blend of Renaissance and medieval elements.
Porta San Giacomo
Porta San Giacomo is one of the most iconic gates of Bergamo’s Venetian Walls, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in 1592, this elegant marble structure served as a grand entrance to Bergamo Alta, showcasing Renaissance artistry and engineering. The gate, made of pink Zandobbio marble, features a majestic façade with clean, symmetrical lines and a central arch. It overlooks the lower city and you’ll have breathtaking views from here. Once a key point of defense, Porta San Giacomo is now a symbol of Bergamo's rich history and architectural heritage, welcoming visitors to explore the city and enjoy the views.
Civic Tower
Bergamo’s Civic Tower, or Torre Civica, is a prominent landmark in Piazza Vecchia. Known locally as the Campanone, the tower dates back to the 12th century and stands as a symbol of medieval power and resilience.
The tower is over 50 meters tall and you can pay 7 euros to go to the top of the tower. When I visited the lift was broken but it was well worth taking the steps for the views. I went up just before sunset and it was beautiful.
Each evening, the bell chimes 100 times, a tradition recalling the ancient curfew signaling the closing of the city gates.
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture with origins dating back to the 12th century. Renowned for its lavish interior, the basilica is adorned with intricate frescoes, stunning tapestries, and ornate woodwork. Its Cappella Colleoni, a Renaissance chapel, adds an additional layer of grandeur with its vibrant marble façade and intricate design. The basilica houses exquisite Baroque choir stalls carved by Lorenzo Lotto. You do have to pay to go inside but it’s well worth it!
Rocca di Bergamo
The Rocca di Bergamo is a historic fortress perched on the hilltop. Built in the 14th century, it served as a defensive stronghold for the Visconti family and later the Venetian Republic. Surrounded by lush greenery, the fortress is a great spot for gorgeous views of Bergamo and there are lovely, peaceful gardens you can wander through.
I had more than enough time to do all of this during my Extreme Day Trip and I absolutely loved the charm of Bergamo.
If you're interested in EDTs, here's another Extreme Day Trip to Iceland I did at the end of last year.