Time Travel Through a Millennium-Old City! A Half-Day Stroll in Bergamo's Old Town | Stunning Churches & UNESCO Heritage Sites
Bergamo is a city in northern Italy packed with so much history and charm💫! Starting from BGY Airport, you can easily reach downtown Bergamo in under 20 minutes, which is super convenient! If you want to soak up some authentic medieval vibes, the Old Town (città alta) is an absolute must-visit spot!
🚶♂️It takes about 45-50 minutes to walk from the train station to the Old Town. If you want to save some energy, definitely hop on a bus—it'll get you there in about half an hour. So easy~
As soon as you step foot into the Old Town, you'll be amazed by the incredible historical monuments and stunning churches around every corner!
· The legendary old city gate: Porta San Giacomo (a must-see!)
· The historic Mura Veneziane, which is an actual UNESCO World Heritage Site! Standing by the walls to take in the panoramic views of Bergamo's New Town is just a whole mood😍
🌟Top 2 Church Recommendations:
1. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
👉 The photos online are already jaw-dropping. Although I didn't go inside this time (it requires a ticket), I heard the interior is incredibly gorgeous. If you have the budget, definitely go in for some amazing shots!
2. Cattedrale di Sant'Alessandro Martire
👉 Right next door to the basilica! Even better, it's totally free admission. The ambiance and interior design totally rival the Basilica, so it's absolutely worth checking out!
After exploring the historical sites, you'll find plenty of cute souvenir shops nearby🍕, though some of the prices can definitely be a bit of a tourist trap. There was a pizza place near the cathedral with a super tempting window display, but the reviews were pretty average, so I decided to skip it to avoid getting ripped off🤣.
⚡️Itinerary Tips: Half a day is plenty of time to hit all the highlights in Bergamo. You might want to pair it with a trip to the neighboring city of Brescia to maximize your time perfectly!
📍Key Attractions Info:
· Old City Gate (Porta San Giacomo): Viale delle Mura, 24129 Bergamo
· Mura Veneziane (UNESCO): Surrounds the Old Town, free to walk and snap pics anywhere
· Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore: Piazza Duomo, 24129 Bergamo (Ticket required)
· Cattedrale di Sant'Alessandro Martire: Piazza Duomo, 24129 Bergamo (Free admission)
Bergamo is split into two parts: the Old Town on top of the hill (Città Alta) and the New Town at the bottom (Città Bassa). For sightseeing and taking photos, head to the Old Town; if you need to catch a flight or a train, staying in the New Town is the most convenient.
🛏️Top Accommodation Picks
1. Top Choice for Luxurious Views | Hotel Excelsior San Marco (New Town, near the funicular)
💰Approx. TWD 6,200/night, stunning views + a rooftop restaurant to chill and overlook the entire city
2. Modern & Stylish | Radisson Blu Hotel, Bergamo ChorusLife (New Town)
💰Approx. TWD 6,000/night, brand new facilities, a must-try if you love a modern aesthetic
3. Best Value | B&B Hotel Bergamo (Near train station/airport)
💰Approx. TWD 5,200/night, clean and super convenient, the perfect choice for layovers or transits
4. Exquisite B&B Experiences
· Ginevra Rooms Bergamo: Highly rated with amazing design, approx. TWD 4,700/night
· Bergamo Sottosopra: Great value, clean, and comfortable, approx. TWD 2,500/night
💡Booking Tips:
· Airport Transfers: If you're flying in/out of BGY, I highly recommend staying in the New Town. The direct shuttle bus to the train station takes only 15 minutes!
· Cobblestones + Steep Hills: If you're dragging heavy luggage around the Old Town, stay in the New Town or double-check if your accommodation offers a shuttle service.
· Peak Season Crowds: It gets super busy, especially in the Old Town, so book your room way in advance!
Next time, I'd love to just chill, enjoy a slow lunch, and take my time wandering around the Old Town. Until next time, Bergamo~💖