Since March to June 2025, I’ve travelled to Italy more than ever before, driven partly by business engagements and familiarisation opportunities. What began as a series of scheduled visits has gradually become an evolving lifestyle. Along the way, I’ve ticked off lesser known cities and captured memorable snapshots, but more importantly, I’ve embarked on a deeper journey of exploration, discovery, and relearning. For me, travel has never just been about movement; it’s a form of education, an ongoing study of geography, culture, and the passage of time.
If your travels take you through Northern Italy especially via the provinces of Lombardy, don’t overlook Bergamo. Just a short drive from Milan, Bergamo is the perfect place for a quick, culture-packed detour. Here’s how to enjoy this charming city, even if you only have a few hours or days to spend:
1. Choose a place to stay that offers both elegance and easy access to key spots. If you are looking for exclusive perks Ijenjem travel can easily arrange with any of these five stylish options that balance comfort, charm, and convenience:
- Palazzo Santo Spirito Hotel & Charme
- Life Hotel Bergamo
- Relais San Lorenzo (Città Alta)
- GombitHotel
- Hotel Excelsior San Marco
2. Begin your journey exploring around your accommodation and Bergamo’s historic Upper Town, Citta Alta
If you decide to stay in Palazzo Santo Spirito Hotel & Charme, just behind the building Via Torquato Tasso are farmacias, small boutiques and antique shops. A little further down heading towards Passaggio San Bartolomeo 1 you'll also find jewelry labs, perfume shops, restaurants and coffee shops too. Make a quick left turn and catch a bus to Citta Alta from Vittorio Emanuele 3 bus stop. You can either stop halfway to take the funicular ride to Bergamo’s Upper Town (Città Alta) or continue with the bus. This medieval hilltop district is packed with cobbled streets, stunning views, and centuries-old architecture. It’s compact, walkable, and the heart of Bergamo’s charm.
3. Focus on the Piazza Vecchia
At the heart of Città Alta, the enchanting Piazza Vecchia unfolds like a living postcard, encircled by elegant historic façades and inviting cafés that seem plucked from another era. Sip a perfectly frothed latte or indulge in a delicate scoop of vanilla gelato as you admire the architectural grace of the Palazzo della Ragione. For lunch, Da Mimmo Ristorante is a must, offering an authentically hearty Italian dining experience in an effortlessly charming setting. No visit is complete without a stop at Bergamo Dolce, where artisanal baked goods tempt even the most discerning palate. And if time allows, step into La Bottega della Pelle to browse finely crafted leather goods—a true expression of Italian artistry, and a timeless souvenir to carry home.
4. Indulge in Giant Pizza Slices at Minuscoli Store
No visit to Bergamo is complete without a stop at Minuscoli Store. Tucked just steps from Piazza Vecchia, this local favourite serves up generously sized pizza slices with perfectly crisp crusts and fresh, flavourful toppings. It's casual, delicious, and ideal for a quick bite between sightseeing stops. Go hungry—you won’t leave disappointed.
5. Stroll from Porta San Giacomo to Baluardo San Michele – Bergamo’s Hidden Charms
Start your walk at Porta San Giacomo, the elegant pink-stone gate welcoming you into Bergamo Alta. From here, follow the scenic path along the Venetian Walls, with breathtaking views over the lower city. As you walk, pass by small historical landmarks like sundials and cannon emplacements. After about 20 minutes, reach the Baluardo di San Michele, a 16th-century bastion once guarding the western flank of the city. Nearby lies a hidden gem: the San Michele cannon tunnel, a fascinating underground space with natural rock formations – stalactites formed over centuries by dripping water.
Bergamo is a city of quiet beauty, steeped in history and ideal for those who embrace slow, mindful travel. If you're drawn to places for their look but not their stories, Bergamo might not be for you. Every step on its cobbled streets reveals not excitement, but a deep, lingering calm — the kind your heart may have been quietly craving.
Would you spend a few days here and discover even more than I did?
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