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Bergamo Travel Tips

Bergamo Travel Tips

Bergamo Lombardy And The Lakes, Italy Travel Guide

Communication

Staying connected in Bergamo is simple with various mobile and internet options.

Connectivity Options

  • Local SIM Cards: Available at airport kiosks or phone shops. Airalo offers convenient eSIMs.
  • Wi-Fi Access: Widely available in hotels, cafes, and public spaces in Bergamo. Solis Wi-Fi for portable options.
  • Language Tools: Google Translate, phrasebooks, or language learning apps like Rosetta Stone.

Essential Phrases

A few Italian phrases go a long way in local interactions.

Italian Sayings

  • Hello/Good morning: Buongiorno (bwohn-JOR-noh)
  • Thank you: Grazie (GRAHT-see-eh)
  • How much is it?: Quanto costa? (KWAN-toh KOHS-tah?)

Business Hours & Schedules

Be aware of typical operating hours for shops, restaurants, and banks.

Daily Operations

  • Shops: Generally 9 AM-1 PM, 3:30-7:30 PM (closed for Pausa pranzo).
  • Restaurants: Lunch 12:30-2:30 PM, Dinner 7:30-10:30 PM.
  • Banks: Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM-1:30 PM and 2:30-4:00 PM. ATMs are widely available.

Public Holidays

Public holidays may affect service availability; plan accordingly.

Dates

  • New Year's Day (January 1ST), Epiphany (Jan 6).
  • Easter Sunday & Monday (Variable), Liberation Day (Apr 25), Labour Day (May 1ST).
  • Assumption Day (Aug 15), All Saints' Day (Nov 1), Christmas (Dec 25-26).

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

General Conduct

  • Greetings: Use Buongiorno or Buonasera when entering/leaving establishments.
  • Attire: Dress modestly, especially when visiting churches (shoulders and knees covered).
  • Coffee: Locals drink cappuccino before 11:00; espresso after eating.
  • Photography: Generally fine, but ask permission for close-ups of people; look for "no flash" signs in museums.

Dining and Tipping

  • Dining: Do not ask for extra cheese on seafood pasta.
  • Noise: Be mindful of noise levels, especially during siesta (1-4 PM).
  • Airport Lounge Access: Priority Pass for comfort during layovers.

Remember:

Respect local customs and traditions for a more enriching travel experience.

Traveler Services

Information about essential services and support for travelers.

Transportation

ATB buses and funiculars for city travel; trains for regional trips.

Banking

ATMs are available 24/7; bank branches have limited weekday hours.

Airport Services

Assistance for flight issues via Compensair.

Accessibility Information

Navigating Bergamo with mobility needs has specific considerations.

Mobility Considerations

  • Citta Bassa: More accessible with flatter sidewalks.
  • Citta Alta: Significant challenges with cobblestones and steep paths.
  • Transportation: Funiculars and many ATB buses are accessible.

Accessibility Resources

Information resources for accessible tourism planning.

Where to Find Support

  • Bergamo tourist office: Contact Infopoint in advance for specific advice.
  • Online forums: Dedicated communities for accessible travel share experiences.
  • Museums: Accademia Carrara and GAMeC generally have high level of accessibility (check individual websites).

General Tips

Roaming & Services

  • EU citizens benefit from "Roam Like at Home" regulations.
  • Postal Services: Poste Italiane branches for sending postcards.
  • English: Commonly spoken in tourist areas and among younger generations.

Cultural Awareness

  • Gender: Italy is generally welcoming; public displays of affection are accepted.
  • Religious sites: Enter quietly, phones off, no food/drink.
  • Sensitive topics: Avoid direct criticism of local culture or football.

Support & Information:

For any specific questions or assistance during your visit, the Bergamo tourist office is a good first point of contact.

Cultural Immersion

Embrace Bergamo's local charm and traditions.

Greeting Customs

Simple courtesies can make a big difference.

Manners Matter

  • Use Buongiorno or Buonasera when addressing someone.
  • Say Arrivederci upon leaving.
  • Handshakes are common; close friends may exchange cheek kisses.

Religious Sites

When visiting churches, follow these respectful guidelines.

Sacred Spaces

  • Enter quietly and turn off mobile phones.
  • Avoid eating or drinking inside.
  • Observe designated prayer areas and avoid disruption.

Tipping Practices

Gratuities in Italy differs from some other countries.

Gratuity Guide

  • Tipping is not customary in the same way as in the US.
  • A "coperto" (cover charge) or "servizio" (service charge) may be added.
  • Rounding up the bill is common for good service.

Airport Considerations

Make the most of your time at the airport.

Pre and Post Flight

  • Priority Pass access to airport lounges for comfort.
  • Compensair assists with flight delays or cancellations.
  • Airport Wi-Fi is generally available for connectivity.

Important Information

Emergency Numbers

  • Emergency: 112 (Universal Emergency Number).
  • Fire Brigade: 115.
  • Medical Emergency: 118.

Local Specifics

  • ZTL (Zones With Restricted traffic): Restricted access for vehicles in Citta Alta.
  • Seasonal Closures: Some smaller attractions may close in low season.
  • Do not walk on restricted parts of monuments.

Gender & LGBTQ+

General Tolerance

  • Italy is generally welcoming.
  • Public displays of affection are generally accepted.
  • Major cities are more open and tolerant.

Bergamo Specifics

  • No specific gay districts in Bergamo.
  • The city is generally safe and tolerant.
  • While traditionally Catholic, tolerance continues to grow.

Public Wi-Fi & Posts

Connectivity options and mailal services within Bergamo.

Internet Access

Wi-Fi is widely available in Bergamo's tourist areas and establishments.

Staying Connected

  • Hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, and cafes offer Wi-Fi.
  • Free Wi-Fi in major squares, including Piazza Vecchia in Citta Alta.
  • Public Wi-Fi network available in tourist areas.

Postal Services

Send postcards or parcels from various post office locations.

Sending Mail

  • Poste Italiane (Italian Post Office) branches are available.
  • Main post offices are located in Citta Bassa.
  • Look for the characteristic Poste Italiane yellow and blue signage.

Language Aids

Tools to overcome language barriers during your stay.

Bridging the Gap

  • Google Translate: A useful app for on-the-spot translation.
  • Download the Italian language language pack for offline use.
  • Phrasebooks: A small Italian phrasebook is good for common interactions.

Banking & ATMs

Accessing your funds is straightforward in Bergamo.

Money Management

  • ATMs (Bancomat): Widely available 24/7 throughout Bergamo.
  • Look for Cirrus, Maestro, Visa, and Mastercard logos.
  • Banks are open weekdays during specific hours.

Location Note:

Main post bureaus and a greater concentration of banks are found in Citta Bassa.