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Things to Do in Bergamo

Things to Do in Bergamo

Bergamo Lombardy And The Lakes, Italy Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Bergamo and its surrounding region offer numerous opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Hiking & Cycling

Hiking & Trekking Routes

Parco dei Colli di Bergamo holds numerous marked trails. Valseriana and Val Brembana act as a gateway to more serious trekking in the Orobie Alps, furnishing a rugged mountain experience.

Cycling & Mountain Biking

Parco dei Colli features dedicated cycling paths appropriate for both highway and mountain biking. The River Serio Cycle Path is appropriate for leisure cycling. Difficult trails are available in the surrounding valleys for experienced riders.

Winter Sports Seasonal

Nearby ski resorts in Val Brembana (e.g., Foppolo, Carona) and Valseriana (e.g., Monte Pora, Presolana) are accessible for day trips during winter. They feature various slopes for different skill levels.

Water Sports & Access

  • The Lake itself iseo: Presents opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and Stand-up paddleboarding. Boat rentals are available.
  • Lake Como: Furnishes a broader selection of activities, including water skiing, wakeboarding, and luxury boat tours. Lakeside towns have various rental shops for equipment.
  • Access to The lochs: Easily accessible taking the train from Bergamo (via Lecco for Como, direct for Iseo) or by car. Public ferries connect lakeside towns on both lakes.
  • Local Guides: Consider hiring a local guide for tough hikes or specific water sports activities for safety and insight.

Guided Tours

  • Consider guided hiking tours in Parco dei Colli.
  • Join a bike tour of The Loch iseo.
  • Arrange a boat tour on Lake Como.
  • Experienced guides enhance experiences in nature.

Best Seasons

  • Spring and Autumn: Excellent for walking and cycling with pleasant weather.
  • Summer: Perfect for aquatic activities on the bodies of water.
  • Winter: For snow sports in the Alpine mountain range.
  • Always check local weather conditions.

Equipment Rental

  • Bike rental services are available in Citta Bassa.
  • Boat and watersport equipment rental shops exist around the lakes.
  • Ski and snowboard rentals are at mountain resorts.
  • Check locally for best options and prices.

Safety Warning

When undertaking outdoor activities, especially in the high country or on lakes, always inform someone of your itinerary, check weather forecasts, and wear appropriate gear. In case of emergency, contact local authorities.

Cultural Immersion

Engage deeply with Bergamo's traditions and artistic heritage.

Workshops & Performances

  • Cooking Classes: Learn to make traditional Bergamasca dishes like casoncelli pasta or polenta. Many local chefs or tour operators present hands-on classes.
  • Art & Craft Workshops: Look for opportunities to get to know local crafts, such as lacemaking or wood carving, when obtainable from local artisans. These furnish a direct connection to traditional skills.
  • Opera at Teatro Donizetti: Attend an opera performance at the historic Donizetti Theatre, especially during the Donizetti Opera Carnival in autumn. This presents a world-class cultural experience.
  • Concerts: Various venues host classical, jazz, and contemporary music concerts throughout the year. Check local listings for schedules.

Community & Festivals

Community-Based Tourism

Seek out local agriturismi or small family-run businesses in the surrounding valleys. These often present opportunities for authentic interaction with local life, like tours of farms or traditional meal sharing.

Language Learning

Short Italian classes to learn a language might be available in Bergamo, especially during summer months. This aids correspondence and cultural comprehension.

Cultural Festivals & Events

Bergamo hosts various cultural year-round events, including the Donizetti Opera Festival (Nov-Dec), Bergamo Film Meeting (March), and local Saints' Days celebrations.

Book Experiences

Use GetYourGuide to reserve cooking classes, food tours, or other cultural experiences in advance.

Check Local Listings

For performance schedules and festival dates, consult the official websites of Teatro Donizetti or local tourism boards.

Support Local Artisans

Look for shops with handmade local goods in Citta Alta to find authentic crafts and support the traditional skills of Bergamo.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find opportunities to de-stress and rejuvenate amidst your travels.

Spa & Wellness Centers

  • QC Terme San Pellegrino: Situated about 30 km north of Bergamo in Val Brembana. This renowned thermal spa features extensive indoor and exterior swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation areas.
  • Historic Building: It fills a beautifully restored historic building.
  • Access: You can reach it by bus or car. It furnishes a full day of relaxation.
  • Local Spas: Smaller day spas are available in Bergamo itself, presenting massage therapy and beauty treatments.

Pools & Healing

Beach & Pool Clubs

While Bergamo is not on the coast, public swimming pools are available in Citta Bassa during summer months. Nearby lakes, like Lake Iseo, present lakeside beaches and lidos for swimming and sunbathing.

Traditional Healing Practices

Though it isn't a strong a history of distinct public traditional healing practices in Bergamo, general wellness facilities, including massage and beauty salons, are common.

Walking for Wellness

Exploring the pedestrian-friendly Citta Alta or walking trails in Parco dei Colli furnishes a gentle way to relax and stay active amidst gorgeous views.

Affiliate Resource: QC Terme

QC Terme San Pellegrino

Arrange your visit to this magnificent thermal spa for a full day of relaxation and rejuvenation. It combines historic buildings with modern wellness facilities. Book your entry in advance, especially on weekends.

Booking Recommendations

Booking ahead for QC Terme San Pellegrino is highly suggested, as it might get busy, especially during peak tourist seasons or holidays.

Transport to the Spa

Direct bus services connect Bergamo's main bus station to San Pellegrino Terme, making it a convenient day trip. Taxis are also available.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Bergamo's evenings present a range of entertainment, from quiet drinks to lively music.

Music & Performance

  • Live Music Venues: Several bars and pubs in Citta Bassa (especially around Borgo Santa Caterina) offer live music, covering genres from jazz to rock.
  • Locations FOR Theater And performances: Beyond Teatro Donizetti, smaller theaters host plays, dance performances, and cultural annual events.
  • Clubs AND Dancing: Mainly located in Citta Bassa, a few nightclubs feature various music tastes for those seeking to dance into the night.
  • Event Listings: Check local event listings or tourist information for current schedules and special performances.

Bar Districts & Nightlife Pace

Citta Bassa Bar Scene

Via Sant'Alessandro, Borgo Santa Caterina, and the area around Porta Nuova offer a good range of bars, pubs, and cafes for an evening out. These areas become lively after dinner.

Citta Alta Evening

Citta Alta holds fewer options, but you find charming wine bars (enoteche) and old-fashioned pubs (osterie) for a more relaxed evening drink, often winding down earlier.

Late-Night Hours

Most activities wind down by 1-2 AM on weekdays, extending later on weekends. Nightclubs might are operating up to 3-4 AM on weekends.

Aperitivo Culture

  • Experience the traditional Italian aperitivo.
  • Typically from 6 PM - 8 IN the evening.
  • Purchase a beverage, receive complimentary snacks.
  • Can be substantial enough for a light dinner.

Nightclubs

  • Mainly in Citta Bassa.
  • Have several music tastes.
  • Open late on weekends.
  • Check for specific club events.

Pubs & Bars

  • Lively the feeling in Citta Bassa districts.
  • More relaxed wine-focused bars in Citta Alta.
  • Good for social evenings.
  • Enjoy local wines and cocktails.

Affiliate Resources: Entertainment

Event Ticketing Platforms
  • For opera, concerts, or special theater events at Teatro Donizetti, visit their official web page or utilize GetYourGuide for pre-booking.
  • Local tourism websites or cultural associations often list smaller shows and events.
  • Search for "eventi Bergamo" (events Bergamo) online for current happenings.
Nightlife Guides
  • Online city guides and blogs often present updated lists of bars, pubs, and clubs, including their typical atmosphere and music genres.
  • For wine bars, especially in Citta Alta, inquire at your place of stay for local recommendations.
  • Word-of-mouth from local people can also lead to hidden nightlife gems.

Evening Experience Tip

Begin your evening with a traditional aperitivo in Citta Bassa, then board the cable railway up to Citta Alta for a stroll along the illuminated Venetian Walls, concluding with a relaxed drink at a wine bar. This combines lively modern city life with historical charm.

Shopping & Markets

Traditional & Artisan Shopping

  • Traditional Markets: Mercato Sant'Alessandro (Citta Bassa) is a daily indoor food market. You locate fresh fruits and vegetables, local cheeses, cured meats, and other regional specialties.
  • Weekly Markets: Check local listings for weekly open-air markets in multiple neighborhoods selling clothing, household items, and some food.
  • Artisan Workshops & Crafts: Citta Alta's narrow streets feature small shops selling local crafts, textiles, and handmade items.
  • Local Foodstuffs: Seek out shops specializing in local cheeses (Taleggio, Strachitunt), Valcalepio wine, Franciacorta sparkling wine, and traditional cakes (Polenta e Osei, Torta Donizetti).

Souvenirs & Ethical Guidelines

  • Souvenir Recommendations: Food & Wine (local cheeses, wines, traditional cakes like Polenta e Osei), Crafts (hand-painted ceramics, carved wooden items), and Stracciatella-themed items.
  • Stracciatella History: Since Stracciatella gelato saw its invention in Bergamo, consider a souvenir gelato cup or a local cookbook with the recipe.
  • Ethical Shopping Guidelines: Support local artisans and producers directly. Look for "Fatto a mano" (handmade) and "Prodotto locale" (local product) labels. This secures your purchases benefit the local economy.
  • Shipping & Customs: Inquire about shipping services for large or fragile items. Know your home country's's customs regulations for food, alcohol, and goods. Keep receipts for AFFORDABILITY-ADDED tax refunds if eligible.