Things To Know Before You Visit Bergamo In The Summer

If you’re searching for a friendly, safe, and beautiful town in Northern Italy to explore in the summer, and are looking for things to know before you visit Bergamo, keep reading!

I spent 30 days in July exploring every nook and cranny of Bergamo, from the cobblestone streets of the Città Alta to the modern cafes of the Città Bassa, to the nearby lakes and alpine towns. And I can confidently say: Bergamo belongs on every Northern Italy itinerary.

This UNESCO World Heritage city, perched along the impressive Venetian Walls, offers sweeping panoramic views, unforgettable local cuisine, and the delicious claim to fame: stracciatella gelato.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or exploring your Italian roots, Bergamo has something for everyone. From rich food and art to hiking trails and thermal spas, the city and province of Bergamo are full of summer surprises.

So grab a notebook (and maybe a gelato), and let’s dive into everything you need to know before visiting Bergamo in the summer.

Why Visit Bergamo in the Summer?

Bergamo is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and in summer, it offers something rare in Italy: beauty without the crowds. Compared to other historic cities, it’s calmer — and in the heat of July or August, that’s a serious bonus.

When you get to Bergamo, people will tell you that you need to walk along the Venetian Walls. We scratched our head on this one until we finally did it and understood what it means to walk on the Venetian Walls. 

The story behind them is fascinating: when Venice took control of Bergamo, they built these massive walls to defend the city from Milan. They even tore down homes to do it, upsetting many Bergamascans. Some resentment lingers to this day.

Bergamo was never attacked. But now, you can walk the path of that history — shaded by trees, cooled by breezes, and rewarded with sweeping 180-degree views of the Pre-Alps and Lombardy plain. On a clear day, you can even see all the way to Milan. 

At first, I worried the walls would make it hard to reach the historic Città Alta (Upper Town). I’d heard you had to take a bus or the funicular, and that sounded inconvenient. But once we arrived, I realized that if you like to walk, you will love Bergamo. 

There are countless scenic routes up the hill — many connected by “scalette” (stone staircases). Two famous ones are Scorlazzino and Scorlazzone. Every few steps, we found ourselves pausing to admire quiet gardens, winding paths, and centuries-old stone walls. 

You can also walk up Via Pignolo, passing charming shops and cafés, and enter the medieval town through the St. Augustine Gate. From there, you can walk the length of the Venetian Walls or head deeper into Città Alta, wandering past 16th-century palazzi.

Beyond the charm of Bergamo itself — a walkable, manageable city with distinct neighborhoods — it’s also an ideal base for slow travel and day trips. Nestled against the San Fermo hills, you can step out of the city and right into nature. Or hop in a car and be at one of Bergamo’s lakes in under an hour.

You can even commute to Milan for nightlife or stay in Bergamo and enjoy its outdoor café culture. We loved sitting at little tables in the piazzas, lingering over aperitivo long into the warm summer nights.

Summer Weather in Bergamo: What to Expect

July in Italy is hot, and Bergamo is no exception. But because it’s so far north and close to the mountains, you might also experience cooler temperatures — especially after it rains.

And yes, it will rain.

We had powerful thunderstorms almost every afternoon or evening for the first two weeks of July. They came on quickly and hit hard. We had umbrellas, but most of the time, they were no match for the wind and sideways rain.

One moment we’d be relaxing by the lake under blue skies, and the next we’d spot dark clouds rolling over the hills — our cue to pack up and head home before the storm hit.

Another time, we were sitting in Piazza Vecchia when the heavens opened up. We ran into Café Flora, where we ended up sipping mojitos for hours with other soaked travelers. I’m not going to lie – that was fun!

Luckily the storms never lasted long. Most evenings were warm and pleasant, and during the day I lived in sleeveless dresses and sandals. A Panama hat was my best friend for staying cool and protected from the sun.

🧳 Planning your trip in the summer?

• Grab my free Northern Italy Summer Packing List to avoid overpacking — or worse, forgetting the essentials.
  
• Want a peek at what I actually brought (and what I’d do differently)? → Read: Packing for a Month in Italy: Lessons From My Trip

What to Eat in Bergamo (Especially in Summer)

For our first meal in Bergamo, I wanted to try the typical Bergamasco dishes since we were on the first day of our ancestry tour to find our roots. In hindsight, it might not have been the best idea for a summer day — these meals are hearty and rich. But we ate slowly, savoring every bite under the shade of a tree, gazing up at the Orobie Alps surrounding us.

Here are three dishes that define Bergamo’s culinary identity:

Unique Bergamasco Dishes

• Casoncelli – Bergamo’s version of ravioli, these half-moon-shaped pasta pockets are filled with savory meats, cheeses, and herbs, then served with melted butter and sage.
  
• Scarpinòcc – Similar in shape to casoncelli, but filled with rich Taleggio cheese and cream. Decadent and satisfying.
  
• Polenta alla Taragna – A dark, earthy polenta made with cornmeal and buckwheat flour, enriched with gooey cheeses. Often topped with mushrooms. This is comfort food at its finest — though maybe best saved for winter.

While these dishes are best for cooler weather, aperitivo culture was absolutely made for summer.

Aperitivo: A Way of Life in Bergamo

In Bergamo, aperitivo isn’t just a snack — it’s a ritual. And it can happen more than once a day.

You order a drink — usually an Aperol Spritz or a light local wine — and a tagliere: a wooden board piled with meats, cheeses, and breads. But it’s not just about the food. Aperitivo is about connection, conversation, and community.

Here’s what makes Bergamo’s aperitivo special:

• Outdoor tables in piazzas filled with locals and travelers alike
• Generous taglieri of local salumi, cheeses, and focaccia
• Aperol Spritz, Hugo, or a chilled white wine
• Aperitivo often replaces dinner in the summer
• Locals gathering weekly with large groups of friends

Stracciatella Gelato: Born in Bergamo!

I used to swear by gelato gianduia, but after a month in Bergamo, I’ve changed my ways. Stracciatella has taken the top spot — and with good reason.

This flavor was born in Bergamo, invented in 1961 by Enrico Panattoni, the owner of Marianna’s. Inspired by Roman egg-drop soup, he drizzled melted chocolate into fior di latte gelato, where it hardened into delicate shards and threads.

Where to try it:

• Marianna’s – the original birthplace of stracciatella
• Carmen – a local favorite for artisanal gelato

If you try just one dessert in Bergamo — make it this one. If you want a more detailed overview of what to eat in Bergamo, read my post on where to find the best local dishes in Bergamo.

Things to Do in Bergamo in the Summer

Besides my favorite daily rituals — sitting at outdoor tables enjoying aperitivo and sampling stracciatella gelato — there’s no shortage of things to do in Bergamo. Whether you love food, art, history, or just soaking in the views, the city and surrounding area have something special to offer.

Here are some of the best things to do in Bergamo, especially in summer:

Food Tours and Cooking Classes

• Go on a Local Food Tour
  We joined a walking food tour in Bergamo led by a local guide who introduced us to the best spots for casoncelli and shared fascinating history between bites.
  You can read my full guide to the best food tours in Bergamo here.
  
• Take a Cooking Class
  Learn how to make traditional Bergamasco dishes like polenta and casoncelli in a hands-on cooking class. Perfect for slow travelers and food lovers.
  
• Drive into the Countryside for a Cheese-Making Class
  We rented a car and drove to Onore, where we made primosale cheese at a local agriturismo, La Fattoria della Felicità. One of the most memorable experiences of the trip.
  Full review coming soon.
  
• Go Wine Tasting
  Visit wineries in Valcalepio or the famous sparkling wine region of Franciacorta, both easily accessible as a half-day trip.

Art & Museums

Visit Bergamo’s Art Museums. Great art and they also provide air conditioned escapes from the midday summer heat.

• GAMeC – for modern and contemporary art. For hours and exhibitions visit GAMeC (Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art).
  
• Accademia Carrara – for 14th–19th century Italian and European art. Explore the Accademia Carrara for classic Italian art.

Historical Sites & Local Landmarks

Explore the Heart of Città Alta. Wander around Piazza Vecchia and explore nearby landmarks like:

• Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
• Cappella Colleoni
• Torre Civica (bell tower)
• Angelo Mai Library
• Palazzo della Ragione and Palazzo Nuovo
  
• Stroll Via Donizetti
  This main artery of Città Alta is lined with charming shops, restaurants, and historical architecture.
  
• Walk the Venetian Walls
  No trip to Bergamo is complete without walking along the UNESCO-protected Venetian Walls — especially at golden hour.
  
• Visit the Rocca di Bergamo
  This historic fortress offers some of the best panoramic views over the city and beyond.

Views and Funiculars

• Ride the Funicular
  Take the historic funicular railway between the Lower Town (Città Bassa) and the Upper Town (Città Alta).
  
• Take the Second Funicular to San Vigilio Castle
  Ride the second funicular to San Vigilio Hill just before 10:00 PM to hear the 100 bells ring out. The bells in the Campanone ring every night at 10:00 pm to remember the historic closing of the city’s gates in the Venetian era. You can hear them very well from here and enjoy a breathtaking night view.

Shopping, Strolling & Local Life

• Attend a Summer Festival or Market (Sagra)
  Check neighborhood calendars for local festivals, open-air concerts, or food-focused sagre — summer is full of surprises.
  
• Shop & Stroll in Città Bassa
  Explore Piazza XX Settembre and the leafy Sentierone promenade — great for people-watching, boutique shopping, and evening passeggiata.
  
• Attend a Show at Teatro Donizetti
  This beautiful theater hosts concerts, opera, and events year-round — and it’s worth visiting for the architecture alone.

Day Trips to Beat the Summer Heat

When I was planning my 30-day stay in Bergamo, I didn’t want to rent a car. Honestly, I was scared of driving in Italy. But I kept hearing the same thing: If you want to explore the countryside, you’ll need a car.

I’m so glad I overcame my fear. These day trips ended up being some of the best memories of our entire month in Italy.

Here are three amazing water-based day trips from Bergamo that are perfect for summer:

Lake Iseo

Distance from Bergamo: 30–60 minutes by car (depending on where you go)
Why go: Clear, refreshing water + dramatic Alpine views

Lake Iseo is the 4th largest lake in Lombardy (after Garda, Maggiore, and Como), but it feels far less crowded and far more peaceful.

There are plenty of full-service beaches with restaurants, changing rooms, and lounge chairs — or you can opt for the free beaches and just rent a lounge chair for 3 euros.

We visited multiple times, rotating between the towns of Sarnico, Lovere, and Iseo. The views of the Orobie Alps rising from the shoreline are truly unforgettable.

San Pellegrino Terme

Distance from Bergamo: 20 minutes by car
Why go: Thermal spa + art nouveau fantasy

This historic spa town gives off major Wes Anderson vibes, with the once-grand (now closed) Grand Hotel looming over the rushing Brembo River. But the real gem here is the QC Terme spa — a stunning Art Nouveau masterpiece nestled in the mountains.

Inside, you’ll find everything from thermal pools and Japanese baths to Vichy showers, sensory pools, and more. We went twice during their “aperitivo entry”, which includes 5 hours of spa time plus drinks and snacks in the former art deco casino — all for 58 euros. Worth every cent.

Lake Garda

Distance from Bergamo: ~1.5 hours by car
Why go: Boating, beauty, best-day-ever energy

Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake, stretching across Lombardy and Veneto. We drove to Manerba, rented a boat for four hours, and had what we all agreed was a “best day ever”.

The water was warm, the views were cinematic, and the freedom of cruising from cove to cove made it a perfect summer escape.

📌 Tip:
If you’re nervous about driving in Italy, you’re not alone — and I’ve written a whole series on it!
→ Check out my Driving in Italy cluster.

How to Get Around Bergamo (without a car)

Bergamo is split into two main areas:

• Città Alta (Upper Town) — the historic, hilltop area
• Città Bassa (Lower Town) — the more modern, flat area with lots of different neighborhoods

Thankfully, getting between them is easy — and Bergamo is incredibly walkable, even in the summer heat.

Funiculars & Public Transport

The most scenic and popular way to travel between Città Bassa and Città Alta is via the funicular — a charming hill-climbing railway that feels like stepping into a movie set.

You can also take the bus, which runs frequently and connects all the major parts of the city, including the airport.

Walking in Bergamo

Bergamo is walkable — but there’s a catch: cobblestones and stairs.

Make sure to:

• Wear good walking shoes or good walking sandals
• Bring a hat for the heat in summer
• Expect some steep climbs, especially in and around Città Alta

If you love walking and don’t mind hills, it’s a dreamy city to explore on foot.

The only time we didn’t walk was when we got caught in a rainstorm for hours in Città Alta. Café Flora kindly called a cab for us. It took a while to arrive, but we didn’t mind — it was all part of the experience.

Biking In and Around the City

Bergamo also has a surprisingly extensive bike path network, with routes for every level:

• Flat, family-friendly trails in the valley
• Challenging climbs for more adventurous riders or mountain bikers

This makes it a great base for active travelers — especially in the cooler parts of the day.

Trains, Buses & Airport Access

One of the best things about Bergamo is how well connected it is — even without a car.

• The train and bus stations are a short walk from Città Bassa
• From the bus station, you can easily reach Orio al Serio airport (Bergamo Airport)
• You can also take the Orio Shuttle to Milan airports

📌 Heads up: The Milan airport shuttle stop (Via Furietti 17) is just a small spot on the side of the road — not a major terminal. It’s easy to miss, so double-check directions or ask a local if you’re unsure.

Where to Stay in Bergamo

There are plenty of great options for where to stay in Bergamo, from large, centrally located hotels to hidden boutique properties tucked along the quiet cobblestone streets.

You can stay in Città Bassa, close to the train and bus stations, or head up the hill to Città Alta, the historic old town.

Città Alta feels like a movie set — and in fact, it was. You can even stay near the church where they filmed the famous dancing scene in Call Me By Your Name. If you’re looking for something romantic and historic, it’s a great area to consider.
→ Search boutique hotels in Città Alta on Booking.com.

There are also many Airbnbs and vacation rentals, especially for longer stays. Since we were in Bergamo for 30 days, we wanted to feel like we were living there. We chose an apartment at the base of Via Pignolo, within walking distance of both the train station and Città Alta. It was perfect.

By the end of the month, we knew the café and restaurant owners in our little neighborhood — and it truly felt like home.
→ Explore apartments in Bergamo on Booking.com
→ Compare hotels in Bergamo on TripAdvisor

I’ll be sharing a full review of our apartment soon — with photos and insider tips.

What to Pack for Bergamo in the Summer

Bergamo in July is a mix of heat, hills, and the occasional downpour— so what you pack really matters. Here are a few summer essentials I was especially glad I brought:

• Linen, light layers, and comfortable walking shoes— Bergamo is walkable, but the cobblestones and staircases are no joke
  
• Travel umbrella— thunderstorms can roll in fast, especially in the afternoons
  
• Daypack— perfect for day trips to the lakes, the spa, or just carrying water and snacks while you explore Città Alta
  
• Swimming suits, hats, and sunglasses – necessary for the lakes and the spa
  

💡 For the full list of everything I packed (and what I’d pack differently next time), check out this post:
→ Packing for a Month in Italy: Lessons From My Trip

🧳 Want to make your packing easier?
→ Download my free Northern Italy Summer Packing List.

Final Tips for Summer in Bergamo

Bergamo might not be as famous as Florence or Venice, but after spending 30 days here, I can honestly say: it has just as much charm — and fewer crowds.

The real magic of Bergamo is in its slow pace: long meals, late evenings in the piazza, relaxed mornings with espresso and a cornetto.. It’s a city that invites you to linger.

Spend time in the piazzas — people-watching here is a cultural experience. Use Bergamo not just as a stop on a tour, but as a base for heritage travel, food adventures, or even Italian language immersion.

Whether you stay for a weekend or a month, I hope this guide helps you feel ready to fall in love with Bergamo — just like I did.

➡️ Don’t forget to download your free Northern Italy Summer Packing List to start planning.

Planning your full Italian itinerary? Read More Of My Italy Travel Tips and Stories:

• Where to Stay in Bergamo (How Not to Book the Wrong Area)
• What to Eat in Bergamo and Where to Find Best Local Dishes
• Best Food Tours in Bergamo (and Food Experiences to Try)
• Is It Hard To Drive In Italy? What Americans Need To Know
• Renting Automatic Cars in Italy: What to Know
• AutoEurope Review For Italy-Why It’s Best For Car Rentals
• Overcoming Fear of Driving a Rental Car in Italy
• Packing For A Month In Italy: Lessons From My Trip
• Ancestry Tours In Italy: What To Expect