The Insider's Guide to Bergamo
Summary: Discover the charm of Bergamo with our guide to the city's top attractions, culinary hotspots, and vibrant nightlife. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, we'll also help you find the best recreational activities to enjoy, and offer advice on making lasting connections with the friendly locals.
Welcome to Bergamo! If you're planning to move to Bergamo, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Bergamo has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Bergamo.
Bergamo is a beautiful city in northern Italy, located in the Lombardy region. It is known for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. Tourists and locals alike can enjoy a variety of attractions in Bergamo, from historical sites to outdoor activities.
The Città Alta, or Upper Town, is a must-see for visitors to Bergamo. This medieval walled city is home to many of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Colleoni Chapel, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, and the Palazzo della Ragione. The Città Alta is also home to the Accademia Carrara, an art museum with a collection of works from the Renaissance to the 20th century.
The Città Bassa, or Lower Town, is the modern side of Bergamo. Here, visitors can explore the Piazza Vecchia, a beautiful square surrounded by historic buildings, or take a stroll along the Viale Vittorio Emanuele, a tree-lined avenue lined with shops and cafes. The Lower Town is also home to the Teatro Donizetti, a historic opera house, and the Parco dei Colli, a large park with walking trails and stunning views of the city.
The restaurant and nightlife scene in Bergamo is vibrant and diverse. Popular restaurants include La Vecchia Latteria, a traditional Italian trattoria serving classic dishes like risotto and polenta, and La Baita, a cozy spot serving regional specialties like casoncelli and polenta taragna. For a more upscale experience, visitors can try La Locanda del Gourmet, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving creative Italian cuisine.
When it comes to nightlife, Bergamo has something for everyone. Popular bars and clubs include the trendy Barrio’s, which serves craft cocktails and hosts live music, and the lively La Bottega del Vino, which offers a wide selection of wines and beers. For a more relaxed atmosphere, visitors can head to the cozy La Bottega del Caffè, which serves coffee and pastries.
Recreational activities in Bergamo are plentiful. Visitors can explore the city’s many parks, such as the Parco dei Colli or the Parco delle Cave, or take a boat ride on the Serio River. For a more active experience, visitors can head to the nearby ski resort of Monte Pora or the nearby lake of Iseo. Other popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
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Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
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Insider Tips from Expats in Bergamo: Making the Most of Life and Connections
"Expats in Bergamo often join local clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, sports teams, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, visiting cafes and restaurants, or joining a local church or volunteer organization. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups dedicated to expats living in Bergamo," said one expat living in Bergamo.
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Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
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"Bergamo is an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads due to its close proximity to Milan, its stunning natural beauty, and its vibrant culture. Expats and digital nomads in Bergamo can enjoy the city's rich history, its delicious cuisine, and its friendly locals. The city is well-connected to the rest of Italy and Europe, making it easy to explore the surrounding areas. The cost of living in Bergamo is relatively low, making it an affordable place to live. Expats and digital nomads in Bergamo can also take advantage of the city's excellent public transportation system, which makes it easy to get around. With its stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and affordable cost of living, Bergamo is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads," commented an expat living in Bergamo.
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Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Public Transportation in Bergamo
- Best Markets in Bergamo
- Retire in Bergamo Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Bergamo
- Pros & Cons of Living in Bergamo
- Driving in Bergamo
- Cost of Living in Bergamo
- Health Care in Bergamo
- The Insider's Guide to Bergamo
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Italy
- Best Places to Live in Italy
- Real Estate in Italy
- Healthcare in Italy
- Pros and Cons of Living in Italy 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Italy
- More Advice about Retiring in Italy