Bergamo holidays: The perfect base for exploring Northern Italy

Train journeys from Bergamo

1. Milan: Trains to Milan run frequently from Bergamo railway station. Look for options without stops to Milano Centrale which will set you back around £5-7, and take about 48 minutes.

2. Lake Como: Take a one-hour train from Bergamo to Lecco from as little as £3. From here, take another quick train to Varenna, one of the most beautiful spots on the lake. From Varenne there are ferries to Bellagio and Menaggio.

3. Verona: Find yourself at Juliet's balcony by taking a train to Verona. It'll take around 2 hours from Bergamo with one change and costs less than £10 one-way.

We recommend looking at Trainline for the cheapest and quickest routes for your journey.

Best day trips from Bergamo

On top of having great train links to Northern Italy cities, there are some great day trip options available too. If you're not comfortable navigating trains, then you can take guided day trips from Bergamo to Verona, Venice, Milan, Lake Como and Lake Garda.

Another popular tour is the St. Moritz and Panoramic Bernina Express Tour in the Swiss Alps from Milan. Or take a full-day tour to the Dolomites to visit Lake Braies in Pragser Wildsee.

Do I need a visa to travel to Bergamo from the UK?

No, UK citizens can travel to Italy for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.

What language is spoken in Bergamo, and will I have trouble if I don't speak Italian?

Italian is the language spoken in Bergamo. As the city is not a major tourist hub, it's best to have a few Italian phrases up your sleeve or keep a translator app handy. In bars, restaurants and the train stations, the locals usually speak some basic English.

When is the best time to visit Bergamo?

The summer months offer your best chance of hot weather and since the city is not yet a tourist hot spot, you won't find it too overcrowded. However, prices are higher during this period and if you plan to explore other areas of Italy, then expect crazy crowds in the likes of Milan, Lake Como and Lake Garda.

We like spring and autumn for both the nice weather, lower prices and fewer crowds. May, June, September and October are particularly pleasant months.

Is Bergamo safe?

Yes, Bergamo is considered to be a safe destination. It's also safe for solo travellers and families. The area behind the train station, where some hotels are located, requires walking through quiet industrial estates, so it's best to avoid this area, particularly at nighttime.

Is Bergamo expensive?

Bergamo is relatively cheap, especially in comparison to larger, more touristy Italian cities. You can get low-cost flights to Bergamo, accommodation is affordable, and it has great transport links to other Italian cities.

What are some local dishes I need to try in Bergamo?

There are loads of incredible dishes to try in Bergamo (you're in Italy, after all!). You should try Casoncelli, which is a stuffed pasta, traditional in Lombardy. Stracciatella is a famous gelato flavour originating from Bergamo that you must try. For a sweet treat, make sure to try Polenta e Osei.