Where to stay in Bergamo: areas, accommodation and practical tips

Where to stay in Bergamo: the complete guide

Bergamo surprises visitors with its dual identity: the medieval Upper Town perched on a hill and enclosed by Venetian walls (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the modern, lively Lower Town. Choosing where to stay means deciding which Bergamo you want to experience.

Best areas to stay

Upper Town (Città Alta)

The historic heart is the most atmospheric choice. Sleeping among cobbled lanes, steps from Piazza Vecchia, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Colleoni Chapel, offers a unique atmosphere — especially in the evening when day-trippers leave. Here you will find B&Bs in historic palazzi, boutique hotels and apartments overlooking the walls. Prices run higher than average, but the experience is worth every cent.

Lower Town (Città Bassa) — Centre

The area around the Sentierone promenade, via XX Settembre and the railway station offers maximum practicality. Business hotels, international chains and traditional hotels cluster here. Ideal for those arriving by train or needing easy access to Milan or Orio al Serio airport. The funicular to the Upper Town is just a short walk away.

Borgo Santa Caterina and Borgo Palazzo

These residential neighbourhoods east of the centre offer a more authentic experience. Lower prices, local trattorias and an everyday Bergamo atmosphere. Great for longer stays.

Airport area (Orio al Serio)

Only for those with very early or late flights. Functional hotels with shuttle service, but no tourist charm. Avoid if you have time to explore the city.

Accommodation types

• **Boutique hotels in the Upper Town** — Properties housed in historic buildings, often with fewer than 15 rooms, curated furnishings and breakfast featuring local products (Val Taleggio cheeses, polenta e osei pastry)
• **3-4 star hotels in the Lower Town** — Good value for money, modern amenities, parking available
• **B&Bs and guesthouses** — Found everywhere, run by local Bergamaschi who happily share tips on the best osterie
• **Apartments** — Ideal for families or stays longer than 3 nights, with a kitchen to prepare casoncelli bought at the market
• **Farmhouses on the hills** — In the hilly belt towards San Vigilio and Astino, perfect for those seeking quiet and panoramic views over the plain

Budget tips

• Book well in advance if visiting during Bergamo Jazz festival (March) or the Sant'Alessandro celebrations (late August)
• The Lower Town is on average 30-40% cheaper than the Upper Town
• B&Bs in the borghi often offer discounted weekly rates
• Consider Alzano Lombardo or Seriate if you have a car: 10-15 minutes from the centre at much lower prices
• Sundays and Mondays see noticeably lower rates compared to Friday-Saturday

Where to stay by traveller type

Couples and romantics

Upper Town without hesitation. A B&B with views of the walls or a small hotel near Piazza Vecchia turns your stay into a cinematic experience. The evening walk along the walls with the lights of the plain below is unforgettable.

Families with children

Lower Town centre, near the funicular. Children love the funicular ride (it is an adventure in itself), and having services, pharmacies and supermarkets within reach simplifies logistics.

Backpackers

Borgo Santa Caterina or the student areas near the university offer hostels and affordable single rooms. From here you can reach everything by bike or bus.

Business travellers

Station area or along via Papa Giovanni XXIII. Quick connections to Milano Centrale (50 minutes), reliable WiFi and flexible check-in times.

How much to spend

• **Budget** (hostel/basic B&B): €40-70 per night for a double room
• **Mid-range** (3-star hotel/quality B&B): €80-130
• **High-end** (boutique hotel/suite in the Upper Town): €150-280

Transport connections

Bergamo railway station connects to Milan in under an hour. Orio al Serio airport (Italy's third busiest for low-cost traffic) is 5 km from the centre. ATB bus 1 links airport-station-funicular in 20 minutes.

Discover more about Bergamo

• [What to see in Bergamo in 2 days](/en/guida/cosa-vedere-a-bergamo-in-2-giorni)
• [Where to eat in Bergamo](/en/guida/cosa-vedere-a-bergamo-in-2-giorni)
• [How to get to Bergamo](/en/guida/cosa-vedere-a-bergamo-in-2-giorni)