Highlights of Bergamo Upper Town: Walking Tour with Local Guide & Funicular Ride
Active
2h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Bergamo is a fascinating medieval city! Take the chance to visit this beautiful town that is divided in Upper Bergamo and Lower Bergamo. With a help of local guide, start this 2,5 hours walking tour taking the “Funicolare”, an Italian cable train, that lead you to Upper Bergamo, where the tour focuses. Here, you can admire the ancient buildings and defensive walls of the city, built in medieval architecture, and enjoy some time in “Piazza Vecchia”, the heart of this part of town. It’s time to see the Campanone, the bell tower which is a panoramic point. Then, visit the church of Santa Maria Maggiore, built in Baroque style, the characteristic Antico Lavatoio and the Cittadella Viscontea. Finally, you can delight with some Gelato of an antique Gelateria, which invented “Stracciatella”, a milk-based ice-cream with chocolate shavings. A sweet ending for this wonderful day!
Available options
Highlights of Bergamo Upper Town: Walking Tour with Local Guide & Funicular Ride
What's included
Expert local guide
Private tour
Funicular tickets
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
Piazza Vecchia is one of the most important places of Bergamo, located in Upper Bergamo. This square was the political center of the city for many centuries and hosts a very ancient fountain “Fontana Contarini” built in 1780. A gem!
2
The Campanone of Bergamo, built between the eleventh and twelfth centuries, is the largest in Lombardy. Maybe you can return, after the tour, to admire the most beautiful view of all the city!
3
The church of Santa Maria Maggiore was built in Upper Bergamo in the seventeenth century. According to tradition, this basilica was built so that the Madonna would protect the people of Bergamo from the plague.
4
The Antico Lavatoio is a long tub in white marble built in 1891, which where the people used to wash clothes and everything there was to wash.
5
This fortified structure was built at the most central point of the city to defend against enemy attack and any popular uprisings. Today, the Cittadella is a characteristic of the upper city and preserves all the charm of its past.
What's not included
Gratuities
Food and drinks
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meeting point
The guide meets you in front of the Funicolare.
About Bergamo
Bergamo is a stunning Italian city that beautifully blends medieval architecture with modern charm. Known for its Venetian walls, the upper city (Città Alta) offers a picturesque and historic experience, while the lower city (Città Bassa) provides a vibrant urban atmosphere. Bergamo's rich cultural heritage, combined with its strategic location in the Lombardy region, makes it a captivating destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Città Alta (Upper City)
The upper city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, enclosed by Venetian walls and featuring medieval architecture, charming streets, and historic buildings.
Historical
2-3 hours
Free to explore, individual attractions may have fees
Città Bassa (Lower City)
The lower city is the modern hub of Bergamo, with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Urban
1-2 hours
Free to explore, individual attractions may have fees
Bergamo Alta Funicular
A historic funicular that connects the upper and lower cities, offering scenic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
Transport
10 minutes
€2.50 one way, €4.50 round trip
Mura Venete (Venetian Walls)
These 16th-century walls surround the upper city and offer a glimpse into Bergamo's historic past.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free to walk along the walls
Accademia Carrara
One of Italy's most important art museums, featuring works by Renaissance and Baroque masters.
Museum
1-2 hours
€12
Must-Try Local Dishes
Polenta e Osei
A traditional dish consisting of polenta with small bird meat, typically served with a rich sauce.
Main Course
Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians
Casoncelli
Stuffed pasta with a filling of meat, breadcrumbs, and herbs, served with butter and sage sauce.
Main Course
Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians
Stracchino di Bergamo
A soft, creamy cheese with a mild flavor, often used in cooking or eaten as a spread.
Cheese
Contains dairy, not suitable for vegans
Polenta e Formaggio
A simple dish of polenta served with melted cheese, often made with local cheeses like Taleggio or Fontina.
Side Dish
Contains dairy, not suitable for vegans
Popular Activities
Hiking
Cycling
Boat tours
Wine tasting
Spa treatments
Strolling through historic streets
Museum visits
Art galleries
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the peak tourist season with warm weather and numerous festivals. The city is lively, and all attractions are open, but it can be crowded.
18°C to 30°C
64°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: English, German
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Central European Time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Bergamo is generally safe, with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
Getting there
By air
- Orio al Serio International Airport • 5 km from city center
By train
Bergamo Station
By bus
Bergamo Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The ATB bus network is efficient and covers both the upper and lower cities. Buses are the primary mode of public transport.
Taxis
Available • Apps: FreeNow, MyTaxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Città Alta
Città Bassa
Day trips
Lake Iseo
30 km from Bergamo • Half day to full day
Lake Iseo is a picturesque lake surrounded by mountains and charming villages. It's a popular destination for hiking, cycling, and water sports.
Brescia
60 km from Bergamo • Full day
Brescia is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage, featuring Roman ruins, medieval buildings, and a vibrant city center.
Franciacorta
30 km from Bergamo • Half day to full day
Franciacorta is a renowned wine region known for its sparkling wines and beautiful vineyards. It's a popular destination for wine tasting and scenic drives.
Festivals
Festa di San Vigilio • June 26
Bergamo Film Meeting • March
Christmas Markets • December
Pro tips
- Visit the upper city early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos
- Use the funicular or bus to travel between the upper and lower cities to save time and energy
- Try local specialties like polenta e osei, casoncelli, and stracchino di Bergamo
- Explore the Venetian walls for stunning views and a glimpse into Bergamo's historic past
- Visit the Accademia Carrara for a comprehensive overview of Italian art history
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
