Bergamo divides naturally into two distinct parts , the medieval Citta Alta on the hill and the modern Citta Bassa on the plain below , but within each you will find neighborhoods with their own character. This guide covers the best neighborhoods in Bergamo, what each area offers, who it suits, and average hotel prices. See also our where to stay guide.
Best Neighborhoods in Bergamo: Citta Alta (Upper Town)
The walled historic center is Bergamo’s main draw. Medieval streets, stone buildings, and the 6.2 km circuit of Venetian walls (UNESCO). Everything is walkable within 10-15 minutes. Who it suits: first-time visitors, couples, photographers, anyone wanting the historic atmosphere. Drawbacks: limited hotel options (mostly B&Bs and small inns), streets can be steep, limited parking (ZTL restricted , park at Piazza della Liberta lot in Citta Bassa and take the funicular). Average hotel/B&B price: 120-200 EUR/night. The area within the walls has about 15 accommodation options, most in converted historic buildings. Staying here means you can walk the walls at sunset after day-trippers leave , the Citta Alta after 18:00 has a quieter, more local character. See also our best time to visit Bergamo.
Best Neighborhoods in Bergamo: Citta Bassa Centro
The area around the Sentierone, Via XX Settembre, and Piazza Pontida. This is the commercial and shopping heart of the lower city. Wide boulevards, Liberty-style buildings, and the main concentration of restaurants and bars. The funicular to Citta Alta departs from Viale Vittorio Emanuele II. Who it suits: shoppers, business travelers, those who want restaurants and nightlife within walking distance. Drawbacks: traffic noise on main roads, less character than Citta Alta. Average hotel price: 80-150 EUR/night. Via XX Settembre is Bergamo’s main shopping street. The Piazza Pontida area has the best aperitivo scene , Bar Funicolare at Piazza delle Scarpe does a classic Aperol spritz with snacks for 6 EUR. See also our Bergamo travel tips guide.
Best Neighborhoods in Bergamo: Borgo Santa Caterina
A traditional residential neighborhood southeast of Citta Alta, along Via Borgo Santa Caterina. This is where Bergamaschi actually live and eat. The main street is lined with small trattorias, bakeries, and independent food shops , not tourist-oriented. Who it suits: food-focused travelers, longer stays, anyone wanting a local experience. Drawbacks: few hotels (mostly apartment rentals), 20-minute walk or short bus ride to the center. Average apartment price: 60-100 EUR/night. Trattoria Parietti (Via Borgo Santa Caterina 57) has been serving casoncelli since 1948 (10-12 EUR per plate). Pasticceria La Marianna (Via Colleoni 4) invented the stracciatella gelato flavor in 1961 , still made fresh daily (2.50 EUR).
Best Neighborhoods in Bergamo: Borgo Palazzo
East of the center, stretching toward the Serio River. A mix of old apartment buildings and newer developments. Mainly residential but has the advantage of being flat, walkable to the train station, and cheaper than the center. Who it suits: budget travelers, families needing larger apartments, anyone using Bergamo as a base for day trips. Drawbacks: not scenic, limited restaurant choices. Average apartment/B&B price: 50-80 EUR/night. Several supermarkets (Carrefour Express, Conad) for self-catering. The train station is a 15-minute walk or 5 minutes by bus line 1 (1.50 EUR ticket).
Best Neighborhoods in Bergamo: San Tomaso and Citta Alta Foothills
The narrow transitional band between Citta Alta and Citta Bassa along the hillside. Streets like Via Sudorno and Via Porta Dipinta climb the eastern slope with views over the lower city. Several B&Bs and small hotels occupy converted villas here with terraces. Who it suits: couples, photographers, anyone wanting Citta Alta proximity without the steepest streets. Drawbacks: limited dining within the immediate area, some streets require stair-climbing (Bergamo has 40+ public staircases). Average hotel price: 90-150 EUR/night. The Hotel Citta dei Mille (Via Autostrada 3/C) is a converted 19th-century villa with garden and views.
Best Neighborhoods in Bergamo: Loreto and Airport Vicinity
The area around Orio al Serio Airport (BGY) and the A4 motorway, about 5 km southeast of the city center. Primarily industrial and commercial but practical for early-morning flights. The airport is connected to the city by bus line 1 (2.50 EUR, 15 minutes from the train station) and taxi (20-25 EUR fixed rate). Who it suits: overnight airport stopovers, one-night transit stays. Drawbacks: nothing to see or do in the immediate area. Average hotel price: 50-90 EUR/night. The NH Orio al Serio is directly at the airport terminal (80-120 EUR/night). The B&B Hotel Bergamo is nearby at Via Autostrada 2 (55-80 EUR/night) with free parking.
